Welcome to Camp Amicus!
We spent much of the first day settling in, getting acquainted
with one another, and learning the structure and expectations of camp. Right
after being signed in, campers met their two counsellors and the other campers
they would be spending much of their time with.
Our camp manager Kathleen began our day by going over some general
rules and expectations, introducing our leadership and head counsellor teams,
and explaining Choice programs.
Each day that we don’t go on a
field trip, there is a 2-hour block in the afternoon where campers choose 2 of
out 4 activities. Choice programs are always varied, offering a mix of high-
and low-energy activities, there’s always something for everyone!
Kathleen also touched on Clubs, which will run twice this week.
Campers could choose from art, music, cooking or sports club.
At Camp Amicus, we work in a ratio of 2-3 counsellors to 6-7 campers.
At both the beginning and end of the day, we meet in our groups for what we
call 2:6 time. Today began with an extended 2:6 time.
Our groups each made a
group contract, a set of rules and expectations for campers in that group to
strive for. Campers made their braids, which hang over their shoulders, used
both to identify them as one of our campers, as well as allowing them to
collect ‘bling,’ which campers and counsellors can make for each other. Some of
our returning campers were able to help out their new friends!
After 2:6 time, we played
a camp-wide game. Each day, we play one game as a full group. This gives our campers
an opportunity to bond with those outside their 2:6 groups. Today’s camp-wide
game was called hostage, a variation of capture the flag where a member of the
opposite team is hidden instead of a flag.
We had half an hour of free time after this, and then it was
time for lunch. Choice came afterwards.
Today, campers could choose from gardening and making
tie-dye shirts at the local community garden, glow in the dark capture the
flag, making slime, or following along to Bob Ross painting videos.
After choice, we all gathered outside the Foothills Academy
for Steps in the Right Direction. A Camp Amicus favourite activity, and one
that we strive to do every day, Steps in the Right Direction allows campers and
counsellors the opportunity to acknowledge their peers for doing something
exceptional that day. Afterwards, we finished our day with a Zones of
Regulation check. Campers who attend Foothills Academy are likely familiar with
this system, but after today, we will do a Zones check at the beginning and end
of every day.
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