Day Camp 1: Day 2

Good morning,

Yesterday was such a good day at camp. In the morning, we played a new Camp Wide Game called War. Campers had to get a playing card from their dealer's deck and try to get to the other dealers. If they were tagged, however, they had to play war with the cards (whoever had the highest card). If they won the 'war', they got to take the card back to their dealer. In essence, the goal of the game was to get the most cards to your dealer in the given time. Given that this was our first ever time playing War at Camp Amicus, campers were so patient when learning the rules and it was such an innovative and creative game to play for both campers and counsellors involved.

After Camp Wide Game, we moved into our team building social skill. In one of the head counsellor teams, campers looked at all the wonderful traits and qualities that each camper has. We talked about what a team is, and how different people bring various skills to a team. Campers got to ask each other questions about what makes them unique, and what they could contribute to a teamwork challenge. Other activities that campers partook in were eye-patch puzzles (trying to get a ball into a container with only one eye), the helium stick (team had to raise a stick off the group using only 2 fingers each), and the balloon blow challenge (keeping balloon afloat using only their breath). Not only did they have to work as a team, but also had to acknowledge differences in at team and work on verbal communication, non-verbal communication and perspective taking.

In the afternoon, campers got to choose what 2 choice programs they wanted to attend; water games, baking or button making and arts and crafts. During water games, campers splashed around on the soap hockey tarp. Picture a slip and slide, combined with mini stick hockey... yep, you got it! It was a sweet time. Inside the kitchen, campers had to follow the recipe to make yummy chocolate chip cookies. I truly did not mind the smell of cookies all day! Our other choice station made cool buttons for camper's braids. It is so cool to see all the 'bling' being added to their braids already, and its only the first week! Make sure you ask your camper what choice programs they got to partake in yesterday.

Anyway, I am off to another BEAUTIFUL sunny day at camp. Today we are talking about 'having a conversation' and the core components involved with this social skill. In the afternoon, we will be heading to the park for a garden party! There is bound to be music, gardening, beach volleyball, baseball, and hammock and sandbox chill time.

Just a reminder that we will be going to Calaway Park tomorrow. Please ensure that your camper brings a hat, sunscreen, a water bottle, snacks, and a lunch.

Until tomorrow,
Tigger (Hayley Graham)