Day Camp 2: Day 3

What a great few days at camp so far!

Yesterday, we begun our day playing Temple of Doom. Campers are all put onto a team and the object of the game is to get as many 'turtles' to the other side as possible. The only thing stopping you from retrieving the turtles are other campers with dodgeballs trying to hit you. If you get hit with a dodgeball, you must drop the turtle where you got hit, and try again. This is a great game because even if you are not running through the 'temple of doom', campers are still participating by throwing the dodgeballs. It is always a camp favourite because it gets everyone involved...even if they do not feel like running around.

Yesterday's social skill was 'having a conversation.' We talked about conversations having a beginning, middle and end. In order to practice these skills, campers talked about various ways that they can start/begin a conversation with their peers. So many ideas were thrown out there...they used common interests, summer plans, hobbies, family members etc.

We also talked about balanced conversation and what that looks like. When your camper returns home tonight, make sure you ask them what a balanced conversation sounds like. Also, ask them what the appropriate body posture/position looks like in order to show the other person that you are listening to them.

In addition to counsellors role modelling conversations, one of the head counsellor teams did an activity where campers had to maintain a conversation using speech bubbles. Campers had to write what they would say in response to the question or conversation being had. They discussed how the conversations were different depending on the context, and the person that they were having a conversation with (i.e. how a conversation is different with a parent vs. a stranger). Campers did an excellent job working in pairs in order to come up with the appropriate responses to questions or comments.

In the afternoon we went to the community garden which is located about 3 blocks east of Foothills. Campers got the choice of playing the ukulele, drawing and colouring, playing soccer with the OMNIKIN ball (it is a giant blow-up ball), making a stress ball, or gardening. There was something for everyone! Campers who chose to garden should have brought home a variety of treats...lettuce, radishes, carrots, mint...you name it! Make sure you check their backpacks in case these were forgotten about.

When we returned back to Foothills, we did Steps in the Right Direction and our end of the day Zones of Regulation check-in. It is so nice to end each day with these activities, as campers are able to reflect on their day, and recognize and celebrate all of the amazing moments had at camp. During Steps in the Right Direction, campers are also able to acknowledge all of their friends who may have made their day even just a bit brighter! ☺

Well, we are off to Calaway Park today! I think I am more excited than the kids! Friends, rides, and sun...what a good combo! Wishing everyone a relaxing weekend, I will check back in on Monday.

Best,
Tigger (Hayley Graham)