Our First Summer Camp Adventure: A Journey of Fun and Learning
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In the summer of 2021, we set out on an ambitious and exciting adventure—hosting their very first summer camp for kids aged 4 to 6. What began as a simple idea quickly grew into a week-long experience filled with creativity, fun, and learning. We as camp leaders were determined to make the program a success.
The Plan: A Week of Fun and Discovery
We wanted to create a structured yet flexible schedule that would keep the kids engaged while allowing room for exploration. Our daily schedule was designed to balance activities, play, and learning:
Daily Schedule (10 AM - 2 PM):
10:00 - 10:30: Check-In and Free Play
10:30 - 11:00: Yoga/Exercise
11:00 - 11:45: Activity of the Day
11:45 - 12:15: Story Time
12:15 - 12:45: Lunch
12:45 - 1:45: Free Play/Reading
1:45 - 2:00: Clean Up
Each morning began with a yoga or exercise session to help the kids start their day energized and focused. Afterward, we moved on to the main activity of the day, giving the children opportunities to express their creativity and learn through hands-on projects.
Highlights of the Week
Day 1: We kicked off with a nature-based activity, teaching the kids how to plant their own plants. It was a great way for them to learn about caring for something and watching it grow.
Day 2: Rock painting was the focus of the day, allowing the kids to transform simple stones into colorful works of art.
Day 3: The kids learned about the sun and moon and created their own representations, combining science with creativity in a fun way.
Day 4: The children became budding authors, each writing their own story, which we helped them bring to life.
Day 5: We wrapped up the week with a celebration of the kids' favorite activities and handed out certificates of participation, followed by a special lollipop bouquet for each child.
What We Learned
Running a summer camp was an incredible learning experience. We quickly learned how to engage younger kids, keep them entertained, and ensure they felt supported and encouraged throughout the week. We discovered the importance of patience, creativity, and teamwork, and by the end of the camp, we felt proud of the impact we had made.
This summer camp was more than just a fun project—it was a milestone in our journey of leadership and community involvement. It taught us valuable lessons in responsibility and empathy, and gave us the confidence to keep creating and learning. Looking back, we can say that not only did the kids have a great time, but so did we. We can't wait to plan the next one!