Hobbies And Interests
Talent Show
Performing arts encourage creativity and confidence. A day camp can incorporate this into a variety of activities. Get a reserved child out of his shell by starting off with a performing arts activity first thing in the morning. This may include singing, acting and dancing as well as other similar activities. A great culmination to a successful season of day camp is a talent show. Let the campers perform on stage for other campers, leaders and parents. A talent show also teaches kids about the importance of practice, planning, organization and many other desirable skills and qualities.
Scavenger Hunt
Demonstrate the importance of teamwork by coordinating a scavenger hunt. You can hide objects and challenge the kids to find them or ask them to locate items and places found in nature. If possible, ask the older children to come up with creative explanations and stories behind the items included in the hunt. The hunters must work as a team to find all of the items and report back to home base before the other teams. If possible, include a photo or video component to the scavenger hunt. This way, each team can use a digital camera or video camera to record players performing acts and searching for items on the list.
Outdoor Adventure
Spend the day teaching campers about surviving in the wild. These skills teach children what to do in case of an emergency in a fun and non-threatening environment. Start with lessons on basic first aid including how to clean a wound and apply a bandage, as well as the basic items in a first aid kit. Continue with map and compass reading activities as well as lessons on starting a fire. Teach them how to build a campsite out of natural materials and how to set up a tent. You can end the day with a bit of fun by sitting around the fire roasting marshmallows and telling stories.
T-Shirt Designer
Add a bit of fashion to your day camp. Invite all the children to design and decorate a t-shirt that represents his or her personality or favorite experience at camp. Begin with enough plain t-shirts for everyone in the camp. Purchase plenty of arts and craft supplies like glitter, embellishments, markers, glue and ribbon. Keep the rest of the day free of organized activity and allow the campers to say their goodbyes and leave a short farewell message on everyone's shirt. The kids can keep the shirt as a memento to the fun time at camp with many new friends. This activity makes a great culmination to the season.