Posts Tagged ‘camp activities’
Wednesday, July 9th, 2014
Maker’s Space is a new area at camp in which campers can choose from three focus activities: eco-science, robotix and 3-D printing, and rocketry. Today, Lower Inter Girls Sammy B., Brooke H., and Zoe S. used their creative writing option period to learn a little bit more about what the eco-science component of Maker’s Space is all about.
Maker’s Space is taught by Kieran, who is studying marine biology at Bangor University in North Wales. When creative writing visited, a group of Lower Camp Girls was busy making slime. Kieran explained the slime is really easy to make. All you need is 2 tablespoons of slime goo and a half tablespoon of cross linker, both of which are available as a kit from Steve Spangler science. He said that slime is a lot of fun to make because you can do all sorts of things with it, including bounce it when it is in ball form.
The girls from creative writing learned that campers like maker’s space option because of the lizard and bearded dragon, because it is fun and different, and (what better reason for an activity area called Maker’s Space?) to make stuff. The girls were really excited to be making slime and said that it felt slimy, gooey, nice, and sticky. Campers are also looking forward to having more fun with science in other areas of Maker’s Space as well.
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The Roving Reports of Creative Writing Option
Tags: American summer camps, camp activities, camp creative writing, camp programs, camp science, Camp Starlight, sleepaway camp, Starlight Maker's SPace
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Tuesday, July 8th, 2014
Once a week at Camp Starlight the pace slows slightly and campers enjoy a day full of unique activities exclusively planned for their division. These days are affectionately known as “S-days.” When it comes to S-days, the letter “S” could stand for a lot of things: super, superb, stupendous, special, spirited, stimulating, and superior are just a handful of adjectives that come to most campers’ minds. No matter which adjective one chooses, one thing for sure is that S-days are full of adventures that include special games, activities, and crafts.
In a way, S-days are a lot like weekends at camp. They are the perfect opportunity
for campers to relax while they process the previous week’s activities and prepare to begin a new one. Campers also enjoy spending time with their entire division and making new friends. Since S-days put a different spin on many camp activities, campers are able to identify others with common interests about which they may not have otherwise known. Those shared interests are often jumping off points for bonding and lasting memories.
Regardless of what “S” word comes to individual campers’ minds, all campers would most like use a “G” word to sum up their S-days—GREAT!
Tags: American summer camps, camp activities, camp bonding, camp friends, Camp Starlight, sleepaway camp
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Sunday, July 6th, 2014
A lot is made of Wayne County Sports here at Camp Starlight. Performance arts are becoming increasingly more popular. The dance program is a particular favorite among campers of all ages. With staff proficient in contemporary, jazz, ballet, and hip-hop, campers are able to experiment grow in their love of dance. We sat down with new Dance Head Loren Foster and spoke with her about her extensive dance background as well as her goals for the Starlight Dance Program this summer.
Loren has taught dance for 14 years, holds a BFA in dance from Florida State University, and is a Certified Dance Teacher for K-12. She was also a member of FSU’s prestigious Golden Girls dance team. During the winter, she teaches ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, and modern in South Florida. She also works as an Arts Integration Specialist at the Palm Beach County School District and dances for the professional company REACH. Currently, she is busy preparing for the Starlight Dance Competition where a number of camps from Wayne County will vie for the championship in July.
Loren is excited to be working on fun choreography that highlights the campers’ natural talents and showcases the dance styles at which they are best. Loren is also a proponent of empowering campers in order to help them grow in an activity area they love, such as dance. She says working at camp makes her feel young and loves that she is able to “bring out their creativity and fun when they add their input and take leadership roles in dance.
Tags: American summer camps, arts camp, camp activities, camp arts, camp dance, Camp Starlight, dance camp, sleepaway camp
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Tuesday, July 1st, 2014
Family is very important at Camp Starlight. In fact, it’s one of our five tenets (along with fun, adventure, spirit, and tradition). Siblings are an important part of the family unit. For all of the arguing that takes place over silly things, like who is going to hold the remote control or sit in the front seat of the car, siblings are there for each other when all is said and done. Unlike parents, who are authoritative figures, siblings offer an objective ear or a shoulder to lean on from someone who is close in age and socially parallel. This is why Camp Starlight goes to great length to emphasize the importance of siblings.
Of course, there are the dozens of true siblings that come to Camp Starlight each summer. Parents are
always somewhat surprised—not to mention hesitant to believe—that siblings actually grow closer during camp. Many of the siblings here at Camp Starlight arrange to meet up with each other throughout the summer to catch up and see how each other is doing. Perhaps there is just something about a summer mountain breeze and amazing surroundings that facilitates bonding moments. Beyond the sibling meet-ups, older siblings look out for younger siblings throughout the summer. They make sure they’re enjoying their summer and making new friends. Younger siblings swell with pride when acknowledged by their big brothers and sisters.
Camp Starlight also has camp siblings. These are pairings of campers that act as “siblings” throughout the summer in much the same way that true siblings do—by being there to celebrate and encourage each other throughout the summer. There are many special camp sibling events held throughout the summer at which “siblings” can spend time together, get to know each other better, and talk about the one thing that binds them all—camp.
Tags: American summer camps, benefits of camp, camp activities, camp siblings, Camp Starlight, camp traditions, camp values, sleepaway camp, value of camp
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Thursday, June 19th, 2014
The Starlight Waterfront and Outdoor Adventure are two of the most popular program areas at Camp Starlight and for good reason. Camp Starlight Outdoor Adventure includes a climbing wall, high and low ropes courses, a brand NEW zipline and, of course, the Star Jump. Outdoor Adventure also includes outdoor living skills, mountain biking, and fishing activities. The Camp Starlight Waterfront includes separate boys and girls waterfronts, a swimming pool, water trampolines, rope swings, rock-its, paddle boards, canoes, kayaks, waterski, tubing, and wakeboarding.
Camp Starlight takes a lot of pride that both areas improve campers’ self-confidence
and builds courage through fun. Reaching the top of the climbing wall for the first time, taking that first ride on the zipline, or leaping from the Star Jump is not only exhilarating, it leaves campers with a great sense of accomplishment. They have just completed something difficult that required them to be a little bit daring. The same can be said of the Camp Starlight Waterfront. That first leap from the water trampoline or balancing on a paddle board for the first time is always extra special after having passed the swim test. Of course, it takes the bravery of campers and the willingness to try something that may be new or difficult, but with the encouragement of a well-trained camp staff as well as one’s counselors and camp friends, it’s much easier to be willing to try. That’s why it’s important for our staff in these areas to be the best in camping.
The Summer 2014 Waterfront and Outdoor Adventure staff have arrived and are in the midst of the training that perennially makes these areas two of the most amazing and safe on camp. When campers arrive in about a week in a half, they’ll recognize some familiar faces in both areas this year as well as some new ones who are excited to be spending the summer with our Camp Starlight campers, and who are eagerly awaiting their arrival.
Tags: American summer camps, camp activities, camp fishing, camp mountain biking, camp ropes, Camp Starlight, camp swimming, camp water activities, outdoor adventure camp, sleepaway camp, swim camp
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Thursday, June 12th, 2014
A chuckle-worthy camp confession recently spotted on Pinterest: “My wrists did not see sunlight all summer because of the bracelets.” Anyone who has ever attended or worked at a sleepaway camp is all too familiar with the “bracelet tan.” Of the thousands of camps across America, there is not an Arts & Crafts area that is not well stocked with beads, lanyard, skeins of embroidery floss, paracord, rubber bands and just about anything else that can be turned into a bracelet. Bracelets are BIG at camp. They’re not merely wearable art. They’re a symbol of friendship. Few campers or staff actually keep the bracelets they make for themselves. Instead they exchange them with friends and other special people at camp. Although people have been making friendship bracelets since ancient times, they have become a camp tradition. It’s fun to conjure memories of a special person with a glance at one’s wrist.
The act of making the bracelets is almost as pleasurable as the bracelets themselves. Friendship bracelets are also easy to make, and campers of all ages easily catch onto the various ways of braiding and weaving materials into fashionable designs. Friendship bracelets also appeal equally to both boys and girls. The fact that making bracelets takes very little concentration makes them the perfect social craft. It’s easy to interact with others while making bracelets at camp. Bracelet making is the perfect conversation opportunity and bonding activity.
The row of bracelets is not just camp fashion, it’s a storyboard of the summer that is unique to every individual at camp. It
represents who they met during the summer and the special moments that have been committed to memory. One the best things about friendship bracelets is finding them tucked away long after the summer has ended, and having a moment to remember the summer and the people and stories behind each bracelet.
Tags: American summer camps, camp activities, camp crafts, camp memories, Camp Starlight, camp stories, camp traditions, friendship bracelets, sleepaway camp
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Thursday, May 29th, 2014
Campers: June is finally here and you’re about to head off to camp for the summer. Whether this is your first summer or your seventh, it’s completely normal to be a whole lot excited and even a little bit nervous. This just HAS to be the best summer EVER…as in epic! But do you ever find yourself a little bit confused about how to make that happen? Here are a few ideas to help you out as you get ready for camp.
Make new friends!
Of course your old friends are amazing. That’s why they’re your friends. But new friends are pretty great too. Make it a point to say ‘hello’ to people and introduce yourself to those you don’t know. Talk to other campers to find out what you have in common besides camp. Show support for other campers at activities.
Get involved in camp activities
There are so many awesome things to do at camp. Take advantage of the opportunity to get involved in them. Don’t just rely on favorites for your summer fun. Try some new things too. You’ll find that if you go to each activity—even those you don’t love—with a positive attitude and get involved, camp is even more fun.
Show your camp spirit
Camps rely on their campers to create a fun, energetic environment by showing their camp spirit. There’s a reason you count down the months and days each year until it’s time for camp and why YOUR camp is the BEST camp. Don’t be shy about showing it at camp.
Be your best self
Camp is the most fun for everyone when campers are positive, energetic, open and inclusive. There’s no need to make it like school where only certain types of people hang around together. If someone in your bunk or at your activity is shy, go out of your way to include them and take a leadership role in introducing them to others. If your friends try to say negative things about other people, change the subject or reply with a positive. Encourage others at activities, particularly those who struggle or who fear being made fun of. The more fun that everyone has together, the better camp is!
Keep an open mind
Sometimes, things at summer camp don’t go quite how you expected. Think before you react. Don’t let one bad activity, conversation or even day ruin your whole summer. Remember, it’s just one thing out of thousands that happen over the summer. Rather than dwelling on that one thing, shake it off and move on. If you do, you probably won’t even remember it by the end of the summer.
Tags: American summer camps, best summer ever, bunkmates, camp activities, camp friends, camp spirit, Camp Starlight, fun at camp, sleepaway camps
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Saturday, May 24th, 2014
Dictionary.com defines a friend as someone who is a “patron or supporter.” Whether you’re a child or adult, chances are that your friends are a crucial part of your life. Of course, there are different kinds of friends and some are closer than others. They’re all very special. However, there is one type of friend who is the most special — the camp friend. For those who have never experienced summer camp, it’s difficult to grasp the idea of forming a lifelong bond with someone with whom you spend time for weeks each summer. Yet, that is exactly what happens for the millions of campers who attend summer camp each year. There are many reasons why the summer camp environment actually facilitates friendship.
Children don’t have play dates at camp where they meet someone for a few hours and then return home. Campers play together, eat together and live together. They have constant contact, which psychologists say leads to an open environment, conducive to making friends. The more time campers spend with each other, the more they get to know each other, and the less they feel the need or desire to shield aspects of themselves from each other.
Common experience is another crucial element to friendship bonds, and camp friends are special because they share a very special commonality. The things that happen during those weeks at camp each year are shared by a relatively small circle of campers who attend a respective camp.
By attending summer camp, campers develop shared traditions. Camp traditions bond children to each other. They add a sacred element to friendship. Much like sorority or fraternity membership develops friendships leading to a lifelong network, so to does summer camp. Camp encourages interaction. Too often, an inhibitor to those who have trouble making friends is a lack of social maturity. Whether it’s on a sports field or court, sitting at table in arts and crafts, enjoying a meal together, or relaxing in a bunk or cabin, the camp environment is social. Campers are not without adequate time for introspection, but the opportunity for learning how to be with other people is there.
Summer camps focus on harnessing moments and making them special and fun, whether or not they are planned. Not only does this teach children to have a great amount of flexibility both individually and with each other, it teaches them to remain positive. Positivity helps children remain in an open and accepting frame of mind. Camp friends are definitely some of the most special friends. Friendships made in camp are bound by a commonality of experiences that may very well be cherished for a lifetime.
Tags: advantages of summer camp, American summer camps, Benefits of Summer Camp, camp activities, camp friends, camp memories, camp traditions, sleepaway camp
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Tuesday, May 6th, 2014
Campers love their camp campuses. They’re green, picturesque, and often feature facilities for just about any activity a kid can dream up. One thing campers also love, however, are camp trips. Camp trips are a lot like school field trips. They’re a special time away from the daily routine. Campers get to board buses with their friends and go off on an adventure outside of the camp environment. Yes, playing by the camp Waterfront with friends is a great way to spend a summer. But taking in a baseball game, visiting a local amusement park, or going bowling with them adds an extra element to the camp experience because it allows campers to do normal “friend things” with some very close friends who they often only get to see during the summer.
Rites of passage are a big part of camp and trips are among those rites. While all campers enjoy some of the same trip destinations throughout the summer, other places are reserved for campers of certain ages. In this respect, trips become a way for campers to mark time in their camp experience. An exclusive trip makes that specific summer unique because it’s the only summer of their camp experiences that campers go to that place.
Camp trips also help campers put their summer camp experience into perspective. Sure, they could do just about anything they do on a camp trip without having gone to camp, but doing them at camp makes them part of camp. The memory of having done those things at camp makes them more special, which is likely why there is always a tinge more excitement in the air on a trip day.
Campers love their camp campuses. They’re green, picturesque, and often feature facilities for just about any activity a kid can
dream up. One thing campers also love, however, are camp trips. Camp trips are a lot like school field trips. They’re a special time away from the daily routine. Campers get to board buses with their friends and go off on an adventure outside of the camp environment. Yes, playing by the camp Waterfront with friends is a great way to spend a summer. But taking in a baseball game, visiting a local amusement park, or going bowling with them adds an extra element to the camp experience because it allows campers to do normal “friend things” with some very close friends who they often only get to see during the summer. Rites of passage are a big part of camp and trips are among those rites. While all campers enjoy some of the same trip destinations throughout the summer, other places are reserved for campers of certain ages. In this respect, trips become a way for campers to mark time in their camp experience. An exclusive trip makes that specific summer unique because it’s the only summer of their camp experiences that campers go to that place. Camp trips also help campers put their summer camp experience into perspective. Sure, they could do just about anything they do on a camp trip without having gone to camp, but doing them at camp makes them part of camp. The memory of having done those things at camp makes them more special, which is likely why there is always a tinge more excitement in the air on a trip day.
Tags: American summer camps, camp activities, camp friends, camp fun, camp memories, Camp Starlight, camp trips, sleepaway camps
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Tuesday, April 29th, 2014
Now that all the snow if FINALLY melting, we can’t stop thinking about our favorite ice cold drink at Camp! The SLUSHIE!
Now, if you’ve never had an infamous Camp Starlight Slushie, you’re definitely missing out. Available only in the canteen, along side your favorite candy bar of course, it can be made into almost any concoction of flavors imaginable. First we start with the “slush” a frozen ICEE type of substance, ice cold pellets and sweet in itself.
Next comes the flavoring, campers love this part because they get to customize their slushie to taste exactly how they want it to. From Cherry to Bubble Gum, the possibilities are endless! In the mood for a sweet classic; Blue Raspberry is the way to go! Maybe you want a little tartness in your life; Lemon Lime is the choice for you. But, one of the most popular Slushie flavors at Camp Starlight is SHOCKER; a clear flavor that packs a lot of punch, an extremely sour punch. Some campers will mix it with other flavors, but the “bravest” taste budded children will choose it alone.
So what is in a Slushie? Think mini ice pellets, small enough to drink through a straw, flavoring which can be mixed and matched to create whatever concoction you want. And of course fun! Because, who doesn’t love sticking their tongue out and asking their bunk mates “whaa collaa ithh maa tong?!” (What color is my tongue)
Tags: camp activities, camp canteen, camp snacks, Camp Starlight, camp tradition
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