A day at camp can include an overwhelming number of moments: name games, crafts, tag, snack, gaga ball, lunch, swimming, STEM projects, free play… The sheer number of activities, field trips, games, projects and experiences is truly overwhelming.
However, when your kiddo gets in the car after a day at camp, and you ask them what they did today, the fun and games swirl together and all they can mutter is, “Nooothing.”
Sigh.
Never fear, parents. We have developed a list of must-do experiences for your children this summer. It’s a tool you and your campers can use to start conversations about their camp experience, and it’s a resource to help ensure your little one is making the most of each and every summer camp moment.
Here are eight joy-inducing experiences for your happy campers:
___ Make a new friend: At school, kids get stuck in a social rut, but camp allows them to break free from their usual peer group and find at least one like-minded summer buddy who they connect with over similar interests and attitudes. At the Y, we believe camp friends are lifelong friends.
___ Hit the target in archery (or accomplish something you never thought possible): Archery is not a sport we grow up learning. It’s not basketball or soccer. So when campers take on the target, it’s a test of resilience. They try, they fail and they try again — until they get it, and then they do a happy dance. Archery is not the only way for campers to become more resilient: climbing, paddleboarding and learning to ride a bike are just a few other examples. Of course, it’s all just fun for the campers.
___ Go a week without technology: A whole week? No video games? No Netflix? Yep! Every summer, campers at YMCA Camp Santa Maria abandon their digital devices for one or even two weeks. The results are overwhelmingly positive. The kids actually enjoy being disconnected. So whether your kiddo is doing a week of day camp or a week of overnight camp, take the tech-takeaway challenge.
___ Go on a field trip: You can’t spend your whole summer doing crafts and playing freeze tag. Get out of town! Join fellow summer campers for laser tag or mini golf or water park adventures. Y summer day campers often check out the Denver Zoo, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and more.
___ Learn a new fact a day: One of the most parent-friendly aspects of summer camp is that it prevents summer learning loss. Campers don’t even notice that they are actually (gasp!) learning, but the social interactions, the “educational” field trips and the STEM projects pay dividends for young minds. But shhhh! Don’t tell the kiddos. Just challenge them to bring home a new tidbit each day.
___ Learn a camp song: “Llama Song,” “Jellyfish,” “My Mom Gave Me a Penny,” “Donut Shop,” “Louise” and “Go Bananas!” If your camper has yet to learn one (or all) of these camp anthems, they have some serious singing ahead of them. Songs and chants are not only a classic — nay, iconic — part of camp, they bring a sense of pride, unity and spirit to the camp community.
___ Go off the high dive: Swimming and pool time are oh-so classic summer adventure. The smell of chlorine and sunscreen, the sounds of splashing and squeals of excitement, the sunshine sparkling off the water. How can campers take their aquatic experience to a whole new level? Take one small step for campers, one giant leap for kid-kind while jumping off the high dive. Remember, don’t look down.
___ Giggle until water squirts out of your nose: This summer, focus on fun. Remember that this season is an opportunity to give kids a break from their busy schedules of school, homework, classes, lessons, practices and games. Let camp be an opportunity for kids to just soak in the sun, connect with peers, experience some newness and giggle wildly. In fact, the more giggling, the better.
YMCA of Northern Colorado is offering 12 weeks of summer camp at locations throughout the Front Range. Camps include traditional day camp and overnight camp; sports, cycling and STEAM camps; outdoors camp and teen camps. Learn more at ymcanoco.org.
