Thursday, July 19, 2012

Looking Back on a Great Week 4!

It's Thursday, so you know what that means... time for blog updates from the Princeton Y!

Discovery Camp had activities that went along with Week 4's luau theme! Along with learning about Hawaii, campers made picture frames and decorated them in sea shells. On Tuesday, the campers created grass hula skirts and later on did a limbo activity while listening to Hawaiian music! On Wednesday, they made their very own colorful leis, and they were treated to a Hawaiian music concert from musician Yosi, who got them to dance and sing songs about friendship and going to the beach! Campers Kate and Javien even got invited on stage to play with Yosi! Their tropical all camp activity was the Mango Pass, where they all had to stand in a circle and pass the mango without using their hands. On Thursday, Discovery Camp made wind socks out of paper, flowers and streamers. They really blew us away! On Friday, Discovery will be joining MVP in a luau themed barbecue.


Our Specialty Camp for this week is Camp Chefs. The campers have had an event filled week so far. On Monday, to prep for what was to come, campers made aprons, place mats, and  potholders. They also went to Teresa's Cafe for a lesson on how to make pizza. After tossing dough and adding all the bells and whistles, campers got to enjoy eating their creations. On Tuesday, they took a trip to Canal Farms to see where it all begins. At the the farm, campers got a tour and were allowed to taste lemon basil, cucumbers, and other herbs and spices. Later on, the Camp Chefs spent that afternoon chocolate dipping with Counselor Matt. Wednesday morning was kicked off with Cupcake Wars! The campers went to the House of Cupcakes where owner, Ruthie Bzdewka, talked to the kids about the process of cupcake making. Afterwards, the kids competed against each other in a bout of cupcake wars. Each group had five minutes to decorate their cupcake and after the panel of judges (counselors) deliberated, the winning group won an extra cupcake. Before leaving the House of Cupcakes, each camper received a t-shirt and got to keep their cupcake. In the afternoon, the campers went to Terra Momo Bread Co. for a chance to make their very own bread. On Thursday, campers went to the Farmer's Market at the Princeton Public Library, where they learned about organic food and how to cook their veggies. Meanwhile at the market, they had a tour and did some arts crafts. They also went back to the market where Ms. Cathy, chef at Jammin' Crepes, demonstrated how to make crepes (see the video at the bottom of this post!). Tomorrow, campers can look forward to making salsa with Ms. Natasha and then later making cornbread and granola bars with Ms. Denise. Needless to say, campers definitely had fun cooking up a storm this week.

Week 4 for Leadership Academy was all about the values and qualities of a leader. On Monday, they finished their Week 3 discussion of the importance of effective communication. Then, on Tuesday, they volunteered at Princeton Presbyterian's Crisis Ministry Food Pantry, and talked about other ways in which they, as leaders, can give back to their communities. On Wednesday they met with YMCA Board of Trustees member Bruce Traub. As a former CFO of Princeton Medical Center, Mr. Traub had a lot of insight into the qualities of leadership to share with our teens, even giving personal examples as to how certain values played a role in his position as a leader. Camper Maggie admitted that while Mr. Traub's discussion was dense at times, it was very helpful and informative. They finished the days with an involving discussion on ethics and moral values associated with leadership.
Throughout the week, Leadership Academy also planned a Car Wash that took place Thursday to raise funds for the YMCA's "Strong Kids Campaign." They were successful as they not only  they helped raise  $150 for a good cause, but they also asserted themselves as leaders, embracing the responsibility and confidence inherent in the job. Great job, campers!


MVP kicked off week four of camp with an exciting game of lacrosse. They utilized amazing skills and teamwork while having a great time playing. On Tuesday, MVP had their annual Camp Records Day! Camper Jason broke several records, including longest softball throw and fastest time on the soccer course. On Wednesday, while learning about baseball, MVP had an MLB-style home-run derby. Antonio won the challenge and received four tickets to a Trenton Thunder baseball game. Congratulations Antonio! Today, the campers got to play Quidditch, the thrilling game played inside the world of Harry Potter. With chasers trying to score goals while seekers were trying to catch counselors who were acting as the "Golden Snitch," there was definitely a lot going on on the field! The MVP Specialty camp this week was basketball. Campers learned fundamentals of basketball like passing, shooting, and dribbling, and used their new skills to enjoy fun matches. Finally on Friday, MVP and Discovery camps will join forces to face off against the YWCA in a match that’s not to be missed, followed by a barbecue.


It may already be Thursday, but we've still got a lot planned before the week is over! Tomorrow at high noon, YMCA campers and counselors will get to face off against the YWCA campers and counselors in a high-stakes game of kickball! Who will win the Princeton Crown? We have an idea...
After we win the kickball game, campers will get to enjoy a great summer barbecue with a fun luau theme. Tomorrow's weather should be good, so it should be a fun time! Finally, MVP campers will get to join Discovery campers for an awesome all-camp activity! We won't give away the secret as to what's going on, but it's definitely unlike anything we've done this year!

For all you Camp Chefs with a bag of crepe mix, here are Cathy's instructions on how to make crepes!


And there are your updates for the week! If you haven't already, be sure to enter our weekly photo sweepstakes for a chance to win some cool prizes. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay updated all summer long!

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