Week Five Extravaganza

It’s the beginning of a brand new week! It’s hard to believe that it’s already week five. Time sure flies when you’re having a great time. With the massive heat wave behind us, today started off on a cooler note as campers came together for Morning Circle. A new week also means new campers so John Groeger, our Youth and Family Director, helped new campers introduce themselves to everyone. Kids got a chance to share what their favorite holiday is and what they’re looking forward to. They were given a warm YMCA welcome as campers broke off into their separate groups. We all know what a new week also means: A new region! The Mountain region of the United States takes center stage this week so campers will get a chance to learn about Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Nevada, and Utah. Today, it was Montana and Discovery campers paid homage to the treasure state by making treasure chests out of Popsicle sticks. Campers used glue to hold their treasure chests together and once everything solidified, they got a chance to decorate them with anything they wanted. From pirate chests to ballerina boxes, the campers showed the weekend didn't stop their creative juices from flowing.

A treasure chest in the making!

With the weather finally cooperating, Discovery campers also got a chance to play Prison Ball outside on the field. Players lined up and tried to get players on the opposing team out by throwing balls at each other. Once a player was out, he or she was certainly not done. Campers had to move behind the opposing team and then the players that were “out” could get back in if their teammates could throw the ball to them and they could catch it. It was an awesome twist to an already great game. Inside the gym, MVP campers and Explorers from Discovery teamed up to take on the counselors in a game of dodge ball. Balls flew back and forth as campers and counselors tried their best to let their teams come out on top. The counselors may have been bigger but the campers outnumbered them. It was an epic contest of dodging and ducking away from oncoming balls. The campers and counselors rushed the line, picked up any balls they could and threw them at the opposing team. It was a fun free for all! 

A new week also welcomes a new Specialty Camp, Kamping Kids. Campers started the week off by learning simple rules about camping such as making sure to leave no traces behind and some simple first aid tips to help them in a pinch. Later on in the day, Paul, a professor from Ryder University, came down to the YMCA to show campers different marine life such as crabs, snails, and various types of fish. Campers had a blast learning about these fascinating creatures while also getting a chance to hold them.

Sara's playing with her new friend

The All Camp Activity had campers on a treasure hunt in honor of Montana. With the help of counselors, teams of campers got a chance to follow clues and find the treasure before other teams could. With these great activities and some much cooler weather, week five is already off to a great start!