I can’t believe summer is almost half way over already. All of the children have settled into their classrooms and are enjoying their time! So, we thought it was the perfect time for a recap of what’s been going on so far. During our first two weeks of camp, the theme was all about superheroes and princesses. We focused on the famous characters like Spiderman and Cinderella, but we also talked about real life heroes- doctors, nurses, military men and women, among others. It was fun to see all the children (and teachers) get excited to dress up like their favorite heroes and heroines at the end of the two weeks. With Independence Day starting the third week, we decided to take a look and see what makes America great! All of the children were able to do projects that represent our beautiful country, like eagles and flags. While the bigger kids also had the chance to have an “All-American cookout” with hamburgers and hot dogs! For our fourth week we started our “Come Read with Me” theme and focused on the author Eric Carle. The children loved hearing some of his books, like “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” and “The Little Cloud” which they also did projects to go with them.
The absolute highlights for the kids are the water play days, no-cook cooking days and S’more days. On water play days, all come dressed in their bathing suits and get to play in the sprinklers, go down the water slide (which I have to admit, I went down with one of the kiddos because it was so hot!) and the big kids get a chance to go on a slip and slide, which my son absolutely loves! Wednesday are our no-cook cooking days where the children get a chance to make their own snacks that typically go with the theme of the week! Another big hit for the children is when we have our S’more days. For these special treat days, we sit around our “campfire” and “roast” our marshmallows, this has become a Friday tradition.
Summer has plenty of fun and games, but there is learning to be had too, especially in our Toddler and Montessori classrooms! Both are getting used to the routine of coming in, putting their things away, taking out lessons or toys, using them appropriately, and putting them back where they belong. They are all learning practical/real life skills like how to be good listeners and friends, showing respect, using manners and working together. Summer camp is such a great way to get the newest and youngest kids in the school to get acclimated before starting in the fall.
These are just some of the fun things we have done this summer and there is so much more to come!