Week 1 of camp was a wonderful success!! The first day of camp is POURED DOWN RAIN! Our head camp lady, Jessica said in all her years with Camp Adventure it has NEVER rained on the first day of camp! So this made it a little chaotic. We ended up taking the kids back to the main base so they could all stay dry because our camp is all outdoors. We spend the day under tents, running around the endless fields, and in the swimming pool - rain is definitely a problem! Day 2 started to get better, it was a little chilly but it did not rain :) The theme for the week was Fintastic Ocean, with the themes we change up some games to incorporate the theme, make fun art projects, and on fridays everyone dresses up. Day 3 continued to look better, it was warm at the pool and everything was looking up. On thursday - day 4 - we took a field trip. Because Italy can be kind of crazy and the transpiration can be unreliable the only field trips we take are to the support site to bowling and a movie. This week we went bowling and it was really an awesome time! The kids had fun and so did I! Friday - day 5 - was by far the best day, so far. The weather was hot and we were all getting the hang of the routine of camp. We did a great skit for the kids and had an excellent day! All of the counselors dressed up with silly ocean theme outfits and we had a lot of fun.
The kids at camp are divided by age groups, 5-6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11+. I started the week assigned to 8 year olds and we only had about 15 kids. I was with one other counselor Brittany and we had things running so smoothly by day 2! The kids were great and we were setting high expectations for our kids to succeed at. However Wednesday evening we had a quick meeting and I was informed I would be switched to the 5-6 year old group. They had 32 kids registered for camp in this group!! AAHHH!!! I love kids, and this age is so fun, but Mamma Mia that is a lot of kids! This group was just a little out of control and because our group was running so smoothly they figured I could step up and help get things under control. Luckily by Friday things were running a little smoother. So far week 2 is going even better (and with lower numbers this week it is also incredibly helpful!) Already I have really enjoyed a number of the children in our camp!! They are a very diverse group of students and I love everything they are teaching me.
The whole purpose of Camp Adventure is to create magic and exceed expectations for the kids. We sing endless songs that are crazy and so much fun, we play loads of games, some high active sports games, but some low active relaxing games, we help to build a community within the groups of kids. Sometimes these kids do not come from the best home situations and camp may be the best thing these kids have. Therefore it is a perfect place for me! There have already been a few kids that really touch my heart and I can't wait to see how many more will.
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