This week, we began some great new activities, continued with some tried and true favorites, and had another awesome week at camp, thanks in large part to the weather finally clearing up! What activities worked well this week?: Our most successful activity of the week was the craft pictured in this blog post. Sometimes known as a "God's Eye", this craft is a sort of weaving activity where you repeatedly wrap yarn around two popsicle sticks glued into a cross shape. This was such a popular craft that some kids asked to do multiples ones, and asked to repeat this craft during another week! My coworkers and I are actually looking for similar crafts to try out next week that will bring out the same level of enthusiasm. Any room for improvement?: I think one area that needs to improve is in the area of rules. Though my coworkers and I set boundaries for the campers at the beginning of the summer (no throwing balls inside, use your manners, no running in the lobby, wait for everyone to be ready until we walk to the pool, etc.), they are beginning to test our limits and try to see what they can get away with. I think for the most part we are holding strong, but we should definitely reconvene at the start of this week to talk about how we will continue to be firm with the camp rules. What did I do right, in terms of leadership? How can I further develop this?: This week, I began really working on my organizational skills. Next week, our lead counselor will be on vacation, so I will primarily be in charge of the summer camp the entire week. I have begun mapping out the week ahead and organizing the camper forms and parent contact information. This is something I can continue to develop during the upcoming week, and yet another skill that will be helpful in not only student teaching but all future leadership endeavors. Any applications for student teaching?: Seeing the campers really connect with the crafts and activities that were introduced made me so happy as a leader and a counselor. It makes my job so much easier when the kids are content and fully engaged in what they are doing. Just another simple reminder how the more engaged and interested the students are, the more they will participate, and if in school, the more they will learn. Biggest takeaway from the week: This week, my biggest takeaway was that kids can and will lose anything. Even a sock (especially a sock). Even a bag full of all of their swim stuff, only to have it show up two hours later on the playground slide. Pictures: This is a picture of our most successful craft of the week, as mentioned above. It was so fun, that I even made some to take home! |
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AuthorAn early childhood major blogging about how both her education and leadership skills play out in her role as a summer camp counselor. Archives
August 2015
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