Elementary: Week 3
July 24-28
Forest Explorers
Day 1:
This week is our first week of Forest Explorers, with our 8-10 age group! We started the day by feeding both birds of prey, the owl and the falcon. Each camp group needed to come up with a name and they decided on the Rainbow Frogs and the Triangle Potato Explorers! Before our hike, Leads went over the rules and expectations. The Rainbow Frogs hiked to hawk field to play with cooking supplies, ropes, and make a supplies lift up to the lookout tower. The Triangle Potato Explorers went to the log cabin to swing, play with the old water pump, and find different insects. After having lunch, today’s open exploration took place in the wood chip pile. Campers played lots of tag, climbed on fallen trees, made makeshift swings, and got to know one another. Our final activity of the day was playing a game, Predator Freeze, which is similar to Night At The Museum. Campers had their afternoon snack before heading home!
Day 2:
The elementary group started the day by feeding both birds of prey, the Triangle Potatoes fed the falcon, while the Rainbow Frogs took care of the owl. Today’s nature lesson was about maps, how to make and use them. After learning about maps, each group headed off on a scavenger hunt that led them to the log cabin for morning snack. For open exploration the Triangle Potato Explorers went to hawk field to climb up and play in the lookout tower. The Rainbow Frogs stayed at the cabin to swing, and collect bugs. After lunch, open exploration was in the sugarbush, campers spent their time finding worms, making stew and setting up dinner, and playing lots of chase. To finish off the day, campers were given a Michigan Landmark to work together and find where it would go on a map!
Day 3:
Day three started with a game of guess what animal you have taped to your back only by asking questions! Next, the Triangle Potatoes fed Autumn the deer, and the Rainbow Frogs fed the falcon. The morning nature lesson was learning about animal tracks, and working to identify different ones based on shape and pattern. Today’s hike took place in the old tennis courts for the Rainbow Frogs, and the mud kitchen for the Triangle Potatoes. After lunch, campers headed to open exploration where they spent lots of time looking for slugs and building forts. The afternoon nature lesson was about owl pellets! Campers learned about what owl pellets were and got a chance to dissect them and find different bones from creatures such as birds or mice! The weather then forced us inside for the last bit of camp before pick-up giving campers the opportunity to explore the inside of the nature center!
Day 4:
Per usual, the day began with animal feeding! The Rainbow Frogs filled the bird feeders, and the Potato Explorers fed the falcon. Today’s nature lesson was on fishing and field netting. Campers took nets and waved them through the water to see what different insects they could collect. The most excitement from today came from the fishing! Campers caught an estimated 64 fish in one morning! They got to see lots of different fish including blue gills, pumpkin seed, and other sunfish. After lunch, open exploration took place on the docks. Lots of campers worked together to create a role playing game about a royal family creating a castle with guards and more! The last activity of the day before pick-up was a game called predator prey. The “groundhogs” hid behind trees or in a meadow while the “coyote” had its back turned and then had to try and see what groundhogs they could spot from where they were standing.
Day 5:
Our final day with our Rainbow Frogs and Triangle Potato Explorers started with feeding the falcon and the owl! For today’s nature lesson the groups headed out on a hike where they stopped to learn about and try different edible plants. Campers got to try wood sorrow, grape leaves, and wild raspberries. The morning exploration took place at the bridges where the royalty game that the campers created continued. After lunch we had some rest before taking our group photo. To beat the heat, we ran through the sprinklers a bit to cool down! Then it was time for afternoon open exploration, so we headed to the sugarbush. As predicted, the royalty game continued and others collected bugs and slugs! From what was gathered, the game consisted of a king, a queen, many princesses (including a baby), guards, and their head guard, lots of soldiers, a chef, a server, and a traitor! Thunder caught us at the end of our exploration, and we headed inside for awards! Campers each received an award for their fantastic interests/talents. Then we said goodbye and are excited to see those who will be returning next week!
