Camps: July 8 - July 12

• GRA"FEET"IE with SHAWN 
• ACROBATICS with CAIT
• KICKBALL with BRIDGET
• SUN PRINTS with KERRY
• KNOT TYING with GRIFFIN
• YOGA with LISA
• CARD GAMES with JILLIAN

GRA"FEET"IE with SHAWN
This week we had a blast in Gra'feet'ie! We went out back to the shade of the deck, and experimented with a new painting tool--our feet! At the beginning of each summer camp session, I introduced each tool that would be utilized throughout our time together. On Monday, we discovered something interesting about the paint we were using: undiluted, it drys very quickly and becomes rather tacky. We had a fun time brainstorming solutions to a new concern: How to get the paper removed from our feet without ripping it? Malvina offered the solution of bending down to "gently pull the paper away." We tried out her solution and found that it worked very well for us. For the rest of the week, we took time after introducing our art materials, to mix our paint with water to make the paint less tacky--while doing this we discussed color theory. Each student had the opportunity to help in setting up each creation station with paint and paper. We created around six large art pieces each day!

ACROBATICS with CAIT

This week, we explored acrobatics as ways to move our bodies in new and often collaborative ways.  While warming up, we used partner stretches to start getting used to balancing together with another person.  We talked about staying safe with our own bodies and others, and listening to what ways of moving feel good and how to back off if it hurts.  From there, the sky was the limit! Teacher Cait shared some partner acrobatics she’s learned, sometimes working with preschoolers and sometimes helping them find their own multi-person shape.  Several friends had their own balancing tricks, yoga poses, or other acrobatics moves to teach each other as well.

KICKBALL with BRIDGET
Most of the friends who joined kickball this week were friends who had enjoyed soccer in previous weeks. We started by setting out cones and marking base lines with chalk. We went over the general idea of the game making changes that fit each group. The kids really enjoyed kicking the ball and some took turns rolling it to the kicker. It was very hot on the blacktop, so fielders took breaks often to sit in the shade and stay hydrated. We had a great time moving big and practicing motor skills like kicking and catching a ball.

SUN PRINTS with KERRY
With all of the beautiful sunshine this week we were able to get outside and explore shadows and silhouettes with sun prints!  The specially treated paper reacts to UV light and casts an image of whatever you place on top of it.  Before we got started making our prints we walked around outside and collected some natural supplies that we thought would leave an interesting silhouette or had a cool shape. We then laid out all of our twigs, leaves, flowers, berries, and bark onto the pavement and designed our layouts. After the decorated paper sat in the sun for 2-3 minutes, faded from deep blue to pale blue, we quickly rinsed it off in water. The paper revealed some awesome results. I had multiple, repeat participators this week, so I think the kids really enjoyed mixing art with science in this fun, outdoor activity.

KNOT TYING with GRIFFIN
Knot tying was an adventure of discovery in the science room. We experimented with various forms of twisting and pulling. We sang a song about tying our ears in a knot and in a bow! Many friends chose to return to knot tying summer camp again and again. The bunny rabbit and the two little rats were active observers in our knot tying adventures. One day, we tied all of the ropes and ribbons and tying materials together to see if our long rope would go all the way from the front door of the preschool to the Art Studio. On another day we practiced our knot tying skills to see if they would hold when we used the pulley system in the science room. Some of us tied intricate knots and then attached them to our basket, while another friend used the pulley system to life the basket up to the ceiling. Some of the knots slid out while others held nicely. It was a great experiment to see what makes a knot slip apart and another knot to hold. Friends especially enjoyed tying bows. Inspired by the live bunny in the science room, we used rope "bunny ears" to "swing through the knot hole". After the bunny ears turned into a bow, we each enjoyed holding the other ends and pulling "on 3!" to watch that knot disappear. Each person had their own rope to form a circle and then tie together, and also worked collectively to make knots together and with Teacher Griffin. When some friends had trouble tying a knot, some of the older friends would step in with suggestions, guidance and aid. It was great watching friends assist one another in a very difficult task. After this summer camp, friends will have a lot easier time tying their shoe laces when the time comes. For the most advanced students, we practices tying a slip knot (useful for tightening around objects) and a spiral knot, often used for making friendship bracelets. The friendship bracelet knot used the figure four which we did while holding the base in place with our foot!

 YOGA with LISA

This week the children learned some classic yoga positions and some CR kid-created originals. I taught them: Downward Dog, Cobra, Child’s Pose, Table Top and Mountain Pose in the beginning of each session. The children then took turns pulling position cards from our Yoga deck and we practiced the poses. The children also enjoyed being “Yogi Masters,” teaching each other positions they already knew and creating their own poses. We also discussed meditation, breath work and talked about the phrase, “Namaste,” meaning “peace to you.” During our resting period at the end of our sessions, we thanked our bodies for working so hard and used positive affirmations such as, “I am calm” and “I am at peace.” The children asked if they could lead the guided meditations and they each took turns giving us calming phrases to say. My favorite child-created affirmations were: “I am in love with everything,” “Books-check them out!” and “I have a chalkboard at home.” We all became Yogi Zen Masters!

CARD GAMES with JILLIAN
Friends went "fishing" this week during Card Games. We practiced how to hold our own hand of cards, how to take turns, and a thing or two about having a game strategy! Throughout the camp we introduced the games Go Fish, Memory, Old Maid, UNO, and the crowd favorite, Slap Jack. We also examined cards to find matches when playing Memory, Blink, and Set. I would love to hear how friends play in the next family game night - I think you will be impressed!