After a shortened Week 3 due to the air quality, we were determined to make Week 4 a lively week at camp. This week, our campers were at Ellis Hollow, where they explored new campgrounds, learned new skills, and made the most of every adventure.

Monday morning our campers got started with lots of different games in the woods. Some groups worked together to build shelters using sticks and leaves of all shapes and sizes, while others learned about navigation by creating life-sized compasses that stretched across their campground. Throughout the rest of the day, campers enjoyed a variety of outdoor games, explored the forest, and strengthened friendships with their peers.

Instructor Sean and a camper in the waterfall

On Tuesday, our Forest Villagers played animal-themed running and tagging games before hiking the trails and recreating maps of the camp land to share during a show-and-tell activity. Forest Explorers spent the morning playing fun hiding games in the woods before building shelters and evaluating each other’s designs based on how well they would protect someone in the wilderness. Pathfinders started the day with running games in the field, but by the afternoon the rain had arrived. While everyone took shelter under the pavilion, Forest Explorers practiced stone drilling, other groups searched for trails to explore between showers, and Forest Villagers learned about knife safety before beginning their first wood-carving projects.

By Wednesday, campers were starting to become experts in so many different skills that they had learned throughout the week. Whether that was identifying plants and trees, practicing stone drilling, or improving their outdoor survival skills, everyone gained a lot of confidence with each new challenge. Campers spent the morning relaxing in their sit spots, listening to the sounds of nature. And then they played games, searched for the perfect sticks to turn into wands. Pathfinders prepared for a large campfire by collecting firewood, singing songs, sharing snacks, and enjoying time together around the fire. In the afternoon, everyone joined in a game of Sacred Goat, a camp favorite that combines elements of Capture the Flag and Foxtail!

Thursday morning was filled with even more fun as campers played a game called camouflage, continued practicing stone drilling, spent time drawing, and showcased their talents during a camp talent show. In the afternoon, the Wilderness Explorers headed to Roy H. Park Preserve for a hike, where they explored the trails before cooling off in the creek. Campers discovered lots of different cool things along the way, including colorful rocks, clay, and even salamanders.

On the other side of the Roy H. Park preserve, the River Scouts spent Thursday hiking the trails and walking down the creek! Along the way we stopped to wade in waterfalls, skip rocks, and look for cute critters. When we made it the watering hole, campers got to go fishing after spending some time enjoying their surroundings during a peaceful sit-spot. 

We wrapped up an incredible week of camp with a super fun Friday! Our Forest Villagers played a magical game where they carefully tried to sneak up and collect “magic wands” without the blindfolded guard noticing. Forest Explorers spent the morning playing exciting games throughout the woods, including challenges that tested their patience and teamwork as they tried to collect fruit before the counselors spotted them. Pathfinders cooled off at the creek by skipping rocks at watermelons and then enjoying a refreshing watermelon snack by the water.

In the afternoon, Forest Explorers and Pathfinders came together for an energetic game of Ospreys: campers versus counselors. To finish the week, campers worked together to take down the shelter they had built earlier in the week before celebrating with one last adventure jumping and playing in the giant pile of leaves left behind. It was the perfect ending to another week full of adventure, teamwork, and unforgettable memories! 

Wilderness explorers on a hike 

Photo Gallery by Maddy Getty, Greta Sanford, and Hallie Allport July 20th-24th