Camp is About More Than Just the Activities: The Value(s) of Camp – Part 2
In part 1 of this blog post, I shared the camp experience is about so much more than just the terrific activities. Camp is a place where kids get to learn and practice many vitally important life-skills that will greatly benefit them as they navigate their school years and whatever path they take in their future. At Camp El Tesoro, each morning we introduce our campers to life skills, which we refer to as the “Values of the Day”. Five of these important life skills were covered in Part 1. Part 2 will cover the remaining four. 6. Respect Many people[...]
WoHeLo Hour: Try New Things
While we can't be together in-person this summer, Camp El Tesoro Staff, Counselors In Training (CITs) and other guests will be sharing weekly camp-at-home activities spotlighting a different theme each week. Enjoy this week's kick-off video below and then set up time to enjoy the weekly activities. Social Connection What is something that you were able to try at camp for the first time? Share a picture through a text to a friend or family member or share with us by posting to social media @CampElTesoro of you doing something that you learned at[...]
WoHeLo Hour: Role Models
While we can't be together in-person this summer, Camp El Tesoro Staff, Counselors In Training (CITs) and other guests will be sharing weekly camp-at-home activities spotlighting a different theme each week. Enjoy this week's video where a long-time El Tesoro camper and now counselor shares who his role models are. Be sure to set aside time to enjoy the weekly activities. Don't forget to keep track of activities on the Camp El Tesoro CAMPO Card Social Connection Camp is full of role models. Not only the counselors and staff members, but CITs and fellow campers.[...]
WoHeLo Hour: Traditions
While we can't be together in-person this summer, Camp El Tesoro Staff, Counselors In Training (CITs) and other guests will be sharing weekly camp-at-home activities spotlighting a different theme each week. This week, our special guest is talking traditions. Camp traditions often happen organically, but many are a passed-down treasure and each generation of campers builds on the foundation. Whether it is 100 years or 100 days old, camp traditions help build relationships, create connections and even give youth the opportunity to be leaders for the next generation. Don't forget to keep track of activities on the Camp El[...]
WoHeLo Hour: Camp Legends
While we can't be together in-person this summer, Camp El Tesoro Staff, Counselors In Training (CITs) and other guests will be sharing weekly camp-at-home activities spotlighting a different theme each week. Pull up a camp chair or comfy stool and settle in for a good Camp Legend. Legends help connect generations of campers through their shared remembrances of classic camp stories. Enjoy this week's actvities and a special Camp Legend told in our video below. Don't forget to keep track of activities on the Camp El Tesoro CAMPO Card - like Bingo, but better. Social Connection[...]
Thriving Thursday: Connecting while Apart
Many families continue to practice social distancing and early learning programs are teaching children about mainting safe distances. All of these changes may be confusing to children who are used to spending time in large groups or are now distanced from extended family members or neighbors. Separation from loved ones can be difficult, especially for younger children who may not understand COVID-19 precautions. This Thriving Thursday, we are proving resources to watch, read and do to help children navigate the feelings they may be experinecing and develop some fun alternatives to maintain the connections that are vital to[...]
WoHeLo Hour: Crafts & Creativity
While we can't be together in-person this summer, Camp El Tesoro Staff, Counselors In Training (CITs) and other guests will be sharing weekly camp-at-home activities spotlighting a different theme each week. This week, we're getting crafty. Watch our kick-off video below featuring a resident camp craft expert and set aside time to enjoy the weekly activities. Don't forget to keep track of activities on the Camp El Tesoro CAMPO Card - like Bingo, but better. Social Connection Making arts & crafts is an essential part of camp. Share a picture on you or your parent's social[...]
Thriving Thursday: Tips for Mental Health
Camp Fire programs support youth in developing healthy mental habits. As adults, we can benefit from these same tips. Building and maintaining mental health - especially in the midst of a health crisis – is critial. This video from Camp Fire Vice President of Outdoor Connection, Brian Miller, provides tips for mental health during these challenging times.
WoHeLo Hour: Camp Songs
While we can't be together in-person this summer, Camp El Tesoro Staff, Counselors In Training (CITs) and other guests will be sharing weekly camp-at-home activities spotlighting a different theme each week. Enjoy this week's video features an original song written and performed by Jacob Summer. Be sure to set aside time to enjoy the weekly activities. Don't forget to keep track of activities on the Camp El Tesoro CAMPO Card Looking for the lyrics and chords for "There's a Rock In My Chaco"? Here they are. Social Connection Singing is an important part of[...]
Thriving Thursday: Summer Goal Setting
Ahh Summer. Longer, lazier days filled with backyard BBQs or picnics in the park with family. While summer is a great time to recharge and get a much-needed break in routines, it is also a great time to reflect on the year and set goals for the upcoming months. Try this fun activity to encourage your child/children to reflect on questions and warm up their critical and creative thinking skills while also having the opportunity to think about their Sparks. Beach Ball Blast Materials Inflated Beach Ball Scissors Tape Printed Questions Activity Cut the questions apart and tape onto beach ball[...]
Thriving Thursday: Happy Talk
Happy Talk In times of stress or uncertainty it can be challenging to talk about our thoughts, feelings or ideas clearly and fully - it can be even harder to listen. These lessons will help your child develop healthy, effective and respectful communication skills that they can use at home, school and with friends.. Communication is how we get a message, idea, thought or feeling to someone else. While this may seem obvious, youth don’t always realize that communication is more than just the words we are saying. Communication is, yes, our words, but it is also our[...]
Thriving Thursday: Creating a Calm Down Kit
Being anxious, frustrated by a situation, overly tired or overly stimulated are all situations that can lead to a child to feel out of control – and act the same way. Having a Calm Down Kit ready to go can help turn a moment of crazy into a moment of calm while also teaching your child ways they can channel their emotions and energy. What is a Calm Down Kit? It is simply a collection of items to help teach children ways to calm down. As adults, we use calming strategies such as deep breathing which may help[...]
