Come summer and here we are already abuzz with the upcoming summer camp experiences. After all those detailed planning and packing for summer camp, its time to get the ball rolling with what to expect in terms of activities and games at summer camp. These help in building leadership, independence and self esteem of the little camper too.
Summer camp activities and games are designed to enrich the theme and moreover help the children become attuned with the schedule, camp setting and people around. These summer camp activities are in addition to all the skill training and teaching to help the little campers stay energized and in high spirits all through the day, also the lesser free time they get the chances of getting homesick also decreases.
Here we bring some summer camp game ideas which are not just for the summer camps, but for any gathering of kids to help them start with ice-breaking and develop stronger team ties. These summer camp activities and games are a medium though which the little campers and camp counselors will get a chance to enjoy some lighter fun filled moments.
Importance of summer camp activities and games:
Activities and games at any stage are very important not only for cognitive and motor development but also to shape the interests and social interactions in everyone. The more we involve in healthy and challenging games and activities, the better we explore our individual self. A way of recreation, learning, mood uplifting and involving in a group these summer camp activities are meant for more than just recreation
1- Summer camp activities and games help in ice breaking:
Ice breaking is very very important for summer camps. The first day or first 2 days of a summer camp are designed such that significant ice breaking occurs and children mingle well with one another and camp environment. Ice breaking helps in providing a common ground for all participants ad brings them close. It also helps in introducing to one another and help in building up the intensity. Participation and enthusiasm are guaranteed with all the ice breaking activities.
2- Summer camp activities and games help in setting the tone of the camp:
These activities at summer camp help in setting the tone in utmost intense and passionate forms. The kids are involved and stimulated with raised spirits and enthusiasm. Which, is the idea for these activities and games in the first place.
3- Summer camp activities and games help in stronger group ties:
The more such games and activities the better are group ties. Group dynamics change when they all are given healthy challenges, are meant to either individually or in a team, fight for a common goal. The little campers begin to associate with each other and start finding comfort and trust among themselves
4- Summer camp activities and games help in overcoming homesickness:
Homesickness and missing parents are very common for kids of this age. But fun-filled and thrilling activities keep them occupied and positively reinforced for the time they spend together. All the activities are to promote independent living and finding comfort in the setting around
5- Summer camp activities and games are full on energy and enthusiasm:
All the activities and games are meant to raise the spirits high of the little campers. This will set the stage for many more days ahead. The tone and rhythm of the summer camp is fueled with such invigorating and enthusing games and activities.
Some ideas for summer camp activities and games:
The ideas are immense and far too many. Just a simple though to keep the momentum going, and pick up any activity, task, game or theme. These must be so designed that it gives a perfect blend of physical, mental and energizing activities with some humor and team bonding embedded within.
1- Hide and seek:
Probably the simplest game and does not require much items, just a large space with some obstacles in between or rooms around , it can be indoor or outdoor. And it helps in raising the energy levels of little campers. Alternately sardines can also be played where only one person hides and the rest of the group searches him.
2- Blob Tag:
In this game the aim is the last person left untagged. Every time a person gets tagged makes a blob with others tagged already and keep finding more to add on. It is a kind of reverse tag. The person left untagged at the end becomes the winner
3- Twister:
A small group can enjoy twister with full energy and enthusiasm. Just make it more fun with chalk markings on ground for twister or out in open say in garden around.
4- Dodge ball:
For a bigger group dodge ball can be fun and energizing. Establish boundaries and make the ball spin in the circle to hit the person inside. Any one who is hit get out from the game. But if the person catches the ball the thrower is out.
5- Acting and skit based games:
These are more fun for later part of evening and have a stage set for some on the spot acting games. Provide chits and give chances to enact the theme so given to them. Group enactments are even better as they help in team bonding and team fun.
6- Earth ball:
Allow all the campers to make a circle and set the big ball flipped high, every one gets a chance as the ball keeps passing in the circle and they don’t have to let it touch the ground. Who ever missed the ball and the ball touches the ground, is out. This continues till the last one left without missing a single ball from catching.
7- Hoola Hoop:
Play the music and give hoops to all the kids and ask them to keep it spinning around their waist or hands or any part you like. People who miss the wiggle and the hoop falls on the ground are out. Play until the last one, who is the winner
8- Building games:
Provide planks or jenga to small groups and ask them them to make a castle. Whichever group makes the tallest castle wins. The catch here is each group member takes chances to put one plank or jenga each. This way all get a chance and as a group they have to win so more team based bonding.
9- Bowling:
Have the bowling set up for the nights at camps. And make it fun with points to whoever hits all the balls or some balls in their chance. The one with highest points wins
10- Tug of war:
The most beloved game at any camp, tug of war is fun and enthusiastic game. Just have a rope and set the parameters. Divide the group in two and enjoy the push and pull
The above compilation on Ideas for summer camp activities and games is to help the little ones get acquainted and enthused for their summer camps, and start mingling with fellow campers and camp counselors. These activities and games would help in ensuring utmost enjoyment, fun and participation which would further the learning and skills training at the summer camp.
So let your kids get out and get going, with these awesome summer camp activities. For those who still have not decided their summer camp pick, check campnavigator resources as we have some of the most exclusive listings for your locality. Be sure to read the reviews and pick your best fit.
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By Minu Manisha
