I'm a big believer that you can never be too organized. People come to my camp and can't believe how organized and smoothly run everything is. It's no accident. I have a lot of experience running camps, but I also try to plan for everything. These are some questions I ask myself each year as I'm planning camp.
Scheduling questions to ask yourself
How many days will your camp run?
What time will staff arrive?
What time will cubs arrive?
What time will camp begin?
How long will opening ceremony be?
How long will each station last?
How much time is there between stations?
How many stations will there be each day?
When is lunch? How long will it last? (include time for lunch program)
How long will closing ceremonies last?
What time is camp over?
When can staff go home?
When will den times be scheduled?
When will familes be involved in the program?
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Rainy Day Ideas
Having a "rainy day plan" is part of the BSA National Standards. This plan allows your camp to continue to run smoothly when unexpected events happen. Here are some suggestions of activities you could include in your rainy day plan. You also need to decide what will happen if you have to evacuate your camp due to a severe weather event like thunderstorms. Is there a nearby structure you can move to and continue camp at? Will everyone need to sit in cars until the event is over? What will they do if they're stuck in cars? Where I live, rainy days are a part of life. Most of my camp activities can continue on as planned because we borrow enough portable canopies for each station class. The few activities that might need modification are identified ahead of time and I'm ready with supplies for an alternate activity.
My biggest suggestion for rainy day activities is encouragement to keep your enthusiasm and spirits up. You might be stressed, unhappy that things aren't going the way you wanted, but I truly believe that the participants at your camp are unable to have a better attitude and energy than you. As you go around your camp, sign "Singing in the Rain" at the top of your lungs. Buy a fun umbrella hat and stash it in your things in case you need it. (umbrella hat) Be silly and show the boys and adults that a bit of bad weather can't ruin camp.
*Gumdrop Structures: You will need gumdrops and/or marshmallows (15 to 25 per child), toothpicks, 8"X11" pieces of cardboard or heavy card stock (1 per child), glue, and 2 bowls.
Place gumdrops and toothpicks into bowls. Demonstrate to younger scouts how to poke toothpicks through gumdrops. Allow time for children to create house-like structures out of their construction materials. Glue each structure to a piece of cardboard for display.
*Nuts and Bolts: Tie one end of the string to a stick or dowel and tie the other end to a horseshoe magnet - this will be a "crane". Fill a large box with nuts and bolts, and place it on the ground outside. Put a sawhorse a few feet away from the box. Put a pan or bucket on the other side of the sawhorse.
Have each child, in turn, go up to the sawhorse and swing the "crane" into the nuts and bolts box, picking up as many as the magnet will hold. The child then swings the nuts and bolts over to the pan. A helper counts and records the number of items picked up and then returns them to the box. Award a prize to the child who collects the most items.
*Bingo: Make bingo cards ahead of time. Have a bag of skittles for bingo markers. Try some fun bingos like: 4 corners, letters (X, T, C, U)
*Tell a fun story with sound effects the boys can make
*Hand out skit bags filled with props that must be used in a skit.
*Genius Kits
What is a Genius Kit?
Well it’s a group of 20 or more odds and ends thrown together into a container and given to a boy to turn into something. (Variations include letting the boys pick their own items from a large open container, but again, the items are odds and ends.) What is the purpose of the Genius Kit activity? The object is to let the kids use their imaginations to come up with some of the most unbelievable creations from the junk they have. You will be amazed at the results!
How do you run a Genius Kit activity?
I have seen them run two different ways. First, as said above, is to give the kids a chance to pick their own items from a general junk bin and then let them work on making their creations. The other way is to give each boy an identical Genius Kit and have each on come up with his own creation.
My biggest suggestion for rainy day activities is encouragement to keep your enthusiasm and spirits up. You might be stressed, unhappy that things aren't going the way you wanted, but I truly believe that the participants at your camp are unable to have a better attitude and energy than you. As you go around your camp, sign "Singing in the Rain" at the top of your lungs. Buy a fun umbrella hat and stash it in your things in case you need it. (umbrella hat) Be silly and show the boys and adults that a bit of bad weather can't ruin camp.
*Gumdrop Structures: You will need gumdrops and/or marshmallows (15 to 25 per child), toothpicks, 8"X11" pieces of cardboard or heavy card stock (1 per child), glue, and 2 bowls.
Place gumdrops and toothpicks into bowls. Demonstrate to younger scouts how to poke toothpicks through gumdrops. Allow time for children to create house-like structures out of their construction materials. Glue each structure to a piece of cardboard for display.
*Nuts and Bolts: Tie one end of the string to a stick or dowel and tie the other end to a horseshoe magnet - this will be a "crane". Fill a large box with nuts and bolts, and place it on the ground outside. Put a sawhorse a few feet away from the box. Put a pan or bucket on the other side of the sawhorse.
Have each child, in turn, go up to the sawhorse and swing the "crane" into the nuts and bolts box, picking up as many as the magnet will hold. The child then swings the nuts and bolts over to the pan. A helper counts and records the number of items picked up and then returns them to the box. Award a prize to the child who collects the most items.
*Bingo: Make bingo cards ahead of time. Have a bag of skittles for bingo markers. Try some fun bingos like: 4 corners, letters (X, T, C, U)
*Tell a fun story with sound effects the boys can make
*Hand out skit bags filled with props that must be used in a skit.
*Genius Kits
What is a Genius Kit?
Well it’s a group of 20 or more odds and ends thrown together into a container and given to a boy to turn into something. (Variations include letting the boys pick their own items from a large open container, but again, the items are odds and ends.) What is the purpose of the Genius Kit activity? The object is to let the kids use their imaginations to come up with some of the most unbelievable creations from the junk they have. You will be amazed at the results!
How do you run a Genius Kit activity?
I have seen them run two different ways. First, as said above, is to give the kids a chance to pick their own items from a general junk bin and then let them work on making their creations. The other way is to give each boy an identical Genius Kit and have each on come up with his own creation.
Questions to answer when planning your camp
I have planned a lot of day camps. These are questions that you will most likely need to answer at some point. I've found that coming up with answers when you have time to think about it allows you to do much better than when a crisis arises.
Some items you might want to include in your planning
When to send out letters/emails to parents of cubs letting them know about your camp.
When to send out letters/emails to staff notifying them of training dates.
Scheduling training dates, how many will you do? When? Where?
Sending letter to hospital, who is responsible to do it? When will it happen?
Sending letter to fire department , who is responsible to do it? When will it happen?
Scheduling pre camp inspection, who is responsible to do it? When will it happen?
Scheduling camp inspection, who is responsible to do it? When will it happen? Who will attend inspection?
Meeting with Key Staff to divide up responsibility for national standards
Forming dens, who is responsible to do it? When will it happen?
Creating rotation schedule, who is responsible to do it? When will it happen?
Purchasing supplies, especially things that need a lot of lead time, who is responsible to do it? When will it happen?
Having program complete, who is responsible to do it? When will it happen?
Doing a dry run through planned activities, when will it happen?
Sending thank you letters to staff, who is responsible to do it? When will it happen?
Asking for donations from local businesses, who is responsible to do it? When will it happen? Who will oversee to make sure no duplication of asking at same business?
Coordinating when/how you will get any supplies council is providing
Finding a 1st aid person, who is responsible to do it? When will it happen?
Finding a range master and getting them trained, who is responsible to do it? When will it happen?
When is your camp is “closed” to new campers?
Doing an inventory of leftover items, who is responsible to do it? When will it happen?
Purchasing items for trading post, who is responsible to do it? When will it happen?
Creating a camp map showing where stations are, who is responsible to do it? When will it happen?
Promotion plan, who is responsible to do it? When will it happen?
Budget approved, who is responsible to do it? When will it happen?
Staff manual prepared or updated, who is responsible to do it? When will it happen?
National Standards ready for inspection, who is responsible to do it? When will it happen?
Evaluations handed out to staff, who is responsible to do it? When will it happen?
Lunch time entertainment planned and scheduled, who is responsible?
Opening and Closing ceremonies planned, who is responsible to do it? When will it happen?
Recognition items purchased and prepared, who is responsible to do it? When will it happen?
Certificate given to cubs at final closing prepared , who is responsible to do it? When will it happen?
Some items you might want to include in your planning
When to send out letters/emails to parents of cubs letting them know about your camp.
When to send out letters/emails to staff notifying them of training dates.
Scheduling training dates, how many will you do? When? Where?
Sending letter to hospital, who is responsible to do it? When will it happen?
Sending letter to fire department , who is responsible to do it? When will it happen?
Scheduling pre camp inspection, who is responsible to do it? When will it happen?
Scheduling camp inspection, who is responsible to do it? When will it happen? Who will attend inspection?
Meeting with Key Staff to divide up responsibility for national standards
Forming dens, who is responsible to do it? When will it happen?
Creating rotation schedule, who is responsible to do it? When will it happen?
Purchasing supplies, especially things that need a lot of lead time, who is responsible to do it? When will it happen?
Having program complete, who is responsible to do it? When will it happen?
Doing a dry run through planned activities, when will it happen?
Sending thank you letters to staff, who is responsible to do it? When will it happen?
Asking for donations from local businesses, who is responsible to do it? When will it happen? Who will oversee to make sure no duplication of asking at same business?
Coordinating when/how you will get any supplies council is providing
Finding a 1st aid person, who is responsible to do it? When will it happen?
Finding a range master and getting them trained, who is responsible to do it? When will it happen?
When is your camp is “closed” to new campers?
Doing an inventory of leftover items, who is responsible to do it? When will it happen?
Purchasing items for trading post, who is responsible to do it? When will it happen?
Creating a camp map showing where stations are, who is responsible to do it? When will it happen?
Promotion plan, who is responsible to do it? When will it happen?
Budget approved, who is responsible to do it? When will it happen?
Staff manual prepared or updated, who is responsible to do it? When will it happen?
National Standards ready for inspection, who is responsible to do it? When will it happen?
Evaluations handed out to staff, who is responsible to do it? When will it happen?
Lunch time entertainment planned and scheduled, who is responsible?
Opening and Closing ceremonies planned, who is responsible to do it? When will it happen?
Recognition items purchased and prepared, who is responsible to do it? When will it happen?
Certificate given to cubs at final closing prepared , who is responsible to do it? When will it happen?
Crafts and Woodworking ideas
Crafts and woodworking are only part of a successful day camp program. The things the boys bring home will give the parents an impression of what kind of camp you held. Focus on providing a few quality projects for the boys instead of something at each class.
The key to successful projects is planning: before, during, and after the activity.
Before:
Where to find ideas: library books, Family Fun Magazine, internet search (especially if you include “birthday party” in search), old Pow Wow books, library/community programs, Cub Scout Leader How to Book, Cub Scout Program Helps
Things to consider:
Age Appropriate: Different crafts/projects for different ranks
Time to complete: It will take the tigers longer to do a craft than the webelo 2.
Theme related: camp is to do fun projects and things that are difficult to complete in a standard den meeting, not to “get them their rank”
Cost: work within your budget
Your camp setting: access to electricity, running water, tables, protection from wind
Your camp history: has there been a history of boys doing certain woodcrafts at each rank? If so, boys coming up are looking forward to those crafts, how will you address this?
Supplies: Some items are consumable and you need enough for each boy plus some for breakage/mistakes. Some items can be used again and again but you need enough for each boys (ex. if there are 10 cubs, you need 10 hammers)
Prep. Work: Are there things that need cut out ahead of time, if so who will do that?
Safety: Follow BSA standards for using tools,knives, etc.
Learn from my mistakes! Do a dry run and allow yourself to only use the materials you've set aside for the class. Then, have the person teaching the class do the same thing.
During:
Follow BSA safety standards. Safety glasses must always be worn when working with wood tools such as hammers, saws or drills.
Determine how materials will be given out, either as kits or one piece at a time.
Determine how to monitor supplies to make sure there are enough for all cubs
How will construction be demonstrated? Shown step by step, partially completed projects as examples, posters with illustrations...
What is the plan if the project is completed faster than expected?
What is the plan if the project is not completed in time? How will incomplete projects be stored to get them back to the boys quickly and easily? When will they be able to complete it?
Remember to have the boys place their name on the project
After:
Recognize the hard work of the boys, emphasizing the cub scout motto of “do your best” and talk about core values used in completing project.
Three choices for what to do with the project when it's done and things to consider
Will they carry it with them for the rest of the day? Is it ackward? Are they carrying other things? What will happen to projects that get forgotten at later stations?
Will they return it to their den site? Will the class end early to allow time to return to den site? Is there time during the normal passing period to return to den site?
Will they leave it at the station and retrieve it later? How will projects be sorted for quick retrieval? What will you do with unclaimed projects?
What will station leader do with leftover supplies? Are they needed for another class, if so whose responsibility will it be to get them to the other class? What will happen with left over wood kits? (are they being returned for credit, resold for profit, or stored for future years)
Provide an evaluation to the station leader to get her feedback on the project
It is likely some boys will forget their projects the last day, what will happen to them?
The key to successful projects is planning: before, during, and after the activity.
Before:
Where to find ideas: library books, Family Fun Magazine, internet search (especially if you include “birthday party” in search), old Pow Wow books, library/community programs, Cub Scout Leader How to Book, Cub Scout Program Helps
Things to consider:
Age Appropriate: Different crafts/projects for different ranks
Time to complete: It will take the tigers longer to do a craft than the webelo 2.
Theme related: camp is to do fun projects and things that are difficult to complete in a standard den meeting, not to “get them their rank”
Cost: work within your budget
Your camp setting: access to electricity, running water, tables, protection from wind
Your camp history: has there been a history of boys doing certain woodcrafts at each rank? If so, boys coming up are looking forward to those crafts, how will you address this?
Supplies: Some items are consumable and you need enough for each boy plus some for breakage/mistakes. Some items can be used again and again but you need enough for each boys (ex. if there are 10 cubs, you need 10 hammers)
Prep. Work: Are there things that need cut out ahead of time, if so who will do that?
Safety: Follow BSA standards for using tools,knives, etc.
Learn from my mistakes! Do a dry run and allow yourself to only use the materials you've set aside for the class. Then, have the person teaching the class do the same thing.
During:
Follow BSA safety standards. Safety glasses must always be worn when working with wood tools such as hammers, saws or drills.
Determine how materials will be given out, either as kits or one piece at a time.
Determine how to monitor supplies to make sure there are enough for all cubs
How will construction be demonstrated? Shown step by step, partially completed projects as examples, posters with illustrations...
What is the plan if the project is completed faster than expected?
What is the plan if the project is not completed in time? How will incomplete projects be stored to get them back to the boys quickly and easily? When will they be able to complete it?
Remember to have the boys place their name on the project
After:
Recognize the hard work of the boys, emphasizing the cub scout motto of “do your best” and talk about core values used in completing project.
Three choices for what to do with the project when it's done and things to consider
Will they carry it with them for the rest of the day? Is it ackward? Are they carrying other things? What will happen to projects that get forgotten at later stations?
Will they return it to their den site? Will the class end early to allow time to return to den site? Is there time during the normal passing period to return to den site?
Will they leave it at the station and retrieve it later? How will projects be sorted for quick retrieval? What will you do with unclaimed projects?
What will station leader do with leftover supplies? Are they needed for another class, if so whose responsibility will it be to get them to the other class? What will happen with left over wood kits? (are they being returned for credit, resold for profit, or stored for future years)
Provide an evaluation to the station leader to get her feedback on the project
It is likely some boys will forget their projects the last day, what will happen to them?
Knights Theme Class: Haberdashy
Medieval people didn't have pockets in their clothes, they hadn't been invented yet. They carried around small pouches or little bags attached to their belts. They might contain combs, handkerchiefs, sweet smelling herbs, or coins. Some ladies wore belts under their dresses and they had slits in their skirts called fitchets to reach through. People also wore a sock like bag called an almoner. They kept money in it, called alms, to give to street beggers. Each boy will made a pouch pocket and almoner. The almoner was a sock that was tied to their belt (or belt loop if they weren't wearing a belt). Into the almoner, they put gold spray painted pebbles which they were collecting through doing good deeds in order to redeem at a special spot at headquarters.
To make the pocket, we cut a rectangle of felt 4"x10". Fold the felt over 4", sew each side. Cut two slits through the 2" section that is visible at the top. Thread belt through this. Decorate the front of the pocket as desired. We had feathers, leather lacing, pony beads, and other items for the boys to use to decorate their pocket pouch.
To make the pocket, we cut a rectangle of felt 4"x10". Fold the felt over 4", sew each side. Cut two slits through the 2" section that is visible at the top. Thread belt through this. Decorate the front of the pocket as desired. We had feathers, leather lacing, pony beads, and other items for the boys to use to decorate their pocket pouch.
Knights Theme Class: Heraldry
For this class, each boy made a shield with a personal coat of arms on it.
I was able to get cardboard sheets free from Costco. They were the kind that are put between pallets of food. We used a jigsaw to cut the sheets into circles for the shields. We gave the boys information about what certain colors and images have traditionally symbolized and they decorated the front.
We also made hot dog sticks which we used at the closing ceremony to "knight" each boy. The hot dog stick was a piece of 1" dowell with a hole drilled in it as a handle and a piece of thick wire glued into the hole. The boys decorated the handle with sharpies. We kept the hot dog sticks until the closing ceremony.
I was able to get cardboard sheets free from Costco. They were the kind that are put between pallets of food. We used a jigsaw to cut the sheets into circles for the shields. We gave the boys information about what certain colors and images have traditionally symbolized and they decorated the front.
We also made hot dog sticks which we used at the closing ceremony to "knight" each boy. The hot dog stick was a piece of 1" dowell with a hole drilled in it as a handle and a piece of thick wire glued into the hole. The boys decorated the handle with sharpies. We kept the hot dog sticks until the closing ceremony.
Knights Theme Class: Chivalry
Tigers, Wolves and Bears: Promise, Motto, Law of the Pack, Core Values
Webelos: scout oath, law, motto, slogan, outdoor code
background: Chivalry is a term related to the medieval institution of knighthood. It is usually associated with ideals of knightly virtues, honour and courtly love. The word comes from the French word chevalier which means knight.
We likened the cub scout promise, slogan, and law of the pack as examples of chivalry. We did some games to work on memorizing them.
Throw the ball game: Have the boys stand in a circle. The boy says one word from the thing you are memorizing and tosses the ball to someone else who adds the next word. Continue throwing the ball until the phrase is complete.
Toss and Answer: Make a large square on the ground with spray paint. Divide it into 9 sections. Place an index card in each section with something they are working on (ex. Cub sign, salute, law of pack, motto, promise, core values. Divide the boys into two teams, giving each a different color bean bag. Have the boys toss a bean bag at the grid and recite what they land on. If they get it correct, their marker remains. 1st to get three in a row wins.
I made bingo cards with the core values and the boys used skittles as markers.
I used this bingo card generator for my cards.
This was a great time to do a character connection about one of the core values.
Webelos: scout oath, law, motto, slogan, outdoor code
background: Chivalry is a term related to the medieval institution of knighthood. It is usually associated with ideals of knightly virtues, honour and courtly love. The word comes from the French word chevalier which means knight.
We likened the cub scout promise, slogan, and law of the pack as examples of chivalry. We did some games to work on memorizing them.
Throw the ball game: Have the boys stand in a circle. The boy says one word from the thing you are memorizing and tosses the ball to someone else who adds the next word. Continue throwing the ball until the phrase is complete.
Toss and Answer: Make a large square on the ground with spray paint. Divide it into 9 sections. Place an index card in each section with something they are working on (ex. Cub sign, salute, law of pack, motto, promise, core values. Divide the boys into two teams, giving each a different color bean bag. Have the boys toss a bean bag at the grid and recite what they land on. If they get it correct, their marker remains. 1st to get three in a row wins.
I made bingo cards with the core values and the boys used skittles as markers.
I used this bingo card generator for my cards.
This was a great time to do a character connection about one of the core values.
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