This week, we are focusing on what it means to be a reliable, committed and trustworthy person.
Dependability
Whether at school, home, or on the playing field, others want to know that you're a team player. Teamwork is a vital part of the camp experience, and dependability is makes camp more interactive and enjoyable for everyone.
Trying New Tastes Together
Who says kids don't like trying new fruits and vegetables? That's certainly not true at our camp!
Each week, campers discovered new and healthy foods with Chef Rice, and embraced new experiences together as a team. Some of our new foods included kiwi, passion fruit, mango, kiwano melon, and papaya. Gathered around, they were able to see what the inside of each fruit looked like as well as understand the taste and texture of them. Campers pledged to take at least one bite of the new foods. Some were hesitant, but with the encouragement of their classmates they realized that they actually enjoyed it! Kids couldn't wait to bring their new discoveries home to share with their families.
Each week, campers discovered new and healthy foods with Chef Rice. As the kids gathered around, they were able to see what the inside of each fruit looked like as well as understand the taste and texture of them. Campers pledged to take at least one bite of the new foods, which included kiwi, passion fruit, mango, kiwano melon, and papaya. Some were hesitant, but with the encouragement of their classmates they realized that they actually enjoyed it! Campers couldn't wait to bring their new discoveries home to share with their families. Mrs. Ellen remarked on how well the kids were responding to these new foods:
"The kids responded really well to the new fruit choices. It's important to show our kids that junk food is not a healthy choice. Fruits and veggies should be more available to kids. It's not enough to give them the choice between a cookie or a banana."
New snacks included homemade pretzels and fruit smoothies. They also learned real life skills like properly measuring ingredients (math), why yeast causes dough to rise (science), and how to make pretzel knots (creativity). Cooking combines attention to detail, following direction and team work for the finished product. Campers were surprised to learn how these new foods tasted even better when combined with other ingredients to make a delicious dish!
Chef Rice also led our older campers (4th - 8th) through Food Labs, in which they prepared healthy snack alternatives to their usual processed items. In the Labs, they learned from Chef Rice that cooking, although fun, requires attention to detail, following directions and team work to achieve the desired outcome. Many were surprised at how much cooking involves science and math, especially when baking. New snacks included homemade pretzels and fruit smoothies. Campers were excited about doing their part, feeling accomplished and working together with their camp family.
Checkmate
The ultimate board game of battle, strategy and risk! Campers enthusiastically learned how to play this 1,500-year-old game from one of our program partners Learning Through Games. For some of our campers it was brand new, for some review, but all enjoyed our afternoon sessions with Aaron Dean (top left).
Two words: UniverSoul Circus!
When I say "Big Top" you say "Circus"! Hang onto your hats, kids. We're going to the circus! You mean that big tent in Lafayette Square? Yep! Once you walk in, you're in another world. A world filled with magic, where anything is possible!
For our weekly field trip, campers and staff once again enjoyed the eclectic, daring and spell-binding performances of the UniverSoul Circus. Lions, clowns, contortionists, dancing dogs, fire-jugglers, and a flying trapeze troupe - every moment was packed with suspense and glamour. This was definitely an experience that we will never forget!
Getting ready to enter the Big Top!
Monte, Alexis, and London pose with Zeke, the Ringmaster's Sidekick.
It Takes A Village
Freetown Village Summer Camp continues to build character and promote team work in children throughout Indiana. Our mission to bring diversity and positive citizenship to the community will take the work and spirit of a village to achieve. Every year, we come closer as a camp family and as a team, having so much fun learning, growing and succeeding together!
We need your help to continue to grow and succeed in bringing positive growth to the Indianapolis community. If your interested in volunteering or donating to the efforts of Freetown Village, please contact us for more information at freetown@freetownvillage.com or 317-631-1870.
