Camp AmeriKids' Goals:
- Respite
- Socialization
- Exploration of new interests
- Enhancement of academic and life skills
- Development of self-esteem
African Drums
A long-standing element to our daily camp program has been a partnership with Sounds of Afrika. This program exposes the campers to drum instruction as well as African culture. The instructor, through his teaching, shares lessons on culture and respect while instructing the campers on drum techniques. This program helps to demonstrate teamwork through drumming; exploring how each player has a task, a sound and a place in the team.
Dance
Through the Dance Program at Camp AmeriKids, our campers are exposed to dance movement. The program is focused on creating choreography for campers as a way of expressing their feelings, with the practice of movement and a talent show performance at the end of the session. Through these lessons, campers acquire new skills and learn how to communicate through dance. With practice and a final dance performance in the talent show, the campers develop a sense of accomplishment and greater sense of self-esteem.
Spoken Word
New to the program in 2005, Spoken Word focuses on helping the campers express emotion in a positive manner. At the start of this program, each child receives a notebook that is their ‘sacred space’ free of judgment and critique. This special notebook is a place for their feelings, thoughts and emotions, allowing the campers to process and capture their thoughts in a productive manner. The instructor helps the campers to compose free-form verse to share in class. Then campers are provided with the opportunity to rehearse and perform in front of the camp community during lunch or at the final talent show. In the Spoken Word Program, campers build presentation skills and learn new avenues for creative expression.
Drama
The Drama Program each year is another opportunity for the campers to develop confidence in public speaking before an audience. This can be a difficult exercise for some campers, but it provides them with the experience that becomes a valuable tool in life. The campers rehearse skits, work on games and group activities. The program focuses on both the individual and the group as a team.
At the end of each session, campers can take their drama skits and perform in the talent show. Campers also have the opportunity to audition for a play that is performed at the end of each session. In both cases, the Drama Program helps campers to develop memory skills through the performance of their skits and gain valuable experience in public speaking
Sports & Swimming
At camp each year the campers have the opportunity to swim in a fresh water lake and to take part in team sports. Their self-esteem is developed through learning new athletic skills - such as treading water and shooting a basketball- in a supportive and non-threatening environment.
Outdoor Leadership
At camp the focus of learning new skills and providing the campers with the opportunity to learn life skills is reflective of our use of outdoor leadership. Campers have the opportunity to work on a low-ropes course, which is designed to help campers focus on teamwork, leadership and trust.
Through the exploration of a variety of outdoor elements and initiative games, the campers are able to develop their life skills in communication, leadership, teamwork and trust. It is an enormous boost to the campers’ self esteem when they assist in the success of the team and have the ability to challenge themselves, and ultimately succeed in completion of the task .
New Ideas and Skills
With the loss of funding for many athletic and creative arts in public schools, camp programs provide the opportunity for campers to explore their interests in many fields, while often learning new talents. Camp AmeriKids offers campers new ideas and the chance to grow and develop beyond the environment of home and school.
