Daily Activities

The Goals of Camp AmeriKids

• Enhance self-esteem
• Make new friends
• Discover new interests and creative talents
• Develop life skills

New Ideas and Skills

One of the many wonderful things about camp is the endless creative energy that exists and is expressed while our community is together. Camp AmeriKids provides an opportunity for children to explore their interests in many fields while often discovering new talents. Whether it is in the form of a structured activity where teaching, learning and collaborating are happening in unison, or whether it is a spontaneous song, dance, or ad-libbed poem coming from a camper or counselor while at the lunch table—we find inspiration in everything, and let our imaginations run wild.

African Drums

A long-standing element in our daily camp program has been a partnership with Sounds of Afrika, a drum and dance troupe based in New York City. Every summer on the opening night of camp, Sounds of Afrika welcomes our campers with a special performance. During the week, a member of the troupe stays with us at camp, teaching daily drum lessons. Campers are introduced to African drumming techniques as well as instructed in the cultural framework and significance of different rhythms. Oftentimes these classes are held outside under the trees, and their playing is fundamental to the soundtrack of our days.

Arts & Crafts

Arts & Crafts is a traditional part of any camp experience and we make sure our kids return home with all the camp staples: tie-dyed tee shirts, lanyard friendship bracelets, knotted key rings and paper mache. Also, under the guidance of talented instructors, campers make creative use of a variety of materials, completing more ambitious projects like intricate mosaics, painted murals and stained glass art.

Dance

Through the Dance Program at Camp AmeriKids, children are given the opportunity to learn various kinds of dance movement. With an extraordinarily talented staff of professional performance artists who travel from Australia and New Zealand each year, this is one of our most popular activities. Through an intensive process of rehearsals and choreographing sessions over the course of the week, innovative dances are put together and performed at our special Talent Show.

Drama

In the Camp AmeriKids Drama workshop, campers build confidence while engaging in fun improvisational exercises. Our talented instructors encourage them to think in new ways and actively participate both as an individual and as part of a group. Throughout their time in Drama, kids wear many different creative hats. Whether it is brainstorming plot ideas, writing scripts, putting together costumes, taking the stage as an actor or directing from the sidelines, every child is involved in the production of an original piece.

Music Production

New to Camp AmeriKids in 2008, Music Production is an elective offered to those in Upper Camp (12–15 year olds). With state-of-the-art equipment and a professional musician/producer overseeing the projects, campers follow the creative process from composition through to a finished recording. These are shared with everyone at camp and posted on the website for all to enjoy. For young adults aspiring to a career in the music industry, this workshop provides an incredible opportunity for hands-on experience.

Singing

Singing is integral to our culture at camp. We sing at mealtimes, sing around the camp fire, sing as we walk between activities and sing lullabies at night. We also have a time set aside for more in depth study of music. In our Singing workshops, campers learn about composition and music notation, and beautifully complex harmonies can be enjoyed by all within hearing range of the music room. Whether as part of a group or bravely choosing the spotlight in a solo, campers take their songs out of the classroom and bring them to the stage as part of our Talent Show.

Spoken Word/Poetry

An important part of our camp program is Spoken Word. This activity combines writing with public speaking and offers a venue for campers to express their thoughts and emotions in a supportive environment. Each child receives a journal in which they can write creatively or in response to questions and issues introduced by the instructor. Some campers compose free-form verse to share in class, while others choose to recite their work in front of the entire camp community at mealtimes or in the Talent Show.

Sports

Camp AmeriKids offers instruction through a well coached Sports program. Each day, campers improve their athletic expertise in familiar areas while learning new techniques. Classes also introduce everyone to the rules and skills involved in less familiar sports such as rugby. Once the basics are down, teams are formed and games played in the spirit of friendly competition. Whether new to athletics or an old pro, everyone enjoys this activity.

Swimming

Swimming is a big part of camp and our campers spend a lot of time in the water. There are small instructional swim sessions in the mornings and a free swim every afternoon. Everyone in our camp community understands the importance of knowing how to swim, and there is nothing more exciting than watching another child learn how to float, tread water or dive. These occasions are enthusiastically celebrated by all!

Teambuilding

At camp we provide the opportunity to develop important life skills through a teambuilding program. During these workshops, we run various challenge games in which our campers develop their abilities in communication, leadership, and cooperation. Each child’s participation is crucial to the success of the group, and facilitators ensure that everyone is actively involved and engaged in the processes of problem solving. During the week, our older campers participate in a high-ropes adventure course, which is designed to help them focus on teamwork, trust and building confidence.

Video Production

Video Production is a favorite activity among our campers who can’t wait to take part in the many ongoing projects during a camp session. Thanks to a generous grant from MasterCard that provided us with the necessary equipment, all of our campers enjoy video workshops throughout the week. And for the real enthusiasts, an intensive program is offered. Through an interactive and fun curriculum, campers exercise their creative skills in developing project ideas (like a news broadcast, music video or series of commercials) and writing scripts. They also learn many technical skills working with the cameras, microphones and light systems, as well as in the use of computers to edit the footage.