Congo Camp 2010

CSI Congo campers taking prints.

These campers "captured" their own prints by using some ink and a mapping out their hand on a piece of a paper.  Seeing some of the skillful prints, we can easily tell how well these campers will be at the forensics they are studying.

The animals before being made.

In EcoQuest, our campers continued to learn about animals and their habitats.  To advance their learning today, the campers had to make more animals to hone in on their understanding of habitats.

The EcoQuesters each selected the animal that they wanted to make (Lions, or Tigers, or Bears . . .) and began to glue the pieces together.

As they make each of these animals, their discussions really amplify how much they know about the natural world.  It is not simply gluing the eyes on, but how the eyes help the animal in the wild. 

It's great to hear and see these campers exploring just how important nature is to our daily lives!

In the Arts & Crafts camp, our artists were painting the birdhouses they made yesterday.  Each group of campers selected the colors they wanted to use and, then, developed a design.
After developing their design, the campers delved into painting their birdhouses.  Each camper approached each birdhouse with a unique plan.

A few campers selected solid-colored sides, while other campers did stripes or similar patterns.  We are anxiously anticipating the final painted products!

There are a few activities to look forward to this coming week, so get ready!

On Wednesday, July 28th, Congo Camp will be hosting a Hat Day & Crazy Hair Day.  You are welcome to wear any hat or make your hair wacky for Wednesday.  **Don't forget to write your name in your hats!**

Then, we keep our campers energized with a "Chillin' Out in July" overnight on Thursday, July 29th.  Our Younger Campers (1st and 2nd graders) will be allowed to stay until 8 o'clock, while our Older Campers (3rd-9th graders) may stay overnight.  The cost is $60 for the overnight and $40 for the 8 o'clock pickup.  The attached flyer has more information and is the RSVP form. 

We hope to see your hats and wacky hair on Wednesday and some excited and energetic faces of campers in the evening on Thursday!

One of our Drama campers showing their acting skills.

The best part of Congo Camp is seeing the many abilities and talents that our campers bring to camp. 
Drama campers will be demonstrating their acting talents over the next two weeks by practicing and performing various skits and scenes. 

To start off the week, these campers had to act as their exact opposites.  This activity showed just how versatile these actors are. 

We know that these campers will be showing just how talented they are over the session and we can't wait to see some of their performances. 

The CSI Congo Campers investigate a crime!

These campers will be solving mysteries all week and they have already started off on their forensic journey. 

One of the animals created by an EcoQuest camper.

Our EcoQuest campers started off their session by exploring the habitat of different animals.  Before delving into creating an animal, the ecoquesters had to figure out what the habitiat of their animal would be. 

Once the habitat was determined, the animal creation started.  With feathers and styrofoam, the campers made animals that were not only lifelike but also colorful.

These ecoquesters will be doing various activities during the week and, also, getting to take a trip out to the aquarium.  We know these campers will be learning about and teaching us a lot this week about animals, plants, and the habitats that surround us! 

The first day is always exciting, but it's also a bit nerveracking to connect with your fellow campers.  No worries, though, our Cracker Barrel counselors are coming to the rescue!

In Cracker Barrel, today, the counselors led day camp groups in activities to learn each others' names and to get to know each other. 

Within moments, our day campers were talking and laughing with each other as if they had known each other for years!  We know these friendships will not only last during the rest of camp, but also after the summer. 

A few of the bands the campers have made!

In Arts and Crafts Camp, these creative campers started the week by decorating slap bands.  These bands curl around the wrist when pressed (or, smacked) against it. 

The crafty campers drew their names and other designs onto the bands to show their personality and to learn about each other.

There are many events planned for the campers this week so be on the lookout for these young artists at work!

Constructing a Solar car in RC world.

RC (Remote Control) World is occurring this session and these campers are already off to a great start. This morning they started to assemble some of the RC sets they have.

One of the ones all the campers are excited to see are the solar-powered cars.  These cars actually have a panel that soaks up the sunlight and turns it into energy.

A few of the other campers are looking forward to the rockets that will be set off this week. Stay tuned to see some of the exciting RC cars, boats, and rockets that will be going off this week!

A few silly bandz that one camper selected to use.

In Arts & Crafts today, the campers started off the session using one of their favorite items: Silly Bandz. 

How do you create art out of Silly Bandz? Well, our Arts & Crafts counselors showed everyone how easy it is.

Firstly, you select your favorite bands.  Then, you select a color with which to outline them.  And, finally, you don't just lay them out flat, but set them up as a design.

Our day campers had lots of fun starting off their session with this activity and we can't wait to see some of the other arts & crafts they will be doing this week!

Teen Travel and Congo Explorers have a full day ahead of them as they start off Session 4 with a tour of Nationals Stadium.

Welcome, everyone! We hope you all are getting excited for session 4.