Summer Day Camp Blog

Highlights from Backwoods Ventures

July 6, 2017

Backwoods Explorations 

The first part of the week has flown by, and has been full of so much fun! On Monday, campers worked on team building through orienteering and learning how to use a compass and map, as well as playing their favorite games. During one game, a handkerchief blindfolded Kitt was guided by campers and accidentally fell over Emily, who was balancing bean bags on her head, and everyone shared a laugh! On Wednesday, campers learned how to make a fire, and got to use their new skills to build their own in small groups.  Then, we ventured to the brook where campers played and adventured by the water, and never wanted to leave! Later in the afternoon, campers completed an orienteering course in which they were given various locations on a map and a compass, and utilized their navigation skills to find their way around the woods. They also learned what composes a survival backpack, and which items are essential when it comes to packing for an outdoor adventure. 

A Week in the Woods 

Monday Hike
Campers spent part of the day Monday hiking around the Audubon Property, exploring all of its meadows, forests and waters Photo: Audubon Vermont

This week, campers got to immerse themselves in all kinds of outdoor adventures through hiking, playing, orienteering, investigating, fire building, and so much more to expand on their outdoor skills and knowledge. 

By the Brook
Campers enjoyed spending their free time by the Sherman Hollow Brook, playing in the water, building rock dams, and exploring the area. Photo: Audubon Vermont
Brook Monday
Funky Finds from the brook! Photo: Audubon Vermont
Sit Spot
Campers enjoyed some down time at their personal sit spots, reflecting on the day's adventures in their journals. Photo: Audubon Vermont
Even counselors need down time too!
Even counselors need some down time too! Photo: Audubon Vermont
Fires
Successful fire building in the forest Photo: Audubon Vermont
Group fires
The result of hard work! Photo: Audubon Vermont
Fire
Photo: Audubon Vermont
Fires
Photo: Audubon Vermont
Toad
A local toad came for a visit!
Help from Sammy
All of our counselors, including Sammy, provided some guidance during the orienteering course. Photo: Audubon Vermont
Orienteering
Team building during orienteering Photo: Audubon Vermont

A Look Ahead 

On Thursday, campers will be learning how to build their very own shelters in the woods that they can choose to sleep in for the overnight camping adventure. By popular demand, they will return to the brook for some more fun by the water in the afternoon. We will be playing Life and Death in the Forest, which is an all-time favorite camper game where they get to use their stealth, running and inner animal skills while modeling species dynamics in the forest. Thursday night will bring a cook out and camp out at the Audubon, where campers will sleep in either tents or their shelters if they choose to. Friday morning will start with an early rise and hike to the top of Camel's Hump. This week is truly a week full of outdoor exploration, learning and adventures! 

Group photo
Sometimes you just have to be silly! Photo: Audubon Vermont

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