FIRST WEEK OF SUMMER CAMP

This week is all about building and practicing our backcountry survival skills and putting them to the test.

Tuesday: We started to build our shelters that we could sleep in during our camp out Thursday night. We were all architects balancing sticks, building roofs, and the walls of our shelters. We also explored Beaver Pond in the afternoon and learned about the critters in the pond and how to safely and carefully catch them and observe them. We caught so many huge tadpoles, pollywogs, crayfish, catfish, and so much more! The pond was full of so much to investigate.

Wednesday: We focused on our fire building ability in the morning. We learned the 3 things fire needs to survive; oxygen, fuel, and heat. We also discussed different styles of fire structures, like a long cabin, a-frame, etc. and decided to all work on making a log cabin structure. Every group was given 10 matches that they could use to light there fire. Each group successfully made and lit there fires for a period of time! In the afternoon we went to the Sherman Hollow Brook and explores the wonders there. We also continued to work on our shelters too.

Thursday: With the rainy weather we put off hiking Camel’s Hump and instead stayed at Audubon all day. We worked and finished our shelters and some of us contemplated whether or not they would be slept in overnight. We visited the brook again, played so many field games too. We also played an Audubon Camp Favorite game, Life and Death in the Forest! We set up our tents, enjoyed dinner over a fire and s’mores! We caught fireflies, played flashlight tag, and told stories around the campfire!

Friday: Our day started off quick with breakfast and making sure we were all packed up to hike up Camel’s Hump. We divided into our trail groups and began our journey! Our groups sang songs up the mountain, played games like Contact, and listened to the birds singing. We all summited and enjoyed a beautiful view!