The following gives you an explanation of activities offered during Choice Periods.Whether you develop better skills at an activity or learn something new, Camp W has a lot of unique activities geared to every individual child. Please read the descriptions and if you have any questions, call the camp office.

SPORTS:

Basketball(Fun Fact):The very first game of basketball was played with a soccer ball.

Campers take part in a variety of fundamental drill work.We incorporate a variety of drills designed to improve ball-handling, shooting, passing, defense, decision-making and more. We break down the basic principles of how to properly shoot the basketball and work with a variety of drills that help master the proper technique. Using fun games campers will learn to play the game. Campers will also play “Knock Out”, “Horse” and “Around the World” as well as traditional zone basketball.

Capture the Flag (Fun Fact): Capture the Flag is popular with urban gamers, who play in urban environments and use cell phones to communicate.

Capture the flag is played on an outdoor field, which is divided into two territories. Both teams get five minutes to hide their flags. Once the flags are hidden, the game begins. Obviously, in order to win the game, you must capture the other team's flag and bring it back to your own territory. But if an enemy team member grabs you while you're standing on their part of the field, they are allowed to take you straight to jail (which is a small patch of land in their territory). You can be freed from jail if one of your team members touches you, and there's no limit to how many times you can be thrown back into the slammer.

Cheerleading (Fun Fact): Cheerleading is over 100 years old. In the beginning, all cheerleaders were men.

If you have spirit, lots of energy and like to perform, then this activity is just for you! Learn all of the fundamentals of cheerleading. Cheers, Motions, Dance, Jumps, Kicks, Voice Projection. You will learn group cheers, some lifts, jumps, and routines. If you like you can perform them in front of the whole camp, on Visiting Day and at inter-camp athletic competitions. Hip Hip Hooray!!!

Gymnastics (Fun Fact): Shannon Miller is now the most decorated female American gymnast of all time.

Our gymnastic program involves all aspects of agility, balance and coordination. Children develop gross motor skills with this activity. Gymnastics allows each child to strengthen his or her core muscles. Tumbling, cartwheels, walkovers and balancing are just a few of the gymnastic skills taught at camp.

Dodgeball (Fun Facts): Dodgeball was first played in Africa over 200 years ago. Instead of soft balls, players threw rocks and putrefied matter at the opposing team, while also defending their own teammates who were under attack. The exercise was meant to encourage team-work for when the players went into battle with other tribes.

Dodge to the left, and to the right as you play an old time friendly game of Dodgeball. We use nerf balls (don’t worry parents) as the kids throw and dodge to get their opponents out. Prison Break is one of our favorite games because you never know from which direction the ball may be thrown from.

Fitness & Training(Fun Facts): Physical activity! Science shows that aerobic exercise may do more to help bolster thinking than thinking itself.

Fitness is a fun way to give campers a way to stay healthy physically and mentally. It is a way that accomplishes the achievement of a physical task that builds self-esteem and confidence. Rowing machines, Bicycles and our state of the art Trek Machines are sure to bring out the Rocky Balboa in you.

Football (Fun Fact): The ball used in professional football has remained exactly the same size and shape for 120 years - 28inches in circumference.

24, 13, 20 …Hike! Catch the ball as a wide receiver and play the basic rules of football. Instead of tackling your opponent you simply pull or rip a Velcro flag off the opposing player’s waist. Played on our newly lined Football Field.

Floor Hockey (Fun Fact): The first hockey puck, used during outdoor pickup games in the 1800s, was reportedly made of frozen cow dung.

A friendly game similar to ice hockey. Indoor hockey or Floor Hockey is played in our gym with plastic hockey sticks and a rubber puck. Campers try to score the puck in the opponent’s goal. Sticks are never allowed to be raised passed the knees for safety reasons.

Ga Ga (Fun Fact): Gaga –translates to “touch, touch” in Hebrew and originated in Israel.

Ga Ga is played in a huge octagon pit using a foam dodgeball. Players can hit the ball with their hands but can’t pick up the ball and throw it. If the ball touches a player from the knees down they are out. Last player in the pit wins.

Handball (Fun Fact): Handball is an Olympic sport. It’s a mix of soccer and basketball.

This game is played with a foam or soft lightweight ball. Players pass the ball while only taking 3 steps. They call to their teammates and work together using only their hands to throw the ball into the opposing team’s goal.

Miniature Golf (Fun Fact): By the 1950s, the greens on mini-golf courses were made of dyed goat hair.

Play the front 9 or the back 9 at our Mini Golf Course. This course has 9 holes of putting short distances. Obstacles such as ramps, windmills and tubes challenge our campers to make a hole in one or a birdie.

Newcomb (Fun Fact): Developed in 1895 by Clara Baer, a physical education instructor at Sophie Newcomb College, Tulane University in New Orleans

Can you catch a volleyball? This game is similar to volleyball but instead of a volley you catch the ball and throw it over the net. If the ball is dropped head to the sidelines until your teammate catches the ball with one hand and you are right back in the game again.

Pilo Polo (Fun Fact): is a popular recreation and physical education game that has been around for over 40 years.

This game is similar to floor hockey but players use a foam stick and a foam ball instead of a puck. Each team has six players and a goalie. The object is to get the foam ball into the opposing team’s goal.

Soccer (Fun Fact) : Developed in Newgate Prison, London in the early 1800s. Prisoners who had their hands cut off for crimes of theft came up with a sport that used only the feet.

Learn the basics of passing, kicking, and defense. Campers will strengthen their skills through scrimmages and games. Join us on the soccer field for this high-energy game! Grades 4-5 will make the camp soccer team.

Softball/Batting Cage(Fun Fact): The first softball wasn’t even a ball, a fan had thrown a rolled up boxing glove at a Harvard supporter, who hit it back with a stick.

Practice hitting, fielding throwing and learn or improve your skills. Join Camp W’s softball team and compete against local day camps in the area. All skill levels are welcome. The camp softball team is for grades 6th through 8th. The camp softball team practices every day during 5th and 6th period.

Tower Power (Fun Fact): Evan loves this game.

A game similar to dodgeball but instead of throwing the ball at other campers you are throwing the ball at opposing teams tower. The tower is a pyramid made a huge cup stacking bowls. Campers try and protect their tower while throwing the nerf balls at opposing teams tower.

Wiffleball (Fun Fact): The Wiffle® ball was originally created from discarded perfume packaging.broomstick handles were used to make the first Wiffle ball bats.

Similar rules to softball but the game is played with a plastic bat and plastic ball. A special fence is placed in the outfield and when the Wiffleball is hit over the fence it’s an automatic homerun and the crowd goes wild…

TECHNOLOGY:

Coding For Video Games (Fun Fact) : Computer code might look like a foreign language, but it is a language anybody can pick up quickly, with a little practice!

The trend to teach coding is exploding. With tech-filled futures ahead of this Generation, we provide the skills necessary in our highly digital society. Using different coding techniques.Campers will learn how to design a video game using Star Wars, Minecraft, Frozen, Angry Birds, Plants and Zombies.

Digital Animation(Fun Fact) : Snow White, which premiered in 1937, was the first American animated feature film.

Ready, Set Draw…Campers will design their own custom animation using digital photography animation programing as well as scanners. Campers will investigate and create original designs and learn beginner level animation techniques.

Digital Photography(Fun Fact) : The first every digital camera to be created was in December 1975and took 23 seconds to create first photograph.

Do you love taking photos? We will use digital Cameras to explore the world around us at Camp W. Campers will enjoy photo challenges, photo scavenger hunts and create collages. Campers will learn photo editing software to alter and adjust photos they have taken, just like the professionals.

How to be a DJ(Fun Fact) : This sound wasaccidentally discovered using the scratching technique when a dj manually moves the record up and down on the needle warping the sound.

Its music to my ears, Spin music, and blend different beats to make a masterpiece. Get an opportunity to mix and invent new sounds on our state of the art DJ equipment. Feel the rhythm and move to the sound of your own beat.

Video Production(Fun Fact) : The most viewed YouTube video is this Gingham Style.

From angle direction to zooming up close, campers learn how to video tape a game or special event. Using their video skills campers will have an opportunity to learn how to edit for production so the camp can view it the end of the two weeks. A masterpiece in the making.

Website Design(Fun Fact) : Most web pages are built using more than one programming language.

Using multiple digital techniques, campers will design their own original website. Campers will learn about hosting, designing and maintaining a website as well as the digital arts through the web.

Specialty:

Camp Newspaper (Fun Fact) : If everyone recycled their newspapers, we would save 250 million trees each year.

What’s The Real Scoop at Camp W? The Camp W News is published by our newspaper crew. If you enjoy writing, editing, interviewing and/or creating puzzles then take part in this activity. Campers will write articles about weekly events and interview staff members. Everyone gets a printed copy right off the press.

Cooking (Fun Fact) : The twists in pretzels are meant to look like arms crossed in prayers.

Are you hoping to be the next Junior Chef Master? Measure, read ingredients and combine all of it to make the most delicious treats. Your taste buds will start to water for this activity and the best part is you get to eat it after you are done. Yum!!!!

Game Room (Fun Facts) : Pac-Man was invented by the designer Toru Iwatani while he was eating pizza.

A place to go to hang with friends. This activity is filled with many different games that encourages socialization and friendly competition. We have Foosball, air hockey, video games, basketball throw, knock hockey and more. Play side by side your friends to calculate moves to win the game.

Lego Design (Fun Facts) : The LEGO name was created by using the first two letters of the Danish words “Leg” and “Godt,” meaning “play well.”

A Lego Master Builder starts from the ground up. Use your imagination to build whatever you can dream of or choose to build from the many Lego kits like a pirate ship, robot, houses and more. We have basic Legos for beginners and complex lego kits for experienced lego users.

Magic (Fun Facts) : The earliest magicians were considered sorcerers, and they were believed to have supernatural powers.

Abracadabra…The words spoken by a magician. A Professional Magician will demonstrate to campers how to perform magic tricks. As your children master their tricks they will be sureto come home and trick you too. Campers will practice and then have an opportunity to perform for the entire camp.

Plastic Models(Fun Facts) : Building Modelshelps hand-eye coordination, and following instructions and reading specifications sharpens mental powers.

Campers will create models from a variety of choices and with the assistance of our staff. The older the child, the more complex the model.It takes a visual artist to complete these models. Some models include Ferraris, Lamborghinis, helicopters and more. Throughout these two weeks they will gain experience and be able to move on to building more complicated models.

Rocketry/Woodworking (Fun Facts) :Evan likes to build

3,2,1 Blast Off…From easy to complex, campers will learn to build and paint their own rocket. Sorry we will not be rocketing off to anywhere from Camp. In Woodworking you can create your own birdhouse, build a car and many more projects to choose from. Sand, build and paint your projects to bring home.

Academics:

Math Mania (Fun Facts) : Google search engine is a term which is derived from word “googol” which is a mathematical term for the number 1 followed by 100 zeros which reflect infinite amount of search on the internet.

Through consistent practice and lots of fun drills our campers will freshen up on their math skills! A certified math teacher will review basic skills in Math according to grade level, and in an enjoyable way. If needed two teachers will be present.

Reading Comprehension (Fun Facts) : Being a reader means you’re more likely to learn something new every day.

Reading comprehension is the ability to read text, process it, and understand its meaning.
Campers will be taught reading comprehension through fun games along with worksheets and discussion; without feeling like they are in school!

Creative Writing (Fun Facts) : When Dr. Seuss was stuck writing his books, he would go to a secret closet filled with hundreds of hats and wear them till the words came.

Let your imagination run wild on paper. This activity promotes individuality and creativity. Using webbing, outlines, poetry and other techniques, campers will write stories and can submit them to be published in the camp newspaper.

Performing Arts:

Camp Show(Fun Fact) : Solla Sollew is a place where everything is perfect. Both Horton and JoJo want to go there.

This summer, Camp W will be takin a journey into the jungle of Nool and diving into the Circus McGurkus, in “Seussical, the musical Jr. Every camper who signs up for this activity will be getting vocal lessons throughout rehearsals. If you desire to perform on stage, then the camp show is your opportunity to shine. This is a 6-week commitment and campers must be present at camp during weeks 1-6.

Camp Show (Set crew/ Stage crew)

Campers will design the set, props, costumes and all the artistic design for this year’s camp Show. Campers who participate will not only design the look of the show, but be in charge of moving and setting the stage during the production. This is a 2 week commitment. Students do not have to be present from week 1 to participate.

Drama (Fun Fact) : Walt Disney World, Florida, has a record 1.2 million costumes in its theatrical wardrobes.

Do you like to act or perform skits without being in front of a huge audience? This activity will allow you to do just that with other campers under the direction of our drama specialist. Use props to improve and use your imagination to take you to places you have never gone before.

Hip Hop(Fun Fact):A world record for the longest conga dance line was set by 119,986 people in Miami in 1988.

Learn some really fun dance moves with the music pumping and the energy level will constantly be rising. Techniques will be taught so campers can build on the moves each day. Campers will have an opportunity to perform their hip hop dance routine in front of the entire camp.

Newscasters(Fun Fact) : On February 21, 1930 the first news show ever aired on NBC.

Report the camp news, weather and sports just like a regular news reporter. Campers have the opportunity to interview all staff and campers during newscasters. Campers will gather their news reports during the week and then perform on Friday afternoon. Our Newscasters report can be viewed on our Camp W website.

Lip Sync(Fun Fact) : The first Lip Sync Battle was a skit on the Late Show with Jimmy Fallon.

The Voice is looking for you…Want to pretend to be a singer. Love to imitate your favorite musician? This is the perfect activity to do just that. Perform any song you desire and if you want you can also perform your song during closing ceremonies

Fine Arts:

Cartooning/Flip Art (Fun Fact) : Every movie you see at a theater, every TV show you watch, every Youtube video, every iPhone video, every video game, even every IMAX movie works on the very same basic principle as a flipbook.

Learn the art of cartooning and have fun bringing your very own characters to life. You will be taught the techniques to design your own comic book and create your own super hero! Develop your own comic strip or story board. We will even create simple flip books.

Ceramics(Fun Fact) : The term ceramics refers to any clay that has been fired and transformed from fragile dirt-like material to a hard and permanent stone.

Get your hands dirty playing with different types of clay? Create pottery, using slab, coil and pinch pot techniques. Campers will create multiple projects including but not limited to animal sculptures, figures ,vases ,cups and more.

Digital Photography(Fun Fact) : Apple released its first digital camera in 1994, the Apple Quicktake, which was designed by Kodak.

Do you love taking photos? We will use photography to explore the world around us at Camp W. Enjoy photo challenges, photo scavenger hunts and create collages.

Mask Making (Fun Fact) : Earliest use of masks was for rituals and ceremonies, and the oldest found mask is from 7000 BC.

Get creative while we create amazing masks using a variety of sculptural approaches. We will create molds and make eye catching theatrical masks. Maybe it could even be used in our Haunted House…

Mobiles and Wall Hangings (Fun Fact): Tapestries were displayed on walls of castles for insulation during winter as well as for decoration

Design and weave a tapestry, make your own dream catcher, relax to the sounds of your very own wind chime.

Painting (Fun Fact) : It was the Greek philosopher Plato who discovered that you can mix two different paint colors together to produce a third color.

Create paintings inspired by the masters! We will explore many different techniques such as splatter painting, impressionism, abstract painting, portraits, landscapes and much more. Create your own canvas painting.

Paper Mache (Fun Fact) : Literal meaning of Papier Mache is Chewed Paper

Create amazing sculptures using paper Mache. It is sure to relax you with that gooey feeling. As you place your hands into the paper mache feel all your worries slip away.

Puppet Making (Fun Fact) : Puppetry originated around 3000 years ago. Some believe that it originated in China, in the form of shadow puppetry.

Googley eyes, yarn textured hair, fabrics of different colors. We will explore many methods of puppet making, we will create a world of puppetry and even put on a puppet show!!

Scrapbook (Fun Fact) : According to scrapbooking history, people wanted a way to preserve “scraps” that were important to them. Scraps included love letters, greeting cards, business cards, poems and other paper items of importance or sentimental value.

Memories are always fun to look back on.Make beautiful scrapbook pages to share your memories with friends and family. Collage, cut, glue, stamp and accessorize your very own handmade scrapbook.

Amazing Dioramas(Fun Fact) : model representing a scene with three-dimensional figures, either in miniature or as a large-scale museum exhibit.

In this elective we will make 3-D dioramas of some of our favorite things; scenes from our favorite stories, books, animals or vacation destination.
Get your hands dirty playing with different types of clay. Create pottery, animal sculptures, figure and more.

Origami(Fun Fact) : Largest origami crane measures 256 ft 6 inches.

In this class we will learn the Japanese art of paperfolding. We will start the two week class with the basics such as a fan, a boat, a box, and the crane. Each class will become more challenging as we make different animals, flowers, and ninja stars. Students will complete the class with their own catalogue of all the different pieces they have made.

Drawing (Fun Fact) : Cave men were the first artists of the human kind.

For the artist who wants to perfect their drawing skills, this class is a review of the drawing foundations. We will practice with charcoal, work quickly, and get messy! We will study shape and volume, value and line, perspective, and texture. The student will build their confidence in rendering what their eye sees, executing the basic composition, and developing their own personal style.

Toy Making(Fun Fact) : The famous Rubik’s Cube has only one correct choice from 43 quintillion combinations. Yo-yo is the second oldest toy in the world.

For the camper who is always saying, “I can make that”, here is the class where they can. We will be making three different movement toys: a Jacob’s Ladder, an Infinity Cube, and a climbing toy. The camper will be able to personalize each project to make it their own unique piece that they will always want to play with!

Spa Class(Fun Fact) : The Chocolate Spa, in Hershey Pa, have massage treatments that include the Whipped Cocoa Bath, a Chocolate Bean Polish, or a Chocolate Fondue Wrap.

What makes bathbombs fizzy, is there really sugar in a sugar scrub? We will find out the answers to these questions when we make all of our favorites and luxuriate in our creations. We will make glycerin soap, sugar scrub, Lip balm, and bathbombs! Make sure to make extra, because everyone will want some!

DIY Lifehacks(Fun Fact) : refers to any trick, shortcut, skill, or novelty method that increases productivity and efficiency, in all walks of life.

“Ugh, if I only had a…” Did someone say Life hack? It’s a simple solutions to an everyday problems using ordinary objects! You don’t have a pencil case for school? Well how about an empty water bottle and some glue? Problem solved. I keep forgetting where I put my keys, if only I had a tennis ball, a pair of scissors, and some googly eyes! We will be solving these problems and more, one project at a time!