Hello campers and families!
While you are at home getting excited about camp, your summer staff is working hard to prepare for your arrival on Monday! We have learned to do animal chores, canoe, build fires, work in the garden, and first aid. This way, when you arrive we will be well prepared to teach you the skills we have learned.
Here are your counselors learning to do animal chores. During camp, we take pride in caring for our animals every morning. We feed and water the animals and keep their space nice and clean. Teamwork makes the job fun!
After animals chores, your leaders went to their activity for the next block of time. The counselors learned to canoe. Ms. Ellen provided excellent instruction to keep us safe. Then it was time to get into the canoes. At first, some were a little nervous because they had never canoed before. Then with a little practice they raced each other across the pond. Mr. Julian and Ms. Madeline won the race!
After canoeing, it was time to build a fire with a magnifying glass and materials found in the forest. What happened while building the fire? A magnifying glass directed the sun’s rays onto our leaves and lint to start bigger sticks on fire. What was important? Patience on a cloudy day to get direct sunlight. How can we use this when we are camping? Look for a sunny spot with gravel, dried materials, sunshine, and minimal wind. It’s part of the experiential learning process- Do, Reflect, Apply! During survival week, you will get to practice these skills too!
The Tollgate summer team is ready for you to arrive! We cannot wait to share these experiences and many more throughout the summer!