Programming with a Theme Jeff Merhig e The positives for a child who attends a summer camp experience are widely known. Children and youth develop independence, self-esteem, and confidence; they experience positive role model influences; they make friends; and they learn new skills and have new experiences in a safe environment. In recent years, camps have also been asked to focus on improving educational benefits to stay relevant for today’s kids. In response, pop culture and literary-themed camp programs that encourage reading, critical thinking, and character development have evolved. A Summer Learning Solution With addressing summer learning loss a high priority for parents, there is an opportunity for camps to use their unique settings to help kids gain knowledge and learning. Camps with pop culture or literary-themed programming are on the rise, and they combine educational goals with the magic of summer camp. The popularity of great books, iconic pop culture brands, and great storytellers combine with the natural wonder of camp to ignite the imagination and enhance summer learning potential. Learning in natural, relaxed settings (like camp!), is proven to boost focus and problem-solving abilities (UC Davis, 2013), and camp provides the outside experiences kids seem to be lacking in our new technology- and indoor activity–based norms. At literary- and pop culture–themed camps, campers are being encouraged in lessons of character development, reading, math skills, and fun. Meal times become book discussions and activities become learning and skill exercises. And to the campers, all this learning is fun! Imagine the thrill a camper feels at the opportunity to bring his or her favorite books, movies, and/or television series to life. The idea of traveling to a galaxy far, far away, exploring a world of wizards or demigods, or joining the Rangers of Aurelian in missions can become a reality at camp. Preparation The preparation begins for thousands of excited children as summer approaches. Camps must think through the processes of the program, facility, and staff readiness. The school classroom is on break and the natural classroom is in session. How do we make our camps ready to teach these new lessons in our natural setting? First, camp directors need to choose the stories or themes they plan to bring to life. Choose a popular theme or story with a positive base message — one that can be converted into value-teaching activities and games, is appropriate and fun. Campers need to understand the higher societal message within the story and be able to relate; otherwise, the theme — no matter how popular it is — will not benefit the child or the camp. For example, Hunger Games may be popular, but it does not provide an opportunity for positive youth development experiences. Survivor, on the other hand, is a game show where people vote each other out, but in camp we can change that to a vote for people while keeping the activity/teamchallenge premise of the game as part of camp programming. Second, design a storyboard to outline how the program will run and which games will be used to create a full and dynamic experience for the campers. Look at a The popularity of great books, iconic pop culture brands, and great storytellers combine with the natural wonder of camp to ignite the imagination and enhance summer learning potential. normal week of camp activities and overlay the story themes and activities. What fits? What can be themed and converted? What needs to be added to bring the story to life for the kids? What new games or quests need to be added? Thi rd, determine what faci l it y changes, if any, are needed to help set the environment for the kids. Most of the time, camps can achieve this with decorating and signs. But for the more ambitious, building a “tribal council ring,” a Quidditch field, or maybe even chariots for kids to race will help create the setting. Last, hire staff that are first and foremost going to be great counselors. But for fullimmersion, weeklong programs, hire staff interested in playing a role the whole week while also being a counselor and helping to bring a story to life for kids. We have found drama students, education majors, English majors, and counselors who are fans of the story or theme generally want to be a part of the experience. Examples of Themed Programming Survivor Camps can put a twist on Mark Burnett’s Survivor. Camps re-create challenges and
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