Skies. Give campers the ability to save not only their camp, but the planet, from an alien takeover. An alien invasion might seem like a hard premise to turn into camp programming initially, but this theme allows for teaching teamwork to a cabin group working together to defeat the aliens that have taken over their camp. Cabin groups must rescue any captured cabin mates, use their map skills to locate food and information on the invaders, solve the mystery on how to defeat the aliens, and use their new information to take back the camp. It is a fun theme that allows for all of camp to play. TNT has also provided a national tool kit for camps to use to assist with bringing alien invasion to their camp: www.fallingskies.com/downloads. Success in Encouraging Learning The day camps and resident camps that have chosen to focus on developing these themes into fully themed programs have experienced great early success. The demand for combining camp skills, facilities, and magic with popular themes that are relevant for today’s kids has been tremendous. With concern for summer reading and learning loss high, there are now programming ideas that encourage reading and enhance campers’ curiosity to learn more about stories and creative arts. Summer camp can be more than the magic of the summer season; it can be an educational partner. The advantage of a natural learning environment and unique delivery method makes a connection with kids — one that sparks a desire to learn, explore, and find answers. These are learning attributes that any teacher appreciates when the student returns to the classroom. Photos on pages 52–53 courtesy of Trackers Earth-Sellwood, Portland, Oregon. Reference UC Davis. (2013). Relaxation techniques. Retrieved from www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/ hr/hrdepts/asap/Documents/Relaxation_ Techniques.pdf Jeff Merhige is the executive director of the Joe C. Davis Outdoor Center / Camp Widjiwagan in Nashville, Tennessee. He has been professionally involved with camping for over twenty years. He and his wife, Amy, met at camp, and have two children, Sydney and Luke. CAMPING magazine • March/April 2014 55
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