This year, we decided to do just as many camps as we’ve done in previous summers (the 2020 pandemic summer being an obvious exception), only now, we’ve decided NOT to do camps with each other. This has been amazing for each of us. We’ve had more opportunities to grow and explore what we’re capable of outside of the Pig Community. We’ve tried new things, honed existing skills, and stepped up when asked. It’s only mid-summer, but so far, so good.
Emmett did a 2 week Pinocchio camp at the DCPA, auditioning for and getting the part of Pinocchio. Not only was he fantastic, but it was so, so obvious how much he’d grown in his acting skills from the start of the camp to the end of the camp. His director even said so. And, best of all, he said that he didn’t have any anxiety when performing. Yay!
Tessa did a 2 week Avid Outdoor camp, jumping into the same outdoor activities she did at sleep away camp last year, just without the sleeping away. She said that she definitely prefers the water sports, SUPing being her favorite, but she must have also appreciated the land days because her group voted her Most Likely to be an Avid Counselor. Her counselor told Mom that this came down to Tessa not only having he confidence to do things without waiting to be asked, but also having the foresight to think through the processes while taking into account the personalities involved in each activity. Tessa also did a week-long rock climbing camp, where she had fun, but not as much fun as when she was out on the water.
Riley did a Zoo camp and 2 weeks of rock climbing. He loved learning about the zoo animals, and now that the zoo’s so familiar to him (this is his 4th or 5th summer at Zoo Camp), he spends his time searching out new information and hidden gems. Riley’s also greatly improved his climbing skills. He’s working on getting his time down on the speed climbing wall as well as the routes with overhangs. Each day, he has a new best time to report. Nicely done, Riley! He’s also proud of being a leader and a great help with the younger campers.
After 3 weeks of camps so far, Asher has also grown into his inherent fantastic-ness. He started with a local rec center camp, and unlike past camps where he didn’t always want to go back, this time he was excited to see his friends and play everyday. He never wanted to be picked up early, and the counselors reported his great attitude. In art camp, Asher got to work on a spray paint canvas. He was excited to explore this new medium and crafted a wonderful piece. But it was in Survival Skills camp where Asher really shined. He taught his co-campers everything he’d already learned about outdoor survival, even going so far as to bring one of his survival manuals to camp to share with friends. His counselors said that he stepped up helping others while advocating for himself, and that he was a real leader in his group. Yay!
But this summer hasn’t been 100% summer camps. We finally got new sod in the backyard and we are taking advantage of it every chance we get, with night games and Slip ‘n Sliding, our Fourth of July fireworks were epic, and we’ve loved spending time chilling in our comfy home.
After this week, we are taking a road trip to parts north to do some camping. Hopefully, we see some cool animals and interesting sights. We’re planning on stopping at Devil’s Tower, so maybe UFOs will be involved.
Stay tuned…
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