Wednesday, June 13, 2012

IMAX & Retzer Nature Center

Today we took our first field trip! We started our day at the IMAX theater in the Milwaukee Public Museum and saw the movie, "Dinosaurs!" Some of us were a little afraid at first! 


After the movie we had lunch at the Retzer Nature Center in Waukesha, WI!


We even got to hike around on the trails!



And we found LOTS of things! Like...


...FROGS!...


... and DRAGON FLIES!


We even got to explore in the nature center and learned about fish, birds, and other wildlife! We even got to look at rocks, fossils, and bones!



Tuesday, June 12, 2012

First Few Days!



Over the past couple of days we have been getting to know each other a little better and have even started to decorate the school with things made by our wonderful campers!


Today we played clothespin tag and had a bobsled race! We also created a mini-explosion during science by mixing baking soda and vinegar -- even though we had to experiment a few times! We played a camp favorite in the gym called steal the bacon and we even got to play on the computers! 


For the remainder of this week we will continue to learn each other's names and hope to become close friends!


Reminder: Our field trip is tomorrow! We're going all the way to Milwaukee to see the IMAX movie, Dinosaurs! Afterwards we'll enjoy our delicious lunches at the Retzer Nature Center in Waukesha! Please send your child to camp wearing layers and tennis shoes! 


Learn a little more about our field trip destinations by clicking the links below!


IMAX - Dinosaurs!


Retzer Nature Center

Welcome to Camp!


Welcome back to Summer Day Camp! Most of our wonderful counselors from last year are returning for another fun filled summer at camp including, Brooke Taylor, Justin Annen, Nicole Annen, and Kody Kolata. We're all very excited to be back and we hope your child is too! For those of you returning this year we're changing a few things! We'll be having a different theme each day instead of just one theme each week! 




Also, welcome to our blog! This year we'll be using a blog to update parents, campers, and community members on the daily themes of the week, reminders, and updates of the activities, crafts, games, and special events that took place each day! 


Check out our theme days!



Week 1

Welcome to Camp! – Today we will be getting to know each other with fun group activities and fun summer themed crafts!

Unity Day! – Today is dedicated to helping each other and working together! We’ll do tons of teambuilding and icebreaker activities to get to know each other and build a camp family! J

Field Trip – IMAX Theater to see Dinosaurs

Tie Dye Day – Everything tie-dye! We’ll be tie-dying t-shirts and making tie-dye crafts!

Celebrate! – A day dedicated to fun birthday party games and birthday party crafts and snacks! Let’s celebrate all those summer birthday’s with a bang! J

Week 2 

Out of the Box – Today we’re going to do everything a little out of the ordinary. It’s time to get creative and think out of the box!

Backwards Day! – Everything about this day is backwards! Wear your clothes backwards, walk backwards, play games backwards, etc. Who knows, maybe we’ll even eat desert before lunch!

Go Green – Reduce, reuse, recycle! Today is all about going green! We’ll learn about the importance or recycling and conserving energy while making fun crafts with reusable items!

Field Trip – Fired Up Pottery

Walt Disney – Today we will watch a classic Disney movie and make crafts related to our favorites including Finding Nemo or Monsters Inc. We’ll create Gak to go along with the Flubber movie. Maybe we’ll have a little karaoke sung by our brave campers, who doesn’t love the song Hakuna Matata?! (We know Justin will be singing!)

Week 3

All Ball Day! – Today we will play all sorts of traditional ball sports games including basketball, football, lacrosse, volleyball, tennis, golf, etc. We might also try some sports our campers have never played before including bocce ball, cricket, broom ball, or even water polo! We will have juggling lessons and maybe even “ball” room dancing!

Treasure Hunters! – Scavenger hunts, Indiana Jones style obstacle courses! We’ll make our own treasure tests and messages in a bottle!

Animal Antics – Love all things animals? Today is just for you! Go wild while staying close to home and learn about animals near and far. Plan to be surprised by what you learn by the end of today!

Field Trip – Children’s Museum

Nickelodeon – Today we will do everything “old school” Nickelodeon. Anyone want to play Double Dare and get slimmed?! We will also be inspired by Nickelodeon’s Jimmy Neutron and will do a bunch of fun science experiments!

Week 4

Lend a Hand – Campers will do community service and learn about charity and giving. Campers will also learn basic first aid and what do in an emergency!

Support Our Troops – Today is dedicated to everything to support our troops! USA! USA!

Field Trip – Henry Vilas Zoo

Hawaiian Luau – Today we’ll be spending the day in Hawaii dancing and creating tropical crafts!

Week 5

Symphony of the Five Senses  - Today we’re focusing on the five senses, sight, smell, touch, hearing, taste! Trust walks, blindfold smelling contests, listening to the world around us, and of course tasting delicious food!

Story Tellers – Today our creative campers can write their own stories as we share stories from around the world! For those campers that would prefer to act than write can create a play or participate in a reader theater! Students can also create stories using graphics on the computer or taking pictures outside, and artists can draw their versions of the stories!

Team Jersey Day – Wear your favorite team jersey (please no Bears jerseys… just kidding!) Today is all about our favorite sports teams including those from Wisconsin, Brewers, Packers, Badgers! Go Team Go!

Field Trip – Goodman Pool

Crazy Everything Day!  - Today is all about being silly! Dress silly, act silly, make silly crafts and snacks!

Week 6

Maps and Mysteries – Can you figure it out? Who did it? Where are we? Become a detective, discover new places, and have fun with friends while trying to unravel the mystery or camp!

Road Trip – Pack you bags and get ready for an awesome trip across the USA and the World! Today we will learn about customs and traditions of the worlds as well as unique and interesting locations in America! Get ready for a whirlwind of excitement on this journey!

Board Game Bonanza – A day full of fun and educational board and card games!

Field Trip – Dane County Fair

Wet n’ Wild Day – Splishin’ and Splashin’ all while laughin’. It’s time to get wet through water balloon games, sprinklers, slip-n-slides, and so much more of everything water related. Bring your suit and towel!

Week 7

Musical Madness – Today is all about music! Singing, instruments, drums! We’ll even have the chance to make our own instruments and make a musical band!

Christmas in July – Everybody loves Christmas right?! So why not celebrate twice a year! Today we’re having Christmas in July, get ready for Santa to come visit!

Campers Choice Awards – A comedy award show – Our campers will vote and choose who is the funniest camper, has the best smile, loudest camper, future camp counselor, loudest burper, and much more! Who knows we might have some celebrity guests come to present the awards?!

Field Trip – Whitewater Aquatic Center

Camp Rewind – Did you love all the water games during Wet n’ Wild? Then you’re in luck. We’re spending today revisiting all of our favorite activities and games as we put the entire summer on rewind!




For more information about the Deerfield Community Center Summer Day camp or other opportunities offered please visit our website: Deerfield Community Center