2015 Camp Newsletter

Feedback from Campers in August Camp

August 10, 2015 Volume 44, Issue 7

Executive Director/ Camp Director José V. Torres Administrative Coordinator Herma Hackshaw August Camp Director Marie Del Tejo Registrar Lisa Quimby Canteen Manager Tanya Glenn Program Outreach Coordinator BethSheba Rivera UNIT COORDINATORS MINI-ACT Lori Collman SPECIALTY GROUPS Orissa Woods COURSE CAMPERS Marie Del Tejo EXTENDED DAY SUPERVISORS Alex Garcia and Emily Ellis

We are delighted that feedback from campers in August Camp: Session 2 is a testament to what we aim to accomplish. Parents reported that their child talk about specific art techniques or sport skills learned during the day. Campers were eager to begin the day sharing news with their mentors, coaches and counselors. The fun continues this week in August Camp: Session 3! The younger campers will participate in a variety of activities from arts, sports and the performing arts, as well as dabble in a bit of everything in their Specialty Track. Cooking, nature, competitive games, and elaborate performances are just a portion of what your camper will participate in. Your camper will discover his or her hidden talents and continue to have them strengthened by all that ACT has to offer. If you’re new to ACT, we understand that it can be confusing, but don’t worry. We are around to guide you. This week campers will continue to learn skills and have fun with campmates within our altered structure of programs. Please read on for more information and camp news!

Contents

August Camp Opening .............. 1

This Week’s Events ................... 2

Mini-ACT .................................. 3

August Specialty Camp ............. 4

Specialty Courses: Sports

Coaches ......................................5

Specialty Courses: Arts

Mentors ......................................6

AUGUST CAMP TERMS

Mini ACTors have new group names: Tenderfoots and Troopers. They are learning arts, games, nature, and performance skills while following the theme of Beach Fest. Their schedules are posted outside their classrooms.

The Specialty Groups are campers up to 7.8 years of age as of September, typically 1

st and 2

nd

graders. They are assigned to arts and sports groups and placed in one of three groups known as the Impressionists, Improvisers and Olympian-Champs. They spend the day supervised by counselors and work with mentors, coaches and counselors on learning arts or sports skills and a few other activities. Schedules are posted on the communication board inside the glass double doors.

Specialty Course campers are the oldest campers and aged 7.9 to 14 years old as of September. They selected three courses to focus on for the week. These campers are escorted to and from each of their classes and supervised during non-structured times.

In the remainder of this newsletter, families will be informed of upcoming trips, events at camp and news from the Mentors and Coaches in each division. Information regarding August Adventure Camp: Session 4 is available in our front office.

We hope you have enjoyed our Manhattan Country Day Camp and will return to play, learn and make friends throughout the year.

Noontime: 12 noon to 1:30 pm

SpecialtyCourse Campers spend one hour after lunch selecting a recess station. WATER BLAST is one station offered. Course campers who want to participate must bring swimsuit and water shoes or old sneakers.

Wednesday, August 12th

Our staff are signing campers up for our Annual Talent Show, offering great prizes. Did you know that we had so many hidden talents among us? Campers enjoy this back-by-popular demand Noontime entertainment.

Thursday, August 13th

Every camper will be challenged to only use their left hand to do an art project or play a game. Lefties are at an advantage this day.

Friday, August 14th

The following groups will perform for other campers on Friday, August 14 at 3:15 pm: Impressionists, Improvisers and Acrobatics Course Campers.

Tenderfoots and Troopers end their day at 12:00pm.

The other campers end their day at 4:00pm. Sunset services are not being offered in preparation for Adventure Camp.

Calendar of events at www.actprograms.org includes most comprehensive information.

Monday, August 10th

It’s National S’mores Day! We plan to enjoy mini-s’mores throughout the day.

Add & Drop A Course

Course Campers made final changes in their course selection for the rest of this week by 4:00pm on Monday. Several courses were full before camp started.

Tuesday, August 11th

Trip for Improvisers, Impressionists and Olympian-Champs has been moved from Tuesday to Wednesday because of thunderstorm forecast.

Wednesday, August 12th

Lake Welch Trip for the Impressionists, Improvisers and Olympian-Champs. Campers must wear ACT T-Shirt over their bathing suit and pack an extra T-shirt & small towel. Campers go into the water while wearing their ACT shirts.

This Week’s Events

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Hydrate, Hydrate Campers are to bring a water bottle (small 8oz.) to camp every day. We have water stations around ACT and a fountain in the playground but we do not provide cups. Campers who selected sports courses must have water bottles with them since they will be active.

Sneakers (Closed Toe) It is our policy that all campers wear closed toe sneakers to camp, even if they are focusing on the arts programs in August. Crocs are not considered sneakers but Keens are.

**COMING UP*** There is still time to register for session 4. There is limited space available – only in certain age groups.

All new campers to ACT 2015 receive new August Camp T-shirts and bags on Wednesday. Campers going on trips must wear their ACT shirts. If you forget or would like additional shirts, you can purchase them at the canteen.

Life is a beach down at Mini-ACT!! We have been jumping around having a great time at August Camp, learning all about the beach environment and oceanic creatures, making new friends as we play and work together! We love our time in the Nature Garden, where our resident Nature Specialist Maya has led us in hunts for pill bugs and worms, so we can study up-close with our magnifying glasses. Our Beach Party Friday was a big hit as Mentor Rebecca led us in a swimming dance. Coming up we are looking forward to a week filled with lots more art, learning new songs, sports and games all while enjoying the grounds of ACT. We will improve our gross motor skills in Sports with Coach Howard and let our inner artists express themselves in art with Mentor Andre. Mentor Rebecca will have us bending and twisting in ACTion! Dive into the

A Message from Lori Collman, Mini-ACT Coordinator

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The Tenderfoots

The Tenderfoots had a busy and exciting week exploring the camp grounds and playing in Aqua Fun. We learned about sea creatures during Sea Life Yoga and played a 'Get to Know You' beach ball toss game last week. We have been working on our fine motor skills with beading activities, cutting and molding play dough. The children also made some delicious frozen fruit popsicles that they enjoyed during snack. They really enjoyed the BIG water slides Wednesday and our Beach Party Friday.

In the arts, we have been busy exploring with different materials and creating some beach-themed artwork. Some of our projects included handprint crabs, paper plate seagulls, sand starfish, patterned flip flops and molding sea creatures with model magic. The children also painted some beach balls and goggles that they wanted to wear for their performance Friday.

We will continue exploring different art mediums. Some of the projects the children can look forward to will be tie-dying hula skirts, making Hawaiian leis, painting sea sculptures and creating ocean theme using sand and shells. We will also be learning some new songs for our performance, including Baby Shark and Swimming Swimming. As a special treat, the children will be making Sea Cups with yummy treats inside to have for snack!

Counselors: Mel, Maite, Talaya and Ben

The Troopers

It's the second week of August Camp and for many of us, it's already our last! The teachers having a blast with the Troopers just want to thank all our wonderful campers for partying it up with us during the two weeks of August camp, making it the best time of our lives. Parents, we also give you all a huge shout out for supporting us in every possible way -- from participating our weekly performances to checking in on your child and for any little updates we needed to be aware of. If it wasn't for your help, August Camp wouldn't have been successful!

Now that we're already looking into our final week as Troopers, we'll be busy soaking up all the water fun that we can get at the beach. As a continuation from last week, campers will be blasting up the music at the beach as we sing and groove in the waves! Campers will be making their own tie-dye shirts and other beach props as they prepare for the big performance on Friday!! They also will be making their own sandcastles and beach paintings -- we're excited to see how they'll come out! When you go to the beach, you can never forget the smoothie! We will be mixing and blending Berry Blast drinks and may even get messy making guacamole dip.

We will have many other activities including sports, storytime, movement and games for our little Troopers to enjoy during the week of beach celebration. We hope to see you at our gallery opening and final performance!!

Counselors: Soo, Meg and Lee

second week with Mini-ACT; we promise it will be a splashing good time! As our last week of camp wraps up, rest mats, extra clothing and water shoes will be going home on Thursday. We would like to celebrate and share our learning at camp with families and friends Friday August 15

th at our

culminating Event. Friday we have a 12 pm dismissal time but we are inviting families and friends to the Mini-ACT Art Gallery and performance down on the lower playground, next to our building. The gallery will open at 11:30 with the special performance taking place at 11:45. Come join us as we celebrate our August Camp at MiniACT! The counselors and myself have truly enjoyed getting to know your children. I want to wish everyone a safe and fun-filled rest of the summer!

Energetic ACTion with Rebecca takes over the Mini-ACT playground.

A Message from Orissa Wood, August Groups Coordinator

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Welcome, parents, to week 2 of August Specialty Camp! On Wednesday, Improvisers, Impressionist and Olympian-Champs will be going to Welch Lake for a day in the sun. Please remember campers will meet at 9:25 am on the in the Gym and return to the Pulpit Lawn at

Specialty Group Choices this

week:

Campers will be able to choose an activity

led by their own counselor or another.

Emma: Whiffle Ball

Rachael: Cooking for Beginners

Naima: Picture Frames

Omar: Team-building Games (Ball)

Sharmin: T-Ball

Daisy: Beginner Basketball

Song and Dance with Emily We may be getting to the end of camp but summer is not over yet! In Song and Dance class, the Improvisers and Impressionists will have a 60’s Beach Dance Party. Dance moves from this era include the twist, monkey, and the swim. Stop by Friday to see our groovy performance. Action with Rebecca This week in action we are going on a treasure hunt. We will be following an ancient map through obstacles and challenges, solving riddles and looking for the new clues that will eventually bring us to the world’s largest diamond. Let the ACTventure begin…

Olympian-Champs

Counselors Emma, Rachael and CIT Aaron will design a sport uniform which includes a shirt and banner. This week they will practice T-Ball and soccer. They will learn how to throw a ball under and over hand, how to properly hold a bat and swing. In soccer, campers will participate in dribbling and passing. They will also play a game of pinball soccer, around the world soccer and continue to work on our sportsmanship. Campers are reminded to bring a white T-shirt if they are new this week to camp. Sports with Coach Amanda & Alex The Olympian-Champs are in for a special treat. Campers will have a chance to play several team-building games and sports activities. Campers will compete against each other every day to work and focus on sportsmanship and teamwork.

4:00 pm for dismissal. ALL campers must wear their ACT shirt on the trip. Campers new to ACT will receive their shirt and backpack Wednesday morning. This week campers will focus on art or sports. During sports campers will learn T-Ball and Soccer. In art campers will work with clay modeling.

Trip permission forms for August

Camp Session 3 Groups are due

today, Monday, August 10th.

Impressionists

Counselors Omar and Naima welcome new and old Impressionists. We will work on designing a mask, and pastel art. The focus for this week will be on Artist Keith Haring. During Nature, campers will be able to nurture the plants and learn about the different bugs that live there, and cook campers will be able to pick items from the ACT garden to make their own pita pizza. They will also learn what bugs help or hurt the garden. Campers also will learn how to create their own portraits.

Improvisers

Counselors Sharmin, Daisy and CIT Star will design beach bracelets and picture frames. Their focus in art will be on cartoon movies where campers will make their own story/poster board from movies or shows that they love and enjoy. We will visit the garden to water the plants and see the bugs that live there. Campers will be making fruit smoothies on Wednesday and Guacamole on Friday.

Message from Sports Specialty Course Coaches Sports Coordinator: Amanda

Sports Coaches: Alex, Howard, Colin, Katie, Matthew

9 Squares In The Air with Coaches Katie and Colin

Campers will be learning or reviewing the rules to 9 Square after their warm up. Strategies like looking the other way when hitting the ball will become more common as campers play to win. Campers who are out will join Coach Colin for a game of 4 Squares. Regular, frequent trips to the Mist Zone are how ACTors will keep cool!

GaGa Pit with Coaches Katie, Colin and Howard

Campers remain crazy for GaGa. What is the attraction?? Favorite games such as Revival, Mayhem and Revenge will be played. This week we will be adding some twists, like hitting with your left hand on National Left Hand Day. Campers who are out will join Coach Colin for a game of 4 Squares. Everyone will take a trip to the Mist Zone as often as possible to keep cool.

Gym Games with Coach Colin

Campers will earn points in various competitions. At the end of the week,

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ACT will recognize the five players with the most points. Campers will compete in games such as Capture the Flag, Clean Your Room soccer-style, King of the Court, 3-on-3 Gym Football and more. I will continue to stress the importance of tenacity, leadership and sportsmanship.

Football with Coaches Howard and Matthew

This week in football we are going to really touch base on the skills learned last week. For campers joining us this week, we are going to help them catch up to speed. No worries. The campers have improved in the sports and we are excited to see them display their talents.

Hockey with Coach Howard

This week we begin introducing the puck in our hockey drills and games. Daily drills will include agility, angling, goalie’s role, passing and shooting--after a range of warm-up drills. Last week campers showed much improvement in their passing and defense skills.

Soccer with Coach Matthew

Soccer campers will compete for the Gold. We begin learning a new skill each day and then compete in a 2-day soccer tournament. Controlling the ball, dribbling, passing, crossing, heading and shooting are more of an art you learn and perfect with as much practice as possible. An MVP will be crowned at the end of the week. Are you ready to compete?

Basketball with Coach Amanda

I am going to teach campers how to master their basketball skills. From dribbling to passing to shooting, campers will learn what it takes to play at the next level. Campers will also compete in challenges like Knockout, Around the World, 3-Point Contest and more. A special MVP will be crowned every day, and they will get a basketball prize.

Message from Arts Specialty Course Mentors

Mentor Coordinators: Beata & Rebecca

Mentors: Wendy, Andre, Anna, Emily

Acrobatics and Circus Acts with Mentor Emily

We welcome new campers to join us for this fun and exciting class. Campers who are returning will expand on the skills learned and new members will learn or improve in the skills of handstand, summersault, pyramid and more.

Fashion & Tie-Dye with Mentor Beata

The fashionistas will dye their own fabrics for summer costumes creation. Campers will design outfits, stitch and learn to use a sewing machine. I will supply a variety of materials to use to decorate and embellish on their designs.

Culinary Arts with Mentor Beata

Do you know your way around the kitchen? Campers will explore different cooking techniques and make notorious meals. Returning campers will be given new recipes. They will make a carrot soup, bake a cheesecake and create a mixed salad that will be topped with their own dressing. One important skill taught in this class is presentation.

Puppetry & Paper Mache with Mentor Wendy

Campers will explore a range of sculpture and painting techniques to create original kinetic puppets. We will use a papier-mâché base and create details from air-dry clays. When sculptures are completed, we will assemble and paint.

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Painting with Mentor Wendy

Campers will learn a variety of painting and printing techniques for both watercolor and acrylic paint. We will create original compositions based on Surrealism and dream fantasy.

Cartooning & Sketching with Mentor Andre

Using cartoons, we will visually tell jokes and stories while learning how to create different character faces and facial expressions in a comic.

Musical Theatre with Mentor Rebecca

This week the campers will be making an original film. The plot is being developed by our student Elvis and it involves mummies, a crypt and a competition to solve a mystery before the other groups beats you to it. Full Speed Ahead.