Day Camp

(Ages 5-12 years old)

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Our guided activities, based around a unique theme each summer, focus on innovative life management programs. Each camper receives individual assistance and instruction within a group framework. These activities teach the camper to gain self worth, take on responsibility, follow instructions, develop organization skills, control impulsivity, adhere to social norms, and of equal importance – HAVE FUN

Art

We encourage campers to use the most important art tool that they have to create great art – their imagination. The campers make art they can hang, they can wear, they can give as gifts, and art that shows off their name and who they are. They will even use food items to create edible masterpieces. A special art project is done every week to accompany the weekly theme. Each group has a scheduled art activity at least twice a week.

Computers and Digital Media

Campers visit our state-of-the-art computer lab several times each week.
During IT, campers perform various tasks and are assigned activities
including:

•  Downloading and uploading pictures they have taken from digital cameras
•  Given free time to be creative and play
•  Introducing campers to appropriate games and web sites
•  Integrating video taken and making camp movies
•  Learning how to work on music videos
•  Making logos and signs for their teams
•  Researching the week’s theme

Each camp room is also equipped with computers allowing students to continue their computer based projects when the lab is in use.

Music

Incorporates the popularity of the latest music video games, multi-media, and technology. Campers are also given an opportunity to showcase their individual skills during talent contests throughout camp. Campers are introduced to various genres of music beginning with 50’s & 60’s and ending with modern Rock and Rap. Each week at Color War, different music is played in accordance with the theme. We end the summer with individual groups performing camp songs which they wrote.

All camp activities are designed for
students to have fun while reinforcing
the following skills:

•  Critical Thinking
•  Memory Skills
•  Organizational Skills
• Problem Solving
•  Sequencing Skills
•  Socialization Skills

Indoor and outdoor activities are specifically designed to promote good social judgment, following directions, increased attention, and ability to focus. The campers have scheduled activity sessions throughout the weeks, as well as, some sort of physical activity every day.

Sports and Activities

Outdoor activities include traditional team sports such as basketball, kickball, dodgeball, volleyball, and soccer (to name a few). In addition to traditional games, AEF has developed proprietary in house games. These activities and games are completely new to our campers, change each year, and are designed to remove the advantage of experience and practice – giving every camper a chance to succeed.

Our sports and activity program is designed to promote:

•  Being part of a team
•  Establish healthy competition
•  Fair play
• Following the rules
• Good sportsmanship
• Having fun
• Learning how to win and lose graciously
•  Participation
• Supporting others

Science and Invention

These sessions tap into the campers’ natural curiosities of exploring life’s mysteries while having fun. Campers focus on nature, magic tricks, kitchen chemistry, and physics.

Example activities include blowing up a balloon with everyday items from the kitchen (baking soda and vinegar), making silly putty a.k.a. goop, cultivating a butterfly garden, and developing photographs using the sun.

Games

The campers play a variety of board games, computer games, card games, educational games, guessing games, logic games, lawn games, and table top games. Some of these games are commercial and some are created by our counselors.

These games are chosen to:

• Develop problem solving skills
• Encourage fair play and healthy competition
• Improve decision making
• Promote socialization and bonding
• Stimulate cognitive thinking

Swimming

Campers swim several times per week at a local pool, beach, or water theme park.

** All campers are swim-tested the first day the camper attends swimming
** Campers enjoy free swim time while monitored by certified lifeguards as well as our counselors.
** All staff CPR and first aid trained.

Camp War Competitions

Each camper is assigned to one of two teams. Campers will remain on their team for the duration of summer camp. Semi-weekly, the campers gather, divide into their teams, and compete against each other (and sometimes even against counselors!) in a myriad of unique games including:

• Balloon shaving
•  Basketball shoot-outs
•  Best costumes
•  Bottle feeding
• Bubble gum blowing
• Cheering and chanting
• Chubby bunny contests
• Coke / Pepsi challenge
• Cup stacking
• Egg and spoon races
• Freeze dancing
• Indoor bowling
• Limbo contests
• Logo design
• Marshmallow stuffing
• Song writing
• Sports
• Team skiing
• Team spirit
• Toilet paper mummies
• Video games
• Water balloon toss
• And More

Campers have opportunities to earn points for their team every day through competition, sportsmanship, effort, and team spirit. Counselors keep a visual running score for each team in their camp room allowing campers to track their team’s progress.

In Color Wars, the activities are designed to help campers learn:

• Art of winning and losing gracefully
• Friendship-building skills
• Healthy competition
• How to laugh at one’s self and have fun!
• Sportsmanship and fair play
• Team-building skills

Field Trips

Field trips are used as an opportunity to exercise social skills, make friends, and practice following directions.

Field trips may include:

• Airboat Rides
• Beach Parties
• Bowling
• Ice Skating
• Movies
• Museums
• Plays
• Roller Skating
• Water Slide Park
• And More