ALL GOOD THINGS MUST COME TO AN END-- Thursday August 5th

This year’s Camp Jumpstart concluded with a medley of glee, gladness and goodbyes. The

children delightedly gathered to present their favorite circle activities to their parents, siblings and friends towards the end of the day, much to the pleasure and enjoyment of their beloved onlookers. The day concluded with a refreshing treat of water ice and a final frolic in the playground. Then came the saddening goodbyes said between campers and their teen mentors, accompanied by a peppering of “see you soon” s and “stay in touch” s.

Upon reflection it was clear to all that this year’s camp had been a fantastic success, the children had improved a great deal in their academic performance, gleaned crucial fine motor skills and built upon their social interaction abilities. Camp Jumpstart 2010 provided all involved with numerous bright smiles, terrific life lessons and wonderful, long lasting memories.

ADVENTURES IN AGRICULTURE-- Tuesday August 3rd

The perennial Jump Start highlight, a fun-filled day trip to the Kimberton Waldorf School’s Garden Center and the Seven Stars Farm, took place on Tuesday. The anticipatory campers loaded onto the bus immediately upon arriving at the Kindergarten Center and eager shouts and giggles filled the vehicle as it chauffeured the campers to their marvelous field trip destination.

The morning’s activities encompassed a delicious and nutritious tasting tour of the organic gardens, and the baking of delectable zucchini brownies, an unusual recipe that produced mouthwatering treats. The afternoon was comprised of the much awaited walk to the Seven Stars Farm to see the crowing chickens, corpulent cows and a wide array of tasty organic fruits and vegetables.

Fortunately enough, a baby calf had been born an hour prior to the camp’s arrival on the farm and the campers looked in awe as they were granted the chance to see the tiny newborn cuddled up to its mother. The campers were sad to leave the farm but were surely impacted by the spectacular day they had had.

A DRAMATIC START TO WEEK TWO-- Monday August 2nd

The first day back to camp was greeted with wide smiles and eager

enthusiasm as the campers were reunited with their buddies and as they skipped, hopped and ran with gusto to the main room for the now familiar morning circle time and story. The morning’s tale of Koi & the Kola Nuts, a story highlighting the cyclic nature of good deeds and kindness, was bolstered by various creative activities meant to strengthen the camper’s comprehension. Mrs. Birdsall’s concept of Enlivened Literacy encompasses an emphasis placed on drama and performance. The campers donned brightly colored cloths and were given parts to play in the reenactment of the morning’s story. This provides the campers with a greater opportunity to understand and connect with the story and, most importantly, engages their creativity. Minimal props are used, compelling the campers to use their imaginations and oration skills to make the story come alive to their “audience” of cheering and encouraging teens.

The campers also dove deeper into the story as they drew pictures of their favorite parts of the tale in lively hues of crayon and colored pencil.