- 443-518-7671
- attawayprograms@gmail.com
The nature program incorporates activities that promote responsibility in following through on tasks, trust, group cooperation, adaptability, and problem-solving.
Activities include:
1) an exciting presentation of reptiles including snakes, iguanas, and turtles by Brian Kristal, the Director of Reptile Wonders and Nature Center on the Go;
2) planting vegetable and flower seeds;
3) campers working together in the predator-prey game;
4) continued efforts promoting recycling; and
5) a trip to the Howard County Conservancy where campers went on a hike and enjoyed catching organisms in a stream for a study they conducted.
The financial support provided by our grantors has truly allowed the nature program to flourish, and the campers are reaping the benefits. By showing campers how to feel comfortable in nature, we are helping them become stewards of the earth.
Art
Art time allows the campers to have an opportunity to express themselves in an appropriate way. It also allows the campers to appreciate art and to take risks with their own creativity. Our counselors encourage, and design art projects that allow for camper creativity and even teamwork. Each season, our campers thoroughly enjoy their art time, and create amazing pieces that they are proud to take home.
Swimming
Swimming is an essential component of camp. We swim 3 days a week at a local Columbia Association pool. Swimming is a time for the campers to interact with one another and the staff in a comfortable and cool environment while having loads of fun. Campers who cannot yet pass the swim test are outfitted with life jackets, and given one-on-one instruction during pool time. Many of our campers can then pass the swim test by the time camp is complete. This gives them a huge sense of accomplishment and allows them to join the other kids in jumping off of the diving board!
Rock Climbing
We rock climb at Movement Columbia once a week during camp. We have had a partnership with Movement for several years and the staff works with the Attaway staff to align the climbing activities with the goals of camp. Campers are encouraged to set personal climbing goals based on their own comfort levels with the experience. Opportunities for team climbing also occur.
Games
At camp, we play a variety of whole camp and small group games. The games have the goal of HAVING FUN and often support the behavioral goals of camp (social skills, teamwork, and coping skills). We play games that are twists on traditional sports, like Alaskan baseball or Golf ball. We also play games that present campers with a challenge that can only be solved by working together as a team, like human knots or alligator boards. In addition, some other camp favorites include Minute to Win It, Link Tag, and Atom Splitters.
“The Nature program, the Art, Earth Treks, and swimming are all wonderful, as well as the team building activities.”
– Attaway Parent