Campers Play and Learn During Frost Valley YMCA’s Spring Break Day Camp

04/10/2015

Although the last gasps of winter persisted longer than many expected, a little snow on the ground certainly didn’t disrupt Frost Valley YMCA’s Spring Break Day Camp, which took place March 30-April 3.

Dozens of campers spent their school break enjoying nature hikes, climbing, sports, arts and crafts, and a trip to the Frost Valley Farm, where they were able to watch and learn about the farm and its livestock, including baby goats, lambs, and bunnies.

Campers were in for a special treat on Friday, the final day, when they experienced a taste of culinary education at Frost Valley’s Healthy Home Teaching Kitchen, where they learned how to bake cookies. Later that afternoon, the annual Spring Break Egg Hunt took place in Geyer Hall, a conference and recreation center, where about 500 plastic eggs filled with stickers and treats were scattered among two stories. Campers were divided into age groups and collected eggs in festive paper bags they crafted the previous day.

To campers, these activities are a fun way to spend a refreshing break from sitting at a school desk all day. But Frost Valley staff ensures that each activity is also a learning experience — a means to explore, discover, build confidence, and make friends. These lessons showed through during the culminating Egg Hunt. While campers scattered about, each group tended to display the values Frost Valley aims to teach. The youngest set was the least competitive, preferring to share their finds with friends. When one camper began to cry because he wasn’t tall enough to reach an egg; the other tiny campers gathered around to cheer him up, some offering their own eggs. Soon, he was up, running, and laughing with the rest of them. The slightly older campers were also playful and courteous, while developing strategies and displaying teamwork. It was a great opportunity to see these lessons put into action.

Families who are interested in exploring Summer Day Camp options can attend a free Open House on April 26, which includes a tour of camp, presentation, Q&A, lunch, and a camp craft. Please visit FrostValley.org to reserve your spot.

This article originally appeared in the Tri-Valley Townsman, 2015.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Frost Valley YMCA

Frost Valley YMCA is a 5,500-acre, year-round camp - There's something for everyone here in the Valley. From group and family retreats to overnight camps to horse camps to teambuilding, we've got you covered. School groups love taking a three-night field trip to explore the natural world and learn about the environment and their classmates. Family weekends are the perfect getaway for the young and the young at heart. Teambuilding retreats afford corporate, collegiate, religious, and other groups the opportunity to challenge themselves and effectively work toward common goals. In the summertime we're where kids and teens gain independence, explore the world, and make lifelong friends through various camps such as traditional sleepaway camp, farm camp, horse camp, adventure trips, and day camp. Call (845)985-2291 or email info@frostvalley.org to learn more today!