Life is a series of choices that make you… YOU. One of the most valuable life skills we practice with our campers here at Camp Highlander is decision-making. Unfortunately, pop culture influences decisions for our children like: what they should wear, how they should talk, what they should eat or drink, what music they should listen to or how they should act to be “cool.” Because of this, our children are often overwhelmed when they have to make decisions - unsure of what is the right thing to do, or doing it wrong or how it might be perceived by others.
The best way for children to learn how to make good decisions is to practice decision-making. We provide the perfect opportunity for this life-skill practice on our Camper’s Choice days, and today was the first of Session A. Every camper gets to choose and sign up for their favorite activities for the entire day and make their own schedule. These are definitely some of the most popular days at camp. Camper’s Choice days promote independence, allow campers to have a voice and give them control of their destiny.
On camper’s choice days many campers opt for a slower paced day to relax and enjoy the relationships they are building with friends. Some campers opt for adventure and choose the Crow’s Nest, a horseback trail ride or a waterfall hike. Others choose to work on progressing their skills in a particular activity in hopes of achieving their Master of the Mills. Most campers choose to travel to activities with friends, while others will sign up alone in pursuit of their personal goals, growth and interests. So many fun things to do and so many choices.
The rain today made our day wet, yet wonderful. We laughed, we sang, we danced, and we didn’t waste a single moment of the day. Every camper made their choice of how they wanted to spend their day, the schedule that promised happiness and they loved every single minute of it!
Favorite Details of the Day
- Weather: We had another day of rain showers, but it did not stop our fun! Camper’s choice day in the rain was a day full of memories, laughter and wet socks!
- Meals: For breakfast we had belgian waffles, scrambled eggs, bacon and a fruit bar. For lunch we had french dip sandwiches, tater tots and a salad bar. For dinner we had chicken fajitas, fajita peppers and onions, black beans, mexican rice, homemade guacamole, queso, chips and a salad bar. It was so good!! When the disco ball went off, the campers started screaming, and we all enjoyed cinnamon and sugar churros!
- EP: Tonight was Highlander Game Night. After a very active day at camper’s choice, everyone was super excited about a chill game night. Cabins enjoyed playing bingo, pictionary, battleship, deal or no deal, charades, wheel of fortune and more. There was no winner, no pressure, just a casual fun game night with friends!
About Melissa Fitzgerald
