An Untypical Day

There is very little “typical” about a day at Adventures in Writing Camp.

Like other top summer programs, we run weekdays from 9:00 am through 3:00 pm, with extended care available. But as far as what happens between the hours of 9 am and 3 pm? Anything but typical. You did watch the video on the home page, right?

Camp opens and ends with an energetic assembly, and throughout the day you are learning without even realizing you are learning. Music and games bring Common Core-aligned writing instruction to life!

Our 1st grade program is designed specifically for beginning writers, and helps rising 1st graders to develop storytelling skills without requiring any pre-requisite writing skills! They will also have plenty of time for play, from structured games and crafts to outdoor games with our zany Adventure Guides (counselors). Campers will spend the entire day with the 1st grade troop, making new friends and receiving customized instruction. It’s all designed to give you a “leg up” in the coming year.


8:00 – 9:00 am – Supervised Play (Extended Care)

Morning SuperPlay offers 1 hour of “Extended Care” at an additional charge. Parents can add the SuperPlay option by logging into their ParentPortal at AIWcamp.com. During this non-academic time, Adventure Guides (counselors) chaperone free play on the playground, or, at some locations, indoor play time.

 


8:50-9:00 – Morning Matriculation: Campers arrive and sign-in

1st Day of Camp: Campers are encouraged to arrive between 8:40 and 8:45 on the first morning to check-in and receive their camp t-shirts.

All Other Days: Campers should arrive a few minutes before 9:00. Unless you are enrolled in SuperPlay, please don’t arrive before 8:50, as staff will be meeting to prepare for the day and will be unavailable to supervise campers.

 


9:00-9:30 – Morning Assembly

Start off with a BANG! We bring all hands on deck each morning for a 30-minute introduction to the day. The morning assembly is part pep-rally, part comedic theater, and part author visit. Campers sing songs, Adventure Guides act out plays, teachers preview concepts, and authors/illustrators appear via video to introduce the writing trait and activities of the day.

 


9:35-10:00 – Troop Time

No camp day is complete without fun and games! Each morning, campers head out to the playground for improv games and active play, all led by our zany and creative Adventure Guides! In the “Troop Time” rotation, campers develop physical and verbal story-telling skills through games and activities drawn from Improvisational Theater, or “Improv.” This physically active rotation is orientated towards kinesthetic learning, and provides campers an excellent opportunity to connect with their grade-level peers and form new friendships. (While all other rotations are taught by credentialed teachers, this rotation is taught by a college student, typically a drama or theater major.)

 


10:05-10:55 – Excursion One: Writing Instruction

In the writing rotation, a credentialed teacher leads the 1st grade troop through writing lessons and hands on activities that develop proficiency and confidence in the day’s activities. Because the 1st grade program does not require pre-requisite writing skills, writing instruction focuses on developing young writers’ idea organization and storytelling skills.

 


11:05 -11:55 – Excursion Two: Learning with Music

We teach writing through the power of song and dance! Campers will learn a tune each day that will help them remember an important writing skill. A large body of academic research reinforces what many of us have experienced in our own lives; music is a powerful tool for learning! In the music rotation, your child will learn professionally produced “Writing Songs” and apply the writing skills taught in these songs to writing songs. No musical aptitude is required, and campers of all musical backgrounds will benefit from and enjoy this rotation. (Rotation is taught by a credentialed teacher.)

 
Check out a camp favorite from last year!

Visit Mister Lemur’s YouTube Channel to listen to more camp songs >>


11:55-12:45 – Lunch & Recess

Campers should bring lunch, a snack, and a water bottle each day. There will be a ~20-minute lunch period, followed by a supervised recess prior to returning to class. If your camper has allergies, please let us know during the registration process so that we can provide appropriate accommodations.

 


12:45-2:30 – Excursion Three: Creating a Class eBook

The writing process will come alive for your child as he or she applies newly learned skills to the creation of an eBook. A credentialed teacher will guide the 1st grade group in working together to brainstorm, organize, and write an eBook as a class. Campers will develop teamwork and collaboration skills as they work with their peers and teachers to get their ideas on paper. The class eBook will be uploaded to the Lemur Library to share with friends, family, and the world.


2:35-3:00 – Afternoon Assembly

The afternoon assembly is the high-energy “bookend” on the camp day. This 25-minute wrap-up of the day features music, writing-inspired games, teacher AND camper-lead recaps of the day, and a preview of the next day.

 


3:00 – Homeward Bound

Days 1-9: The “regular day” ends at 3:00 with the completion of the Afternoon Assembly. Parents are welcome to arrive up to 15 minutes early to watch the Afternoon Assembly. This is a great way to get a feel for what your camper is learning, and to experience the camp environment.

Final Day: Parents are invited to attend a Closing Assembly at 2:30 on the final day camp. This 30-minute session is designed to celebrate the hard work and accomplishment of the young authors, and to offer parents a window into the camp experience. Parental attendance is optional (we know you are busy!) and typically only about 50% of families are represented. Although most campers depart after the Closing Assembly, SuperPlay WILL be available until 5:00 on the final day for those who are registered for this additional option.


3:00 – 6:00 – Supervised Play (Extended Care)

Afternoon SuperPlay offers 3 hours of “Extended Care” at an additional charge. Parents can add the SuperPlay option by logging into their ParentPortal at AIWcamp.com. During this non-academic time, Adventure Guides (counselors) chaperone free play on the playground, or, at some locations, indoor play time.