Camp Notes

Structured and Unstructured Play -- 6/26/26

"The physical exercise and emotional stretching that children enjoy in unorganized play is more varied and less time-bound than is found in organized sports. Playtime—especially unstructured, imaginative, exploratory play—is increasingly recognized as an essential component of wholesome child development." Richard Louv, The Last Child in the Woods

I read The Last Child in the Woods in the early years of developing our summer camp program. One of the chapters describes the value of a park. The interior of my local park contains basketball courts, soccer fields, lacrosse nets, baseball fields, and a mile-long bike path. In this place, the rules of the games are defined and the players are expected to learn the rules and follow along. Coaches teach the strategy, players work together to function as a unit, and referees are there to ensure fair play. On the outside edge of my local park is a significant space of wild grasses and just down the hill is a mile-long stretch of river, a flowing irrigation ditch, and a healthy forest of Cottonwood, Spruce, Pine, dogwoods, willows, and occasional fruit trees. In this space, kids make up their own games. They build forts, float twigs downstream, catch water striders, and wade in the cool water. Both spaces, the interior and the outside edge, hold great value for child development, and we work intentionally to provide both structured and unstructured, creative play.

I was working with the 13-14 year-old camp at Twin Lakes on Tuesday, and we took off on a 15-mile bike ride around the lakes. We followed the single-track trail coaching kids to give space between riders, to regroup at intersections, to drink water and snack, to greet and thank hikers who step aside to let us pass. Kids supported each other, paced one another, and we only pushed on to the next stretch of trail once our unit of 15 had reassembled. In loose terms, we were engaged in organized play. After four hours of climbing and descending, navigating rocks, bridges and a significant river crossing, not to mention a few crashes, and mechanical failures, we all made it, a first-ever success for our camp crew! I could feel a sense of pride in each of the kids. They had accomplished something notable, and they felt good!

And then, the magic happened. Back at the campsite, the kids put their gear away, rested for about two seconds, and emerged from their tents without direction to the stream flowing through our campsite. They were building dams in the stream, diverting water this way and that, catching bugs, creating their own play, with their own rules, and their own system of cooperation. For two hours, these kids, on their way into 8th grade and high school, revealed their 10-year-old selves in a precious few hours of creative exploration.

The same strategy exists in our day camp. Organized structured games in the morning (Capture the Flag, Manhunt, Pin Huck, and stations) in which kids learn the value of listening, following directions, honesty, and fair play. And in the afternoons, we head out to the fringes, where they can explore, create their own fun, and become the rule makers in the wild spaces.

We aim to foster healthy, functional kids who know that games are more fun when we are all on the same page together, and who thrive in untamed spaces where creativity and imagination rule supreme.

Learning -- 6/12/26

I have been working with kids in camps and classrooms, on soccer fields, baseball fields and basketball courts, in theater productions, and in my own home for over 30 years. In all of these venues, I have witnessed, without a doubt, that kids love to learn. At the bike park, kids love to learn a new trick. On the ski hill, kids love to push their limits and conquer a bigger run or a new feature. On the stage, when the final curtain closes and a child has turned a paper script into an applause-worthy performance, they don't need a trophy to realize their achievement. And in the classroom, when a student is acknowledged for their effort and growth, there is a tendancy to keep striving, even when a classroom is not their favorite place of learning. When kids recognize that they can do something new today that they couldn't do yesterday, they feel proud. They feel confident. They grow a little, not only in their skill set, but in their self image.

I took a group of 11 and 12 year-olds mountain biking at Prince Creek today. Some of them had never ridden on a single track trail and were still distinguishing their front from their rear brakes. They required some coaching, and a heavy dose of assurance. The few in the back hesitantly let their wheels roll, ever so slowly, into the trail. At first, they slowed for every pebble, rock, overhanging plant, and descending hill. They put their foot down a few times, walking past small obstacles. Then, within minutes, they began to steer around rocks, roll over roots, and navigate their path. Midway through, they were rolling over bridges without concern. Their fingers were near the brake levers, but no longer clutching for dear life. And by the end of the mile-long descent, they were riding the high sides of banked turns, smiling, and even giggling.

The transformation between the top of that trailhead and the parking lot below is what we are all about at camp. Learning can be scary. It sometimes illicits trepidation. It always involves trying something new. And it often involves a level of risk. Learning requires the potential to fail.

As we were scooting along at the top of the trail, my riding partner announced, "I don't really like this, but it's like skiing. I wasn't great at it when I started. I didn't even like skiing for a while. But I didn't quit. I kept doing it, and now I'm pretty good at it and it's my favoirte thing to do. I don't love this, but I'm glad I'm doing it." A wise understanding.

Our role at camp is to create an environment where kids feel safe enough to push themselves out of their comfort zone, and a culture that appreciates others who do the same.

In Arbaney Park, we circle up after lunch each day and play Frustrating Games. These games are a hallmark of camp. I love them not just because they create some engaged downtime, a chance to reapply sunscreen, and a playful series of games that have gained a cultlike appreciation, they also create an opportunity for leadership. Older kids who are in on the secrets of the game stand in the center of 40 or so of their peers, embracing the attention, leading the group, showing that they've figured something out that they hadn't known before. They are proud of their achievement and they stand bravely in the middle showing others that learning the tricks is possible! Older kids who are brave enough to lead inspire others to keep playing.

Whether riding a single track trail or leading the group in a Frustrating Game, we are all about creating opportunities for kids to learn, to grow, and to develop confidence among friends and caring adults. This sort of culture does not take place in isolation. We are so fortunate to work and play with your kids in our tiny little community where kids inspire kids, and adults create the space where little moments can spark great outcomes.

Outliers, by Malcolm Gladwell -- Chapter 9

In his book Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell explores the many factors that lead to success and achievement. In chapter nine, he analyzes the performance gap between income groups. He explains that learning throughout the school year is consistent among economic groups, but the biggest game-changer in student achievement is defined by what happens during the summer months. Children who are exposed to social interaction, guided exploration, and other learning opportunities continue their growth curve through the summer months, while those without this exposure lag behind.

TED Radio Hour: Press Play

This podcast explains how play helps develop empathy for others, and has an incredibly positive influence on our development.

End of 2017 Summer Letter:

Well, it's back to school for me, and I'm taking stock of some of my summer highlights. Thank you for letting me hang out with your kids this summer. I had a blast! Here's a long version of my gratitude:

I have seen kids chasing, hopping, riding, throwing, kicking, shooting, building, inventing, and smiling on a summer day. The thrill of the chase, focused attention on the target, and intent chatter amidst invention. Kids showing up tentative on Monday morning, and wishing it wouldn't end on Friday afternoon. Kids becoming more confident. That is something worth seeing! I've seen friendships solidified, born, and reborn while stalking grasshoppers in the tall, dried grass, while wading through the gnome home village, and bracing from the heat in the wide open fields. We've seen bee stings, scraped knees, friendship woes, and disagreements, too. Kids learning about life, and how to exist in it. The rough spots make us smarter, usually. I am grateful for my summer. I had a blast, and experienced some things worthwhile. Thanks for sending your kids to camp this summer. I hope that they experienced some things worthwhile, too. Now, back to school! : )

Garry