Christmas In July!!!!!

Christmas In July

Monday: Louisville Free Public Library's Summer Reading Program.

*Create a Christmas Wreath or Reindeer head

Tuesday: Swimming at the YMCA. Please wear your swimming gear to camp and sunscreen. Bring a set of extra clothes, underwear and extra sunscreen.

*Writing a letter to Santa and putting any finishing touches on craft from monday.

Wednesday: The Paint Spot will be coming to visit us. We won't even have to travel to them. They are bringing EVERYTHING we need to create our very own masterpiece. They will take the work back, fire it up and call me when it's completed (5-10 days). A staff member will go pick it up and have it ready for you at camp that day. If this is your child's last week we will have it available at the front desk at the YMCA.

*Christmas songs, checking the "mail" to see if Santa can make it to camp to visit and another craft.

Thursday: Swimming at the YMCA. Same as above swimming day applies.

*Making cookies for Santa.

Friday: Santa comes to visit us during our "Christmas Brunch". All family is welcome to come. We will be having lunch in the same fashion, bring your own lunch(parents) and children can bring or get the one provided. After "brunch" at 11am, Santa will be here for a visit. . .we hope. We will see if he got our letters or wrote back to us :-)

*Making a picture frame ornament to place your new picture with Santa in it.

Please remember drop off is from 7-9am and pick up is from 4-6pm. We may not be in the designated areas until this time. If you do not see us in the room up front just check the sign on the door "we are. . ." and it will inform you of our location.

Remember to have an extra set of clothing for your child every, single day at camp. Names inside of the clothes would be very helpful.

Kazoing, zoing, zoing. . .

Today was a BLAST!!!!!! The day started off with the normal routine of centers, breakfast, bathroom time, role call and heading out to the bus. Thank you to all the parents for getting your children here ASAP this morning :-)

All of the children (and staff) were very excited for the trip to Kazoing. Some of the children had been before but none of the staff had EVER been! We had no idea what to expect at all. The bus ride is always an adventure with Mr. Tyler along for the ride. He has some lovely versions of Old McDonald! The kids and even bus driver always love it. He just begins singing then waits for some one to yell out anything and that's what is on the farm. For example, Old McDonald has a farm, Ei, Ei,O! And on that farm he has a Tiger! Ei, Ei, O! with a roar roar here and a roar roar there. Here a roar, there a roar, everywhere a roar roar. Old McDonald has a farm, Ei, Ei, O! Or he has Ms. Sarah or Kamp Kermit or a shark, etc. The kids find it to be the funniest thing ever. I have to admit that it's very creative and hilarious! Anything to keep the children occupied, smiling and in their seats is a great!

As we arrive to Kazoing the anticipation has truly grown. The kids are so excited they can barely wait to listen to directions. I was very proud of the upon entering the complex. Most every child sat down and listened quietly to all of the directions before we went into the "Bouncy Room". I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVED the "No Shoe" policy upon entering this room. It meant no dirty socks when leaving :-) I know a few parents will agree with me on this one. The kids entered the room and went WILD!!!! I think the counselors entered the room and went even more WILD!!! We wore every one out today. They took a lunch break, bathroom break and water breaks during a 2 hours at Kazoing. We were the only group in any of their rooms. I hope each of you were able to pick up a hand out about the facility as you picked up your child today. They truly have a lot to offer. Thank you to Josh Ransdell for the heads up about Kazoing! I had never even heard of it and they've been around for 5 years.

When it was time to leave the children were not happy. . .they would have stayed all night if able to. They were all very tired though. They got shoes on, grabbed some water as they left the room, used the bathrooms and loaded the bus. Again, they love those bus rides. This was one of our longest bus ride trips yet. Even longer than Huber's I believe. Many of the kiddos fell asleep on the bus and were eager to stretch out on the mat when we returned to camp.

After nap time we enjoyed snack and then our final "Luau" craft. They are magnets and if your child forgot theirs at camp, just pick them up next week anytime. I will be posting the schedule for our Christmas In July week in just a little bit. I am going to take a break to eat dinner and relax for a few minutes. It's been one long week. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and we shall see you on Monday!

Thank you,

Amanda

It's HOT, HOT, HOT. . .

It was definitely HOT out there today, but the counselors and children were all very thankful for

a chance to go swimming over at the YMCA. We began getting swimming gear on and sunscreen on the children as they finished their breakfast. We also moved out into the hall, because it's very cold inside the cafeteria (especially, when you are lathered up in sunscreen and only have a swim suite on). They put their towels out on the hallway floor and just chatted until it was time to go. As each camper arrived they were able to join the group accordingly. This helped us leave at a much more timely manner today. I am thankful for the best staff that is willing to try new strategies and ways of doing things. . .even if they might not think it will work. Thank you guys for always helping and doing such a wonderful job!!!!!

We left for the Y around 9:20am, maybe a few minutes after and arrived just before 10am. We were in time to get the floats belts on, grab a drink of water and get to swimming. The kids laughed, played and some even shed a few tears~but they quickly dried up once they realized the water wouldn't swallow them up :-) Ms. Sarah got out a Hula Hoop for the campers. The purpose of this is for any one who would like to jump into the pool, they stand in line and takes turns jumping into the middle of the hoop. Ms. Sarah (or whichever counselor might be working the "jumping station") will assist them in and out of the pool if necessary. They absolutely love to jump in and this gives us a better visual on the children jumping in and the ones who are not. It would be a complete and utter chaotic mess if we had 50 children jumping in here and there. I think the lifeguard might even strangle me :-) Those of you who have your child/ren in swim lessons might have actually seen your child/ren practice jumping and diving into these Hula Hoops.

Some swim days we will play a game to transition in or out of the pool. Today, being that it was so hot and dreadful out, we just let the children splash and play. They truly enjoyed themselves. I am also going to brag on my workers again right now. They are SO observant and do such an amazing job at the pool!!!! It is not an easy task to keep your eyes open and see that many children and watch in the water. It's very easy for a child to go under unnoticed, very quickly! The staff I have is always watching (Even when having children latched onto their sides) and keeping a watchful eye and listening ear! If there is a cough, you see every person turn to see who it is and if they are OK. You will hear reminders being given and counselors directing children how to do things in the water. This just makes my job, as the director, much easier! It helps me to know that I do not have to worry about anything because I know "my kids" are in great hands! I just wanted to make sure that you parents realize this as well, Your Kids are in great hands every day! Thank you to all the Kamp Kermit Staff :-) You guys are the best!

After swimming, we did have to make a HOT walk back to camp. We heard many, many, many, many, many, many complaints on the way back. We kept reminding the children that Lunch was waiting and we didn't want Mrs. Peggy to put them away before we got back~this kept them going. They loved their lunches too. Today they had the choice of a grilled chicken salad or a turkey sandwich. They both looked good and every one ate most of their lunches.

Next came the time to change out of our swimming gear and get ready for nap time. The kids were super excited to go see the "new room". Many of them were new to camp this year and had never been in there yet. We haven't been able to set it up yet, but we are attempting to have sign in/sign out and nap time in the room for now. We will still be having lunches and crafts and such in the cafeteria and outside in the little courtyard. I feel much safer in contained areas with so many little ones.

During the afternoon we were able to make a few thank you cards for the wonderful donors who help sponsor MANY YMCA members through the spirit campaign. Many of you might even have been helped by these donors in the past. We made hand prints of every child and all the workers. When they dry they are going to be bound together in groups and the top will read "Thank you for your helping hands". It has the child's signature/name under their hand print. They turned out so cute! I think the donors will love them! I know that I did!!!!! It was too HOT to go outside this afternoon so they stayed inside to play games, read books and sing.

Don't forget tomorrow is the field trip to Kazoing! Please wear socks or bring them with your child! THEY HAVE TO HAVE SOCKS TO PARTICIPATE!!!! And, don't forget if you have any questions or concerns please contact a counselor or myself at camp. You may also reach me at Mandee033@gmail.com or via the Y at 933-9622. You may also call my boss, Lauren if you feel you need her assistance. Thank you and have a great night. See ya in the morning :-)

~Amanda

Kamp Kermit Luau

Kamp Kermit Luau was a huge hit today! Although, we did not have as many parents able to participate today, the children absolutely enjoyed themselves. It seems to be more convenient to get away from work for our lunch time on a Friday, but due to the field trip this week our "picnic day" was changed.

We began our day like a normal day then went outside to eat our lunches. After lunch we came inside to begin painting/coloring the craft to take home. Parents were able to work with their children on the craft. Even though some children didn't have a parent there, they still have a lot of fun participating with the counselors. Each camper should have brought home a "Luau" keepsake today as well as their grass skirt. Some of the kiddos were attempting to throw away crafts today before even getting them home. I gave a little reminder that we, parents, like to see those type of things. I told them to let the parents throw them away after they saw them.

After the craft time, we played the limbo for a short time while some of the kiddos helped clean. We all then took a bathroom break and got ready for our daily rest time. Almost every one took a nap today, but they all did lay down for a good while. After nap time we were able to play in the gym for about 30 minutes before snack time.

Snack today was a choice between pretzels or a granola bar. It is surprising and fun to see what each child will pick when they get to decide. Mr. Sam told the children a story this afternoon while we were preparing crafts for tomorrow. Later in the afternoon we had some singing time before we walked out front to wait on the last few parents.

I have to be completely honest and let you all know that I have had a lack of patience this week. BUT, there have been so many instances where your little ones have brought me out of my low points and it reminds me of why I have the "job" that I do. I had several children today just pick up and start cleaning up after craft time without any adults asking them to do so. Now, this might not seem like a big thing to any one else but to us at camp this is a MAJOR help and such a blessing! Sometimes, it might take 10 minutes to get a group to the bathroom (on a rough day, ha ha). This just lifts our spirits and lets us know that somewhere along the lines they are listening. One camper came up to another counselor today and said "I have a hug for you" and then later told me "You are SO beautiful". These may sound silly and at times we might even think so, but when you dig a little deeper they get you through the long days when you have very little patience. I am blessed to work with your children and I just want you to know that they are in good hands while you are away at work or just needing some away time for yourself. I am a single mother and I completely understand! I hope you all have a wonderful night and we will see you tomorrow.

Don't forget that tomorrow is swim day. Please wear swimming gear and sunscreen to camp. Please bring a set of extra clothes, towel, sunscreen, underwear and shoes to camp. Tomorrow is expected to be a HOT one, so we'll make sure we are in the cool or water ALL DAY!!!!

I'm singing in the rain. . .

I apologize for the late post. . .have been having really bad headaches and just wasn't feeling the computer earlier. I do apologize.


Today was supposed to be our swim day at the YMCA, but we all awoke to some lovely storms and rain. It sounded as if hail was hitting my windows around 5:30am and then when I actually got up I was dreading heading out the door. The rain was just POURING down so hard! Well, once I got to work (after being stuck behind a wreck) there was no more lightening. It was just rain, sometimes heavy rain and sometimes just light rain. I decided that we were going to go play in the rain. The counselors made sure every child was changed and headed outside. Mr. Sam was our photographer along with Ms. Keira. Ms.Rachel held down the time out area, while Ms. Sarah and Mr. Jeremy came up with some really fun games to play in the rain. The children had so much fun. We even drew a crowd of maintenance workers to the windows watching us, waving and smiling at the children having fun. It was definitely a day at camp I am sure they will remember for quite some time. I mean, come on, how often do parents/guardians let ya play outside in the rain?

After we got all cleaned up and changed we ate lunch. Directly after lunch, while the cafeteria was being swept and mopped the children watched a Veggie Tales video. It was about Jonah. We did not complete the video but we might possibly complete it another day this week. We rarely do movies and they get restless the few times we have, so we try not to have them sit too long. They then took a nap. Every single camper took a nap today, for some period of time.

Tomorrow(Wednesday) is dress up day for our Luau, so we made sure to make grass skirts for every one. I realize that some might not have things at home to wear as a costume AND I surely don't have money to go buy an outfit. So, I wouldn't expect parents to either. This is why we made grass skirts today for our craft. They turned out so great!!! I hope you are all able to come join us for the "luau lunch" from 11am-1pm. We will also have a craft for you to paint with your child. The grass skirts will go home tomorrow after camp.

Field trip this week is on Friday to Kazoing. We arrive there at 10am and leave there at 12pm. If you have any questions or concerns, Please feel free to contact any of the counselors or staff. Thanks!
~Amanda

:-)

Today an exciting day for the campers to start out our "Luau" themed week. This morning the librarian from downtown library branch came to pass out prizes we have won for completing our 10 books. If your child did not receive their prizes, please do not worry they will receive them next Monday.

After completing the Summer Reading Program this morning we moved onto The LIMBO
!!! I am not sure if any of you have witnessed 35 children ages 3-5 attempting the limbo but it was a lot of fun. Some kinda understood the concept while others just did what they wanted and laughed/danced the entire time. Ms. Sarah had a wonderful idea of duck taping a few of our cardboard rolls, we've been saving for crafts, together to make the "limbo stick". We will have pictures and hopefully a video to post tomorrow. IF the video does not work I would love to see all of you parents at our "Luau Lunch" on Wednesday. We will also have a fun and keepsake craft to make this week.

After the Limbo we had some games, lunch, nap time and then playground time. We haven't been able to use the playground as much this summer due to the weather; but, today was a nice day to enjoy some time outside. After the snack and outside play we enjoyed a few more games of the Limbo, as well as, a few games of Musical Chairs and songs.

Overall, this Monday was a fun one despite a few listening ears not being on. . .we will continue to work on that. You might hear your children talking about some Y character values and colors this week. If you do not, try to quiz them to see if they can remember what we are learning at camp. We even have 4 kick balls in the colors to help us remember.

I hope you all have a wonderful start back to your week. AND, I plan to see you Wednesday at lunch :-)

Just another Manic Monday!

Thankfully, I don't feel like it's Manic Monday's during the summer! It's a nice break to be at summer camp during the months off from JCPS. I know sometimes your children don't always want to get up and go to camp~especially, after a weekend with family or friends; but, we are excited about a brand new week. If they had a bad day last week or just weren't fully adjusted to camp yet, that Today is a new day! A brand new start to the camp experience.

We will be having the Louisville Free Public Library coming Monday to read to us and we will also be receiving our prizes for already completing the 10 books for the summer. We will continue with the program through out the summer even after receiving our "prizes". I think that encouraging reading at a young age is important. Also, the children love the little songs and the stories they hear during that time.

Remember to bring your swimming gear, change of clothes with names on it and listening ears daily :-) Also, if you could please send the children in tennis shoes every day that would be very helpful. They can bring flip flops/sandals on swim days, or every day, but it will help out on a lot of tripping accidents with the tennis shoes on.

Don't forget to pick up a schedule on your way out and Have a wonderful Monday!!!! More pictures will be uploaded after the day Monday.
Thanks~
Amanda