Wild, Wild West

Last week we ventured out into the Wild, Wild West. The children started out the week by making their own sheriff badge and learning some western songs. They learned a fun version of She'll Be Coming Round the Mountain and a few others.

On Tuesday we hit up the YMCA for swimming, rock wall climbing and kids club. Even though the weather was very hot, the children did a great job walking to and from the YMCA twice in one day.

On Wednesday we went down to the Frazier Arms International Museum. This was a mostly hands off field trip, but these children did an amazing job following those rules! We began our field trip with some instructions from the director at the museum. Then we were able to go ALL THE WAY up to the fourth floor (by using the stairs). We definitely got some exercise in that day. After we made it to the fourth floor the children listened to a book read by the lady leading us on our tour. She then had a really neat art project for the kids. They got to create their own brand for their"cow". The children had a lot of fun creating this and putting it on their cow as they finished coloring it. It was fun to see the different designs they chose. They learned all about the branding and why it was done. They also were able to try on some really neat cowboy clothes. She had a vest, chaps, hat, boots, brand, gloves and rope on display. Each child was able to touch all the items and also to wear them. After this project ended we had a quick bathroom break then divided up into several groups. Each group went on a scavenger hunt through out the museum. We each had three stops to make and several questions to answer. This was actually a lot of fun and an easy way to let us see the entire museum. After the scavenger hunt we got to meet a real live cowboy. He talked to the children and let them participate in a "Re-enactment" of rounding up some cattle. He answered questions and even took time to take a picture with our campers.

We ended up the week with some more swimming at the YMCA and also a cook out on Friday. The children really seem to enjoy our cook outs. They are able to pick out what they would like to eat from what the campers brought in. They seem very surprised that we let them go back for more and get whatever they want. We are so thankful for all the wonderful veggies, fruits and baked chips you parents bring in. The kids make such good choices and every thing is healthy so it makes it even better. We serve the left over fruit, veggies and baked chips for snack. Thank you for all your help in providing the campers with such a healthy lunch and snack. They truly love it. I cant believe how many strawberries and melon balls these kiddos can consume. I am so excited to see them choose more fruit and veggies over the chips too. You parents would be very proud of them.