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IT'S SO MUCH FUN!!!

I've used portions of "Camp Kindergarten" over the past several years, but this is the first year where I have really integrated everything together. A "SPECIAL THANKS" goes to my dear friend Dr. Jean Feldman (Dr. Jean), for her encouragement in getting me to put this project together for the upcoming school year. I use a lot of Dr. Jean's ideas, resources, and music throughout the school year, and Camp Kindergarten is no exception. Jean is fantastic!--so full of energy and enthusiasm, and my students really enjoy her work! You'll find her website by clicking here. --> http://www.drjean.org
--Good Luck and Have Fun! --Sandy Elsasser

"Buddy"

We have a camp mascot and the picture at the left shows the one for this year. "Buddy" the bear spends most of the day with the children (except when he hides in the building and we go searching for him --> Going on a Bear Hunt?). He always sits at the camp fire, goes on hikes, rests during quiet time, and enjoys the company of his classmates whenever he can. The students take turns each day making sure "Buddy" is always with us except at lunch (which seems to be when he usually runs away????), since animals are not allowed in our lunchroom. My classroom mascots have always been a great way to 'break the ice' with new students, since the children tend to relate and interact more quickly in his presence.

The Word file (.doc) below describes many of the more important activities that we do during our camp. However, I'm sure you will want to add your own, especially those that are specific to your school, geographic area, or teaching style. In addition, you probably already do many other things the first few weeks of school, which can be integrated into a Camp Kindergarten lesson. So, feel free to adopt any additional things that you have found to be of benefit over the years.

You can sequence the camp activities throughout each school day dependant on your own needs (e.g. many schools have half-day kindergarten, some may have air conditioning and children are required to stay indoors at this time of year, still others may not allow field walks outside the school grounds, etc.). As such, think of the activity list as a resource for things you could possibly do in your own Camp Kindergarten. Additionally, our school district requires we prepare lesson plans for our classes, and you can email me if you'd like a copy of those I use during Camp Kindergarten weeks. (However, the format of our lesson plan is probably a lot different from what you use.)

Just Right Click on the file, select 'Save' to store on your computer, and open later with Word.

Just Right Click on the file, select 'Save' to store on your computer, and open later with Word.

I made a campfire for my classroom from readily available materials. It didn't require a lot of skill to make, and it is easily stored from year to year with my other Camp Kindergarten materials. The size is not critical and you can make yours as big as you want. But remember that safety is of utmost concern, so if you build your own , be sure to eliminate any sharp edges, pointed ends, etc., and don't use lights that generate excessive heat!

The file below contains the general instructions for making a classroom camp fire, but I'm sure you can find ways to adapt or improve on my design. (For example, if storage is an issue, you might want to make yours with rubber bands instead of screws, so you can dismantle it each year.) The pictures at the left show the basic materials I used and a finished camp fire. By the way, I don't necessarily recommend that you build one with your students, since it requires the use of power tools and there is a potential for injury. Besides, I've found that it is much better to make your's at home and suprise your children with it at the end of the first camp day!

Just Right Click on the file, select 'Save' to store on your computer, and open later with Word.

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