Campers and their Counselors take part in several activities during the day. Campers
visit the same activities each day, but learn new skills as the week progresses. While
activities are taught by Instructors, Counselors participate in all activities
with their campers, and serve as assistants to the Instructors.
Swimming
Campers have the opportunity to enter the water and or swim each day (not
all campers can swim and may choose to play on the beach). The beach
and swimming area at Camp Kiwanis is situated on Mill Dam Lake. The camp
swimming area is organized into three zones – A, B, and C. Zone-A
is about knee deep, campers can stand with their heads above water in Zone-B,
and Zone-C extends to depths of at least 10 feet and is limited to strong swimmers.
Daily swimming activities are structured to be safe, fun, and instructional. All
campers are swim tested on Monday morning when they arrive in camp. Campers
are assigned a rank of A, B, or C depending on how they perform on the swim
test. Campers are then restricted to their zone for the week. All
campers enter the water with a buddy and pairs are counted at regular intervals
during water activities. Multiple Life Guards are on duty at all times
during any swim activity.
Swimming activities during the day stress water fun. Some basic instruction
may be offered if campers are receptive to the idea. Most of the time
campers play games like “sharks and minnows” or “Marco Polo.” Campers
also have the choice of participating in an evening Free Swim. No instruction
is offered during Free Swim and the hour is spent socializing and playing.
Canoeing
Canoeing remains a camp favorite among all ages of campers. Like swimming,
campers may choose to stay on dry land if they want. Canoeing instruction
begins on the beach, where campers learn canoe safety and basic strokes. As
the week progresses, campers venture out into the lake and even get to swamp
their boats in shallow water on the last day. Capable groups of campers
may even paddle out into the middle of the lake, explore the shore, or hold
canoe races.
A Canoeing Instructor and several Counselors accompany all canoe outings. Outings
remain in sight of the camp beach and a motorized pontoon boat is kept ready
to retrieve any groups that need a hand. All campers must wear life vests
and remain under adult supervision at all times. For young people canoeing
is a big adventure that teaches teamwork, builds confidence, and is just plain
fun.
Archery
Safe archery instruction is provided at the Camp Kiwanis range. Campers
start the week with safety instruction and lessons to familiarize them with
range rules and equipment. As the week progresses, campers learn to handle
a bow and arrow on their own. Each day, they get to practice with assistance
from Counselors and under the watchful of the Archery Instructor. By
Friday, many of them are hitting Bulls-Eyes on a regular basis.
The camp archery range is situated away from other activities and all equipment
is locked up overnight. Archers practice shooting at round targets, working
on their technique, and learning how to keep score. Once they master
basic skills, campers may break into teams and compete for high points, try
to shoot balloons on a target, or just hone their archery skills. Archery
is not only fun, it teaches safety, self-control, and concentration.
Arts and Crafts
Arts and crafts are popular activities at Camp Kiwanis. This activity
takes place in an air-conditioned cabin and is led by the camp Crafts Instructor. Campers
work on various projects during the week. Examples of crafts activities
include the creation of banners which are hung outside each cabin, making “bead
men” necklaces, braiding key chains and lanyards, and creating custom
frames for their own camp photos. Other projects are possible and are
typically adjusted to the age level of the camper. Campers work on several
projects during the week that they will complete and bring home on Friday.
Games
Campers visit the games field once a day. Games are designed to be fun,
suit the age level of the campers, foster team-work, and provide physical exercise. Games
played at Camp Kiwanis are non-contact sports and do not require previous experience. This
approach ensures that all campers start with an even skill level and that all
can excel regardless of athletic ability. If a camper can kick a ball
and run, they can play with the best of them at Camp Kiwanis.
The games field is situated in a central area of camp. Campers often
decide as a group which game to play and are always led by our Games Instructor. Counselors
play along in all games and help to hone Campers’ skills. While
teams may win or lose, all Campers are encouraged to play at their own skill
level and enjoy the game. Games provide physical exercise, promote teamwork
and build self-confidence.
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