Programming at SLC: The Perfect Blend of Structure and Choice
Surprise Lake Camp (SLC) offers a unique blend of structure and choice, empowering campers to forge their own path while enjoying the camaraderie of a close-knit community. Our experienced programming staff curates a dynamic schedule that balances engaging activities with opportunities for personal exploration, ensuring every camper has a fulfilling experience.
Programmed Group Time: Bonding Through Shared Experiences
One of the most powerful aspects of camp is the opportunity to connect with others through shared experiences. Our carefully planned group activities provide the perfect environment in which campers can form lasting friendships. Activity periods are scheduled by our program coordinator with input from each group and counselor to ensure that the interests of all campers in the group are considered and guaranteeing full participation in all camp activities.
Benefits of Group Activities:
- Builds Camaraderie: Scheduled activities like waterfront, sports, and creative arts bring campers together, fostering a sense of belonging and creating lasting group memories.
- Encourages Personal Growth: By participating in a variety of activities alongside familiar peers, campers feel more comfortable stepping outside their comfort zones as a group and discovering hidden talents.
- Fosters a Supportive Community: By giving and receiving encouragement, campers develop valuable social skills and a strong sense of empathy that will benefit their interpersonal relationships throughout their lives.
Specialty Time: A Deep Dive into a Chosen Passion
SLC’s specialty program allows campers to delve deep into a favorite activity. Whether a camper is a budding artist, nature enthusiast, or born performer, campers can ignite their passions and explore their interests.
Campers choose a specialty at the beginning of each session and dedicate themselves to it three times a week. This focused approach allows them to make significant progress and develop expertise. Our diverse range of specialty activities includes arts & crafts, sports, adventure, waterfront, pickleball, drama, dance, Teva (nature in Hebrew), farm, archery, and music.
Benefits of Specialty Electives:
- Focused Learning: By concentrating on one activity, campers can work on larger-scale projects.
- Personal Growth: Engaging in activities they love allows campers to make meaningful progress, boost their self-esteem, and hone their talents.
- Shared Passions: Specialties provide opportunities to connect with peers who share similar interests but may not be in their group. This expands their camp community.
Choice Periods: Empowering Campers to Explore
As campers grow, we empower them with more choices. Several days a week, we offer choice periods where campers can select from a variety of activities for a singular activity period. These activities often bring together campers from different groups, fostering new friendships. We continually introduce special experiences, like balloon animal making, juggling, or young scientist experiments, to keep things exciting. With a wide range of options, campers are sure to find something they love.
Benefits of Choice Periods:
- New Opportunities: Choice periods offer a chance to try something new and exciting, like juggling or science experiments, led by skilled staff.
- Personalized Experience: Campers can explore their passions and spend more time on activities they enjoy.
Activities Reinforce SLC’s Core Values
Our activity specialists and group counselors are committed to supporting SLC’s core values. By intentionally weaving these values into each activity, they ensure that campers are not only learning new skills but also developing essential character traits.
Here are some examples as to how we reinforce our five core values through programming:
- Community: During team sports, campers work together to achieve common goals, fostering a sense of cooperation.
- Compassion: By supporting each other during activities, campers demonstrate empathy and kindness. For example, a camper might offer words of encouragement to a struggling teammate.
- Courage: By trying new activities like kayaking or zip-lining, campers overcome fears and develop bravery and resilience.
- Gratitude: After a fun day of activities, campers can express thanks to their counselors and fellow campers for a great time, fostering a positive and appreciative atmosphere.
- Grit: Through practice and persistence, campers can master new skills like archery or diving, developing determination and perseverance.
After each activity, staff take the opportunity to highlight examples of campers embodying our values, reinforcing positive behavior and actions. By living these values every day, campers develop essential life skills and become more well-rounded individuals.
Ready to Unleash Your Adventure?
At Surprise Lake Camp, we believe that a well-rounded camp experience should nurture both the mind and the spirit. By combining structured group activities with personalized choices, we empower campers to discover their passions, build lasting friendships, and develop essential life skills. Ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure? Join us at SLC and experience the perfect balance of challenge and fun.
