5 camp activities and what they really teach you

By Mary Silvia, 2013 Horvitz Fellow & Philosopher of Fun

1. Fishing – Going fishing was Paul Newman's favorite thing to do at camp. There were many times when he'd spend minute after minute and hour after hour waiting patiently for a fish to bite, often resulting in not a single nibble. Fishing is all about patience. Once you do feel the tug from your fishing pole, you instantly feel surprised and elated. Your time spent was well worth it. Then, as is camp tradition, once you catch it, you kiss it, then release it.

2. Stage Night – Campers are SO talented! There are singers, dancers, jugglers, actors, musicians, poets... you name it. At Stage Night, whatever their talents, campers get the chance to express themselves. The best thing about Stage Night is that no matter the talent, the audience cheers their hearts out, showing great appreciation for the effort made. It's a celebration of "I CAN" capped off with a standing-O! No matter what the talent, it's so important to acknowledge the work of others and show your appreciation.

3. Campfires - Campfires often include storytelling and marshmallows, but campfires are really about spending quality time with friends. They may be friends from your cabin or perhaps new friends you meet while sharing s'more-eating techniques. It's the time together that counts, and the memories we take with us.

4. Cabin Clean-Up – For one week, the cabin is considered home. All of the campers and counselors, through daily "cabin clean-up" time, learn responsibility. This may include making beds, taking muddy shoes outside, hanging bathing suits up on the clothesline, or sweeping floors. When everyone works together, not only do the cabins sparkle, but we see campers shine, feeling great about what they've accomplished.

5. Arts & Crafts – There are 1,000,001 things you can do with a popsicle stick. We know because we've done them with campers to help them develop their own creative and unique forms of self-expression. Whether it's using paint brushes, yarn, clay or a myriad of other materials, what we've learned from arts & crafts at camp is that there's an artist inside of every single person. They just need popsicle sticks – and a little encouragement -- to find that out.