There is more to hiking, than just hiking

There is more to hiking, than just hiking

Ever wonder what goes on in the woods when you send your kids to Learning on the Log? As in all of our groups, the designated activity (hiking, swimming, tumbling, karate, etc.) is only the catalyst that brings the group together. What the kids actually learn and experience, is so much more than that. We have numerous games and activities to try, never the same activity twice. We play hide and seek, imaginative games like "pet shop", we utilize all of our different senses with games that require the kids to use only one sense at a time, we work on strength and balancing, we build boats out of materials we find in the woods and we launch them in the water, we challenge the kids to try things they might be uncomfortable with, and we support them through each and every one of these experiences. As there is in any group, fights and arguments break out, and kids have melt downs when things don't go their way. But we see these behaviors, as nothing more than a great opportunity to help the kids work through these complex emotions, and start to feel confident in communicating what is going on. They leave feeling like they have been heard, their opinions and their feelings matter, they can try new things and they will not be judged, they can fail and/or succeed and they will have all the support necessary to make it through. In the end, there is much more to "hiking" with Learning on the Log, than "just hiking". 

Team Work at it's finest

Team Work at it's finest

This activity was incredible. 
These kids had to hold onto the parachute-together, walk around the field-together, pick up objects without letting go of the parachute-together, and deposit the items to a designated area-together.
It took several attempts to make this all happen, but these kids kept trying and trying until they got it right. They had to be reminded to not use their hands, to communicate the direction they were moving, to not move too fast or too slow, to keep the parachute at a certain height so as not to drop the item, etc. But they did it! 

At Learning on the Log, we know that all children should be challenged, and you should expect that they can succeed, no matter what their needs are. The kids we work with can meet higher expectations, just like any other kids, they just might need some additional support.
This theory was proved in this particular exercise, and we see it proven every single day.
We challenge them to try new things and to do things that are difficult and sometimes scary, but they try and with support, they accomplish the task. Sometimes they do fail or come in last, but this just gives us an opportunity to help them deal with these hard feelings and they leave with tools that help them cope. They also leave with more confidence that they can try new things and they can rejoice when they succeed, but even if they don't, they still feel good because they tried and they did their best......just like anyone else. 

Good bye Summer Camp

Goodbye Summer, we are sad to see you go

But, HELLO School year and all the joys of Fall

We are excited to get back into the swing of things

Goodbye Summer Camp, but HELLO Fall

Our School year programs are here! With that, we have to say goodbye to summer. Within this transition, we welcome back many kids from past programs, as well as say hello to new campers.  There is no choice but to reflect back on the summer that was amazing and what to look forward to in the Fall.
Here are some highlights:
In the Summer, we get to go on the boats every week, we get to enjoy the outdoor pool and soak up the  sun when we need a break, we get to play at the "beach" of the Chattahoochee,  we get to enjoy all the leaves on the trees and colors in the woods, we get to lather on sunscreen over and over and over, we get to see old friends and the special summer staff, and most of all, we get to play play play!
In the Fall, we see the leaves change colors and fall from the trees, we can explore the caves and play hide and seek, we learn about musical instruments and have dance parties, we swim indoors and get to jump off the diving blocks, we DON'T have to lather on sunscreen over and over and over, we get to catch up with old friends and meet new ones, we get to practice our Karate moves, and we learn new sports skills.
The common theme in all of our programs is making friends, communicating our feelings, sharing our ideas, playing and trying new things, and having fun!

---Come on out and join us this year---

Simple Entertainment

August 24, 2012

Simply Entertaining and Endearing

When we are on the boats, we spend a lot of time just hanging out and enjoying each other. Take a look at this video and the simple enjoyment our campers find with the every day tasks at camp (like applying sunscreen). 

Toys at Camp?

August 22, 2012

Toys at Camp?

Many programs frown upon allowing their campers to bring toys with them from home. For several reasons, some of which might be: "the kids only play by themselves if they have a special toy" "they won't join the games and won't share their toy" "the other kids will be upset they don't have a toy" "it will isolate the camper" etc. Well, at Learning on the Log, we deal with this issue on a regular basis. Kids struggle to let go of a toy they had in the car or were playing with at home and they are "stuck" on  "needing" to keep it with them throughout the day. We have found a way to use this to our advantage though, and end up with great group games. If a child has a toy they want to bring to camp, we too struggle to teach them to share or want to come out of their isolation to play in group games. So, instead of fighting against it, we decided a long time ago, to either help the child learn to negotiate the use of their toy within our games, communicate "why" they "need" their toy with them that day, or we incorporate their toy INTO our games that day. On this particular day, we had a child that did not want to leave his "Thomas" behind in the car and there was a big melt down when other children asked to play with him. This offered us an incredible opportunity to sit the group down and talk about what was going on, why kids were upset, and how we could turn those feelings around and use them in productive ways. So, the group then worked together to build an obstacle course FOR "Thomas" where all the kids got to be involved and they shared and they had a blast. They learned cooperation, negotiation, communication, and creative thinking. 

What are some ways you have learned to be creative with your child, to allow them to express their interests and needs, and avoiding a power struggle?

Experiencing new adventures

August 21, 2012

Experiencing new adventures

When you were a kid did you go out and search for caves, play in the woods, and make slides out of huge rocks? Did you ride your bike or play in your back yard or in the neighborhood? Did you stay out until it grew dark and you were "forced" to come inside for food or a bath? Most of us did, and it is those experiences that we can credit for our creativity and imaginative ideas and our ability to "think outside the box", as adults. Unfortunately, many kids today don't experience things like that on a regular basis, especially if you live in the city. Our culture has changed and most kids are indoors watching television, playing video games, or they are locked into after school activities where everything is structured FOR them. They are used to being entertained and they start to look for that in every situation, rather than using their imaginations to think up new games or find something to do when they are bored. At Learning on the Log, we have some structured activities, but for the most part, our days are filled with trying new things, coming up with new activities, looking for "props" out in nature that we can use for games, and we give the kids the opportunity to suggest new things and help to guide the games. They use their imaginations, "no idea is a bad idea"; they are challenged to think outside the box, "how can we use those rocks and these trees to introduce a new game"; they use their imaginations, "we are building a fort in the woods for the bears and alligators to live in when we leave". These experiences are so important for these kids. They are learning that they don't need video games to entertain them when they are bored. They are learning how to use whatever is around them to start a game. They are learning to work together with a group of other kids to engage in new games, and even though that is hard because they don't know how it will turn out, that is real life. 

Music in the woods

August 20, 2012

Music in the woods

We love trying new things, to see if we can utilize ordinary items, and turn them into a fun, educational, and social game......usually in the woods. One activity we have found, that the kids love, is to bring musical instruments with us on our hikes. The kids get to pick out their favorite, from rhythm sticks to drums to whistles to triangles to spoons and egg shakers. Unfortunately we have found that all string instruments tend to get broken, so we don't use those anymore :) The way we make this social, is by encouraging the kids to explore different sounds as they use the instruments in the traditional way, and then we use them on trees, under piles of leaves, in the dirt, etc. Sometimes we will have a dance party, where each child gets the chance to stand in front of the group, where they get to dance freely while their friends are playing music for them. They get to take turns and express their individuality as they are dancing. Then we play hide and seek, blind, where they have to use their ears to find their friends, instead of their eyes. The kids that are "hiding" sound their instrument to give the seeker a hint of where to "look". There are hundreds of ways we can use everyday materials, in a not so traditional way. We always tell our staff that we are limited, only by our imaginations! 

Spray is Better

Spray is Better

The other week we ran out of spray sun tan lotion and had to use our back up cream lotion.  In theory there should not be a big difference between the two, but reality proved something very different.  Generally, many summer time campers reluctantly allow the spray to be put on them, so the cream lotion proved to push their limits.  Staff was diligent in making sure adequate protection was used and that meant sometimes using a bit too much.  Like in the picture above, many were in disbelieve over seeing so much white stuff on their bodies, and one commented: "I am never doing this again."  Even after jumping into the pool the lotion was visible for some time.  Throughout the swim time there were many conversations about how uncomfortable this lotion was and how would it ever disappear.  Thankfully plenty of spray bottle were brought back to the pool, and that kind of situation was avoided.

I did it!!!

I DID IT!!!!!!!!

There are so many challenges placed in front of our campers, each and every day. And the accomplishment our campers feel and express when they try and try and try again until they succeed, is priceless. They get the biggest smiles on their faces, many times they throw their hands up in the air with a "victory" stance, they run and hug their favorite counselor, they high five their new friends, and they revel in the cheers and clapping of the whole group. Physical challenges are even more of a challenge, for many of our campers, than they are for typical kids. Many of our campers struggle with focus, low muscle tone, lack of coordination, processing issues, lack of impulse control, etc. So, when they succeed in a task that we have set up for them, IT IS A BIG DEAL. And we make sure they feel that importance. We want them to know, without a shadow of a doubt, that we know how hard it was for them to accomplish these tasks, and just how proud of them we are. We try to share these accomplishments with parents at the end of each day, so they are then able to celebrate again with their child, and the kid's proud feelings are reinforced again. 

What are some challenging tasks your child accomplished this week? Did you celebrate and show them, tell them, and cheer for them?

Life Guard Feedback

Life Guard Feedback

The Emory University life guards commented several times, to several people,  how much they enjoyed our group at their pool this summer.  Apparently other summer camp groups have been a bit more rambunctious than our group, and have had a harder time following directions.  One big reason for this positive feedback is due our staff doing a great job of engaging with all of the campers in fun and meaningful activities.  When interactions and relationships are meaningful, more effort is made to extend and/or duplicate these experiences.  It doesn't matter if it is water gun fighting, jumping into the pool, being thrown up into the air, or simply having a conversation these activities seem to be worth being a part of.  Second reason is how great our camp groups have been.  Each camper has been enthusiastic and happy to be at camp, and have enjoyed building many different relationships.  Positive relationships motivate all of us, and these life guards have definitely enjoyed seeing many relationships grow and flourish.  

LOG Wear

LOG Wear

We have always run our programs on a limited budget and have therefore been very limited in what we could give back to families, in the sense of material items. For the first several years, we squeezed some t-shirts into our budget, but each child was only given one.....that's right, one shirt......for the whole year. Two years ago, we partnered with a printing company and they gave us hats and magnets which we were able to share with our families, as well as t-shirts, and we were able to give each camper a new t-shirt Each Week. We were very excited about that addition, but it was still a struggle to feel free to give things away, as much as we wanted to. Then this year.....we decided to reach out to all of you, and ask if anyone would like to be an apparel sponsor.....the response was TREMENDOUS, so much more than we ever expected. You surpassed our ask, and we felt so tremendously blessed by all of you and how much you were happy to support us. So, this summer, for the very first time, we were so excited to send campers home with a variety of items. T-shirts, hats, pens, water bottles, lunch boxes, beach towels, etc. We are going to be able to continue to give away items all year as well!! Again, a first for us. We will also offer these items for sale pretty soon, so be on the lookout for a LOTL online store in the future. 100% of the proceeds raised, will go to a staff continuing education fund. 

What apparel do you want to see in the future?

Throwing and Flipping

August 15, 2012

Throwing and Flipping

Many of the boys (some girls) love the thrill of being either thrown or flipped in the air.  They report loving the sensation of shooting up from the water and flying though the air.  They seek out staff for a turn and want it repeated over and over again.  This activity has proven to be so motivating that staff can stretch engagement longer than usual.  Conversations about like and dislikes are discussed, clarification of wether to thrown or flipped is articulated, and relationships are strengthened.  In the end, the most important aspect of this fun activity is the amount of practice interacting and relating that is being done, and due to the high level of motivation campers will work harder to get this thrilling experience.  

Hanging Rock

August 15, 2012

Hanging Rock

On the Island Ford trail there are several stops on the way, including cave #4 or Hanging Rock.  Here we lift the kids up to a ledge and they hang on for a period of time.  On average 10 seconds is a good long enough, but personal records have been set, broken, and re-broken.  The all time summer camp record of 107 seconds was set in the summer of 2004, and many have come close since then.  Before each child gets lifted into the air, we ask how long they think they can hang for.  The eager kids throw out a large number hoping to be able reach a lofty goal, others are more realistic about this challenge and shoot for 10 seconds, and then there are those kids who are anxious about this exercise and with hesitation only want to be up there for a few seconds.  No matter how long the turn is, each time a camper is safely back on the ground there is cheering and enthusiasm.  A bigger deal is made of a personal best hang time.  We often see determination and grit before, and joy right after, but in every case a big challenge has been successfully completed. 

boys being boys

August 13, 2012

Boys being Boys

Our groups are predominantly over-run with boys. This is due to a few factors: 1--because the 8 out of 10 kids diagnosed with Autism are boys, 2--because the activities we offer are very physical and "out-doorsy" which attracts more boys, and 3--because many children diagnosed with Autism tend to lean more towards playing video games rather than sports, but their parents know they need to be more active. Whatever the reason, all of our programs are predominantly boys. Due to this, we make sure to hire young, engaging, and really fun counselors to get the boys motivated and loving camp. This picture captures a great moment where the boys are all on a team against one of our staff, they are trying to "capsize" him. They are strategizing and planning different ways to attack and are just having a blast. This is a great way for these boys to bond and enjoy this time at camp, they have never met each-other before, but they have come together with a similar desire and are playing so well together. After this, these boys then sought each other out to play more games and to team up in different activities. This is one more example of why we are so selective when hiring our staff, they make all the difference!  

The future of Learning on the Log

Photo found here: http://www.yellowbot.com/emerald-city-overland-park-ks.html

August 12, 2012
The Future of Learning on the Log (LOTL)

We are known for our great programs, our incredible staff, and our ability to engage our campers in social activities. But, do you ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes or what we have planned for the future? We are currently in the middle of launching our company to the next level, into a much larger corporation. 

For the first 8 years, LOTL was a very small company, running with a skeleton crew and very limited resources, and therefore limited ability to grow. We have always struggled with trying to find a balance between hiring more staff and at the same time, filling our groups enough to make the addition, worthwhile. Having a 2:1 child to staff ratio is great for the quality of our groups, but incredibly hard to uphold from the business side of things.  

In the last two years, we have worked incredibly hard and long hours to continue to offer our quality groups, but also tackle the business side of things, because we have very lofty dreams and ideas of where we want LOTL to go. We put together an INCREDIBLE board of directors that have, in the last year, launched us into a whole new realm of business. Everyone has been so generous and eager to help us. 

We have received numerous donations of equipments and materials, some from our Amazon Wishlist, as well as used books and toys and games for us to use in our vans and for our upcoming Pre-School. 

We have had some incredible business men putting together a business plan for us and financial projections to help us plan. We have had marketing professionals helping us re-do our logo and our slogan and helping us with print material we can use for fund raising. We have social media experts in England helping us with social media strategies and awareness plans. We have people planning fund raising events and hosting dinners and parties, where we will have the opportunity to meet and connect with more people who might be able to propel us forward. We have people guiding us in the grant writing process as well as trying to put together a "vision" for LOTL that will help us brand ourselves. 

We have also tripled our full-time staff, and have plans in place to continue to grow those numbers.

The number of people and the amount of work that is going on behind the scenes, is incredibly overwhelming, but in nothing but a WONDERFUL way. 

As you know, we are launching our first ever morning program, our Enrichment Pre-School, that will offer an academic piece, where students will sign up for the entire school year. An intense social skills experience that will emulate Summer Camp, all year long. 

What you may not know, is that we have plans (hopefully within two years) to open our own facility that will include gymnastics/tumbling equipment, swimming indoors, enclosed sports arena, 25 ft rock climbing walls and obstacle courses......and so much more! We also plan to offer parent support groups, sibling group outings, a parent council, teen programs, overnight camps, homework tutors, family programs and outings, and much much more! 

We have big plans and we hope you stick around! We would love to tell you more about what we have planned and where we could use your help. Let us know if any of this sounds good to you and if you have any special skills you would be willing to share or any contacts you would be willing to introduce us to. 

Structured Games

August 11, 2012

Structured Games

We constantly wrestle with the balance between too many and not enough structured games.  One of the strengths of this staff is it's ability to interact, relate, and communicate with campers during free play.  Many creative and fun games are played, and relationships are built and deepened during those times.  Structured games such as 'Simon Say's' or 'Swim skills practice' prove to unite the group in positive way.  All of us put our hands in the middle to start the activity, all of us are jumping or spinning in Simon Say's, and all of us are kicking our legs during swim skills practice.  These shared physical experiences are building blocks for a shared social experience.  Finding the right amount of structure and free play changes with each group we have and becomes a judgement call of the lead staff, but our ability to do so makes us different from most other programs.

Nap Time

Nap Time

The summer time schedule is fast paced and very active.  We utilize every minute of every day to interact, relate, communicate, run, stretch, hike, swim, paddle, or play team games.  There are times where fatigue does set in and some campers take the opportunity for a quick nap.  Even with conversations, activity, and music around, some are simply so tired and need a little shut-eye before they can participate in the next part of the day. 

Bouncing on the River

August 9, 2012

Bouncing on the River

There are many ways in which we enjoy the trip down the Chattahoochee River.  Some paddle hard, some engage in water gun play, some can't wait to go swimming, some have great conversations with their boat partners, while some like to bounce.  Take a look at how we can bounce down the river.

Smiling faces

August 8, 2012

Smiling Faces

In case you haven't heard enough about our wonderful staff at Learning on the Log, here is one more post about them! I love looking at all of our photos and seeing image after image of not only the kids having fun, but the staff smiling from ear to ear. Why is this such an accomplishment? Here are a few examples of situations they deal with each day: arguments, mis-understandings, melt-downs, whining kids, HOT temperatures, 11 weeks in a row of work, the stress of keeping 20 kids together.....Working together with other staff whom you have never met before, having to give up every sense of "me" because they have to focus all their attention on the kids....And overcoming their own personal feelings of being uncomfortable in different situations because they have to help the kids through those same uncomfortable situations.....just to name a few. But, even though we are nearing the end of the summer and everyone is EXHAUSTED, physically, emotionally, psychologically, the staff are STILL SMILING. We are so proud of them, and so grateful to them for all of their hard work. We could not do it without them. We always say that our programs are only as good as our staff, and this group has launched us to another level of productivity and enjoyment, as we have heard countless tales from parents and campers alike, with nothing but positive feedback about our staff. 

Do you have any stories to share about our wonderful staff?

A game without a name-please vote

August 7, 2012

A game without a name-please vote

This is a wonderful game that we made up this summer and our campers LOVE IT. It is unfortunately a game without a name though, so we need your help to name it. Watch the video and let us know what you think. The name of our company is Learning on the Log (LOTL), so that is where these names stem from. 

1: LOTL Ball (pronounced "lottle" ball)

2: Log Ball

3: Noodle Ball

4: Whack-a-noodle 

The Power of Hesitation

August 6, 2012

The Power of Hesitation

Last week we brought out the parachute for a team game.  Initially the kids were very excited and wanted to shake the parachute as fast as they could, and we accommodated these urges.  After a couple of minutes it was time to work more as a team by lifting the parachute up and down in unison.  This took some practice because getting the timing of everyone doing the same thing at the same time was a struggle.  The group persevered and were ready to take the game to an other level.  A ball was placed in the middle, and the group needed to shoot it into the air by snapping the parachute.  Both the kids and staff were ready for the challenge and waited eagerly for the go-ahead.  The count down began with a 3..., 2..., hesitation and pause, 1..., yet an other hesitation and pause......GO!!!  The parachute was lifted up and then down.  The first few turns had mixed results, with the ball going various heights and directions, but then finally the ball shot up in the air and almost hit the ceiling.  The group reacted with great excitement and joy.  On the following turn the group achieved perfect team work.  The ball was placed in the middle, the kids and staff held tightly onto the parachute, and the countdown began.  3..., 2..., 1..., a long hesitation pause GO!!!  Eyes and attention was fully locked on the lead staff doing the countdown, and each body was anticipating the act of snapping the ball far into the air.  Faces were grinning with excitement as they saw the ball rocket up in the air and actually hitting the ceiling.

During the countdown, the hesitation allowed the group to fully process the moment and get their bodies ready to work together.  Within the group there are many different kinds of processing speeds and waiting just a little longer helped the group to succeed.  This particular experience had enough positive impact on some of the kids that they asked to do it again the next day.

Morning Drop Off

August 5th, 2012

Morning Drop off

Each morning there is a range of emotions felt during the drop off.  For example, some kids are extremely excited about the day, and can’t wait to get the day going.  They hurry their parents back to their cars, jump into the van, and wait eagerly for us to start.  There are others who are not very happy about being at summer camp and feel sad during the process of separating from their parents.  A lot of tender, love, and care is needed to help that child feel better about the transition and the schedule of the day.  This situation is also very difficult for the parents that may feel guilty about leaving their child upset.  We often get follow up phone calls wondering how their child has adjusted.  Finally, there are some kids who are anxious about the day’s activities, and ask rapid-fire questions or respond by antagonizing others.  Thursday's river day is a great example.  Staff have to work hard to decipher through various behaviors to find the root of the issue.  On river day, finding the right boat or partner has been the biggest obstacle.  No matter what the feelings are toward being at camp, morning drop off is one of the more unpredictable times within summer camp.

Simple is Better

August 4, 2012
Simple is better

As all of us interact, we rely heavily on language as tool for giving and receiving messages, and we often communicate at a rapid rate.  One of the counselors this summers reflected that she uses language to help people she is with to feel relaxed and welcomed, and if the situation is anything but relaxed the number of words used increases.  Within our programs processing language can be rather difficult, and when adults are not careful the language can be complex.  Our advice is to keep it short and simple.  This will allow each child to have a better chance at understanding the adult, and have a better chance at responding.  Keeping language interaction simple increases the possibility for the interactions to be more successful, and confidence to starts to grow.  For example, recently there was a misunderstanding between two students that resulted in some shoving.  As the emotions were high from both kids, staff did a wonderful job of clarifying the situation so that neither child felt defensive or attacked.  They had an opportunity to re-live the situation and learn some positive social cues.  In this situation the two boys apologized for their part in the shoving and re-joined the larger group.

Partners

August 3, 2012

Partners

Most of our campers are incredibly independent and DO NOT like to work together or be part of a team, or be dependent on others to ensure their success. So, we make them :) One of our most frequently utilized games, is with a scenario like this one, where the kids start out doing the task on their own but then we add turns where it is necessary to have a friend go with you in order to accomplish the task. After that, we add in two sets of partners working together, and then 6 kids together and then 8, and then the whole camp together. The kids get so into the game and taking their turn, and accomplishing the task, getting across to the other side without touching the rope, that they are usually OK with holding their partners hand and working together as a team. Everyone cheers for the teams and the look of triumph on their faces is great. After practicing these strategies throughout the week in different game scenarios, the campers don't even balk at the request to do a task with a partner. This is a skill, feeling comfortable working together with a friend or sibling, that we hope translates to other aspects of their life. The more they practice this, and find that it is not too bad, the more comfortable they are going to be and pretty soon they see working together as an asset vs. a burden.  

Surprising Interaction

August 2, 2012

Surprising Interaction

The staff at Learning on the Log are very creative in finding ways to connect and interact, as well as build relationships.  One of the more surprising settings for rich communication is under water.  With a deep breath, we can head beneath the surface to escape any auditory or visual distractions, we can put aside any pressure to use language, and simply use our facial expressions and body language to interact.  Both staff and camper exaggerate facial expression's, find creative ways to blow bubbles, and sometimes have a game of chase.  There is an intensity that is created within these interactions that are hard to match above the surface, and we take every opportunity to connect this way.  As much fun as it is to be flipped or thrown high in the air, the underwater exchanges create a deeper, more meaningful social experience.  

comfort when you're scared

Aug 1, 2012

Comfort when you're scared

These are the types of moments we see everyday in our programs, but we are rarely able to capture them on camera. For many of our campers, this is their first time away from home, the first time they are trying many new things (swimming, hiking, team sports, canoeing, etc.), and they need a lot of support. We get the opportunity to teach these campers new skills, play with them, teach them more appropriate behavior when inappropriate behavior kicks in, love on them, share new friendships with them, and care for them when they are hurt or upset. This is one of the aspects of our program that sets us apart from other camps, where the kids might get to try new fun things, but they are missing the nurture and care and 100% support from their staff, when they are feeling unsure of something, or they are scared. Our staff are our #1 commodity and we couldn't offer such great programs without them. We are incredibly selective when we are interviewing and hiring new staff, and it is in moments like these, where we are rewarded with making the right choice! Thank you to all of our Learning on the Log staff for being so incredible this summer. Thank you for loving on these kids, teaching them right from wrong, and supporting them through the good and the bad.