Achieve Happiness

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Summer Camp Memory #3

Lesson #3: A Mud bath is just as rewarding on a river bank as it is in a fancy spa

How to get a mud bath at Learning on the Log

1) Lay down in a muddy area

2) Ask counselors to spread mud over you

(two counselors will enhance the experience)

3) Make sure it goes everywhere

4) Smile

5) Give hugs if happy

Friday, March 1, 2013

Summer Camp Memory #2

Summer Camp Lesson 2: Medals were a huge it at the end of the camp

A new tradition that we started this year, was to have a medal ceremony at the end of each camp week. It has been incredible to see the way the kids respond to this. Some of them are very shy and uncertain about the attention, some of the kids LOVE the attention, some of them need extra support to walk up and accept their medal, some of them take it off immediately after receiving them because they don't like the feel of the fabric on their necks. But, when their name is called...and all the staff are cheering for them and commenting on what a great job they did at camp, EVERY single camper, gets the biggest smile on their face! We always try to make sure their accolades are individualized and we want them to understand that all their hard work has paid off.

Do your kids ever talk about the medal ceremony or share how they have felt when they received their medals?

Friday, February 22, 2013

Summer Camp Memories

As we get ready for SUMMER CAMP 2013, it is good to reminisce on last year's lessons and experiences.

Lesson 1: Use spray sun tan lotion.

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.

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Vlog

This week we wanted to change things by posting a VLOG.

Brick Heck is quirky, but a LOTL favorite, character on the ABC show "the Middle". He struggles with his interactions and with his relationships, but has a fun and unique way of relating.

Watch a short video clip of Brick navigating his world.