River day is the BEST

July 24, 2012
River day is the BEST

There are many reasons why River Day is planned for the last day of camp each week, and these are the same reasons that make this day an all time favorite for the majority of our staff AND campers. All of the individual skills we have been working on throughout the week, come together, when we are in a boat, out on the water, with new friends, for 5 hours! 

We have to work on taking turns--paddling, sitting in front, shooting the water guns, riding in different boats, and riding with different counselors. 

We have to be OK with some uncomfortable situations--wearing a constricting life jacket, getting splashed, trying something new, eating lunch in a boat, sharing space, talking to others and getting to know them better. 

We have to work together as small teams, within the bigger team--to make sure our paddlers are communicating with each other, to make sure we stick together, to make sure everyone is having fun, and to make sure we are sharing and empathizing when someone is upset.

We don't have anywhere to run when things become uncomfortable--we are essentially stuck together, so we HAVE to communicate what we are feeling and let others help us through situations, sometimes we have to comfort ourselves and use the "engine calming" techniques learned throughout the week, and sometimes we have to help others feel better about their fears.

Ultimately though, river day is the best because we get to relax, play, rest, swim, shoot water guns, talk with each other, sing songs, learn new games, learn how to paddle, and ENJOY the company of our new friends. 

Is it any wonder we all look forward to Thursdays at camp? What is your child's favorite part of river day at Learning on the Log camp?