PEAK CAMP NEWSLETTER

Letter from the director:PHELAN FLETCHER

MEET OUR PEAK PROGRAM LEADER BEN GERO

This week at PEAK we encouraged campers to reach for the stars with the theme Space Wars: To PEAK and Beyond. We focused on the mysteries of space and technological innovation to get campers excited about the wonderful world of science. Many activities and the namesake for this week were inspired by the classic Star Wars franchise. Even though its a little before the campers time, many of us have fond memories of Jedi and Wookies: Now our campers will too!

Campers had a blast at the beginning of the week making rockets with their groups. Counselors and LITs oversaw the process, ensuring that everyone worked together effectively. Each group beautified their rocket with paints and stickers to represent their unique flair before setting them off. After a suspenseful few days of waiting, campers finally got to see their hard work come to life as they launched their rockets into orbit.

Besides the rockets, campers got moving with a few old camp staples revived in a truly stellar style. Capture the

flag was transformed into Jedi vs. Sith to show once and for all which side of the force was stronger. Campers were split into two teams, either Jedi or Sith, then given a corner of the basketball court to protect their flag in. A diagonal line separated the court, marking each teams territory. Once the game began, campers tried to infiltrate the opposing teams side without getting tagged. The goal, just like in the original game, was to capture that teams flag and run it back to their side.

As Im sure you noticed, the weather didnt exactly cooperate this week. To compensate for the few outdoor activities we lost thanks to Ohios meteorological meltdown, counselors brought out our high ropes course. The course consists of four different structures hanging from the ceiling, including a knotted rope, cargo ladder and wood pole with pegs. Each offered a unique challenge as campers tried to climb to the top, safely supported by a harness. The high ropes course was a great way to teach campers the importance of supporting their friends, both physically and mentally as they encouraged each other through the course.

Q: Whats your favorite part of summer camp programing?

A: Coming up with the craziest idea possible that I think would be fun, tailoring it and making it happen for the campers. Seeing them enjoy it as much as I do is great.

Q: How long have you been involved with summer camps?

A: Technically, Ive been going to summer camps since I was six. Twenty-three minus six is 17, so 17 years. After a year of being a counselor-in-training, I turned 16 and became a counselor. I havent stopped since!

July 8th- 12th, 2013

While campers explored high ropes, we also had the ones waiting try out our rock wall. Those that made it to the top got to ring the bell and enjoy their success. Both the high ropes course and rock wall help campers learn to conquer their fears when facing a situation that can seem scary in a fun and safe environment; with the help of their friends and counselors of course!

Overall, this week was out of this world, thanks to our wonderful counselors and campers. Hopefully well see you again but if we dont, have a fun rest of your summer!

May the force be with you,

Phelan Fletcher

Q: What are your career goals?

A: My dream job is to be camp director at a resident camp.

Q: Whats your favorite camp memory ?

A: I was at a boys camp and we would always go ambush the girls side of camp with squirt guns and water balloons. One year we spent an entire day filling up huge contairs with water balloons in preparation for the surprise.

Dear Parents,

KIDS QUOTESHey guys! Let me tell you something! I was pretty awesome out thereyeah, pretty awesome.

If I get reincarcerated, I hope I get reincarcerated as a dragon.

Can I get some space ice cream up in here?

Were on the Jedi side, good always triumphs evil right? Wait...episode three! NOOO.