Adventure Camp is designed to engage children aged 10-13 in outdoor adventures that promote camping skills, environmental awareness, and wilderness preparedness. The program includes three day trips and one overnight trip each week, focusing on activities like geocaching, hiking, kayaking, biking, and pioneering skills such as cooking over a fire, pitching tents and orienteering.
Weekly Structure:
Each week will consist of a variety of activities that build upon each other to enhance the campers’ skills and knowledge. The following is a sample week schedule with suggested day trips near camp.
Sample Week Schedule
Monday: Geocaching & Orienteering
Morning (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM):
Introduction to Geocaching
Explanation of GPS devices and maps.
Team formation for geocaching activity.
Hunt for “treasure” and hide a treasure for future Geocachers
Lunch (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM)
Afternoon (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM):
Orienteering Skills
Learning how to read topographic maps.
Practice navigating using compasses in a local area.
Tuesday: Biking Trip on the C&O Canal Towpath
Morning (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM):
Biking from Riley’s Lock to Washington D.C.
Safety briefing on biking rules and gear checks.
Start biking along the scenic C&O Canal Towpath, approximately a 20-mile ride one way.
Lunch (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM):
Picnic lunch at a designated stop along the canal.
Afternoon (1:00 PM – 2:30 PM):
Explore historical sites along the canal.
Discussion about the importance of the canal in American history and its ecosystem.
2:30 pm – Van picks up campers to return to camp by 3:30pm
Wednesday: Hiking & Environmental Awareness
Morning (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM):
Hiking at Sugarloaf Mountain
Guided hike focusing on local flora and fauna.
Discussion on Leave No Trace principles.
Lunch (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM)
Afternoon (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM):
Nature Journaling
Campers create journals documenting their observations from the hike.
Thursday: Overnight Camping Trip
Morning (9:00 AM – 11:30 AM):
Packing for the Overnight Trip
Discussing what to bring for an overnight camping experience.
Teaching campers how to pack efficiently.
Shopping for meals
Lunch (11:30 AM – 12:30 PM)
Afternoon (12:30 PM – Departure):
Travel to Campground
Set up tents upon arrival at the campsite.
Introduction to campfire cooking techniques.
Evening Activities:
Cooking dinner over a campfire.
Nighttime nature walk or stargazing session.
Friday Morning:
Breakfast preparation and clean-up.
Pack up the campsite and return home by noon.
Key Skills Developed Throughout the Week
Camping Skills: Pitching tents, cooking over a fire, setting up campsites.
Orienteering: Using maps and compasses effectively in various terrains.
Environmental Awareness: Understanding ecosystems, wildlife conservation, and sustainable practices in nature.
Wilderness Preparedness: Preparing for outdoor adventures with appropriate gear and knowledge of safety protocols and equipment.
This curriculum not only provides fun outdoor activities but also instills essential life skills in young campers through hands-on experiences in nature. Each activity is designed to foster teamwork, self-reliance, and respect for the environment.
Skill Sets for Adventure Camp Cards
The following skill sets outline the requirements for campers to earn cards in various essential outdoor skills. Each card focuses on practical knowledge and hands-on experience, encouraging campers to develop confidence and competence in their abilities.
1. Campfire Building Card
Skills Required:
Understanding Fire Safety: Knowledge of fire safety rules, including safe distances from tents and flammable materials.
Gathering Materials: Ability to identify and collect appropriate firewood (tinder, kindling, and fuel wood).
Building a Fire Structure: Demonstrating different fire structures (e.g. log cabin) and understanding their purposes.
Lighting the Fire: Techniques for safely lighting a fire using matches or fire starters.
Maintaining the Fire: Skills in managing the fire’s size and heat while ensuring it remains safe.
Extinguish a fire properly
2. Tent Pitching Card
Skills Required:
Selecting a Campsite: Identifying suitable locations for pitching tents (flat ground, away from hazards).
Tent Assembly: Demonstrating how to properly assemble different types of tents (e.g., dome, backpacking).
Securing the Tent: Techniques for staking down the tent securely to withstand wind and rain.
Understanding Tent Features: Knowledge of tent components (fly, footprint, ventilation) and their functions.
3. Orienteering Card
Skills Required:
Map Reading: Ability to read topographic maps, including understanding symbols and scales.
Using a Compass: Demonstrating how to use a compass effectively for navigation.
Setting Bearings: Skills in setting bearings and following them accurately in the field.
Identifying Landmarks: Recognizing natural landmarks to aid navigation during hikes.
4. Campfire Cooking Card
Skills Required:
Cooking Techniques Over Fire: Understanding methods such as grilling, roasting, and baking using campfire equipment (grates, skewers).
Meal Planning: Ability to plan simple meals that can be cooked over a campfire.
Food Safety Practices: Knowledge of food handling safety while cooking outdoors.
Cleanup Procedures: Understanding proper cleanup after cooking to minimize environmental impact.
5. Proper Fire Extinguishing Card
Skills Required:
Fire Extinguishing Techniques: Knowledge of how to properly extinguish a campfire using water or dirt.
Recognizing When to Extinguish: Understanding when it is necessary to put out a fire completely (e.g., before leaving the campsite).
Safety Checks After Extinguishing: Skills in checking that all embers are out and ensuring no risk of rekindling.
6. Teamwork Card
Skills Required:
Group Activities Participation: Actively participating in group tasks such as setting up camp or preparing meals.
Communication Skills: Practicing effective communication within teams during activities.
Conflict Resolution Strategies: Learning how to resolve disagreements amicably among team members.
Supporting Others’ Roles: Understanding the importance of supporting teammates in achieving common goals.
7. Trip Leadership Card
Skills Required:
Planning an Outdoor Trip: Developing skills in planning logistics for an outdoor adventure (route selection, meal planning).
Leading Group Activities Safely: Demonstrating leadership by guiding peers through planned activities while ensuring safety protocols are followed.
Decision-Making Skills Under Pressure: Practicing making quick decisions based on changing conditions during trips (weather changes, emergencies).
Encouraging Participation from All Campers: Fostering an inclusive environment where all campers feel encouraged to contribute ideas and participate actively.
These cards not only provide tangible goals for campers but also instill valuable life skills that promote teamwork, responsibility, and respect for nature. Each card can be earned through participation in relevant activities throughout the summer camp program.