What a fun, exciting session we have had so far here at Wildwood! Our days have started with various optional PBJs (Pre-Breakfast Jaunts), such as an early morning swim and paddle, berry-picking, a bird walk, and even some morning meditation. Those early risers are being kept busy at 7:00 am.
After our delicious breakfasts of scrambled eggs, chocolate chip pancakes, French toast, breakfast potatoes, yogurt, oatmeal, fresh fruit, and cereal, our campers have been growing into amazing scientists. We have spent time learning about different bugs and tiny critters and even went on a dragonfly hunt. Campers have learned how to be good observers of nature. They have discovered new plants and compared them to other things that they might remind them of. Campers have gone out in canoes and studied the ecology of the pond and all of the cool creatures that live in Hubbard Pond.
Our afternoon Discovery Groups (DGs) have been chock-full of variety. We have been to the archery range, tried stand-up paddleboarding, played board games, played in our brand new GaGa pit, and even tried our hand at some improv games. We’ve been extra crafty as well, made tie-dye shirts, pet rocks, and friendship bracelets.
On Thursday we changed up our afternoon DGs: we split the campers up by age and had an afternoon of adventure! Carson and Leopold campers went to the High Ropes course, made Oobleck, and had a tower-building competition with mini marshmallows and spaghetti.
Fossey and Thoreau campers did archery, an egg drop experiment, and also took part in a Fox Box Regatta. What, might you ask, is that?! We used cardboard boxes and duct tape to make boats and then the campers put on a lifejacket and got in their boat to see how long it would float—it was so cool to watch!
Abbey and Dillard campers had an amazing time with two of Mass Audubon’s finest naturalists! Tia Pinney and Alex Dohan came to Wildwood to spend time with our teens. They then took them on a canoe trip across Hubbard Pond and on an amazing hike to First Point.
Our evenings have been filled with even more fun. We played Predator-Prey, had a Heffalump Hunt, and an amazing campfire as well.
Throughout the week we have been having a lot of fun. There has been learning, laughter, and a lot of smiles. It has been wonderful to see campers being able to enjoy nature, try new things and make new friends, and in some cases rekindle friendships from the past. Wildwood is happy to be open for the summer of 2021 and we are off to a great start!
