“Wow, look at that sunset. I’ve only seen the sunset twice in my life..both times here at Adventure Club. I'm usually playing video games after school, but now I want to watch the sky every night instead ” - 5th grade camper
In today’s world, technology often takes center stage in the classroom and life. While digital tools are valuable, there’s something irreplaceable about the natural world that can greatly enhance a child’s learning experience. Adventure Club is an after school program that engages children in environments outside traditional classroom walls. This experience provides countless benefits for children’s development, learning, and well-being. Camp Speers YMCA saw a need for our students, right down the street at Dingmans Delaware Primary and Elementary Schools. The campers signed up for Adventure Club get picked up by camp staff and spend time each week experiencing outside adventures. We play, learn, and stay curious. The campers come bursting off the bus when we get to camp, full of energy and excitement. You see muddy footprints and hear giggles from the start. That's where the memory making begins.
Being outdoors is a classroom of its own and children are sponges. The sky is quite literally the limit when it comes to encounters in nature. From snow tubing, climbing trees and playing sports, to creative story telling when we build shelters, and doing experiments - every day is a new adventure. As the seasons change, we bundle up or dress down, taking the opportunity to make it a habit to be outdoors. We are outside in the sun, rain, or snow. At camp, there is no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing. This is a wonderful way to teach our children about the world around us and it is also a springboard to teach our children to be good stewards to the earth. The more they know about nature, the more they can take care of it.
When talking to parents, there has been an immense amount of growth in these campers since starting their time with Adventure Club. This growth is evident here at camp, but also at home and in school. There is a new sense of resilience, independence, and creativity. After spending time outdoors, we give the campers an opportunity to do their homework. We have seen the kids get their homework done faster and more successfully than we could have ever expected. We have seen the older campers mentor the younger ones and truly be good friends and leaders to their peers. Allowing time for an outdoor brain break gives the campers the time and space to be kids and decompress their minds and bodies. Doing this sets them up for stronger times of focus when it is academic time. We want to set these campers up for a successful day, school year, and ultimately, future.
Our goal is to get every kid outdoors after school. We want these campers to find passions and connections outside of our typical technological world. We want to create good stewards of our world. Using our camp values “Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility”, we are able to connect how to be a good camper, student, and person. Kids are not only having fun here at Adventure Club, but also learning, growing and gaining their own sense of self. Seeing the friendships blossom and hearing the loud laughter while the birds are chirping and the sun is turning pink - that is what makes Adventure Club so magical each day. By encouraging every child to step outside, we’re not only helping them develop physical and social skills, but also nurturing their sense of curiosity and wonder. Let's make sure every camper has the chance to experience the magic and impact of the outdoors—it’s an adventure that will shape them for years to come.
