With only a few short days of VAMPY left, the time for optionals is dwindling down. Optionals are created by counselors and consist of a variety of different activities to cater to all camper interests. Counselors also add fun names to the titles of the optionals to keep campers guessing about what they will be doing and get them out of their comfort zone to try new things. Due to the upcoming talent show, yesterday was sadly the last day for all campers to participate in optionals. Therefore, counselors ran optionals that got students moving, helped them prepare for the future (the VAMPY way), and also helped them relax. These optionals were Camp Rock, Flying Saucers, Counselors in Training, Teen Beach Groovie, Character Creator, and The 40th Annual Hunger Games.
Counselor Breanna and I also ran an optional called Blind Date With a Book. For this, we picked out a variety of books with different genres. We then covered them with construction paper and wrote short descriptions about the book on the newly made covers. Campers then were able to pick out a book, unwrap it, and see what they would be reading. If they were currently reading their own book, they were able to continue reading it as well.
Throughout the two weeks campers have been with us, we have noticed several of them have a strong love of reading. This has led to many new friendships forming due to similar reading interests. Campers have also given me many new book recommendations thanks to this shared hobby. Although for many this is more than just a hobby. This is a chance to build new worlds in their minds and help them relax. Blind Date With a Book gave these campers an opportunity to have a set time to dive into these worlds, expand their knowledge of other genres, and meet new people who share the same love of reading they do.
Therefore, the next time you see someone reading a book, ask them about it. I’m sure our campers would love to discuss their latest read with you. You could even create a life long friend in the process!