Get Active in Camp!
Make your transitions and wait times dynamic!
| Target: | Counselors |
| Time frame: | Any |
| Members: | Everyone |
| Type of tool: | Activities |
| Ages: | 5-6 years, 7-8 years, 9-12 years, 13 and Over |
| Group size: | One group, More than one group |
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Physical activity
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Option 1: Print out the attached posters provided to explain the meaning of the shapes according to age groups, defining movements to perform during transitions or waiting times to make movement more enjoyable.
Option 2: Use your imagination and create courses with your campers! Draw shapes with them and decide together on the movements to associate with each shape. Don’t forget to create signs to remind the participants of the shapes and their corresponding movements before placing them around the camp.
Goal(s)
Get active in camp is an activity designed to increase the minutes of physical activity for each campers and reduce waiting times at camp to make these moments more enjoyable. Active transitions promote concentration and help in managing your group for the next activity. Here, the youth learn to develop and practice motor skills through fun courses. This contributes to improving their coordination and working on their proprioception.
Tips and tricks
Here, we recommend varying the stations each week to maintain the excitement of the campers. You can also place posters at the beginning and end of the courses to remind them of the meanings of the shapes and colors. We encourage you to go through the course with the youth to encourage their participation and lead by example.
Required material
- Posters of suggested shapes to cut out and draw
- Station of the week
Let’s have a chat!
Here are subjects to discuss with your campers before and after the activity. Ask them questions to see what they learnt.
- What is your favorite movement?
- How would you do the course differently?
- Did you enjoy making your own shapes?
- How do you feel when you move during the transition?
Variant(s)
- Lay out the shapes to create a circuit from point A to point B. Campers must go along the circuit by choosing colours and shapes. The counselors ask the campers to improvise a motion for every shape to cover the distance.
- Lay out the shapes to create hopscotch patterns.
- SPIDER GAME – Arrange the hand shapes on the wall and foot shapes on the ground, near the wall. Campers must walk along the wall, placing their hands and feet on the appropriate shapes.
- ON THE STAIRWAY – Place shapes on each stair landing, instructing campers how to climb the stairs. Ensure movements are safe for everyone.
Additional information
Before starting your activity, all you need to do is:
- Identify transition and waiting areas. For example, transitions between locations, frequently used corridors, waiting times at the restroom, microwave, or for filling water bottles.
- Cut out the shapes or print the attached displays to create your stations.
- Inform the participants of the new actions to take when they arrive at a station or at the start of the course.
Documents to download
