Activity Information
Campers will participate in two activities per day. Activity registration will be on a first come, first served basis. Capacity for each activity varies. Activities will be closed once the capacity for that activity has been reached. See the camp brochure for a day-by-day listing of activities. Not all activities are presented each day.
Activity Descriptions
Babysitting 101
If you already do some babysitting or if you would like to, this session is for you. You will learn some basic tips about caring for young children including safety, what to do in case of an emergency, hygiene issues, play, and managing behavior. You will also create some activities, games, and “toys” to use with young children and leave with your own Babysitting Survival Kit.
Be a Radio Rock Star (CLOSED)
Ever wonder what it feels like to be a radio rock star? In this session you will get to see exactly what it takes to be on the radio. You’ll make a commercial using your voice, learn about the music that is played on the radio, and maybe even get on air at 89-7 The River! Find out just how cool being a radio rock star can be!
Be an Ecologist…”Take a Hike!” (CLOSED)
Discover the amazing and diverse world of animals and plants that inhabit a deciduous forest and learn about their fascinating interrelationships. Walk through the woods, exploring a world of native species, alien invaders, clones, bones and the myriad of creepy, crawly critters that call this ecosystem home. Watch for birds, net and identify butterflies or look for wildflowers and animal tracks while creating a personal journal of your observations to take with you. A good pair of walking shoes is important and don’t forget to bring along your ENTHUSIASM!
Brick Laying Made Fun
Do you like working with your hands? Do you like to build things? Have you ever wondered how brick walls are constructed? Here is your chance! Come join us and learn all about brick laying techniques….you will even construct a brick wall. Please no open-toed shoes.
Bridges of Pottawattamie County
Ever thought of how you would design a bridge? Come and try your hand at building a balsa wood bridge - and then destroying it! Teams will construct bridges using balsa wood and glue. Bridges will be judged on their weight to strength ratio: how much the bridge weighs to how much it can hold before collapsing into a splintery pile of wreckage! Prizes will be awarded to the designers of the winning bridge.
Build a Computer (CLOSED)
Something is waiting inside the box, where it is dark, where it is scary...where it’s alive! Come see what’s really inside your computer—from nuts to bolts to power supply and motherboard—and build it from start to finish! Beware, there may be a few dust bunnies lurking.
Create a Game (CLOSED)
You’ve seen them! You’ve even played them! Now it’s time to learn how to create them! Get in on the excitement of creating your own computer game. This activity gives you the experience you need to learn how to create and design a basic functioning computer game. Learn a little about the software used in the creation of computer games. And, you will even have an opportunity to play a few games!
Create a Web Page (CLOSED)
Get in on the excitement of creating your own web page. This activity gives you the experience you need to learn how to create, design, publish, and maintain a web page. Learn a little about HTML and use web page creation software.
Creating from Scratch (CLOSED)
Like animation? Have you pondered creating your own animated stories? Wondering how you would incorporate your own music and art? Have you dreamed about sharing your creation online with millions? Then you should become a Scratcher. The MIT Media Lab hosts the online Scratch community for youth interested in learning more about computer programming. You will learn how you can make use of Scratch, a user-friendly tool for creating your own interactive stories, games, music and art. You will also learn how you can share your work products online.
Crime Scene Investigation (CLOSED)
Use the skills you learned from “Forensic Investigation” to help solve the case! You will learn how to collect evidence, guard against contamination of samples, map the crime scene, and document the chain of custody for the evidence. Note: You must have attended the Forensic Investigation activity prior to signing up for this activity.
Culinary Campfire
A fun opportunity to prepare a theme party. You will be given a brief introduction to the world of culinary arts followed by an intense three hour crash course to the food service industry. Throughout the course of the session, you will prepare the food for our fun campfire themed party and set up the dining room in preparation for the big event. The menu consists of the items from bakery, soups and sauces, entrée and garde manger areas of the kitchen. Then, you will reap the rewards of your hard work.
Dental Detectives
Come be a detective and uncover the truths behind dental disease. Investigate the gross files and encounter the nasty bugs that cause them. Then, expose the wonders of your own dental anatomy.
Digital Photography (CLOSED)
Come experience photography in a whole new way! Learn the basics of digital photography and how to take better photos. You will get to take your photos and have fun applying effects with Adobe Photoshop. Come join the fun! Note: digital cameras will be available for use during the session.
Exploring Electronics (CLOSED)
Do you ever wonder what’s inside things like cell phones, computers, or DVD players? In the this session, you will have a chance to dig into the guts of electronic devices and see what makes them tick. You will also build some basic gizmos that flash and make noise. You will bend wire and melt metal and learn how to make electrons do what you want. Caution: Learning about electronics may be a side effect of this experience.
Explore the Universe of the Ancient Astronomers
Do you ever wonder how scientific discoveries were made before computers? Travel back in time and learn how early astronomers were able to predict and construct the orbits of the planets in our solar system. Use their pioneering techniques to create the orbit of Mars.
Fire and Rescue
What kind of technology is used in fighting fires? Learn fire safety; get up close and personal with a fire truck and rescue squad. See what fire fighters do on a daily basis and talk to the experts.
Forensic Investigation (CLOSED)
Ever wonder what it would be like to try some of the investigative procedures you see on CSI television programs? Now is your chance. Take part in this activity and you’ll get to experience photography, fingerprinting, artist sketch recreation, and microscopic analysis as they relate to crime scene investigation.
Horticulture From A to Z: Have Fun with Plants!
Are you fascinated with plants and getting your hands dirty? Do scavenger hunts sound like fun? Join us in having fun in the greenhouse and in the outdoor gardens with activities that include flower tie-dye bouquets, making a plant growth chamber, and investigating the world of plants and bugs!
How to Save a Life
Did you like to play nurse when you were little? Do you know how to save a life? Come and practice nursing skills using a human simulator and you will learn life-saving techniques. You will explore the human body systems and how they work together. Join us and find out what really being a nurse is all about.
Jump, Jive and’ Wail
Do you like to sing? Do you like to dance? Let’s put it together and create our own showstopper. We will learn choreography and sing to the music. A Razz-a-ma-tazz.
Learn the Basics of Photoshop
Do you like to color or paint - or even cut apart pictures and put the parts somewhere else? Come learn how to do that and more using a computer and the latest graphic software.
Lights, Camera, Action! (CLOSED)
Ever wanted to be on television? Ever wondered what happens behind the camera? Now is your chance. You will get to direct, run cameras, be an anchor, report the weather and announce the sports highlights. Come find out what it takes to produce a newscast.
Police Academy (CLOSED)
Do you want to know what it’s like to be a police officer? Come talk to the experts. Learn about the technology used in a squad car, see a K-9 demonstration, and even learn some defensive tactics. Learn what it means to ‘Serve and Protect.”
R3 = Reduce Reuse Recycle
Do you want to go green? If you want to live green and have fun too, this is the session for you. Join us as we learn about the 3 R’s and have fun transforming trash to treasure. We will build a compost box, make a bird feeder and decorate a reusable bag to take home.
Signing Made Simple!
Whether it’s a password or a hidden code, there is a special thrill in sharing a “secret” language with others. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to communicate in sign language? Maybe it’s just for fun or maybe it’s to talk with someone who cannot speak aloud to you. Come learn a new language where you talk with your hands. Learn the alphabet and signs for common conversation and everyday activities. You will also learn a new way to sing.
Sports Announcing (CLOSED)
You watch sports…you play sports…you LIVE sports. We have a session for that! Sports announcers go to games, do interviews with players and coaches, and talk about sports on the radio and on TV. Sound fun? Well, come and learn how to take sports from the field to the air waves by recording yourself reading sports scores, doing interviews, and more! No helmet required!
The Color Connection
Students will work in groups to create tiling patterns. They will match them by color to solve patterns, create designs and play several games. Students will also explore the shapes of tiles and use them to create structures including geodesic domes! For those of you who love working with your hands, solving puzzles, and creating architectural designs, this session is definitely for you.
The World of Agriculture: Food, Fuel and Fiber
Summertime...imagine fields of corn and eating homemade ice cream. Come to this session and experience the best parts of summer. Make homemade ice cream and find out why that field of corn is so important to your table, your vehicle and your world.
Theatre
Come explore the world of theatre. Teams works together on various elements involved in staging a play and learn how an audience responds to a play! Teams will rehearse a scene, design a set, set a stage, hang lights, and perform a scene. The audience will participate in the outcome of the piece. Note: If you have a cell phone, please bring it with you.
Twirling to the Beat of the Band
Have you always wanted to learn how to twirl a flag? Come and join us as we teach you different moves and learn a routine to a song. You can be on the flag squad with your marching band.
Understanding Your Muscles (CLOSED)
Learn how much it takes in strength to beat your friends. This activity will test the strength of your muscles and the demand that you place on the muscles in your body. We will look at the amount of oxygen that you can take in from one breath and how that is used in the muscles. We will also look at how your heart works when you exercise.
Virtual Surgery (CLOSED)
Spend some time in the wonderful world of surgery! Experience aseptic techniques and minimally invasive surgery in an hands-on session that will keep you on your toes. You will learn the correct way to surgically scrub your hands, put on sterile gown and gloves, and then have the chance to earn a prize or two by demonstrating your laparoscopic surgical skills. Short sleeve shirt and comfortable shoes are suggested.
Windows XP Moviemaker (CLOSED)
Discover how to make your own movies using Windows XP Moviemaker. This free program is fun and easy to use and allows you to use your own pictures, videos and music. You can also add titles, special effects, and credits to your movie. Your completed movie can then be written to a CD or DVD and shared with friends and family similar to a Blockbuster movie. Students can bring their own pictures, videos, and audio on a flash drive to use for the class.