| |
One of our goals for Junior Campers is to expose these younger boys to as many activities and hobbies as possible in a less competitive, instructional, supportive and fun manner, so they can gain some confidence and better decide for themselves if an activity is something they might like to do more often. We believe that it is too soon to for any youngster to decide that they “only” play certain sports. Most of the time, we feel that boys who say they don’t want to participate in something really mean—“I’m not so good at it”, or “other boys seem to do it better than I do” or “I have never done that”. Through subtle ability grouping in some activities, good instruction and plentiful encouragement, concerns such as these are virtually eliminated. As such, many activities that might never have been tried provide a true sense of accomplishment and many years of enjoyment.
Another characteristic of our Junior Camp is that activity periods are of shorter duration and usually consist of about 50 minutes within a one hour time period. We also believe that instructional periods should take place in the morning when the attention spans of younger boys are at their best. These required periods include our core sports of baseball, basketball, tennis, soccer and swim instruction.
In summary, the Junior Camp program (for both Sophomores and Juniors) is characterized by the following:
 An emphasis on fun, making friends, exposure to new activities and fair play.- Hobbies as well as sports activities.
- Many games within age group and teams changing often.
- Ability-grouped athletic instruction with games at end of period.
- Older half of the division also has "Little Leagues" in baseball and soccer that last all summer and include playoffs. There are also a few basketball tournaments within our age groups, tennis tournaments and ladders.
- A "play-day" or two with another camp in which all boys participate fully and equally.
- Green and Gray (our whole camp color competition) in which all boys participate fully but some "A" level games and "B" level games are played which are ability grouped but equal value, older boys are not allowed to spectate.
- Special tennis instruction is available.
The following is a brief overview of the key periods in a Junior Campers day:
Hobbies/Fields
Hobbies is a period when campers choose an activity. We offer varied hobby (“non-athletic”) choices each day, such as arts and crafts, archery, radio, computers, climbing wall and/or low ropes course, and nature walks. However, boys who can’t get enough sports will always be able to choose one of our “Fields” choices: a tennis lesson or match, golf, lacrosse, or a casual game of baseball, basketball, or soccer.
| Clinics |
 |
For Clinics, the Sophs and Juniors are subtly divided into groups based on overall ability level and experience in the four core sports of baseball, basketball, soccer, and tennis. Each group will rotate through these four sports during the summer, receiving small-group instruction from coaches who are specifically trained to work with young children. A Clinic period will always end with some kind of game situation. In addition to the four core sports, Sophs and Juniors will have the opportunity to take lessons in waterskiing, golf, lacrosse and roller hockey, if they choose to participate. |
Games/Leagues
Sophs and Juniors play games every day, with age-appropriate competitiveness at the heart of our program’s structure. In the Sophomores, campers play baseball, basketball, and soccer games during Clinics and Hobbies/Fields. In the Juniors, in addition to Clinics and Hobbies, campers begin to participate in our Leagues program. The Juniors are divided into equal teams for baseball and soccer, and with standings are kept, culminating in playoffs for all teams at the end of the summer. with all teams involved. Junior Leagues focus on participation, skill improvement, teamwork, sportsmanship, and fun. There is a separate optional Junior Basketball League for those boys who wish to join. Both Sophomores and Juniors have the opportunity to play in many casual tennis games as well as challenge and tournament matches within the group. Roller hockey players have the opportunity for both instruction and games on our roller rink which is adjacent to Junior Hill.
Waterfront
 Brant Lake’s beautiful waterfront is one-of-a-kind! Sophs and Juniors take advantage of the crystal-clear lake twice daily, and we have the flexibility to spend extra time there on those extra hot days. During Waterfront Instruction, campers will alternate each session between swimming and boating lessons. Swimming lessons include progression through the Red Cross levels, as well as fun and games. Boating instruction is given in canoeing, kayaking, sailing, and for those boys who would like to try, waterskiing and knee boarding. During General Swim, boys may spend the period swimming, boating, fishing, creating sand sculptures, playing ping pong or volleyball, or relaxing on the deck or beach.
Evening Activities
Our pace changes during the evening. For our final period of the day, the Sophs and Juniors will normally have a fun, relaxing activity that is unlike the rest of the day’s events. Some evenings are reserved for full-camp show nights, in which the boys may choose to participate. Group movie nights are popular with both groups. The Sophs and Juniors may also have a scavenger hunt, clue hunt, capture-the-flag game, dodge ball tournament, or some other event that encourages creativity, teamwork, and fun.
Dining Room
 The dining room offers the Sophs and Juniors a large selection of menu items at each meal. Breakfast would include a main item (French toast, pancakes, etc.), eggs, yogurt, and many cereal options. Lunch is a favorite for the Sophs and the Juniors; it could be grilled cheese, buffalo wings, pizza, or other child friendly items. In addition to our menu items, soup, salad bar, and peanut butter & jelly are always available. Dinner includes traditional items, such as chicken nuggets, grilled steak, spaghetti and meatballs, etc. Even the pickiest eaters are able to find something to eat. Counselors at each table encourage campers to try new foods, monitor what each camper eats and tend to any needs that a boy may have. The appropriate and necessary arrangements will always be made whenever a camper’s well-being is concerned.
Rest Period
Rest period gives campers (and counselors) a chance to take a break from a very active daily schedule. This short after-lunch period gives the Sophomores and Juniors time to write a letter home, play a board game, listen to the radio, or just hang out and chat with friends.
Bedtime
After our evening activity it is time to go back to the bunk and slow things down. During this period our counselors make sure campers brush their teeth (as they do in the morning as well), get ready for bed, and spend time talking about the day. Many counselors read stories to their campers. When lights go out campers do not have to go straight to sleep, but must be quiet. Campers who may not be tired listen to a radio, write letters, or read with flashlight in hand. If a camper wakes up after lights out, a counselor is always around to help. |
|
