Entertaining Young Campers

Trekker · 07-18-2009, 08:16 AM

I work at a summer camp where every two weeks a group of teenaged campers are taken on a 9-mile trek and then camp in tents overnight in a campground. Every time we go, some councelors help the 20 or so kids set up the tents while others cook, everybody eats, and then inevitably after dinner is over there is this long span of "down" time before the kids have to go to sleep.

I want to do something productive, entertaining, and camping-related with this time. Teach a lesson about nature or something like that. Any suggestions, anyone?

Taggart · 07-18-2009, 09:32 AM

When I was younger, I remember getting into stories around the campfire. The counselor told some scary stories, which I later assumed were designed to discourage us from wandering off later in the week.

2coastcamper · 07-19-2009, 04:56 AM

I don't know ... scary stories might be a little juvenile for teenagers. I think something a little more interactive might work better. Perhaps teaching them some survival techniques. Like how to make an emergency harness out of rope. Or how to make and bait deadfall traps. I'd suggest teaching how to make a lean-to shelter using only what you can find in the woods ... but I realize it'll be dark during your "down" time. Perhaps you can still do that if you gather the materials beforehand. You could teach the basic construction of the structure.

HikerChick · 07-19-2009, 10:45 AM

The summer camp I worked at last summer banned scary stories because, believe it or not, there are teens out there that get extremely freaked out by them, especially while camping in the unfamiliar woods. I like the survival skills idea...related and possibly something they'll use one day!

Live2Camp · 07-20-2009, 11:54 AM

How about a treasure hunt? It would take some planning on your part but might be fun. Make a list of nature related objects (that won't hurt the environment if removed) like a black rock, pine cone, etc. Then split them into groups and which ever team gets back with all the items has bragging rights (or doesn't have to clean up the area that day).

2coastcamper · 07-20-2009, 06:42 PM

You have to keep in mind that it will be dark.

But speaking of the day. I remember once when I was a teenager, we played flashlight tag in the dark. But we were in one of those combined neighborhood backyards. So, probably not something you'd want to try in a campsite that might have hazards. But, if you're in one of those group campsites that is basically one of those massive fields, it might be an option.

I don't remember the rules, but I'm betting if you googled "flashlight tag" you could find 'em. Probably doesn't have really in-depth rules, anyway.

2coastcamper · 07-20-2009, 06:43 PM

So anyway ... I found a link.

Flashlight Tag

NatureLover · 07-20-2009, 08:20 PM

I remember when I was younger and we had these trips. I recall my favorite game, although sometimes it could be somewhat icky, was an absolute blast.

One of the counselor's or even a couple of them would gather everyday items as well as nature items and place them where none of us could see them. Blindfolds would be handed out and we'd all cover each other's eyes.

Next, a counselor would take one item and pass it to each of us to try to guess what it was. Of course, we kept it a secret and after each round we would write down what we thought the item had been. Whoever had the most correct items labeled would win of course.

I remember once no one could guess what this awful item was, at the end it was revealed that it was a raw egg. It was one of the oddest feeling things I'll never forget!

Campy · 07-21-2009, 06:33 AM

Capture the Flag is always fun (rules can be found online).

Get a bunch of T-shirts (or have them bring a blank one) fill the table with colored sharpies and let them design their own shirts. I did this with the kids on our trip (10 of them) they loved it and they came up with some great designs too.

Campfire games:
"The Ministers Cat" You go around in a circle starting with the letter A
"The Ministers Cat is an __________ Cat" (Insert adjective that begins with the letter you are on.) Each person takes a turn, clapping as they take a turn.
I got the game from the Movie Scrooge, Here's a clip, (kinda hard to explain the game)
YouTube - The Minister's Cat

failghe · 07-22-2009, 06:36 PM

Oh yeah I remember playing a game with my Grandma. We decided to use "names" and start with the letter A then B and so on. I would say Albert, she would say Bertha and so on taking turns. Or we would pick "citys".
Or ad lib books are always fun.
Also you can make up a story. You say my name is Fred. Then the person sitting next to your left says I live on a farm. Then the next person says I ride a cow to the store. And next thing you know you have made up a funny story.