What started off as a 10-day summer camp has now crossed 30 days and we are thrilled as a family. We have something to look forward to every single day. The children are happy. Niall, our older son keeps himself occupied all day while we work from home because he knows that the evenings are going to be very exciting.
Here's where you can find our previous posts.
Activities of Day 16 - 20
Activities of Day 21 - 25
Our evening was dedicated to storytelling. To begin with, we used one of our board games - Spin-a-story that contains different cues cards. You introduce one card at a time and the storyteller incorporates it in his or her story. You can make your own cue cards as well.
This was by far the best activity of our camp. Niall said he does not want this camp to end. Ever. He did the cutting of paper by himself but under supervision, helped to give each panel support, and did the finger painting of the flowers. I did help out for the stems in the red picture. Niall and I then put the lampshade together and dada dearest fixed it for us.
Activities of Day 21 - 25
Day 26: Crash course on how a washing machine works
We're probably the only crazy family rejoicing that our washing machine broke down. We didn't want to miss learning about the machine in our summer camp. Can't think of any other camp that offers this. Yeah, we're cool that way.
Since servicing this will take a while, we turned to YouTube to guide us through the insides of the machine. Niall and Dada dearest went through each part and how it works. Niall has learnt to drain the pipes, clean the inlet and outlet pipes and clear the waste compartment (for lack of a better word). But this time around, he cleaned the soap chambers as well. I am secretly praying that we find someone to fix it else it will be one of the many machines we have enthusiastically opened up with no clear plan on how to fix or close it. Also behind the scenes: all of us are washing clothes by hand and convincing Niall that it is a great activity but he's not one to fall for that!
Day 27: Spin-a-story
This is a game that people of all age groups can play but my experience tells me that children have the best stories to tell. With or without cues, they can send you into their wonderland where the impossible becomes possible. Niall's story world is filled with construction vehicles, dinosaurs, complicated technology, and loads of colour.
Our evening was dedicated to storytelling. To begin with, we used one of our board games - Spin-a-story that contains different cues cards. You introduce one card at a time and the storyteller incorporates it in his or her story. You can make your own cue cards as well.
We also tweaked the game a little and created a mystery bag with props. As Niall started his story, I introduced one prop at a time and he had to weave his story around it. The videos will tell you more. You must try this game that helps children use their imagination, learn how to frame their thoughts quickly, and express themselves in a creative way. It also acts as a good speaking exercise in which Niall didn't need practice because there's no stopping him if he begins to talk. His stories are never boring.
Day 28: Finger painting and making our own lampshade
This was by far the best activity of our camp. Niall said he does not want this camp to end. Ever. He did the cutting of paper by himself but under supervision, helped to give each panel support, and did the finger painting of the flowers. I did help out for the stems in the red picture. Niall and I then put the lampshade together and dada dearest fixed it for us.
This activity truly brought out a sense of accomplishment though it was a little tiring for a late weekday evening. It is ideal as a weekend project.
Can't thank you enough for the love all of you have shown us through your comments, messages on whatsApp and FB, enquiries and post shares. Pls feel free to share your ideas with us. Super happy and proud!
Day 29: A true musical evening
As you can see, we have quite a few musical instruments at home. 3 guitars, 3 keyboards, 3 flutes, 1 violin, and 1 harmonica...that's it. And you can't always hide them from the boys. So today we decided it was time to introduce Niall to the world of instruments. Yes, while he is learning to play the guitar from dada dearest, we thought it was a good idea to just explore the different kinds of instruments that are popular. Niall also got to try all of them. He particularly enjoys the harmonica as he can carry it around the house and hide it from his brother. Both our sons enjoy music and are quick to pick up lyrics and tunes. We are waiting for Niall to grow a little older to introduce him to formal classes if he is still keen.
As you can see, we have quite a few musical instruments at home. 3 guitars, 3 keyboards, 3 flutes, 1 violin, and 1 harmonica...that's it. And you can't always hide them from the boys. So today we decided it was time to introduce Niall to the world of instruments. Yes, while he is learning to play the guitar from dada dearest, we thought it was a good idea to just explore the different kinds of instruments that are popular. Niall also got to try all of them. He particularly enjoys the harmonica as he can carry it around the house and hide it from his brother. Both our sons enjoy music and are quick to pick up lyrics and tunes. We are waiting for Niall to grow a little older to introduce him to formal classes if he is still keen.
You can also see Nigel playing the keyboard in one of the pics. He made a guest appearance to our camp today. He is 2 and can barely talk but can give you a great musical show that's highly dramatic. He's a thorough entertainer.
Day 30: Not just any scavenger hunt
With a lot of time spent on chores and blogs today, I couldn't think of the right kind of activity that was exciting and at the same time simple to execute. On days like this is when a scavenger hunt comes handy. All you need is a list of things that your child/children need to collect. You can time it to make it even more exciting. I gave it a little twist. I added some writing and some word games into it.
Part 1: Create smaller words from SCAVENGER HUNT
Part 2: Read the description and write down the item
Part 3: Collect all the items within a given time
Nigel added his own fun element to this activity. Each time Niall brought something, Nigel would return it back to its place. But as you see all of it ended in a surprisingly happy picture.
That's not all. This camp just got a lot better. Catch up on the rest of the camp using the links below.
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