CEL Summer Adventure Camp

Week Seven Update

2010-07-30T14:22:00.003-05:00

This summer has flown by and the last week of camp is already here! The beginning of the week included a trip to Independence Grove in Libertyville. On Wednesday the campers had a "Beach Bash" here at the Center, full of beach volleyball, a dance party, and barbecue. This week was quite hectic as the campers readied for their shows and finally displayed their talents for their families and friends on Thursday. Horseback Riding Camp demonstrated their hard work for their audience of friends and family at Horsefeathers. Everyone joined together for the singing of the national anthem and the performance ended with the distribution of awards to each camper. Drama Camp took a trip to Camp Henry Horner in Round Lake this week as a final activity with their JCYS friends. On Thursday they all performed together on stage here at the Center. Creative Arts Camp rearranged the lounge to create their art gallery. They showcased a variety of pieces they have worked on throughout the summer. Dance Camp perfected their dance and prepared for the debut of their dance video. The dancers all matched in pink attire and wore their decorated hats as they took the stage for their final performance.

Thanks for a great summer everyone!

Week Six Update

2010-07-23T17:41:00.005-05:00

This week the campers headed to the Wheeling Water Park on Monday but were faced with a bit of rain. Luckily, we were able to get a lot of swimming time in before the clouds came. On Wednesday, the campers participated in a community scavenger hunt throughout Highland Park, competing in three different groups. They used clues to find several locations and then searched for specific items within each store. Every camper received a prize at the end and even an extra treat of vanilla ice cream to cool off! Horseback Riding Camp perfected their riding skills in preparation for their show that will take place Thursday, July 29, from 3:30 to 4:30pm at Horsefeathers Therapeutic Riding Center in Lake Forest. Drama Camp created the backdrop for their stage as well as part of their costumes for their show that will take place Thursday, July 29, from 4:30 to 5pm here at the Center. Creative Arts Camp finished up their numerous art projects that they will showcase at their open house art show which will take place Thursday, July 29, from 3:30 to 5pm here at the Center. Dance Camp made invitations for their final show and worked with Lookingglass members to prepare for this performance that will take place Thursday, July 29, from 3:30 to 4:30pm here at the Center.

We hope to see you at our shows next week!

Week Five Update

2010-07-16T13:06:00.002-05:00

This hot week began with a trip to the Deerfield Water Park on Monday. Wednesday we braved the heat again to spend the early afternoon at Twin Creeks, a 100% accessible park and baseball field in Buffalo Grove. The campers enjoyed a variety of games, even lava tag, before we headed back to the cool Center to relax and watch Planet Earth. We ended the week back at Mitchell Pool to cool off on another hot day. Horseback Riding Camp braved the heat to ride at Horsefeathers on Tuesday and Thursday this week. They had a great time working on their skills and continuing to prepare for their show. Drama Camp continued their work with Lookingglass friends and played a variety of games this week. A favorite was the tricky "Who am I?" exercise where everyone had a sticker on their back of a famous person's name and through yes or no questions they tried to discover who they were. Creative Arts Camp worked on painting a variety of wooden pieces, including a bench for the garden, and created an underwater scene using a variety of materials. Campers also found time to make the invitations for their upcoming art show. Dance Camp is bringing their dance close to perfection as their performance nears. This week they painted the background for the stage and made invitations for their performance.

Week Four Update

2010-07-07T12:18:00.002-05:00

This week we had Monday off due to the holiday but we jumped right into specialty camps on Tuesday. Wednesday the campers got a chance to visit a local farmer's market in Highwood where they browsed numerous locally grown fruits and vegetables, and even purchased one for a snack. Horseback Riding Camp continued to ride and enjoy activities outside this week even in the heat. The guys love to play bags and the Horsefeathers staff proclaimed that Lauren has made the most improvement on her riding grip. Drama Camp began our 2nd annual collaboration with the Lookingglass Theatre and Camp Henry Horner this week. Last year was an amazing success and we are really looking forward to the new skills and friendships all the campers will develop. Creative Arts Camp worked on their Decoupage a Bench project to refurbish a bench that sits in the hallway of the Center. Dance Camp focused on meditation this week and discussed their favorite quiet place to relax.

Week Three Update

2010-07-07T12:10:00.003-05:00

Campers headed to Deerspring Water Park in Deerfield this week. We got the 4th of July holiday started early by making snow cones and even banana hotdogs for snack as a twist on the holiday favorite. The campers created and decorated flags that they displayed proudly for the building staff during their parade around the Center. Horseback Riding Camp has the opportunity to groom horses every time they visit Horsefeathers, but this week they also got to paint a horse! Tia, a beautiful black Arabian horse, is extremely gentle and easygoing and has no problem with the campers covering her in paint. Drama Camp held a great talent show for the other campers and the Center staff. They displayed a variety of talents from singing, acting out skits, puppetry, and dancing. Creative Arts Camp worked on making a quilt by collaborating and working as a team. Dance Camp performed their routine in progress in the Drama Camp's talent show and were a huge hit! They also discussed the video that they are making in camp throughout the summer.

Week Two Update

2010-07-07T12:04:00.002-05:00

This week our Monday splashtastic adventure took us to the Hidden Creek Aqua Park in Highland Park. The campers also had the opportunity to take a field trip to Petco that was titled Fur, Feathers, and Friends. The group got a chance to learn about and see many animals, what they eat, and where they live. Horseback Riding Camp is having a great time not only riding, but also playing a variety of games and creating art projects under the newly built outdoor canopy. Drama Camp played games that promoted listening, responding, and working together in their performances. They also worked on tricks to memorize their lines for performing. Creative Arts Camp headed to the Highland Park Art Exhibit to learn about the history of art. They also made their very own memory collages. Dance Camp continued to work with Debbie on their dance routine this week. They also added yoga and fitness to the mix.

Week One Update

2010-07-07T11:55:00.004-05:00

We kicked off the start of Summer Adventure Camp by tie dying towels for our pool days, decorating our camp banner, and playing games to get to know one another. This week we also turned up the fun for our Color Olympics. The campers competed in a variety of games that included Tug of War, Egg Relay, and Cucumber Boat Races, just to name a few. Friday we began the Teen Talk series with our social worker, Chris, and then headed to Mitchell Pool to cool off for the afternoon. Our specialty camps all dove right into their activities this week. Horseback Riding Camp headed to Horsefeathers Therapeutic Riding Center in Lake Forest for the first time this year. The campers and our staff are very excited about this great new location. Drama Camp worked on several different activities like tongue twisters to loosen up and prepare for performing. Creative Arts Camp discussed projects they will be completing over the next 7 weeks and learned about many different types of art materials. Dance Camp learned about the history of urban street dance and worked with their choreographer, Debbie Giunta, of Design Dance in Chicago, to begin developing a routine that they will perform at the end of the summer.

Welcome!

2010-07-07T11:52:00.001-05:00

Welcome to The Center for Enriched Living's Summer Adventure Camp 2010 Blog.

Thanks for a great summer!

2009-08-04T11:11:00.003-05:00

Center staff want to say a big "thank you" to all of the fantastic campers that attended this year's Summer Adventure Camp. We truly enjoyed making fun summer memories with you, wish you all the best and hope to see you next year!

Week Seven - Last Week of Camp

2009-08-03T13:00:00.003-05:00

What a whirlwind of fun this summer was...and it's almost over! Campers had beautiful weather this week for swimming. Creative Arts finished their projects for the art show and the set design for the play. The art show was a hit. Many family members viewed the art made by campers, enjoyed a snack and moved into the gym to watch the production of Big Bad. Drama Campers practiced one more time then performed for a crowd of staff, family and friends. The audience was the jury that determined if the Big Bad Wolf turned bad through the years or was born that way. Not guity was the verdict - Big Bad was a smashing success! Campers in Action played a game of softball this week, had a BBQ and attended the art show and play. Horseback Riding Campers played red light-green light by communicating with the horse either by saying"walk on" or "whoa" which was a fun activity. Families and friends were invited to shadow their child for the day to see what Horseback Riding Camp is all about. They viewed their art, watched them groom a horse, hiked on the trail and joined their camper in the ring to watch them ride. An all-camper dance party was held on Anything Goes day. Freeze dances, conga lines and Supervisor DJ Kelly were rockin' the Center. Everyone worked up an appetite and enjoyed pizza after the dance. Campers voted to spend their car wash/bake sale money on a pizza party. What a great way to end summer camp!

Week Six Update

2009-07-31T16:07:00.005-05:00

Last one in the water is a rotten egg! Campers went to Independence Grove beach this week. They built sand castles and even buried a counselor in the sand. Creative Arts Camp applied paper mache to balloons to create giant fruit for an artisic picnic display. Check it out at the art show on July 30th. They also finshed the pieces for the set of the play. Campers in Action went rollerskating at Hot Wheels roller rink. Some skated a little, some skated alot but everyone enjoyed themselves. They finished the day with a game of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" on the Wii. Drama Camp rehearsed the play twice all the way through this week. The second time through was a dress rehearsal. JCYS hosted us at Camp Henry Horner in Ingleside for an afternoon of improv and new interactive activities. Celebration Day brought the Lookingglass Theatre, JCYS and CEL actors together for a fourth and final time. It was a great collaboration and new friendships were made. Horseback Riding Camp worked on flower pots for the show and made a goodbye card for Rachel who volunteered 5 days of week this summer in Adventure Camp. Campers groomed the horses which involved some brushing and bathing - not sure who enjoyed that more the campers or the horses. Campers were feeling lucky so a trip to Nickel City was in order. Winners received tickets from the machine to purchase cool prizes.

Ultimate Summer Fun Week

2009-07-22T16:45:00.004-05:00

Make the summer fun last just a little longer. Join your friends during Ultimate Summer Fun Week - August 3-7. There is still room so call today to register!

Week Five Update

2009-07-21T11:41:00.006-05:00

Monday was a warm, beautiful day to swim. Friday turned out to be rather cool. In past summers concerns have been heat indexes and sunburn. This year we have seen our share of record low temps and goosebumps! Campers in Horseback Riding Camp are progressing in their riding goals. The movement of the horse provides many sensory experiences that address a variety of therapeutic needs. Campers also benefit from creating a human/animal bond with the horse that promotes self-esteem and confidence. Campers made posters in art therapy to advertize the show on Thursday, July 30. Creative Arts Camp went to an art gallery in Evanston and for a walk along the lake. They also stained wood picture frames using the juice from berries. Drama Campers received a copy of the BIG BAD script, reviewed their lines and read through the whole play as a group. They also practiced the dance. JCYS campers visited again for more interactive, improv experiences with Lookigglass staff. Campers in Action played soccer in a clinic given by local high school players. They also made their own colorful jerseys. Campers got to rise to new heights at the Libertyville Sports Complex during a wall climbing session. This they really enjoyed! Adventure Camp welcomed Nellie and Gertie, 2 very sweet Leonberger therapy dogs. Their breed originated in Leon, Germany which means "big lion" and that they are. Campers pet, walked and brushed the gentle ladies. Another fun-filled week for the record books.

Photo Day - CANCELLED

2009-07-13T15:16:00.005-05:00

New this year! Campers can have their picture taken by a professional photographer to preserve those summer memories. Photos taken this week - Thursday the 16th and Friday the 17th. Flyers went home - get your orders in now!

CANCELLED DUE TO LOW NUMBER OF ORDERS.

Week Four Update

2009-07-13T14:38:00.002-05:00

Swimmers went to Deerspring Pool on Monday. It was a perfect day - hot and sunny. Deerspring features include a water slide in the shallow end and a new sprayground and zero-depth wading pool. Water tag was a popular game this day. Horseback Riding Camp took turns leading a new pony, Penny, around the indoor arena. When they weren't riding a snack was enjoyed outdoors and some more hiking. One camper who was at first very nervous on the horse now has a permanent smile on his face when he rides. Campers painted in art therapy. Drama Camp watched exerpts from Little Red Riding Hood and the Three Little Pigs to get to know the characters in our play. More improv and acting exercises took place during the 2nd meeting with lookingglass and JCYS. Dance moves were practiced. Campers in Action had a music day. They learned the Cha Cha Slide and the Electric Slide dances, played American Idol on the Wii and then performed for their peers! Creative Arts Camp made signs for the car wash and bake sale and deposited them on corners near the Center. They also took a trip back to the Deerfield Fire Department to say "thank you" with left over baked goods from the previous day's sale. Anything Goes Day was a rainy one but the car wash and bake sale were a success. Dirty cars and hungry people (even our neighbors in the offices next door) stopped by. The campers were excited when their efforts totalled $151 dollars! Thank you to our supportive families and friends who baked or stopped by.

Week Three Update

2009-07-13T14:03:00.002-05:00

Campers this week visited the Deerfield Fire Department for some safety reminders. During a tour of the station they saw where the men and women slept, learned that the ladder on the truck measures 105 feet and that each firefighter has 2 jobs - firefighter and EMT. A highlight was timing one firefighter to see if he could change into his uniform in under 2 minutes - he did it. Campers in Action went fishing in a local park. They practiced baiting and casting and one camper caught something other than a fish - some garbage. This sparked a conversation about litter and respect for our public, natural places. A game of frisbee was also enjoyed. Creative Arts Camp started planning the designs for the set of "Big Bad" this year's Drama Camp performance. They also made some 4th of July decorations. Horseback Riding Camp made invitations in art therapy to the horse show that is on July 30th. Family and friends can rsvp to attend to see campers share what they and their horse have experienced together. They also made friendship bracelets and hiked on trails. Drama Camp had a busy week. They learned some dance moves taught by a professional dance instructor that they will perform in the show. The first collaboration of the lookingglass theatre, JCYS and CEL was also this week. The teaching artist from LG led some stretches of body and voices and they did some improv exercises which included communication games. Monday was an unseasonably cool swim day at Mitchell Pool.

Reminder!

2009-07-01T12:16:00.002-05:00

The Center is closed on Friday, July 3rd. Have a fun and safe 4th.

Week Two Update

2009-07-01T11:05:00.002-05:00

This week's weather was more enjoyable. Horseback Riding Camp made puppets in art therapy and then performed a show. Some of the campers got to give one of the horses named Dolly a bath. Creative Arts Camp made their own sketchbooks out of ceral boxes - very colorful! They talked about creative ways to recycle. One camper is even writing a play in her sketchbook. Drama Camp worked on sensory awareness and character development through more interactive games like "Coming to your Senses" and "Family Ties." Campers in Action worked on basketball drills as they moved through an obstacle course and they flew kites out in our field that they made themselves. Anything Goes Day was held at River Trail Nature Center. Campers fed a red fox, met a great horned owl, a red tail hawk and, if they so dared, pet a snake! Naturalists took them outside to discuss our native trees and surprised them with the fact that playing cards and golf balls come from trees. Stay tuned for more fun in week three!

Week One Update

2009-06-30T16:12:00.003-05:00

Week One: Campers tie dyed t-shirts and played classic yard games like capture the flag and mosquito tag. Campers in Action went to a local park to play disc golf. Magic Day was full of experiments, a show and magic snacks. Drama Camp played interactive games where they had to act out their character and others had to guess who they were. A swim day was switched to an indoor day at the Center due to a 106 degree heat index!

Welcome!

2009-06-09T10:47:00.009-05:00

Welcome to The Center for Enriched Living's Summer Adventure Camp Blog.