"TWI for the Children"
Typical Camp for kids
"Daily Activities"
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This page tells what happens on a typical day for Camp2Kids in the Balkans. The schedule of events will try to adhere to these events fairly closely, but will vary if the camp is at an orphanage or for disabled children. The events include registration, free play, stories, games, dance, songs, crafts and a snack time. We provide gifts at the final ceremony.
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8 AM - 9 AM: The "Registration Period" provides each student with structure and involvement. It also allows each student the opportunity for individual recognition.
Registration: During registration, the kids line up outside the school in two lines. They come forward to the registration table where our interpreters take their names and give them name tags. This step is designed to make each child feel important. The name tags are in the shape of the camp theme. Putting their name on the nametag identifies the child and the color of the nametag identifies the child's circle group. Then each child goes to the camp2kids banner and signs his or her name to show that they attended the camp program.
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8 AM - 9:15 AM: The Free Play Period provides a time for the kids to release some of their pent-up energy while waiting for the camp to begin.
Free Play: After registration the kids go into the gymnasium where we have provided soccer balls, basketballs, volleyballs and blow-up animals. The children have about 20 minutes to blow-off the steam that they built up while standing in line waiting for camp to begin. Our team members participate in this free-time, but do not provide instruction. This also provides a time where the children can play while the remainder of the group are being registered.
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9:15 AM - 10:00 AM: Story Time provides instruction, encourages listening, engenders understanding, and provides a time of enjoyment of a great story. Read the theme story and understand what we are teaching at the camp for kids.
Story Time: When all the children have been registered, they gather in the Gym and learn a few words of English to help them understand our instructions. We then tell our theme story. The story is designed to teach the children the value of love and hard work. We often use puppets and costumes to explain the story. We then ask questions about the story to see if the students are understanding the points of the story.
Circle Groups: At the end of the story, we separate the children into their circle groups. Each circle group is indicated by name tag color. In the circle groups the children meet their team leaders and play circle games. This serves to break the ice and gets the kids involved individually. It is a great way to build group pride.
Circle Groups move between Group Activities: Song and Dance, Games, and Crafts.
10:00 AM - 10:40 AM: First Group Activity.
10:45 AM - 11:25 AM: Second Group Activity
11:30 AM - 12:10 PM: Third Group Activity
Song and Dance: Children move to program activities by circle group. One activity is "song and dance". Our team leaders teach group songs and new dance steps. The children love to sing and dance and quickly pick up the English words, motions and dance steps. This activity requires total involvement and serves as a physical exercise activity.
Games: During the game time the circle group runs relays and play small group games. This period of instruction teaches competition and adds to the physical exercise and learning activity. The child must pay attention and be part of the team.
Crafts: This group activity is taught by circle group and is always one of the key activities of the camp. TWI ensures that the craft is in line with the theme of the camp and involves artistic skills. The completed craft is taken home - usually to be given to their family. Our Craft Activities are designed to improve motor and creative skills. We praise, share and give love during this period.
12:10- 12: 45 PM: Snack Time: Our snack time is provided to give the kids a break and some good food.
12: 45 PM - 1:30 PM: Final Ceremonies: At the end of the day at each camp, the children come together in their circle groups and are treated to the final large group activity. After the final activity, the teachers and their school director are given gifts for taking a day from their vacation time to help with our Camp2Kids program. TWI leaves sports equipment and provides an individual gift for each child. The day shows the love we Americans have for the Children of the Balkans. Our Final Ceremonies are a time to thank the children, the teachers and directors for allowing us to spend a fun day with them. We give gifts, share songs, and reward each child to show personal recognition and praise.
Children are the future of their country.
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