photo provided by city of Green
Kids can delve deep into a world of imagination at the city of Green’s Fantasyland camp June 17 to 21. Campers ages 7 to 12 use pure creativity to engage in several activities that require them to activate their sense of innovation — such as using common ingredients like jelly and chocolate sauce to dream up a new food.
“We say, Come up with something fun that doesn’t exist,” says camp director Matt Kress. “It’s trying to have them be creative, think outside the box and use their imagination.”
The 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. day camp features morning and afternoon activities, lunch and breaks to play on the park’s splash pad and playground. Expect a pop culture-themed day where kids can make fan art of their favorite movie or TV show character through drawing, painting and more. Previously, campers dressed in gear related to a certain era (such as a hippie costume for the ‘60s or ‘70s) to learn about it and imagine they were back in time. It created an opportunity for bonding.
“They would learn something they didn’t understand or know that happened during that time or what was popular,” Kress says. “The next day, they’d come in and say, I was telling my grandpa what we did. He was saying he would do that when he was a kid.”
Students also watch a movie and complete a related activity. In the past, campers watched “Sonic the Hedgehog,” forming teams to race around the park. Pretending to be the speedy blue hedgehog from the film, they worked together to collect hidden gold rings. This type of group approach helps kids learn about teamwork and forge new friendships.
“They can let other people get to know them and what they’re interested in, and hopefully make some friendships and bond over those shared interests,” Kress says.
Fantasyland camp not only allows kids to experience current and past entertainment — it encourages them to make their own fun.
“We want them to create good memories,” says Kress, “make new friends, have fun and enjoy the summer.”
1795 Steese Road, Green, cityofgreen.org
