If you are running a summer camp of some kind, or are assisting in shared duties, it is critical to stay organized. Creating some sort of structure is the first step in making sure that all ensuing activities are completed in due time. One of the best ways to implement this organization? Create a lesson plan.
A lesson plan is more or less the centrepiece of how a summer camp runs efficiently. An orderly, systemized schedule can then be implemented, allowing all participants involved to have as much fun as possible.
If you are preparing a lesson plan for summer camp, there are certain ways to structure your activities in a meaningful manner. Here is a helpful guide on how to make a lesson plan for summer camp:
1. Time Management
Time management is key when you make a lesson plan for summer camp. The summer camp activities and programs should be organized by the time in which they are scheduled. For example, preliminary attendance taking should be taken care of right away; try to schedule it for 8 or 9 in the morning. This helps to kickstart the rest of the morning and afternoon programs, while maintaining some semblance of organization.
Depending on the extent of your summer camp’s exercises, timing should be sectioned off by half-hour or hour-long slots. This is, of course, subject to change, depending on the personalization of your own camp. As long as you ensure that timing is kept in a systemized manner, an efficient lesson plan will be able to come to light.
2. Lesson Schedules
Once you have determined how to structure timing into your lesson plan, the next step is to figure out organizing the days. The easiest way to do this is to think of your summer camp lesson plan as a spreadsheet. Timing, for example, can be inserted into the rows. Each day, on the other hand, will be able to be inserted into the columns.
Using a Monday to Friday system, coupled with an effective timing arrangement, will allow the rest of the content to be figured out quite easily. Trying to stray too far away from this structure might be a disservice in the long term. As long as you have the days and times organized, you will be good to go.
3. Camp Program Sizes
In your newly created (but relatively empty) lesson plan for summer camp, you should strategize how you wish to implement camp programs. One way to effectively do this is by inserting small and big activities at specific times of the day. For example, at noon on Tuesday, schedule in a small sing-along with your campers.
Then, for your big activity, a hike through the woods would be inserted into the same noon block on your lesson plan. It is vital to differentiate the two activities, for organization’s sake. Big and small exercises that are scheduled with strategy, will do more for your campers than initially realized!
4. Academic Activities
Many summer camps will often allow recreational programs to take the lead. However, implementing small, academic exercises into your summer camp lesson plan will create dividends in the end. Think of simple math games; allowing your campers to play these first thing in the morning is the most effective.
Studies have shown that ours brains, no matter our age, are at our most productive in the early mornings. So, allow your young campers to conduct some problem-solving before they start their day’s programs. Not only will this entice them to accomplish these challenges, but it will pave the way for enjoyment over the course of the next few hours.
5. Comment Section
Don’t allow this section of the lesson plan to dissuade you; comments are for kids as much as they are for adults! Leaving a portioned off space for your campers to jot down their thoughts is crucial. Just because you have a scheduled system for the day, doesn’t mean you can’t allow for some user input.
Try to word the comment section area, in your lesson plan, in a way that encourages campers to share ideas. Leave a couple of questions that can draw thoughtful responses from the kids; but no more than that. That way, you may be able to even learn a thing or two from your campers!
6. Legibility
Organizing a lesson plan for summer camp that is structured is important. However, putting too much detail into it might deter your campers from even becoming acquainted with it. The main idea here is to create a plan that is easy enough to read, even for yourself. A lesson plan that is cluttered with exorbitant amounts of data is the last thing you want!
Structure, as it turns out, is of the utmost importance to running an effective summer camp. It all boils down to the lesson plan, as it is one of the most vital pieces of documentation to have and to give out. With enough organization, you’ll be able to run an enjoyable camp with little to no mistakes!
