Imagine… Day Camp in the Fall
At the end of the summer, we all dream about what it would be like if camp never had to end. Except for school, we really could keep camp going all fall. Many of our favorite camp activities could still run in the cooler weather, like sports, art, dance, drama, yoga, science and music. Others would need to take on new twists.
Let’s have some fun and take a look some fun fall camp ideas – most of which you can do at home with your family!
Pumpkin’s all the rage at outdoor cooking
It’s pumpkin spice latte season, which means that our outdoor cooking specialties would likely feature many recipes made with pumpkin: pumpkin s’mores, pumpkin french toast and pumpkin pie in a cup(!).
Leaves falling everywhere
There would be leaf piles. Huge leaf piles. Can you imagine campers jumping into the most gigantic leaf piles you’ve ever seen? Counselors would be buried in leaves, only to jump up and excite the campers to do it all over again!
In arts and crafts, there are dozens of art projects that can be done with leaves. There would be leaf rubbing, leaf design painting and awesome leaf animal creations.
No fear, just scarecrows
Forget decorating parade floats, giant cows or life sized birthday cakes. We would host an all-camp scarecrow stuffing contest instead! Want to make your own scarecrow? You can do it using a paper bag or a handful of popsicle sticks. Better yet, make one the traditional way with some hay or straw and wearing an Apachi J Camp shirt.
Awesome autumn field trips
With the waterparks all closed, ’tis the season for apple picking and corn mazes! Be sure to wear your camp t-shirt, pack a lunch, water bottle and listen to your counselors… or parents.
Always gaga for ga-ga
Gaga, the ultimate Apachi game, is perfect for fall and can be played inside or outside. In fact, campers and parents can get their gaga on with Apachi at Family Fun Day on Sunday, October 22, at the Bernard Weinger JCC in Northbrook.
It’s all about the layers
Everyone would come to camp in pants and warm sweatshirts, and would slowly peel off layers during the day, leaving clothing all over camp. Use some of your leftover Mabel’s Labels from summer and label your fall and winter clothes, too! (If you need labels, keep in mind that a portion of your purchase at Mabel’s Labels supports camp programs and scholarships.)
And, when fall is over…
It’s time for winter! Check out these awesome opportunities to experience camp during the winter at Perlstein Retreat Center and Camp Chi for Winter Camp or New Year’s Family Camp.