Bethany Park

Summer Day Camp 2012

At Bethany Park, our mission is to increase knowledge about one's self, our environment, our community and our place in the world. We see to do this by creating supportive environments for youth to reach their fullest potential and also instill a desire for lifelong learning while having a lot of fun. We hope campers will gain a deeper understanding and affinity toward the natural world, and become familiar with and discover resources in the Lincoln community.

This summer at Lincoln Parks and Recreation, participants will experience as part of our "FUNdamental Healthy Me" day camp program:

Recreation and Leisure Skills
Physical Fitness Through Active Play
Social Development
Nutrition Awareness
Nature Interaction

As always, parents and participants can expect:

A focus on large group games and active play
Skill building with challenging activity levels
Site-based activities and city wide field trips
Individual exploration of interests through a wide range of activities offered

Weekly Themes

In addition to all of the active programs that we hav eplanned like field trips, swimming, recreation based games and crafts, we have some themes for each week outlined below.

Week 1: May 29-June 1 -- In the Dirt!
Come join us as we promote physical activity and quality outdoor experiences and build an understanding of and respect for nature and our environment. We will develop a small garden while campers learn to nurture and care for other living things while developing patience. We will harvest and eat items from our garden throughout the summer.

Week 2: June 4-June 8 -- My World
We want to foster the next generation of environmental stewards. We want all campers of all ages and abilities to connect with nature. We do this by providing safe activities on public lands, parks, and conservation areas in the City. We will help campers connect with and enjoy the natural world, provide leadership and mentoring, instill in them a sense of hope and joy, a love of nature, and a commitment to stewardship. This week we will teach outdoor ethics, recreation skills and practices to reduce impacts to natural, cultural and scenic resources.

Week 3: June 11-June 15 -- BUGS!
Give your camper a hands-on camp experience with insect collections, preservation and identification throughout the community. You never know what they may find! Observing insects is a great way to learn about them.

Week 4: June 18-June 22 -- Looking at the Ground
Come with us as we explore the community for animal tracks and identify plants. This week we will go to the Nature Center and work with the Naturalist to help us learn new and exciting things that are found on the ground.

Week 5: June 25-June 29 -- Team Week
This is our Sports week. We will examine several team sports throughout the week. Sports are for fun, but they also offer benefits and lessons that carry over into all aspects of life. When kids are asked why they play sports, they say to have fun, improve their skills or learn new skills. They also say to be with their friends and make new friends. Our goal is to expose them to a sport in hopes that they might have an interest to continue so the can become physically fit or help maintain a high fitness level.

Week 6: July 2-July 6 (no camp July 4) -- Lifetime Sports
A life time sport is one that you can enjoy for an entire lifetime! For our camp these sports include disc golf, tennis, bowling, and bocce. They are typically not impact sports and if you start playing at a young age, you will likely be able to continue throughout your lifetime.

Week 7: July 9-July 13 -- Targets
We will work on Skills activities that address hitting a target. Older campers will work on archery. Archery lends itself particularly well to youngsters, in that it is noncompetitive and inclusive. It is a sport that can be enjoyed by all ages, and helps build confidence, focus and an understanding of commitment in kids. Even kids who have little natural athleticism can become excellent archers.

Week 8: July 16-July 20 -- At the Lake
Come and learn basic fishing and canoeing skills as we spend time at some of Lincoln’s lakes. Learn the basics of canoe handling and safety. Then take a canoe trip, on one of Lincoln’s City owned lakes with one of our camp leaders. Canoes, paddles and Personal Flotation Devices are furnished and required for all participants. The basics of fishing - rods and reels, baits, tackle and accessories will be provided. The camp leader will give tips on casting and where to find fish. There will be plenty of time to wet a hook. All the fishing gear will be provided, or feel free to bring your own.

Week 9: July 23-July 27 -- Outdoor Skils
Students will work on outdoor skills that focus on camping, building shelters, what to take with you on a hike and making a first aid kit.

Week 10: July 30-August 3 -- Field Week We will prepare for a city wide “Playday” competition between Bethany and other Parks and Recreation Day Camp sites. Events will include, box hockey, mancala, three legged race, mile high relay, human obstacle course and many more.

Week 11: August 6-August 10 -- Biking Week
Join us for a week of cycling skills and exploration of some of the terrific trails that are offered around the park. Please note that campers will need to get their bikes to camp. We will offer alternate activities for families that can’t bring a bike. Helmets are always required while riding a bike during our program. Please let us know if you need to purchase a helmet.