Activity Abstracts

Core Activities | Evening Activities

Project Worth

 The activities offered at YMCA Camp Greenville have evolved over many years. Our goal is to use the natural setting of camp to provide an emotionally safe environment in which participants feel accepted and safe. Our objectives are to:

bulletTo promote self-esteem.
bulletEncourage a sense of personal responsibility.
bulletTo create an emotionally safe environment.
bulletTo provide caring, consistent and competent support.

Core Activities

 
Activity Activity Overview Activity Goals

ARCHERY
(1.5 - 2 hours)

 Learn the basics of Archery.  This is a recreational class that challenges participants to shoot at targets ranging in distance.
bulletLearn basic archery skills
bulletIncrease self-esteem by trying new things.
bulletSet and reach for a personal goal.

BAFA BAFA
(1.5 – 2 hours)

 Two family groups work together to form communities with peculiar cultures. Participants are given roles and are asked to reach certain goals while trying to learn about the other community.
bulletPromote teamwork through involvement and sharing.
bulletLearn to understand and communicate with other cultures.
bulletLearning friendship through interaction.

BEADS & BRACELETS
(1 hour)
 

 Each participant makes a small bead to remind them of something that they have learned at camp. Bracelets are often used as friendship gifts to promote community.
bulletLearn and make some basic crafts.
bulletProvide a reminder of camp after they leave.
bulletPromote friendship through giving.

THE BEAST
(1.5 hours)

 A communication activity in which teams attempt to replicate an assembled Lego "Beast". Only one member from each team is allowed to observe the beast; that member must relay the information to two other team members. The final member then acts as the builder of the "Beast" using the information received from his/her teammates.
bulletTo build a "Beast " that has some similarity to the original.
bulletTo encourage communication through explicit instruction.
bulletTo understand how different people understand things.
bulletTo understand and appreciate that people communicate differently.

BOULDERING
(1.5 hours)

 Participants will have the opportunity to experience the indoor bouldering wall. Bouldering is unroped climbing at low heights (less than 12 feet) that focuses on movement and strength. Participants can try their hands (and feet!) at the wall before experimenting with some challenging activities as a group.
bulletTo learn new skills in a safe environment.
bulletTo challenge oneself.
bulletTo trust oneself and others.
bulletTo promote encouragement and support in the group.
 

CANOEING
(1.5 hours)

 Students canoe in pairs on our largest lake, Lake Sudie. Canoeing is a great activity for demonstrating the need for teamwork. Lifeguards are in attendance and all participants wear life jackets. This activity is offered in April, May and September and is dependent on the weather and water temperature. There is an additional fee per student for this activity.
bulletLearn to follow the basics of water safety.
bulletLearn to work together.
bulletLearn and practice strokes.

CLIMBING EXPERIENCE
(1.5-2 hours) There is an additional fee per student for this activity.

 With the support of our trained staff, participants have the opportunity to learn the basics of climbing in our indoor climbing room. Climbs range from beginner to advanced levels. Participants must be in 5th grade or higher to take part in Climbing Experience.
bulletTo take risks in a safe but challenging environment.
bulletTo confront fears at one’s own level and to gain self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment.
bulletTo trust oneself and others.
To be a part of the group support system.

COOPERATIVE CHALLENGES
(1.5 hours)

 Participants will work in small groups on activities such as the Egg Drop where they are asked to build a structure capable of surviving a fall from various heights and then to promote their product. Groups are encouraged to make sure each member participates in both the promotion and construction.
bulletPromote teamwork by working together in small groups of 3-5.
bulletLearn to listen to other’s ideas.
bulletBe creative.
 

COOPERATIVE GAMES
(30 minutes - 1 hour)

 Fast action tag or “Simon Says” games where everybody wins while still challenging their comfort zones. It’s a great way to stretch after a long van/bus ride and have some fun.
bulletTo be non-competitive and all-inclusive.
bulletTo have fun.
 

GEO DOME - NEW!!
(1 - 1.5 hours)

 Working as individuals and members of a group, students learn certain knots and lashings, while creating their own self-supporting climbing frame.
bulletLearn and practice basic knots and lashings.
bulletPromote teamwork through involvement.
bulletPromote communication and participation.
bulletEnhance self and group esteem by building a solid structure for play.

GROUP DYNAMICS I
(1.5 - 2 hours)

 Team building activities requiring group communication and cooperation. Challenges include various mobile initiatives.
bulletTo promote teamwork by working together.
bulletTo understand different types of leadership roles.
bulletTo develop trust among the group members.
 

GROUP DYNAMICS II
(1.5 - 2 hours)

 This session builds onto the team building activities started in Group Dynamics I. These activities require the group to go to the next level in communication and cooperation.
bulletTo promote teamwork by working together.
bulletTo understand different types of leadership roles.
bulletTo develop trust among the group members.
 

HIGH ROPES
(2 hours) There is an additional fee per student for this activity.

 Camp Greenville has a unique challenge course that enables the individual and team challenges at various levels off the ground. Run by trained staff members, this course fosters self-confidence and teamwork by attempting to overcome fears and enabling students to trust one another. Participants must be in sixth grade or older in order to take part in High Ropes.
bulletTo take a risk in a safe but challenging environment.
bulletTo confront fear at one's own level and to gain self-confidence and a sense of a accomplishment.
bulletTo trust oneself and others.
To be part of the group support system.

KNOWING ME, KNOWING YOU
(1.5 - 2 hours)

 Designed to provide your students with an opportunity to get to know their own personality type, this class will help them learn to understand each other better. Students will participate in a number of activities to help them discover their own strengths and weaknesses. They will then learn techniques and skills to aid them in communicating, resolving conflicts, and flexing their behavior in various situations.
bulletPromote diversity and encourage acceptance.
bulletDiscover how one typically interacts with others.
bulletLearn to work with those with whom they have differences.
bulletIncrease self-esteem and self-confidence by discovering one’s own strengths.
 

LARGE GROUP CLOSING
(30-45 minutes)

 Allow time for your entire group to come together before you return to school for some large group closing activities. These activities remind the students of what they have learned while fostering a sense of community within the whole group by allowing the students to share experiences and stories.
bulletFoster a sense of community within the entire group.
bulletProvide closure for the experiences had at camp by allowing the students to share what they have learned.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION
(1.5 hours)

 This is an interactive problem solving activity that works with common decisions teenagers face through role playing scenarios. Steps of problem solving are discussed and sample exercises are performed.
bulletLearn how to interpret problems and understanding their dynamics.
bulletImprove problem solving by participation.
bulletGive participants opportunities to solve their own problems.

MOUNTAIN FEUD
(1.5 hours)

 In this debate class, students are given different roles to play while they discuss issues that affect them in their everyday life, a current event, or a simulated event. Topics are usually determined with input from trip leaders and Camp Greenville staff before the group’s arrival.
bulletBeing able to take a position in a situation and communicate effectively.
bulletBeing able to debate a position that is not necessarily their own.
bulletReach a decision or be able to compromise.
Learn that it is acceptable to agree to disagree.

NATURE CENTER
(30 minutes)

 Visit with our snakes, turtles, birds, skulls, and other creatures in our Nature Center. Students will have the opportunity to learn about animals found in our area and do some hands on learning. This is a great activity to combine with Cooperative Games, Beads and Bracelets, Tree Stories, or the Showerbath Falls hike.
bulletTo learn about the animals of this region.
bulletTo handle some of the animals in the Center.
 

OPTION PERIOD
(1 - 2 hours)

 Allow your students to choose their activity from a variety of selections offered by the staff (i.e.—Basketball, Ultimate Frisbee, Arts and Crafts, Hiking, “Murderball”, Volleyball, etc…)
bulletPromote teamwork and encouragement.
bulletProvide opportunities for decision-making.
bulletAllow the students to participate in something that interests them.

RAINBOW FALLS HIKE
(1.5 - 2 hours)

 It is not only a great hike to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in South Carolina, it is a great team builder. The highlight of this activity is the challenge and the teamwork. Students maneuver through steep terrain, using one another for support. People's impact on the environment is sharply contrasted against the wild beauty of the forest. This is a challenging hike for those in good physical condition.
bulletTo be challenged both physically and mentally.
bulletA sense of accomplishment.

ROCK CLIMBING
(2 hours) There is an additional fee per student for this activity.

 Students participate in a climbing and repelling activity at one of our many cliffs around the camp. This activity is dependent upon weather and the availability of qualified staff.
bulletLearn the basics of rock climbing.
bulletImprove self-esteem by trying something new.
bulletPromote teamwork by encouraging other participants.

SECRETS OF THE MOUNTAIN
(1.5 hours)

 Students learn basic compass skills and use them to guide the group on a hike through the woods.
bulletLearn the parts of a compass.
bullet Learn to be a good leader and follower.
bulletLearn to solve questions as a small group.

SERVICE PROJECT
(2 - 4 hours)

At camp we always have meaningful projects to be completed. This includes such things as trail maintenance, painting, minor building, and mulching. This is an opportunity for a group to work towards a common goal with all members having a key part in its completion.
bulletTeamwork towards a common goal.
bulletService through participation.
 

SHOWERBATH FALLS HIKE
(30 minutes)

 During this session, participants will take a short hike to one of the waterfalls on Camp. This walk through the woods is a great way to experience nature in action—and possibly even get wet standing behind the waterfall! This is a great activity to combine with Cooperative Games, Beads and Bracelets, Tree Stories, or the Nature Center.
bulletExperience and learn a little more about nature.
bulletBe able to hike when time is a factor.
bulletHave fun and potentially get wet!
 

STEREOTYPES
(1.5 hours)

This activity analyzes perceived stereotypes by providing an opportunity for each participant (in a controlled and safe environment) to both stereotype someone and be stereotyped. A discussion on the impact of stereotyping follows.
bulletTo gain a greater appreciation of how we perceive others.
bulletLearn how to go past first impressions.
bulletLearn about others in your group.

STRENGTH BOMBARDMENT
(30 minutes - 1.5 hours)

 Small or large group activity which builds confidence and self-esteem. Each member is focused upon and showered with personal strengths. This session concludes with a evaluative discussion of reactions to the bombardment.
bulletImprove awareness of others and their contribution to the group.
bulletIncrease participants' self-esteem through showering positive comments.
bulletProvide opportunity to thank others.

TALES OF THE MOUNTAIN
(1.5 hours)

 Set up as a creative writing class, this class gives participants the opportunity to reflect or write using the mountain environment as the subject and/or inspiration.
bulletExpress themselves through descriptive writing.
bulletTo expand on ideas and impressions through devotion or the use of descriptive and action words
bulletTo use and appreciate quiet moments in our lives.

TREE STORIES
(45 minutes)

 In this class, participants will learn briefly about trees in the area and their life cycles. Students will then create their “life as a tree”, mapping their own “rings” and sharing events that have contributed to their growth and development. This is a great class to take with Rainbow Falls, Wilderness Trek, Showerbath Falls, or Nature Center.
bulletLearn how to read tree rings and talk about factors that have affected the tree’s growth.
bulletSharing significant events that have affected the participant’s personal growth and development.
 

WHICH WAY?
(1.5 hours) NEW activities added!!

 Map and compass skills are the focus of our advanced orienteering class. Students work together to determine bearings and distances while completing an orienteering course that runs through camp.
bulletLearn parts of a compass.
Promotes math and geometry skills.
bulletAccomplishes an orienteering course as a group.
bulletRequires teamwork and communication.
 

WILDERNESS SKILLS
(1.5 hours)

 Team work, communication, and planning skills are promoted as participants learn outdoor skills as well as Leave No Trace and minimal impact camping techniques.
bulletLearn to build a shelter from local natural materials.
bulletLearn to build a fire.
bulletLearn how to camp in the outdoors while leaving little or no trace.

ZINGERS
(30 minutes-1hour)

 Zingers are fun, fast-paced games where participants must work together. Family Groups rotate through various stations trying to complete as many activities as possible within the time limit given while learning
bulletLearn to work together through cooperative games and activities.
bulletParticipants have to problem-solve to achieve a group goal.
bulletTo have fun!
 

 

Evening Activities

Our Evening Programs are designed to be educational, as well as a fun way to end the day. These activities are designed to involve everyone: students, chaperones and staff.

Activity Description

CAMPFIRE
(1-2 hours)

 Enjoy an entertaining evening of songs, skits, stories, and games with students, chaperones, teachers, and Camp staff working together to entertain the group. Groups may request our inside or outside fire sites, as well as the addition of marshmallows.

DUTCH AUCTION
(1 - 2 hours)

 This is a fast-paced extravaganza in which family groups build team camaraderie and spirit by working through various tasks. Students are encouraged to use their imagination through activities such as Sculptionary and Song Wars. Games such as Chaos and Chocolate Mayhem are a couple other possibilities for this exciting and high energy evening.

FAMILY NIGHT
(1.5 hours)

 Family groups are a key component of the community building that occurs during the Project Worth program. Students work in their families (activity groups) to come up with a family name, cheer, handshake, and sculpture. After these are created they are shared.

GAME NIGHT
(1 - 1.5 hours)

 Fast paced and action-packed games make up this program. Check out one of the largest Twister boards on earth, or play glow in the dark soccer or football, or engage in another game of your choice.

MAGIC CIRCLE
(1.5 hours)

 The goal of this program is to create a safe place for participants to share feelings and support one another. Students sit in a circle and are asked to answer certain questions that a leader poses. Confidentiality is discussed in the circle and its importance is stressed. This is a great activity to bring closure to the outing. This activity may be done in combination with a shortened version of one of the other evening programs or a Strength Bombardment.

NIGHT HIKE
(1.5 hours)

During a walk through the night without a flashlight, students learn to use their senses in a nocturnal setting. Topics like comfort with the darkness, trust, and other night related issues are discussed. This hike does not go to the Chapel unless requested.

OPEN NIGHT

 This is your night! If you would like to plan an evening program for your group or just do some relaxing, sign up for an Open Night. A camp staff person will bring your snack, but all programming is up to you.

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS
(1.5 hours)

This outdoor activity takes a leisurely stroll to Symmes Chapel (Pretty Place) located on the edge of Cleveland Cliff. Students will have a chance to look at the sights, sing songs, and listen to a story while enjoying the breathtaking view.

SQUARE DANCE
(1.5 hours)

 Students and chaperones learn basic dance patterns and calls while listening to live guitar music. Occasionally the activity takes a turn and puts those dance patterns to music of a somewhat more contemporary feel. There is fun for all during this very popular activity.

STAR POWER
(1.5 hours)

In this potentially confrontational game the power of decision making and the roles we must take in our own lives is discussed. The group is divided into a three tiered society through the distribution of wealth. Once given their roles, the group with the most power makes the rules for the game. When frustration and conflict reaches a certain level, the game is ended, analyzed, and discussed.

TWISTER
(45 minutes)

 Take a turn on our giant Twister board. The game board spans the entire room, getting everyone involved! This recreational evening program may also include several other games to get you warmed up. This activity can be combined with Dutch Auction, Family Night, Game Night, or a stroll to the chapel.

 

 

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