| Activities |
Camp and Campfire Programs
Join us for an engaging workshop designed for recreation leaders, camp counselors, and educators eager to enhance their camp programming skills. This session offers a deep dive into creating memorable camp experiences ranging from large group games to the art of campfire planning. Participants will learn how to plan and facilitate a variety of dynamic group activities that foster teamwork and camaraderie among campers of all ages. Additionally, we will explore the timeless tradition of campfire storytelling and singing, providing practical tips on song selection, storytelling techniques, and creating an enchanting campfire atmosphere. Whether you're looking to inject new energy into your camp sessions or enrich an existing program, this workshop will equip you with innovative ideas and effective strategies to bring joy and engagement to your camp program.
Led by Joe Richards | |
Camp Mental Health Certification
LEAD’s Camp Mental Health Certification (CampMHC) introduces camp counselors and staff to the risk factors, warning signs, and prevalence of mental illness in adolescent campers. CampMHC is the nation’s first early intervention certification tailored to summer camp and outdoor recreation settings.
Through interactive discussion, role-play activities, and an ABC action plan, LEAD empowers camp professionals to respond to signs and symptoms of mental illness in non-crisis situations and to connect campers to appropriate professional support in crisis situations.
Led by Gabby Bittner and Katrina Nitz | $25.00 |
Crepe Paper Flowers
Waiting for bulbs to bloom can be a long and frustrating process through the winter months. This class will offer the chance learn the skills needed to create delicate and cheerful flowers from crepe paper (this isn’t the crepe paper left over from that last birthday party). Learn about the different types of crepe paper and how to utilize it to craft beautiful bouquets that will last a lifetime.
Led by Sarah Wensink | $10.00 |
Designing the Future Through Inclusive and Intentional Strategic
A comprehensive and interactive program designed to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to excel in strategic planning. This hands-on workshop will guide BLW attendees through the entire strategic planning process, from setting a solid foundation to effective execution and continuous improvement.
Led by Featured Presenter, Annie Frisoli | |
GamesMaster Training
Do you want to become a Games Master? Someone who knows games for all occasions. Then this is the class for you. We will focus on how to plan and lead games for groups of all sizes. Games will range from slow to fast paced, from large group to small group, and for all ages. Class will be very interactive and participants will play the games as we learn. We will also discuss games leadership best practices and talk about how to incorporate games into participants' programs.
Led by Tim Borton and Joe Richards | |
Getting Better
A class centered on tools to improve your own performance and how to develop the organization around you to perform better. Topics will include: How to solicit, receive, and use feedback to improve, how to give developmental feedback, how to get a mentor and how to be a mentor, measuring Leadership IQ, and inventorying your own level of leadership development.
Led by Amber Grundy and Andy Cothrel | |
Inclusion Innovation
In today's diverse world, promoting inclusion and celebrating differences is more important than ever. This session aims to equip camp counselors and other staff with the knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all campers (disability focus). We will go over different types of inclusion, how to make programming more inclusive for different abilities, and why it is important. The goal is to equip camp counselors and staff with the knowledge, skills, and empathy needed to create inclusive environments where campers of all abilities can thrive. While also brainstorming ideas they can bring home to incooperate more inclusive programs and strategies. By fostering understanding, empathy, and inclusive practices, participants will play a crucial role in ensuring that every camper, regardless of ability, feels valued, respected, and empowered to participate in the camp experience. My goal would spend some times presenting some ideas but have an activity focused/hands on learning experience.
Led by Ila Manderson | |
Leather Crafting
Class participants will learn to make two leather bags of different sizes. They will learn how to make the bags from scraps and hand sew them together. Participants will start with small neck bags to get the hang of working with glover's needles and artificial sinew. Then they will move on to larger drawstring bags. Participants will leave class with both bags and the knowledge to teach the craft in their own programs.
Led by Michael Gentry and Katrina Nitz | $10.00 |
Makin' Sawdust
This is a class where you will learn some new skills while making wooden puzzles, wooden toys, and some props that are used in team-building activities. Most of the wood pieces that are needed will be pre-cut. You will have the items that “we” make to take home, so you will be able to use your “projects” to copy and reproduce at home. Here is a list of items that will be available to assemble: The Magic Ring, A Whirly Gig, a Funderbird, Wood and Physics, French Hoops, Crazy 27 Wood Blocks, GEO Ball, Fluffy Ball, a Comet, and more. We might even throw in a birdhouse.
Led by Dave Kalkbrenner and Barry Jolliff | $18.00 |
Mindful Mastery
Picture this; a moment of peace amongst the demands of life. The world may be chaotic but you have the skills to find the calm amongst the storm! In this class we will focus on learning adaptive yoga, developing mindfulness techniques, and exploring sensory activities. You will also learn how to teach these skills to your group at home and make your own coping tools. Make sure to bring a comfortable blanket, towel, or mat for yoga!
Led by Katie Trout and AJ Bennett | |
Music: The Buckeye Way
Do you find yourself tasked with getting a group going on songs. Have you lead groups in the past but are looking for new songs or ways to pull your program together? Larry Hall and Tim Reynolds are two Buckeye alumni who have learned in the song circles and taught how music can enhance your programs. Enjoy adopting various song leading styles, performance preparation and methods to inject music into your lives. We will look at setting the mood, sharing songs and gaining confidence in these skills.
Led by Larry Hall and Tim Reynolds | |
Needle Felting
Learn the art of stabbing wool into submission. We will begin by learning needle felting basics for the newbies and demonstrating some harder needle felting elements like using armatures to create 3D pieces. You will also have the chance to learn some basic wet felting techniques that can and will help build the bases of your 3D needle felting sculptures.
Led by Heather Quinones | $15.00 |
Outdoor Cooking
For almost a million years humans have cooked over fire. We’ll enjoy continuing this tradition by practicing and experimenting with stick cooking, foil packs, and Dutch Oven cooking. We’ll cook up recipes suitable for breakfast, lunch, dinner and desserts.
Led by Christy Leeds and Gina Kolp | $25.00 |
Recreational Dance
We welcome beginners and those who want to brush up their skills or just enjoy dancing to join us. We’ll dance a wide variety of dance forms from Contras to Cotton Eyed Joe. We’ll discuss how to incorporate dance in your program efforts.
Led by Tim Borton | |
Resin Crafts
In this class you’ll learn tips and tricks for creating works of art with resin. We’ll complete an array of projects that can be done with small groups or on your own. From jewelry to coasters, bookmarks, etc, we’ll investigate techniques to get the best results while incorporating color, dried flowers and more.
Led by Ashley Okel and Sarah Wensink | $25.00 |
STEAM-tastic
Everyone can code! We will spend some time exploring the world of coding with a few different activities to take home and use if you have the technology. Technology barrier, no worries, STEM does not have to be technology focused. We will explore how STEM learning it is more than just Science, Technology, Engineering and Math while completing different challenges.
Led by Molly Avers | |
The Saker Bear
To honor Karen Saker, a long time BLW Committee Member, we will construct the Teddy Bear for which she was known. Easy sewing! Please bring a large bag of stuffing. The kit to make your bear is $10.
Led by Edie Dyke | $10.00 |
The Wonders of the 4-Patch (Quilting)
Let’s take the meek 4 patch and apply a little razzle-dazzle Abracadabra! We will make a table runner or bed warmer that will surprise you!
Led by Edie Dyke | |
Video Production for Marketing
Video is an important tool for grabbing attention and connecting with your audience. Whether you want increase camp enrollment, highlight your programs, or showcase your products, video production skills can help you achieve your goal. This class will cover the basics of video production from storyboarding to shooting to editing to sharing. We will learn how to create quality videos with purpose. No prior video experience is needed and all equipment will be provided.
Led by Amanda Raines | |