Evening Program Challenge

Monday night's evening program was really interesting and fun at the same time. The kids moved from one station to another. At each station, there were unique activities for them to do. Either they were playing clever games that challenged them to find the trick to the game or they were involved in some kind of trust activity. Dr. Seuss was on the loose!

One such station was this one challenging the kids problem solving techniques. Here was the deal.

They started out as a group standing on a large square of heavy plastic on the ground. Actually the plastic was an old tablecloth. Their job was to get everyone on the tablecloth. One way or another they were supposed to have their feet on the cloth. Reality was that the cloth was folded into a smaller and smaller square after each successful attempt at gathering the whole group on the plot they were given.

Above you see the kids lifting each other up to manage the challenge. As the cloth got smaller and smaller, the human sculptures I saw were quite novel. Many collapsed and started over. Eventually, they had to give up the game because it was next to impossible for everyone to connect with the small square on the ground. Didn't matter. They chattered about the challenge and laughed doing it.

On the right you see another group involved in a game called Wink. The kids took turns being detectives and murderers. Then the same group moved on to play Indian Chief and that was another test of camper observation skills.

The third station started off with the leader holding a 'noodle' and making that noodle move quickly under their feet and over their heads. If they got caught and were bumped by the noodle, then they were eliminated. Gradually the group decreased in size to just a few until there was a winner to celebrate.


What is unique about an activity like this is how well the kids suddenly interact with each other. When there is a challenge for them to meet, they pull together. Both new friends and old find themselves on the same page and in the end they celebrate their comraderie and shared trust.

Evening programs have been overseen all summer by staff member, Kristin. She has worked with counselors, CITs and senior staff to inspire clever, creative opportunities for campers to channel their energies outside horsemanship into everything from drama to sports, talent shows, group wide games, treasure hunts, and more. She herself has gained huge insights and wonderful skills for group organization. We all look forward to evening programs. Next to riding, that's the best time of our day.