Summer Camps

I teach at a private school where we have many different programs - part day preschool, play classes, Kindermusik, reader's club, and during the summer, summer camps. The camps run for one week, 3 afternoons a week. Our first camp was princess camp. We had me and 7 little girls who already felt - and often acted like - they were all princesses.

So, picture 7 little girls, ages 3 - 6, all thinking that they are THE princess. Three of these girls have attended other programs and are familiar with the school and what we do. Four are brand new, and 2 of those brand new ones have never been away from mom for any group activity. Four of them can use the bathroom by themselves, and the other three have to have a grown-up help them. Taking a field trip to the bathroom a couple of times during our three hour program cut down on the rest of the stuff I had to plan.

Because the bathroom is in the hallway and can't be seen from the other rooms, rather than leaving the children alone each time I went to help one of those who needed help, we did "scheduled" bathroom breaks (sort-of). When the first princess had to go, we all took a trip to the royal restroom. That first day I had everyone walk with me and we all just waited while the first little princess took care of business. In 20 minutes, when the next little princess needed to make a trip, I decided to invite all the princesses to take a turn, rather than having to stop our activities every few minutes. By the end of the day the queen (me) was very ready for a royal nap.

The highlight of princess camp was the princess "tea" on the last day. Everyone got to wear their favorite princess dress - or dress up with the school dress up clothes if they didn't have a princess dress, and we had a tea party. Small crustless sandwiches, apple slices, lemonade, and cupcakes. Of course we used the princess tablecloth, cups, and napkins.

We read favorite princess stories each day, made and decorated princess hats - this year we did the fancy cone hats with ribbons instead of tiaras, reviewed princess etiquette, learned some dances for the ball, and just enjoyed each other's company. We only had one purple princess hat, and with three princesses whose favorite color is purple, we definitely got to practice using our princess etiquette. (We also got to practice some royal distractions!)

All in all it was a fun week, but I think I am definitely ready for something different. I'll tell you all about dinosaur camp next time.