At Rolling River, every day is an opportunity to discover something new, and our specialist areas are where imagination and exploration shine the brightest. This week, campers dived into nature, creativity, and even a little sweet science as we prepared for Lumberjack Day on Friday! Here’s a splash into what our specialist groups have been up to:
STEAM – Tree Tales and Ring Counting
Our budding scientists transformed into dendrologists this week! Campers discovered that trees do tell stories if you know how to read them. By examining bark, leaves, and tree cross-sections, we learned how to count rings to determine a tree’s age and uncover secrets about its environment. Campers created their own “If I Were a Tree” artwork, using the correct number of rings for their age, and zoomed in on real specimens using electric magnifying glasses. We wrapped it up with a painted tree stump rainbow print. Did you count the rings? That tree was 22 years old!
Nature – Learning from the Trees
Nature time complemented our STEAM studies with more dendrochronology fun. Campers used real tree slices to count rings, discussed the importance of trees in the environment, and explored what happens when forests are imbalanced like during fires or overgrowth. With colorful worksheets and hands-on learning, campers deepened their appreciation for our planet’s leafy giants.
Lower Arts & Crafts – Inspired by the Masters
Our youngest artists were inspired by Jim Dine and Claude Monet this week. Using markers, Mod Podge, and paper hearts, campers created vibrant heart-themed canvas boards. Then, channeling Monet’s dreamy style, they ditched paintbrushes for spoons to blend tranquil hues into lily pond masterpieces. First graders also wrapped up their jellyfish salt paintings—splashy, colorful, and full of sea-inspired charm! ️
Upper Arts & Crafts – Light & Color Magic
Campers in 2nd grade and up created handmade wilderness-themed suncatchers using colored pencil designs and mason jar rings, perfect for catching those summer rays. They also painted their own versions of the Northern Lights, blending colors to mimic nature’s most magical sky show. Next week, Upper A&C will be tie-dying, so don’t forget to send in a clean, labeled white or light-colored shirt.
Intensives & Hobbies for Arts & Crafts – Nailed It!
String art took center stage as campers hammered real nails into wood boards and skillfully wrapped string to reveal creative designs. Campers explored both positive and negative space in their artwork—each one unique and stunning.
Woodworking – Spreading Positivity
At the Art Studio, campers designed painted plaques with kind messages using letter tiles and bold backgrounds. This tactile art project taught them about layering, background/foreground composition, and the power of positive words across the RIVA.
Cooking & Hobbies – Tasty and Crafty Fun!
Lumberjack Week got delicious in the Cooking Cabin. Campers whipped up campfire cookies, complete with edible flames, and dove into DIY edible cookie dough in Hobbies. The only thing better than making these treats was eating them!
✨ Hidden Treasures Spotlight:
This week in Hidden Treasures, campers learned about the job of a lumberjack and the importance of trees. They discovered that not only does wood come from trees—but so does paper! Campers worked together through each step of the process to create their own recycled paper from scratch. Ask your child to tell you what the paper and water felt like before it dried—they loved getting hands-on and messy while learning!
Loading Dock At Loading Dock, campers crafted butterflies and dragonflies using pipe cleaners, clothespins, and pony beads. They also designed beautiful suncatchers with colorful clear beads and a prism that catches the light perfectly!
From zooming in on tree bark to zooming out under the Northern Lights, our specialists are helping campers see the world in amazing new ways. Stay tuned for more discoveries and creations next week!
