What a special week it has been in the Tigers! As we reached the end of our summer together, there were so many moments that reminded us what makes camp so meaningful: the friendships, the confidence campers build, and the connections they create with the people around them. One of the biggest moments of the week was saying goodbye to our amazing T4 counsellor, Fiji, as she prepares to head abroad for teachers college. To surprise her, the Tigers worked together to create goodbye cards and a special banner filled with messages of appreciation. While this was a surprise planned by the Unit Heads, the campers were so eager to be part of it and put so much thought and care into making it special. When Fiji saw the surprise, she was incredibly touched and emotional. It was a beautiful reminder of the impact that counsellors have on campers and how the relationships built at camp truly matter. The theme of connection and leadership continued throughout the week. We saw Tigers step into incredible leadership roles as they spent time with younger campers. One group invited a younger Kanga group to join them for Gaga Ball. The Tigers took the time to teach the rules, encourage the younger campers, and make sure everyone felt included. The Kangas were so excited to play alongside the older campers, and it was amazing to see the Tigers recognize that being a leader is not just about being the oldest—it is about being kind, patient, and encouraging.
Our Choose Your Own Adventure (CYOA) periods were filled with creativity, challenges, and lots of fun. Campers had the opportunity to try a variety of activities, including Sock Tag with Wheels, creating lizards with Pacific, building 3D animals with Fox in Science, making beating heart demonstrations, designing their own monster plushes in Arts & Crafts, playing Gaga Ball, and testing their skills during Record-Breaking Archery. Each activity gave campers a chance to explore something new, work with friends, and celebrate their own creativity and skills. Another special opportunity this week was our Fun Time with the Froggies. The Tigers had the chance to spend a period playing games with one of our younger groups, and they truly embraced the opportunity to be role models. Campers helped explain games, encouraged younger campers, and made sure everyone felt welcomed. Seeing our oldest campers care for and include younger campers was such a proud moment for our unit.
Our Sizzle’s Shenanigans this week was led by Fiji and Mojo, and it quickly became one of the most memorable events of the summer. Campers watched as counsellors competed in a series of Minute to Win It challenges, cheering them on and enjoying the friendly competition. Then came the surprise reveal: the winning counsellors would join camper teams for a giant water balloon fight! Pacific and Mojo came out on top and joined the teams as the water balloon chaos began. The field was filled with laughter, excitement, and some very soaked campers and counsellors! One of the best parts was seeing everyone take responsibility afterward as campers worked together to clean up all the balloon pieces and leave the field better than they found it.
We also had some wonderful Schmooze highlights this week. Fox, one of our T3 counsellors, represented the Tigers during Thursday Thingy by performing an original song she wrote all about Adventure Valley Day Camp. It was such a creative and memorable performance that showcased her love for camp. We also celebrated our Big Chair winners: Sia, Kennedy, Matthew, Jake, and Emilia! Our Silly Banana winners this week were Claire, Max, and Lyna. Congratulations to everyone who was recognized! Of course, we celebrated our campers earning their Longevity Awards: Congrats to Maxwell, Carson, Mackenzie and Sia on receiving their three-year Turtle Tag and to Lyna and Christian for receiving their five-year Footsteps Tag!
Staff Celebration Moment: Fiji!
This week’s staff spotlight goes to Fiji. While we are incredibly sad to see her leave, we are so grateful for everything she has brought to the Tigers. Fiji has an incredible ability to make every camper feel known and valued. She remembers the little details about campers, takes the time to learn what makes each person special, and brings so much fun and silliness into every day. One of the sweetest moments was seeing that her impact reached far beyond just her own group. Tigers from across the unit created cards, messages, and special surprises to thank her. It was clear that Fiji has made a lasting impression on so many campers.
Caregiver Question of the Week:
Is there camp on Monday??
No! We are closed for the Civic Holiday. Please enjoy an extra day together, and we look forward to seeing you on Tuesday!
