Activities / Sample Daily Program
Our activities and daily program include learning about Korean and Korean American culture both past and present, learning Korean language, Korean crafts and games, making Korean food, and reflection and dialogue with other friends in a community setting. We strive to create a space for identity development, sense of community, and cultural discovery. In an effort to curate a truly meaningful camp experience, our junior (two youngest subway lines) campers have a varying schedule from the seniors (two oldest subway lines) that run co-currently – to ensure we’re meeting the expectations, conversations, and needs of each of our subway lines.
Daily activities can be roughly divided into three parts.
1. Morning classes
After breakfast, cabin and camp clean-up, we provide unique classes would be offered – as an example Sports, Culture, and Leadership.
- Knowing that it is important to be active, we promote team building, communication, and leadership through sports. This includes traditional Korean games, traditional camp games, and modern sports.
- Culture will include aspects of traditional and contemporary life in Korea that shape Korean American identity. Topics may include basic information such as Korea’s location, geography, elements of the flag, classic folktales (and the values they convey), courtesy and etiquette, and the rise of K-Pop/K-Drama, what it’s like to live in Korea, and Korean games. We will also hope to provide opportunities for older campers to share and discuss their experiences.
- Activities will also be provided by the host site that promote leadership, critical thinking, decision-making, and communication skills. Through unique activities, like high ropes and rock climbing, our campers get to challenge themselves and work in tandem with their peers to problem solve.
2. Afternoon Activities
After lunch, scoring cabin clean-up, store and rest hour there will be a continuation of the morning rotating classes, which includes an intentional session on cultural exploration through our LEAD class and Team Time – both designed to engage campers in meaningful dialogue about their Korean American experience. In addition, we have an “elective” period, which campers will have the opportunity to choose a focused skill to learn. This will prepare them for a mini performance for each other at the end of the week. Campers can participate in a variety of electives such as:
- Korean Culinary Arts (e.g., kimchi, bibimbap, dumplings)
- Arts and Crafts
- Traditional Korean Drums
- KPOP dance
- Breakdancing
- Language Arts
- Tae Kwon Do
- Traditional Korean Dance
Following the elective period there will be an hour “free time” before dinner.
3. Evening programs
Evening programs provide a more informal and unstructured way for campers to build deep and meaningful community. Weather permitting after-dinner programs may include:
- Opening campfire / introduction of counselors by their campers
- Carnival night
- Korean street food market (“pojang-macha”)
- Color Wars
- Special guest speakers
- Skit night / talent show
- SuperStarK
- Counselor challenge course
- Movie night / Pajama party
- Korean BBQ / Closing campfire