I have been working at a summer camp for the past four summers.  It has been a challenge to come up with new and fun things to play with the kids.  I have over time accumulated some favorites that always seem to work, so hopefully this list will help someone else in the same predicament I have been in for so long.

My All Time Favorite CampGames

1)      Key ball

I used to play this game in middle school, but no one I work with seems to remember it, but the kids love it.

How to play:  Separate a big group of kids into two teams (at least 8 on each team I would recommend).  This works best in an area with walls, but it can be played outside.  Imagine the area you are playing on is a football field.  Each team stays on their half, so the area is cut at the 50 yard line.  You will need around 6 dodgeballs and around 2 footballs.  The balls are lined up in the middle and the game starts when each team runs from the end of their side to the balls in attempt to get them on their side. 

The object of the game is to get all the members of the other team out.  To do this you throw the dodgeballs at the other team, if it hits them they are out.  However if they catch a ball you throw you are out.  When a member gets out they do not stop playing, rather they go to “jail” which is located on the other team’s half in the area that would be an end zone on a football field.  The other team can not go in this area.  If a football is thrown from a team member still in play to one in the jail, and is caught, the person who catches it gets to go back into play.

Why this game is so great: This game can go on forever since you are technically never “out.”  Also since you are never out, kids are less likely to complain and pout when they do get hit, because they still get to play.  If I had a dollar for every time a kid cried or complained that they didn’t win a game I wouldn’t be writing this, I’d be able to pay someone else to.

2)      Spud

This is an old favorite of mine from when I was a camper myself.

            How to play:  This can be played with any number of kids on a field, inside, or basically anywhere else that you have room to run.  All you need to play is one dodgeball. Each kid will need a secret number that only they know, so line them up and one by one give them a random number.  If you have 15 kids give them the numbers 1-18 or so.  There will be three numbers that you do not give; these are used later in the game. 

            To start the game have all the kids surrounding you in a circle.  Throw the ball up in the air and call out a number.  Everyone whose number this isn’t runs away as fast as they can.  When the person whose number is called catches the ball they yell “SPUD” and everyone has to freeze where they are.  The one with the ball gets to take three steps (leaps) towards whomever they want.  They then throw the ball at someone.  When a ball is being thrown at someone they can only jump straight up, or move side to side without moving their feet.  If the thrower hits the person, the one being hit gets a letter (usually you would get an “s” first and spell out spud, but you can use a different word if you want).  However, if the thrower misses the person, or the person catches the ball then they will get a letter. 

            If when the ball is thrown up and a number is called and no one goes to catch it, this is one of the mystery numbers.  The game then changes and the last person to touch the ball get a letter.  Whoever gets the letter is the person who gets to throw the ball up and call a number for the next round. The game is played until everyone is out, or until the kids are getting restless.

            Why this game is so great:  This game is incredibly fun, and kids love it because they are always somewhat involved.  Try to make sure that everyone gets their number called at least once.  Trust me, kids will let you know when their number isn’t getting called.  That or they will attempt to be clever and tell the person calling the number “Wow I really hope you don’t call number 4!”  The best part of the game is when a mystery number is called.  To make the game more fun, when you touch the ball and have a mob of kids running towards you, throw or punt the ball in the opposite direction.  Other kids will do the same and everyone will end up running around everywhere, great to do when everyone has too much energy.

3)      Water kickball

This game is great for hot days, and is a fun twist on the game.

How to play the game: This is played exactly like kickball except all the bases (except home) are replaced with giant bins of water.  Instead of touching a base, a player must put some part of their body into the bins.  Kids who don’t really want to get wet (basically 2% of them) can just put their hands in.  Other kids will dunk their heads, put a leg in, or jump in them.  To get a player out the ball must be thrown in the bin before the player gets there.  They can also be hit with the ball, just like in kickball.

Why this game is so great: Water games are fun, kids love them, and hardly anyone complains (always a great thing).

4)      Gold Rush

This is a game for a huge group of kids, we did this with the entire camp, and it was a favorite among the kids, but also a counselor favorite.

            How to play the game: On a large field set four goals in a large square formation (we used actual soccer goals).  The campers are separated into four teams and everyone stands behind their goals.  Five campers from each team are in play at once.  And a counselor stands in the goal.  Extra counselors are located all over the playing field with a pantyhose leg with 1-2 cups of flour in the foot area.  This is their weapon.  Also on the field are hundreds of fake gold coins.  The object of the game is for the kids to grab as many coins as they can without getting hit by a counselor (the flour leaves a mark so it is easy to tell if you actually got hit or not).  If hit the person must drop all the coins and go back behind the goal, at which point the next camper goes.  If the camper manages to steer clear of the flour they put the coins into the goal.

            A final element is there is one “Bad guy” (ours was dressed up in a pirate costume).  This pirate can come into any goal and steal the coins unless the entire team behind the goal chants a specific phrase (you can choose, we used a YMCA chant).  This keeps the kids behind the goal actively involved.  The game can end at any time, I would suggest when there are not as many coins available on the field.

            Why this game is so great:  I would have to say the flour weapon puts this game over the top, it doesn’t hurt and it is hilarious; just make sure the counselors are the ones with the flour.

5)      Cat and Mouse

This is a parachute game to be played with smaller children, and play it they will.

            How to play the game: Everyone stands around the parachute and holds it up.  One person is underneath the parachute and one person is on top of it.  The game starts when everyone holding the parachute moves it up and down to create a ripple effect.  The person on top (the cat) has to try and catch the person on the bottom (mouse) that is running around and trying to stay away.  Since the parachute is moving so much this is difficult and hilarious.  

            Why this game is so great: Kids love it and it is so fun to watch.  I especially like playing this in the rain.

6)      Air Raid

I didn’t discover this game until last summer, but now it is a camp favorite.  

            How to play the game: Set up a field with a bunch of objects campers can hide behind.  This can be done in a sporadic fashion, no design is necessary.  I use tables, garbage cans, wheelbarrows, boxes, etc.  In the center of the area place a bucket full of water and sponges (you can also use water balloons, but sponges can be used more than once and don’t take forever to fill).  I usually have two people be the bombers (essentially they are “it”). These people attempt to hit others with the sponges.  If you get hit by a sponge you are out, to make the game more fun we tell campers they are getting hit by a bomb and they act out this when getting hit.  Campers can hide behind the objects (or if you are clever like my campers they go inside the box, break holes in it and run with the box around them).  The game ends when two people are left and they get to be it next time.

            Why this game is so great: Three things campers love, running, hiding, and water.  Plus seeing a camper’s reaction to getting hit by a soaking sponge right in the back is hilarious.

7)      Counselor tag

I invented this game when I had a terrible group of campers one week.  They ended up loving it and we played it for hours.

            How to play the game:  In a large field or gym set up boundaries campers have to stay in.  Basically they run around trying not to get hit by a ball.  Counselors are the only ones with the balls and they get to throw them at the campers.  Once hit the camper needs to freeze until a fellow camper tags them.  Once you get hit your third time you are out.  The game is played until all campers are out. 

            Why this game is so great: I don’t know why kids love it but they do, plus counselors get to let off a little steam.

      Scream run

The all time funniest game to watch kids play.

            How to play the game: Set up two teams on one end of a large field in two lines.  Have each team pick a name (I’m sure it’ll involve fire, tigers, or death in some way if you are playing with boys).  One camper from each side goes at a time.  The counselor yells go and the campers need to run as far as they can while screaming, and they can’t take any breaks.  The camper who runs the farthest before taking a breath wins a point for their team.  After all campers go the team with the most points wins.

            Why this game is so great:  Kids running and screaming at the top of their lungs can’t be topped.  Plus if you play it enough the kids get tired so it’s a good way to have them settle down if they are a little too rambunctious.  

9)      Sponge battleship

Takes a lot of set up, but definitely worth it.

How to play the game: Set up a large grid on a concrete slab (I use chalk). You can also hang up a large sheet in the middle of the grid to hide the teams from each other, but this isn’t necessary.  Members form ships by standing together (one person in each square). One by one team members throw either water balloons or water soaked sponges at the other team (underhand throws only, trust me).  If a player is hit they must sit down.  When a whole group (ship) is hit they move off the court.  The goal is to sink the other team’s ships before they sink yours.

Why this game is so great:  Takes a lot of time if you are running out of ideas, and the kids love it.

10)  How long is a minute?

I use this game when I have a few minutes to kill before the next activity.

            How to play this game: So simple.  Have the kids close their eyes and with a stopwatch time a minute.  Tell them to count in their head and raise their hand when the thing the minute is up.  The one who is the closest wins.  I change it up by doing 37 seconds, or two minutes, etc.  That is the game, for some reason kids beg me to play it.  Caution: All the kids will ultimately shout, “How far away was I?” so make sure you are watching.

            Why this game is fun: Quick, easy, and quiet.

How Facebook has changed our lives

1. The phrase, “tag me” has a whole new meaning, and doesn’t result in “no tag backs!” Also, when you do yell at your friend for “tagging” you it is because you looked horrible in a picture, not because they didn’t want to play the game.
2. You can stay connected to friends from high school…know about new, exciting news about friends such has engagements, breakups, birthdays…thus you are able to congratulate them when otherwise you wouldn’t know. Lets face it, we no longer have to miss a semi-friends birthday, not that we would get them anything, but it’s nice to say hi. Plus when its your birthday your wall posts go up at least by 50. For those who don’t put up their birthday and get mad when no one says happy birthday, you have it coming.
3. Join groups that support important causes, such as Darfur or how the squirrels are taking over campus, you know important stuff
4. See just how out of control you were the night before with what you wrote on people’s walls at 3:00 am.
5. It is way easier to see if your significant other is cheating on you, a picture speaks a thousand words.
6. You can look up someone’s favorite movies, music, past times, etc. Not like anyone ever does, we just care about photo’s and wall posts.
7. It can crash an entire universities system during finals, aka UWL.
8. Its an easy way to say hello to someone you really don’t want to talk to.
9. You can see what a guy is interested in and then you can alter your interests to make him like you more (Note: I have never done this, but you know it happens)
10. Much easier to say, “lets hang out” on a wall than in person. Lets face it, it has taken away our ability to be bold.

Got a 5 bucks?

As a college student, I’ve been through times where it seemed like there was nothing to do, and I was running extremely low on cash. I used to just stay home and watch tv, but once I found a group of friends who enjoyed having fun as much as I did, I descovered some things to occupy my time I might not have otherwise had. All of these ideas are fun, but a main component is to do it with people you have fun with.

 

1. City Brewery Tour. Only cost a dollar, and if you go with a big group of people and get a little rowdy after words the bartender will love you, as well as Kevin the tour guide. Note: This tour is partially outdoor, so bring a coat. I did not, but then again frostbite added to the experience. When the tour is over you get to sample all the different beers the brewery makes, and then after that beers are only a buck. Like I said before, go with fun people and talk with the bartender, she’ll give you free stuff. Plus you can’t pass up seeing the world’s largest 6-pack (only in Wisconsin).

2. Go to Goodwill. There is never a dull moment at goodwill, plus you can sometimes find great stuff, like an old school Brewers shirt, or sweet Packers sweatshirt. Girls: shop in the little boys section, its cheaper, and the t-shirts fit great for some reason. The last two times I have gone there I’ve had memorable conversations with people. I’ve never gone there without something to remember. Last time I went this man came up to my friend and asked her if he liked Pepsi. She asked the obvious question, “why?” And he replied, “Cuz you’re the one baby.” Maybe you had to be there, but we laughed about that for a long time. Once again, go with fun people, also great for costumes.

3. Take a drive or hike in the bluffs. they are beautiful and worth spending some time on if you have never gone up there. Enough said.

4. Eat at Fayzes. This place has great food, and many inexpensive things on their menu. I would recommend going there for lunch on a Friday (hopefully you are lucky like me and don’t have classes). Get the salad and clam chowder soup, it’s $3.50 and amazing.

5. There obviously couldn’t be a cheap things in LaCrosse list without mentioning the Riv. Go there at night for a fun movie, and you’ll find half the campus there it seems. When the place is packed its fun, plus you can get food and beer, and who doesn’t like that with their movie? Check out movie times here: LaCrosse Rivoli

6. Go to Barns and Noble, or any book store, and just look around. I recommend the travel section. I spent two hours there with a friend planning our trip to Europe. It’s like a library but everything is new. Plus you don’t have to buy anything, if you do you will most likely be spending more than $5, but it will probably be worth it.

7. Comedy night at the Starlite Lounge. Students with an ID get in for $5. Its on Thursday nights, and a nice change of pace from going out, or watching Greys (you can just tape that). For more information go here: Buzzard Billy’s and Starlite Lounge.

8.Wings at the Barrel Inn. Usually wings are a Wednesday night thing, but the Barrel has wings on Thursdays. They are by far the best wings in the area. They are much larger than those found at downtown bars or even at the Sports Nut. Thursdays they are one special for $.25, and worth it.

9. Relax at the River. In the spring, when it is finally warm and you are studying for finals, take your books down to the river. Bring a blanket and headphones. Much better than the library, and you may even run into the crazy helmet lady, you’ll know here when you see here.

10. Drive to LaCrescent and take the scenic drive. It sounds kinda lame, especially since the signs for it are posted on apples, but the drive is beautiful, and there is a lookout point for the entire Mississippi valley. I recommend driving it right before sunset when there is a full moon, when the moon rises at this time it is amazing, bring a camera, I wish I would have. Great in the fall months especially since the leaves are beautiful up there. There is also a bike path so that would be another option. For more information on this drive click here: Apple Blosson Drive

I have worked at Bath and Body Works for over a year and a half now. I took it to make some extra cash while attending school, however due to the fact that I get a discount and I love everything in that store, I am sure that in the long run I have lost money. But at least I smell good and my nail poilsh doesn’t chip. My friends and family continually ask me what the best thing to buy there is, as well as basically every man that walks in there with no idea what to get his girlfriend/wife for any holiday, birthday, or “I need to make up for something and flowers doesn’t do it anymore” day. Hopefully this helps.

Top picks

1. Wexler skin care line
This skin care line does wonders for just about everyone I have ever talked to, including myself. It is marketed as an “anti-aging” product, but it benefits individuals of all ages. It is a bit expensive, but worth it, especailly for those who nothing else works for.

What sets it apart: It works miracles

2. C.O. Bigelow Rose lip salve
By far the best lip product I have ever used anywhere. At first I did not like it, but after two applications I loved it. Lips do not produce their own lubrication so it is important to keep them moisturized.

What sets it apart: It does not contain anything that dries out the lips after it has worn off(which many lip products do) and it stays of for a fairly long time. Great to layer with color or the ever popular Wexler lip plumper. Especially necessary for the winter months. Since it is a salve it has plenty of other uses.

3.Goldie nail polish
The best nail polish I have ever used for my feet and hands. It does not chip, when used alone or with a top coat.

What sets it apart: Apply one coat for a light color, or two coats for an extremely rich and deep color, the only nail polish I’ve used with that capability.

4. Look at Ma, New Hands!
The perfect hand lotion for anyone. It has a light smell, so if you do not like citrus then go to the sister product, Glove Me Tender.

What sets it apart: The paraffin coats your hand and creates a seal that blocks out the elements that cause dry hands and keeps the moisture in. The best cream for the winter months.

5. Just a Minute hand scrub
Great to use before applying hand lotion. Only takes one minute to use, smells great, and exfoliates the hands (which are usually overlooked by most individuals). Exfoliating will clear off cuticles promoting healthy nail growth, as well as get rid of dry, dead skin, leaving hands soft and smooth.

What sets it apart: It costs less and works better than the higher end stores “Minute manicure” and smells better.

6. Henri Bendel candles
The best candle there is. All the smells are amazing, and there is one for everyone, guys love “Firewood”

What sets it apart: It can scent a big or small room without giving you a headache. Also it burns clean.

7. Wall Flowers
The best thing any college student, especially men, can buy. One bulb burns for 6-8 weeks. That means up to two months of a light, clean smell in your house. Trust me, college apartments and houses need them.

What sets it apart: Plug it in and forget about it until you need a new one, much less work than a candle.

8. C.O. Bigelow Lemon body cream
The best body cream in the store. The smell is light, the moisture lasts all day, and C.O. Bigelow is a great, quality brand.

What sets it apart: Can double as a hand and foot cream.

9. C. O. Bigelow Rosemary Mint Shower gel
Great for men and women. Also great for early risers as the smell is a great way to wake up, almost better than coffee. The scent lasts for an hour so it won’t overpower lotion or perfume.

What sets it apart: The mint in the gel makes your body tingle slightly, which feels great and makes you energized.

10. Aromatherapy soothing body oil
A great gift for anyone, and overlooked. It is used much like a body lotion, but makes the skin smoother for a longer amount of time.

What sets it apart: The aromatherapy aspect soothes the scenes as well as the skin at application.

Why my guys are better than your girls

1. They never steal your clothes… except that one time
2. I finally have someone to watch football with, even thought they are Bears fans
3. Their movie collections include more than “The Notebook” and “Legally Blonde”
4. I get way more space for my stuff in the bathroom
5. I automatically get the room with the biggest closet, by default, no need to argue
6. Two words: personal handyman
7. Less tears, more beers
8. They are blatantly honest when you ask, “How do I look in this?”
9. Music collection includes more than Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson
10. They understand that Sunday Tiger is the best there is

Why I hate the “Pursuit of Happyness”

1. It wasted 2 hours of my life
2. It seems to be a blatant attempt to get Will Smith an Oscar
3 “Christopher,” who is supposed to be five years old is played by Will Smiths son, who is clearly eight, and no where near convincing as a five year old.
4. The hero in the movie is mildly abusive to his son and wife
5. I don’t like movies where the trailer is better than the acutal movie. Watch the trailer here…
http://movies.aol.com/movie-trailer-clip/pursuit-of-happyness-will-smith …after doing so you will know all about the movie you need to. I just saved you two hours and $8.50. You are welcome.
6. Everyone else loves it and cried the whole time, causing me to lose respect for some of my friends.
7. Showing how hard Chris Garner’s life was for 99.8% of the movie most closely resembles beating a dead horse.
8. Many story lines were left unresolved, perhaps wrapping those up instead of dragging on about how sad Garner’s life was would have made the movie more complete.
9. I could have seen “Happy Feet” instead
10. My soul, or lack thereof, is questioned when someone finds out not only did I not cry at the movie, but I hated it.