This week, we went to the Tower Road Library for our field trip and it was a BLAST. Shhh! We got a tour of the library and the people who had library cards got to check out some books and use the catalog. My favorite thing about the library is that no matter what library you are close to in Alachua County, you can still return a book to whichever library you want in the county. ~Leighton~

Our special guest this week was Puppy Hill Farm. There was 3 tiny puppies they were so adorable. Everybody got to pet the puppies everybody liked the puppies. They gave us lots of information about how to take care of dogs and how important it is to feed them and walk them. They also have other animals besides dogs and cats. ~Brian~

The bike pedestrian educator did a very nice job with telling the kids how important bike safety is. He thoroughly explained the harmful effects of not having proper bike safety. I think he definitely served an important job, because if no one is there to educate these children on topics like this, and no one to think ahead for them, especially with this age group, they won't really give it any thought, which would be putting their lives at risk. He also gave some of the kids new bike helmets, which made them super happy. Overall a great guest speaker. ~Leighton and Derek~

This week at Sun Country summer camp we went to Splitz. The kids had so much fun that they didnt want to leave. All of the kids behave very well and there wasn't any problems. All you can hear is laughter and people talking about the points they have. ~Derrick~

Summer Camp Apprentice Program

So far, the Apprentice program has been a surprising experience for me and my fellow Apprentices. We are learning so many new things, and reviewing alot of important essentials. I personally love knowing that for once, others are looking up to me as their leader, and their role model. It has been a true pleasure to work with these kids. Now that I've explained some personal details, let me tell you some details about the Apprentice program as a whole. When you're an Apprentice, you attend three meetings, starting at 10:30 AM, on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, where you learn lots of new things about dealing with children. You learn how to make sure the kids are safe, while having fun. During most of the day, as Apprentices, we join a group of children within a certain age criteria, in which it is our responsibility to make sure the children are safe, happy, and having lots of fun. Now that I have given you the basics of being an Apprentice, I will end this post, and be sure to keep you updated on the experiences and pleasures of being an Apprentice. ~Derek~

As a field trip the afterschoolers went to the Lubee Bat Conservancy, there where huge bats and luckily the kids saw these wonderful animals. As an apprentice I would know that the kids had a very good time. Before we went to see the bats the instructors showed us a powerpoint about the animals. The only kind of bat we saw is a fruit bat. ~Nick~

Magic Mike is a funny magic man and does silly tricks. He is my favorite magic man. I loved the trick were he pretends to cut Matthew's finger off. ~Nico~

Juggles The Clown Guest Speaker

Juggles the clown is a very funny man, with witty jokes. Pretending to know
how not to juggle, he had an assistant read the instructions on how to juggle and after a minute he finally got it. He is a very sweet, crazy clown and he is so hilarious.

~Nick~

Afterschool Guest Speaker Fire Department

The Fire Department is very important to all emergencies, especially fires. My favorite thing was when they showed us their gear.

~Nick~

My favorite part of the fire department was when I got to go in the fire truck.

~Minh~

Afterschool Guest Speaker Hogtown Reptile Shop

Hogtown Reptile shop has many different kinds of species of animals like snakes and lizards. One kind of reptile in the snake species is called The Bubblegum Snake, which has a distinct color. He also brought a tarantula, scorpion, and bearded dragon.

~Nick~

Magic Man Guest Speaker

The magic man is a funny magician. My favorite
trick was when he cut of the counselor's hand.

~Nico~

New Computers

This year we have been working on learning about computers and how the programs work.

~Rachelle~

We have also been working with the camera's features too.

~Minh~

Afterschool

We are excited to announce the new Apprentice program for our Afterschool program. The apprentices will continue to update the blog weekly with interviews, blog posts, and photos. Check back frequently to see what your children are doing after school.

~Ms.Michelle - Apprentice Director~

Drama Rotation

Drama helps you become a better actor/actress. It helps you develop skills for acting. You learn how to do a lot of skills in drama while also playing games.

~Rachelle~

Yoga Rotation

Yoga helps you clear your mind and keeps your mind what it needs to be on. You also stretch your body and get center with yourself, while you are also warming up.

~Rachelle~

Fencing Rotation

Fencing was very fun for the little kids they had a good time trying on the outfits and holding up the swords and holding up the swords. The fencing coach taught them many things like how to stand and how to step back. We even played red light green light with the standing positions.

~Bailey~

Bounce House Rotation

Bounce houses are a big time blast. Most kids in Sun Country loves jumping up and down with there friends five at a time. Playing games, jumping on the tumble track, and going in the bounce houses. We also can play freeze dance or just play music. But our staff is always watching them and listen to what they say if they are in need of help. They also hang back and see what needs to be done so they are in a safe and fun place.

~Rachelle~

Obstacle Course Rotation

Bailey, Tessa, and Cassidy put together an awesome obstacle course for the kids to play on. We love seeing the apprentice's create and organize activities.

~Michelle~

Rock Wall Rotation

In rock wall the kids can get belayed by the counselors and can climb all the way to the top of the rock wall. Also there is a slack line where the kids try to walk across without falling off. They love rock wall because they can climb and have fun.

~Jenna~

Art Rotation

In art we set up many different types of art, even abstract. We always give the kids a choice when they decorate anything. My favorite part of art is seeing how great their creativity is and seeing them put their own touch of their personality in their piece of magic.

~Bailey~