Sports Xplore Camp

Session 3

New this year is our week three that we are very excited to launch.  We have partnered with ThorpeWood in Thurmont to offer a rural experience for kids to explore the outdoors.  During the four days of camp, campers will explore the beautiful mountainside of Catocin by hiking, fishing, plant identification, shelter building, and more!  Campers will engage their skills in leadership, teamwork, and communication as they enjoy being outside and disconnected from the digital world.  This week is offered to the first 50 campers and for kids entering 3rd grade and above.  We will safely bus campers back and forth from Frederick to ThorpeWood each day.

All campers will need to pack their lunch this week.  No pizza or snacks will be available for purchase.

Schedule:

Day 1:  

Base Camp – Hiking Essentials and Preparedness

Theme: Ready, Set, Adventure!

• Gear Check and Packing Demo: Learn how to pack a backpack for day hikes and overnight trips (weight distribution, essentials, etc.).
• Hiking 101: Tips for pacing, hydration, and trail etiquette.
• Ten Essentials of Hiking: American Hiking Society recommends everyone pack the "ten essentials" every time they out for a hike, whether they plan to be gone for a couple of hours or several months.
• First Aid Basics: Introduction to handling common trail injuries like blisters, sprains, and dehydration.
• Leave No Trace Principles: The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace provide an easily understood framework of minimum impact practices for anyone visiting the outdoors.
• Mini Hike Practice: Explore the paths around Thorpewood. 
• Games and interactive learning throughout the day! 

Day 2: 

Geology and Leave No Trace Principles

Theme: Exploring the Earth's Story 

• Geology 101: Explore the history of the Catoctin Mountains with hands-on rock identification.
• Nature Walk: Identify local flora and fauna, discussing their role in the ecosystem.
• Leave No Trace in Action: Interactive scenarios to practice minimizing human impact on trails.
• Trail Maintenance Activity: Participate in a mini trail cleanup to understand trail preservation.

Day 3: 

Backcountry Navigation

Theme: Finding Your Way in the Wild 

• Navigation Basics: Intro to map reading, compass use, and plotting a course.
• Orienteering Games: Navigate a marked trail course in teams.
• GPS Skills: Using apps and handheld devices for safe navigation.
• Wilderness Awareness: Natural navigation techniques, like following the sun or reading the land.

Day 4: 

Animals and Adventure

Theme: Putting it all together 

• Animal Therapy:  Meet and greet the animals of Thorpewood 
• Survival Skills Challenge: Practice shelter-building, fire-starting, and knot-tying in small teams.
• Adventure Obstacle Course: Combine navigation, climbing, and survival skills in a fun, team-based challenge.
• Closing Ceremony: Hand out certificates, share reflections, and enjoy a group photo at a scenic spot.

Additional Elements Throughout the Camp:

• Daily Morning Briefings: Cover the day’s itinerary, weather updates, and gear checks.
• Reflection Time: End each day with journaling or a group discussion to process what was learned.
• Leadership Opportunities: Campers rotate as "Team Leaders" to practice decision-making and teamwork.
• Take-Home Guide: A booklet with Leave No Trace principles, packing lists, local flora/fauna identification, and camp memories.

Location: ThorpeWood, Thurmont, MD

Contact: Susan Kolb | sportsxplore25@gmail.com | 814-233-1666