Brain Gain: Campers busy with hikes, golf, science experiments, more

Published 4:46 pm Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Editor’s note: This is the third of a weekly series of activities happening at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Olympic Peninsula. For more information, see positiveplaceforkids.net or call 683-8095. — MD

Brain Gain

During Brain Gain this week, campers learned about how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. We learned that there is more to a healthy lifestyle than just eating plenty of fruits and veggies. They learned that exercising, healthy emotions, and relaxation time are also essential factors that lead to a productive and wholesome life.

At the beginning of the week, the kids made a pie chart showing how many hours they spent a day sleeping, playing video games/TV, physical activity, reading and simply relaxing. This chart showed the kids how much time they actually spend in front of the TV or computer screen. In addition, we discussed how important it is to set aside a portion of the day to meditate. In order to see if meditating had positive side effects, the kids got comfortable and meditated for one minute. In a matter of seconds, the room was silent and every eye was shut. After one minute had passed, the kids were so surprised by how beneficial it was to clear their mind. Thomas even continued to meditate for a whole hour!

Toward the end of the week, we discussed how important it is to control our emotions and how talking to someone about our emotions is a great way to prevent feelings from building up.

We concluded the week by sharing how we can turn our negative emotions, like anger and jealousy, into positive emotions, like joy and compassion.

Junior Rangers

The boys and girls headed 17 miles up the mountain south of Port Angeles to Hurricane Ridge. Upon arrival the young rangers walked through the visitor center with rangers learning more about the trails, valleys and wildlife of this national park destination.

After watching the 20-minute orientation film, they set off on the two-mile hike along the narrow and steep Sunrise Point trail. Members were amazed at the steepness on either side of the narrow trail and thrilled to summit its peak.

Before coming back down, the fog rolled in thick making it an interesting adventure getting back down the mountain in the long Boys & Girls Club bus.

Morning Camp

Our early morning group found themselves exploring parts of Indonesia and the Great Barrier Reef this week through the group activities and arts and crafts offered during camp time. The 40 young boys and girls made their own sand, even dyed salt to make sand art projects, and participated in surf-related games and challenges.

For a more low key activity, the members gathered in the club’s 1,700-square-foot multi-purpose room-turned movie theater, to watch Disney’s “Finding Nemo,” a favorite of both boys and girls. The 20-foot projection screen and surround sound made the ocean scenes seem like real life. They got a chance to see a local beach and visit the marine science center to wrap the week.

Golf Camp

All week, 12 kids have been participating in a PGA Academy introducing members to the fundamentals of golf. They learned basic golf skills and rules.

Our club members were fortunate enough to spend four days out at Sunland Golf & Country Club with professional Tyler Sweet. Members were challenged with fun tic-tac-toe obstacles on the putting green, driving at the range including hand/eye coordination not using clubs or even golf balls. Lastly, they took to the course for a match with their peers.

Golf is a fun, active game giving our young members stamina, focus and skill while exposing them to a lifelong leisure activity. The program was developed in 2012 by PGA, the U.S. Golf Association and Boys & Girls Clubs of America, naming the clubs as the official youth development partner.

Here locally, we have run the program and attended camp for more than three years and our kids benefit from the support we receive from Tyler and the Sunland community.

What a week!

Executive Director Mary Budke opened the library door to a room filled with smoke and instinctively wondered why wasn’t the fire alarm ringing with such a grey haze present. After it cleared, and the giggles erupted, it was evident the kids were enjoying a science experiment with volunteer Mike Becker. The members modified a garbage can and using a fog machine used wind pressure to create smoke rings and aim air at targets set up in the room.

On Wednesday, the Airplane Club met with Rex Abbott, another loyal volunteer, where they spent time outside flying model airplanes they have been constructing week to week.

Thursday included a site visit from our partner United Way; it’s always a pleasure to have their board and committees meet the young members they help support.

The week also included a visit form Windermere Real Estate with a check presentation from its foundation. A portion of the proceeds from every home purchased or sold goes toward supporting low-income and homeless families in area communities and our members were lucky recipients.

Friday wrapped up the week with a trip to Fort Worden where the members played on the beach and in the bunkers at the once active army base.