Wild Child: A Stick in the Mud

A stick in the mud is a person who is not adventurous, but at camp, a stick in the mud can mean the exact opposite. There is an endless amount of ways you can use a stick as the campers have discovered this week. As hiking poles, the kids have used the sticks to gain their footing when climbing hills. As shovels, campers have discovered what techniques work best at uncovering a buried treasure. As a lever, they have tried to see what critters live underneath fallen branches. As a writing utensil, they have drawn about their discoveries (like the frogs!). The campers have even managed to find ways to incorporate the sticks into their play in a wide variety of forms.

The campers have shown their creativity, in using such a simple thing that is a part of nature in such innovative ways. They come up with ideas that are new to me, and I find myself discovering alongside them. It truly is amazing to see how differently the children think. They are constantly learning what works and using that information to further their play. Not only are they learning individually, the kids are also learning from each other. When one child figures out a way to use the stick, the rest of the children follow. They communicate with each other and demonstrate the techniques necessary to use the stick. I am always super excited when I see the kids cooperating and collaborating with one another to find a new way to have fun. The week is almost over, but I’m sure they will still find new ways to use the stick in the time remaining, and I can’t wait to see what they come up with.

Written by Aaisham, Wild Child Camp Counsellor

WILD CHILD BOOK RECOMMENDATION: Not a Stick by Antoinette Portis