Brain Gain

Last week was a wrap up and review of our summer’s activities. We started the week with a special speaker from the community who joined us to talk about the concept of “Imagineering,” which built on the theme of “Inventing and Making Things Better” from several weeks ago.

Steve Schermerhorn of Sunland responded to a request made earlier this summer for volunteers with inventing experience to visit Brain Gain.

Steve explained to the boys and girls the process of imagineering which involves brainstorming, working together in small groups, using everyone’s input and trying out new ideas to search for the best solution to build a product.

The Disney Company has a large department of Imagineers who design all the rides and other attractions, Steve explained.

Following his presentation, each group worked to build a small kaleidoscope and when we finished we discussed what did and didn’t work.

Morning Camp

“It’s Getting Hot in Here” — It was really rewarding to have our campers start off the week with some knowledge of weather and climate. It was evident they were paying attention in Brain Gain a few weeks ago. Many of last week’s games, movies, crafts and experiments dovetailed with the knowledge they recently acquired.

The young campers made their own shaving cream rain cloud in a jar. After topping a jar of water with foam they sprinkled dyed water on top. As the foam became so full with water (like a real cloud) it began to rain.

Before the week was up the boys and girls learned what an anemometer is and practiced measuring wind after constructing their own.

Junior Rangers

The summer wrapped up for our young explorers and their trips to the national parks came to a close. Last week the Junior Rangers earned their badges and a certificate of completion at a closing ceremony at Nature Bridge with Ranger Dean Butterworth who coordinated the summer-long program.

In addition the members received an Ocean Steward Badge for their time spent at Rialto Beach learning how to be good stewards of the ocean environment. The final day out at Nature Bridge included the members families, one last canoe trip and a big homemade pizza party for everyone to celebrate their accomplishments.

Teen Lake Trip

The teens have been enjoying their weekly trips to Lake Crescent. We have had an amazing summer with perfect weather for cooling off at the lake. Each week the group met at 10 a.m., packed a sack lunch and headed for their favorite destination.