Welcome to the 2015 Park Prep Academy Summer Camp Blog! Updated every Friday afternoon, the Summer Camp Blog provides parents and students with an in-depth description of each day of camp complete with photographs and videos! The following entry details all of the exciting events that took place during “Welcome to Camp Week”. Read on below to learn all about the fun that was had and learning that took place!
Enjoy!
Hello all,
The 2015 Park Prep Academy Summer Camp began this week with “Welcome to Camp Week” and boy, are we off to a great start! The students did not waste any time getting right back into the swing of things! As is always the case when summer camp begins, the returning students welcomed a new wave of campers into the group. The teachers were so impressed to see how warmly the returning students welcomed their new friends, showing them the ropes, and even lending a helping hand when needed! After a large group introduction during morning meeting on Monday and Tuesday, the students headed off to their morning activity stations. Working in small groups around the room, the students explored the classroom before being called over to the art table to add a colorful design to the back of their PPA Summer Camp T-shirt! The artwork on the backs of these shirts will certainly help the PPA kids stand out as we head on all of our bus field trips this summer!
On Tuesday morning, the students greeted their new (and old) friends and then created a beautiful and colorful free painting at PPA’s art easel station for the second Art Day of camp!
During the first two afternoons of “Welcome to Camp Week”, the students discussed and role-played all of the rules of camp. Part of the discussion included Park and Field Trip Safety. The students practiced wearing pinnies and walking on the rope. They did such a great job that by Wednesday morning, they were ready to enjoy the beautiful playground and park! What fun they had at the playground!
Also on Wednesday, the students tried their hands at making Ice-Pops! The students selected, mixed together, measured out, and poured assorted fruit juices into the Ice-Pop molds which were later placed in the PPA freezer. After a few hours, the students were ready to dig in and enjoy the “fruits” of their labor 
Thursday was a very special day at PPA – it was Face Paint Day! One by one, the students came over to the table to have either their hands, cheeks, or face painted! Snakes, Butterflies, and Kitty Cats proved to be the most popular choices! Here are some of the highlights!
Friday was Gardening and Planting Day which meant that the students would be discussing and exploring all things having to do with nature and plants! After spending the morning racing and running around at the playground, the students returned to the classroom and listened to a read aloud of Dr. Seuss’s legendary tale, The Lorax. A bit different than other silly Dr. Seuss stories, The Lorax delivers a serious message about the importance of taking care of our planet. For their morning work, the students planted some beautiful summertime seeds which, with the students’ love and care, will blossom into beautiful summertime flowers sometime soon!
Well, that wraps up the first week of camp! The 2015 PPA Summer Camp is bound to be the best one yet! As always, thank you for reading. Have a fun and safe weekend!
-PPA
REMINDERS:
Events for “COMMUNITY WEEK”:
Monday and Tuesday – Sprinkler/Water Park Day and Art Day!
All students should arrive sun-screened and dressed for outdoor water play! Please pack a towel and complete change of clothes for your child. Swim shoes are suggested.
Wednesday – Jersey City EMS Visits PPA!
Thursday – JC Fire House Field Trip!
Parents welcome to attend.
Depart PPA at 9:15 return by 10:45 a.m.
Friday – WORLD OF WINGS MUSEUM Field Trip!
Camp Bus leaves at 9:00 a.m. SHARP! Return 1:30 p.m.
Students must wear their camp t-shirt today. All students/field trip attendees must pack a completely disposable lunch in a disposable lunch bag (i.e. paper bag/plastic bag). Please keep in mind, this also means utensils, food/drink containers, and more. REMEMBER – No peanut butter/nuts allowed.