Abstract
During the summers at Camp Bob Cooper, a camp for children ages 8-14, in Summerton, South Carolina, campers arrive to partake in 4-H camp, camp Wildlife, or be a part of one of the many rental groups taking over areas of camp. During the summer of 2023, as campers enjoy their time doing different activities such as paintball, archery, canoeing, and tubing, I was observing. During the summer I was presented with an issue surrounding one of the activities at camp, the nature hike. How can we make the nature hike more enjoyable? Using the Exploratory Mindset framework from National Geographic as a guide, I crafted an activity to help bring the enjoyment back to the nature hike. Each week, I was either a camp counselor or a facilitator (Lifeguard). Each position played a different role in how I got to interact with the campers and allowed me to better understand their characters from different points of view.
The specific project was called “hidden in plain sight activity.” This activity was designed so the campers would learn how to better observe their surroundings, becoming more aware of their spatial characteristics and the ecological elements found here. The biggest mission of this activity was to leave the campers with a lasting impact that followed the camp’s mission and goals which were stated in the 4-H pledge every day which was as follows:
I pledge my head to clear thinking, my heart to a greater loyalty, my hands to a larger service, and my health to a better living. For my club, for my community, for my country, and the world.