Kota Camp

Members of the Kota Camp committee prepare "Camp in a Box" packets for campers.

by SARA BETH LEADER

Earlier this year, Camp Aldersgate made the tough decision to suspend all residential and day camp programs this summer in order to keep campers,

staff, and volunteers safe and well. This prompted members of the Kota Camp committee to think creatively about bringing a quality Kota Camp experience to campers from the safety of their home.

Kota Camp committee members moved quickly to help create programming that engaged campers in a variety of ways. They started by sitting in on daily program calls with campers and working with Camp Aldersgate staff to gather and pack supplies for “Camp in a Box”—a summer camp care package that was delivered to each camper’s door. Each box included fun supplies such as activity pads, nature scavenger hunts, s’mores ingredients, sunscreen, arts and craft supplies, personalized water bottles, and more. The committee also hosted several online Kota Camp Programs, including virtual talent shows, online campfires, scavenger hunt, T-shirt painting, and engineering build challenges. They also helped facilitate small group time with campers and their virtual “bunk” mates.

While physical summer camp may have been canceled, members of the Kota Camp committee remain committed to making sure that the fun continued! Their hard work and innovative thinking allowed campers to remain connected with their friends and favorite counselors virtually, making online camping a success!

"This prompted members of the Kota Camp committee to think creatively about bringing a quality Kota camp experience to campers from the safety of their home."

— Sara Beth Leader, Community Vice President