What are some good kumsitz or morning circle ideas for campers?

Question

I am a camp leader...and need an opening for campers every morning.

Answer 1

It really depends on the age group you are working with, and how long your campers will be with you.  Will there be a new rotation every week or are all of your campers with you for the whole summer?  

Regardless of the variables, though, each group will have its own personality.  Kids always seem to do better when they are able to give their input.  

If you have a fun personality, you can pull just about anything off from square-dance move of the day, or disco pose, or even a round of Blue's Clues.

Build trust by finding what appeals to your group and stick with that theme for whatever amount of time you have with them.  If you have rappers, let them make up a team spirit rap.  If you have intellectuals (not usually in abundance at camp, but it could happen) challenge them to a daily brain teaser.  

Mad libs are also fun and easy to come up with.  For some reason the pledge of allegiance is too funny as a mad lib.  With fruicake and hair gel for all.  Or whatever.

If they're just plain silly, sometimes kids at camp love to regress and sing the abc song or the theme song to Sesame Street when other people are wondering what they are up to - or a spin on that could be Christmas songs, or I wish I was an Oscar Meyer weiner...

Build yourself a theoretical "bag of tricks" and seek out the peer leader of the group (usually pretty easy to spot).  Gain the trust of this camper as early as possible so you are not at odds with him or her in a power struggle.  

Accept the answer of this leader right off when initially presenting options that will define the group.  If you are thinking about putting together a cheer, throw some wacky ideas out for themes and see what the leader grabs.  Then go with that.

If you tell a group of 11 kids that they are going to put together a breakdance to perform on Friday night, they will rally against you (most likely), but if you tell them there is a talent show on Friday and you would like to know what the interests of the group are and THEY come up with the idea to breakdance - then everybody wins!

Have fun at camp and stay connected with adult leaders and mentors.  Campers can sense when a leader is unsure of himself or herself and will exploit every opportunity.  

Make sure you play a prank on your leader on the last night of camp to let him or her know how much you appreciated their cooperation!