Let’s start by talking about our camps. DIG Camp has come a long way since its inception. It started with two activities that I knew well—soccer and chess—since those were the sports I played competitively throughout my life.
Over the years, I noticed a trend at my soccer and chess camps: some kids had difficulty staying focused during the entire camp. As a result, there were moments of misbehavior and occasional meltdowns. Instead of just assuming these kids were misbehaving, I took a step back and asked myself how I could improve their experience—and in turn, the overall camp experience for everyone.
That’s when I decided to introduce an arts and crafts coach to our camps. It was a game-changer! Kids who might have struggled to stay engaged with just soccer or chess had the opportunity to switch gears and work on creative projects. This not only solved behavioral issues but also enhanced the camp experience.
I realized that offering a greater variety of activities would keep kids engaged, reduce disruptions, and create a more enjoyable experience for everyone. This is when DIG Camp truly became a more holistic experience, with a range of options to meet different needs.
At DIG Camp, we begin each day with structured activities, such as sports, Nerf, arts, and Gaga. The kids choose one of these activities to settle into as they arrive. Starting the day with structure is crucial, as many kids can be either nervous or overly excited. As the day progresses, the kids have the freedom to create their own activities, with coaches on hand to supervise and guide them. This approach not only sparks their creativity but also helps them practice important social skills and relationship dynamics, which I believe are crucial for success in any area of life.