Do you love American Girl? In this camp, campers will get to dive into the history behind their favourite American Girl characters. Through art, games and writing, campers will get to experience what it would have been like to be each girl, living in their specific time period. This will be a perfect way to kickstart a love of history in each camper! I am an experienced elementary school educator, summer camp leader and history lover. My own interest in history was nurtured through the American Girl series, and I aim to pass that on to each camper I work with this summer. Campers do not need to own American Girl dolls but some familiarity with the characters would help them make the most out of the camp. 

Below is a more detailed breakdown of what each day will look like:

Day 1 - Melody of the 1960's
The 1960's were a time of social change and fighting against discrimination. We will play a game to help us discuss what stereotypes are, and learn the story of Ruby Bridges to show us how kids can be heroes. We will also make an identity art project to honour the strengths and differences in all of us, paint a flower pot to bring beauty to the world, and design a community playground that would welcome all kids. Finally, we will design digital cards to send to seniors in order to make our own small difference in the world. 

Day 2 - Maryellen of the 1950's
The 1950s were a time when girls were gaining the strength to raise their voices. We will honour the strength in ourselves by doing a digital talent show, get to know ourselves better by playing fun quiz games, and emulate Maryellen's moment of triumph by creating our own flying machine. We will celebrate the era by sculpting mini diner meals from clay and making a poodle skirt and puppet. 

Day 3 - Kit of the 1930's
The 1930s were a time of challenge for many people. We will honour Kit's spirit by writing our own newspaper article, show gratitude by making a fun thank you card, be thrifty by creating our own recycled jewelry, and play checkers and dominoes together just like kids used to do. 

Day 4 - Rebecca of the 1910's
The 1910's were a time of turmoil, as war was on the horizon. We will perform a short readers theatre play about World War One, honour silent movies of the era by playing charades, and learn how to play dreidel. We will make a boat craft to help Rebecca's family cross the ocean safely, and make an old-fashioned toy. At the end of the camp, each camper will receive a certificate recognizing their unique strengths and gifts.