This is one way the camp encourages reading for a purpose. Children have to read instructions to complete the activity. They receive a packet including materials and written instructions so they can do the activity again on their own. Sixteen campers in each session work together to create the Camp Arnold yearbook. They report on camp events, compose poetry, and write short stories.
Every camper goes home with a copy of the yearbook.
Literacy activities are not confined to The Zone. The Literacy Director is a presence throughout the camp and counselors also support vocabulary development by giving campers a word a day. Literacy and other skills are enhanced through curriculum boxes campers use during Environmental Expeditions. For example, on a visit to the pond campers might read a field guide, measure the distance and flow of water, calculate the velocity of leaf boats, and look through microscope and write descriptions of the organisms they see. Campers experience the connections between reading, writing, and all kinds of learning.