Little Princess Camps.
Princess Camp ( soon to be Little Prince and Princess Camp ) for ages 4-8 is a new program created by Terry Taylor and offered at Exeter Parks and Recreation. “It’s not what you might expect!" Princess Camp has very little to do with getting dressed up and being beautiful and it has nothing at all to do with the common Disney princess stories about beautiful girls needing to be rescued. It is about the honoring and discovering the “princess within”. Our theme song is “This Little Light of Mine” which ends with all the princesses holding hands and singing “…These little friends of mine, I’m gonna let’em shine!”
The day begins at 9AM with free play time. This gives the children a chance to socialize freely and play. We move to circle time and informal vocal play and songs then we check in with “how we are feeling”. We talk about feelings a lot and how it is OK to have a full range of feelings and how to honor them. The princesses share if they are feeling happy, quiet, shy, sad or silly by doing a call and response so that we could all share the feeling and talk about it. We read books about characters that have strong feelings and shared ideas about what to do when you have strong feelings like anger, sadness, or disappointment.
Next we have an informal dance/movement time with scarves or ribbons followed by craft and snack time. Throughout all the activities the Princesses are expected to use their proper “princess manners” like “May I please..” and “Thank you!” This part of the day becomes comical as we add some drama and our fanciest voices to the game. Manners are introduced as a pretend play with a focus on fun but it becomes a bonding activity at the tea party. One mom commented that after her day at Little Princess Camp her daughter was really using her good manners.
Believing-in-yourself is a theme throughout all the week-long activities. Whenever a Princess is struggling or get frustrated we chant:” I think I can.” I think I can, I think I can, I think I can I DID it!” If someone says the word “I can’t” they hand a pretend dollar to the all the other princesses.
Developing talents with art, music, dancing, and languages is weaved throughout each day. The princesses paint self portraits, adopt cats and make necklaces and beds for them. They learn to make bracelets and necklaces with yarn, practice some formal ballet moves and participate in informal dance and music activities and of course play games for fun. Rather than sit on a throne our princesses gather together on a super-sized bean bag covered with a soft fuzzy pink throw to share stories about bravery and kindness.
We do embrace the love and enthusiasm that little people have for the dreamy concept of princesses and dress up and support the significance of pretend play and dress up. 11AM is dress up time. Children bring in a costume or choose from one of the selection available and it's wonderful to see them all helping each other. Sharing and helping each other begins dress up which moves to Our Tea Party, more dancing and music and then Castle time! The castle is a favorite of the princesses. Huge boxes are brought in and we cut doors and windows, color them, paste on stickers and jewels and and use our creativity and imagination to create it. They just love it!
Our week ends with a Princess Party including family and friends where we share our weeks events.
To be on the wait-list for next years Little Princess Camp send contact information to
mtexeter@yahoo.com
Little Princess Camp 2009
Performing Arts Camp
Does your child LOVE to be center stage? Join us for this interactive camp where children refine their singing and performing talents. Vocal warm-up and technique, movement and various aspects of singing and performance are shared in a relaxed and supportive way aimed to developed confidence build skills. The week ends with a final show where the children perform for their families. Children should dress in comfortable clothing and bring water and a healthy snack.
Photos and video of 2009 session coming soon!
