Wow! This week has just flown by! We have had such a great time learning this week with your kids!
Today's visitors were amazing! We had another visit from George Washington, who brought
along his granddaughter, Nelly. George Washinton and Martha took in Martha's Grandchildren after their father passed away. George had not had much time interacting with children and wasn't sure how to approach them. Nelly noticed this and wrote in her journal that it was her new goal to teach George Washington how to be a Grandfather. George and Nelly formed a special bond over the years and George said that the greatest hero in his life was his Grandaughter Nelly. Nelly was spunky and immovable. She was a great defender of her Grandfather. Oftentimes, when Mt. Vernon would host dinner guests, Nelly would pull George away from the party and he would go jump rope and play hopscotch with her and the other children.
Nelly and George taught the children about the ripple effect and told them that they each had the ability to be heroes too. One small act can compel a big change and each of them is important.
James Madison also paid us a visit and spoke to the children about the Constitutional Convention. In the summer of 1787, representatives from all the states at the time (besides Rhode Island) got together to decide what type of government we should have and to write the Constitution. He talked to the kids about the difference between a democracy and a republic. The United States was made to be a Republic, not a Democracy. During the summer, as these representatives were debating and creating our Government, they had to keep the windows closed to prevent people from listening in on their debates. It was hot and the days were long, but in the end, we got our Constitution.
James Madison explained the 3 braches of Government. (Legislative, Executive, and Judiciary) He then demonstrated how these 3 branches provide a more balanced Government by having the kids do a 3 way tug of war. The kids loved it and it made the lesson understandable and memorable.
During craft time, the kids talked about passports and were reminded of Ellis Island and of the people who immigrated here seeking freedom. They placed stickers in thier passports to represent the stamps you get when traveling to different countries.
Benjamin Franklin was another visitor today.
Although Ben had to drop out of school when he was 10 so that he could help support his family, he was very educated. He borrowed books and would read anything he could get his hands on. He became very knowledgeable in many different subjects. Despite not having a formal education, his wisdom earned him the title of Dr. among his peers. Ben Franklin's knowledge was not only useful in the founding of our country, but he also put his knowledge to more practical use, creating inventions to make everyday life easier for him and his community. He invented many things, including the lightning rod, bifocals, the Franklin stove, the extended arm (grabber), the odometer, ther armonica (a mudsical instrument using glass bowls), the first public library and fire station, and he was also the first Postmaster General and did much to improve the Postal Service. Ben encouraged the kids to read at least 30 min a day and to seek knowledge throughought their lives.
During their activity rotation, the kids were able to review the things they had learned throughout the week. If they answered a question correctly, they had the chance to throw a ball and dunk one of their youth leaders! It was a lot of fun! We really appreciate our Youth Leaders for being willing to sit in the Dunking Machine!
Which brings me to tomorrow! Tomorrow is our Freedom Celebration! A paper with details was sent home with the kids, but in case you didn't see it I will also post the info here.
Tomorrow is a day for the whole family. The day will start off at 8:30 am back by the stage. Your kids will know where to go. Please bring blankets and lawn chairs as there is no seating at the park. The kids will perform a few songs and we will present a few awards to some of the participants. We will start this program right at 9am. We want to finish the program before the sun gets too warm. After the short program it will be time to party! We will have multiple activities for everyone to enjoy. The whole family is invited to join in on the fun. We will have the dunk tank up again for anyone who wants to dunk or be dunked. There will be other water activities as well. The party will go until noon.
*Checklist for tomorrow:
Kids wear swimsuits under their Camp Freedom Shirts. Please make sure they are wearing their shirts for the program tomorrow.
Bring blankets and chairs for seating during the performance.
Please arrive no later than 8:30.
Have fun!!!!
Thanks again for joining us for another great year! We look forward to seeing you all tomorrow!
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