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American Culture
Content Spotlight: Summer Camp

The weather is heating up and school is out in the United States—that means it is time for summer camp! Many kids and teens across the country participate in summer camps, which combine hands-on learning activities, art and music projects, sports, and teamwork games. Get ready to bring some bring some summer camp fun into your English language classroom!

You and your class can participate in the activities below or learn more about Summer Camp.

Social Media Activities

  1. Have you ever participated in a summer camp or summer learning program? Share your experiences with us with us on Facebook.
  2. Calling all English Access Microscholarship Program Summer Camp alumni! Share your favorite camp memory with us on Facebook.
  3. What games and activities do you enjoy with friends when you are not in school? Share your answers with us on Facebook.
  4. Teachers: how do you use games, art activities, or team projects to make learning English fun? Tell us on Facebook.

Classroom Activities

Environmental Conservation Jazz Chants

Activity Level: Upper Beginner and Intermediate

Activity Overview

Summer camp programs often use songs and chants, which are ideal for English language learners because they provide a fun way to practice pronunciation and increase fluency. Use these environmental conservation jazz chant activities in an English language summer camp or to add camp-style fun to science or social studies-themed lessons in your EFL classroom.

Materials

  • Audio files - .mp3
  • Audio output device - computer, CD player, mobile phone with speakers
  • Lyrics Sheet - included in the Activities Plan (PDF)
  • Teacher - whiteboard, chalkboard, or large pieces of paper posted on the wall; markers or chalk; small slips of paper with chant lyrics or pictures (see the “Unscramble the chant/song” Loop Listening variation for more information)
  • Students - pencils or pens, blank paper (for some activity variations)

About Summer Camp

Summer camps are about learning, friends, and fun! A typical summer camp day might include hiking, canoeing, or other nature exploration activities, such as learning about the local environment or how to navigate using a map. Camp counselors, who are usually adults or older teens, support and guide the participants, called “campers,” during games, songs, art projects, and outdoor activities. Today, there are also specialized summer camps designed around themes like science, drama, or a particular sport. Regardless of the program’s focus, summer campers learn new skills, develop leadership and collaboration abilities, and build friendships with people from different backgrounds.

No matter where you live, you can bring the summer camp experience to English language learners. Try out a new game, an art activity, or a project that encourages students to explore nature or environmental conservation. Students will use English and have a great time! See the Content Spotlight Activity Plan and Suggested Resources for ideas. Tell us about your experience in a message to the American English mailbox.

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