Every summer an influx of international counsellors arrive at Mountain Camp Woodside, with wide-eyes and a lot of enthusiasm; excited to be working in the beautiful Portola Valley. Recruiting counsellors from all over the world is an intentional decision. We believe that the unique atmosphere created by this cultural exchange, adds to the camp experience. However it is not just the counsellors that fly in from all over the world to experience California, the campers do too. Just this week we had children from Italy, Egypt, Ethiopia and China to name a few.

In today’s interconnected world, it is important to prepare children and educate them about other cultures – the world has got smaller and employers are looking for globally aware candidates that can work in this new world marketplace. Having counsellors and campers from all over the world, provides an opportunity for children to enjoy cultural exposure through play, in a safe environment. By interacting with people from across the globe they are learning to appreciate and communicate with other cultures, not only learning cultural sensitivity, but also igniting a passion and curiosity to enjoy cultural diversity.

Learning about other cultures at a young age makes children more accepting as they go through life. It improves their social skills and opens up their eyes to the big world that lies just outside of their home bubble. It is a great opportunity for the kids to see how other people live and broaden their minds, allowing them to see things from other people’s points of view.

Aside from making children more accepting and well-rounded people as they grow up and preparing them for work in the global environment, having exposure to other cultures and travel has been found to improve children’s growth in other ways. A study from the US Department of Education showed that international travel contributes to cognitive growth and achievements in math, reading and general knowledge. Children exposed to foreign cultures develop higher empathetic understanding, which results in higher grade-point averages and higher-order reading comprehension skills.

Being immersed in other cultures is an amazing opportunity for kids to experience at a young age, not only that, but it is extremely fun. The kids love asking the counsellors all the weird words they say different and about the funny accents they have. They especially like finding out if the English counsellors are friends with Harry Potter! Check out our latest video the CIT’s helped with – looking at Culture.

Wacky Wednesday. If you have been to Mountain Camp Woodside, you will have been subject to one of the most fun days ever! It is a day when normal camp activities is put on hold and for one afternoon only there are an array of exciting and some slightly random, activities on offer. It is also the day that the kids and counsellors get to dress up. Each week is a different theme and we take it pretty seriously here at camp, especially Director Jim – who always out does everyone with his costumes!

The Activities.

The Wacky Wednesday activities do change quite often, but to give you an idea of the activities here are this week’s activities.

• Slip n Slide

The longest slip n slide this side of the Mississippi (we think). Slip n Slide is one of the most popular activities, especially on a hot California day. Pretty self explanatory, slip n slide is where the kids get to slide down a slippy water slide.

• Rock Climbing

Another popular activity that makes an appearance every week is the rock climbing wall. Brought in specifically for Wacky Wednesday, the kids can race to the top to push the button.

• Larping

A relatively new activity to MCW, Larping is Live Action Role Play. This basically means that the kids enter a real-life video game, with princess’ and wizards, and they have to complete a quest.

• Outdoor Cooking

This again is a huge favourite. New for our recipe book this year is the ‘Campfire Cones’, delicious waffle cones filled with fruit, chocolate and marshmallows, roasted on a campfire. For the recipe to try at home click here!

• Zumba

Everyone has heard of zumba! The fun dance craze has taken over camp, as well as the rest of the world!

• Spa

Spa is a hugely liked activity, not just with the girls. Checking into the MCW spa lets the campers paint their nails, get their hair braided, get a face mask and even paint some of the male counsellors nails too.

• Mad Hatter Tea Party

New for this week, is the Mad Hatter Tea Party. The kids will discover party etiquette, design a tea cup and have a mad old time with the mad hatter.

• Wizardry

The wizard activity, although relatively new, does extremely well with the kids. In wizard class they will learn spells, potion making, quidditch and get sorted by the sorting hat.

There are a lot more activities on offer for Wacky Wednesday, check out our video below for an in-depth look at everything that goes down on the day!