Campers Study the Ways of the Force at Star Wars Camp
In an Academy very, very near, aspiring Padawans flocked in droves to the Jedi Academy in hopes to begin rigorous training under the wing of the wise masters. The younglings threw the doors to the ancient temple open. Smoke flushed out as Grand Master of the Academy, Jedi Master Clarice Patterson, emerged greeting the young ones to begin their quests to become Jedi Knights.
During the first day of camp, students were sorted into their alliances, and began their Jedi training under their new masters. Students were introduced to the many tools a Jedi utilizes. The first tool the campers were introduced to was a droid. Students were required to work with their alliance and compete against the other alliances to race Sphero droids through a course. The next tool they were introduced to was the lightsaber. Led by Jill Hollins, a science teacher at St. Louis Catholic School, students were tasked with constructing their very own lightsaber out of plastic tubes, cardboard, and paint.
Students played Capture the Yoda each day of camp as a recreational activity and team-building exercise to promote physical fitness and further develop collaboration skills amongst students. Additional activities, such as relay races and trivia, promoted critical thinking and problem solving skills. Students worked with their team, or Alliances, in order to decipher clues and complete Star Wars-themed tasks in a timely manner. Alliances included the Blue Lightsaber, Green Lightsaber, Purple Lightsaber, and Red Lightsaber.
In addition to being introduced to a Jedi’s tools, students learned that a Jedi must be strong both physically and mentally. On day 2, campers played a Star Wars variation of capture the flag called Capture the Yoda. After honing their physical tools, the campers raced against each other to complete an obstacle course. This obstacle course required the young padawans to complete a tangram puzzle, a word scramble, weave through a “laser” maze, balance themselves on a pool noodle, and train with a “blaster”. To further sharpen their physical and mental strength, students competed in the game four square. However, this version divided the squares with a 6 foot partition that prevented the kids from seeing over. Students had to use the “force” to predict where the ball was coming from. Through all of these challenges and games, students realized that even Jedi must exercise their body and their mind.
Lucas Anderson, a volunteer at Star Wars Camp, reflected on the value of this camp, saying, “It’s truly amazing to see what they [the campers] are able to do at this camp. Seeing their faces light up when they get the chance to build their lightsabers is incredible. They get the chance to learn by fulfilling every kid's dream of being a Jedi.”
Along with learning the ways of the Jedi, students learned the importance of learning through things they enjoy. Learning should not be tedious or a chore, in fact, it should be the opposite. When learning is made fun and related to things they enjoy they are more apt to actively participate in the concept they are learning. Without opportunities to discover how educational concepts can be conveyed in unique and interesting ways, students may never discover how real world concepts apply to their interests, fiction or nonfiction.
For Nolan Wanstrath, an incoming 5th grader from St. Louis Catholic School, Star Wars Camp reiterated the importance of learning through interests, where he shared, “Capture the Yoda was my favorite part because it lets me learn strategy and teamwork through something I enjoy.”
May the force be with you!