5 Reasons Why We Love HOST (and you should too!)

Published in

Camp Aranzazu

4 min readFeb 16, 2023

Written by: Gillian Hale & Hannah Heide, Program Supervisors

campers and staff gather arounnd their construction of a marbel tunnel and hold their arms out wide while they look excited for the camera

HOST, which stands for “Hands On Skills Time,” is a time dedicated to developing hard skills throughout the week at Camp Aranzazu. In these sessions, our activity leaders teach skills like showing a first-time archer how to shoot a bullseye, guiding a camper to express themselves through art, or teaching about the wonders of the outdoors through exploration. These are just a few of the outcomes we’re able to see through HOST. However, the best outcome is the growth of a camper’s self-worth because they learned a new skill under sound instruction. This is what HOST is all about. Here are 5 reasons why we love HOST (and you should too!):

Power of Choice

Choice is powerful for all children, but especially for our campers. Many of our campers have additional things that they may not have choice about: medical treatments, medications, and time away from family. But with HOST, they get to choose which skills they want to focus on at Camp Aranzazu. Campers are given options of HOST activities to choose from, ranging from Chef’s Kitchen where they work on cooking and baking skills, to Spy Kids where they practice stealth and creative problem solving. Every camper is different, and at Camp Aranzazu, they have the power of choice.

campers and staff stand around each other and smile at the camera while wearing aprons

Growth

Campers get to practice their skills daily. Most of our activities (excluding pool time) only happen once during the week — although we wish it could be more. But getting to repetitively attend HOST time once a day throughout the week is a way for our campers to grow confidence in their skills and improve upon them. They then get to take these skills outside the gates of Camp and share them with their families, friends, and communities!

Exploring New Interests

HOST allows our campers to try something that they potentially never have before. From cooking, to fun science experiments, our campers are offered a variety of fun and exciting activities that vary from the programs we typically offer. Every summer, our staff brainstorms new ideas to keep our HOST options refreshed and new! With our HOST program, the sky really is the limit!

campers and activity leader have various supplies on the ground including pool noodles, tape, and cups. Th are discussing their strategy for creating a marble tunnel.

camper slides across the floor trying to avoid touching a yarn web above them. The yarn web is held up by various chairs in the sanctuary. Three other campers are in the background waiting for their turn

camper is cutting small strips of dough while wearing an apron, gloves, and chef hat

Making New Friends

One of our common goals at Camp Aranzazu is to improve social skills and build relationships. For most of our activities, campers travel with their cabin groups and stay with them throughout the day. One of the best ways to get to know someone and build connections is through the power of play! When they are working together on a common task or individual tasks side by side during HOST, they build connections. It is a great time for them to find friends outside of their cabinmates and get to see their community expand right before their eyes.

Campers get to show off their new skills at HOST Showcase

Who doesn’t love being celebrated for their accomplishments? At our HOST showcase, we do just that! Campers gather on the stage to reflect on their week and share fun stories they experienced during HOST. Of course, it’s great hearing our campers’ many accomplishments and the things they learned, but our personal favorite part is the small side stories that make everyone laugh. After the Showcase, it’s time to let loose and dance it out at party night! The perfect end to a fun and creative week.

campers in imagination coalition gather around to show off their skills on stage at the HOST showcase in the dining hall. One camper has the mic and is speaking to the crowd while the rest of the group supports him on stage.

Make sure you’re following Camp Aranzazu on Facebook and Instagram to get glimpses of HOST throughout summer 2023!