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What Are The Best Activities For Super Hot Days?

We all dread it, we all expect it, we all hope it doesn’t happen too often; SUPER HOT DAYS. It’s pretty inevitable that there will be some blistering hot days during the summer no matter where you are. Planning ahead is the best way to maximize camper fun and decrease stress leading up to and on the hot day itself. Below are some ways you can manage the hot days with camper activities to keep them cool.

The first thing you should make sure of is that the campers stay hydrated. They should either have their own water bottles or be taking breaks at regular intervals to have a drink. Below is a list of some things to consider doing during a hear wave.

  • Spray bottles and water games
  • Super soakers
  • Ice pops
  • Towels to shade the campers
  • Lots of pool time
  • Slip and Slide
  • Stay in the shade as much as possible
  • Indoor time with as many activities as you have available
  • Woodworking
  • Yoga
  • Arts & Crafts
  • Ceramics
  • Apply sunscreen
  • Water Balloon Fight: This classic summer activity is a great way to beat the heat and have some fun. All you need are some water balloons and a big open area, and the kids will have a blast soaking each other and playing together. Just make sure to have plenty of water on hand and encourage the kids to take breaks and hydrate regularly.

  • Pool Day: If your summer camp has a pool, make the most of it! Pool days are a great way to cool down, have fun, and work on swimming skills. Encourage the kids to play pool games like Marco Polo, and have plenty of life jackets and pool toys on hand.

  • Crafts: When the heat is too much to bear outside, bring the fun indoors with some cool and creative crafts. From tie-dyeing t-shirts to making friendship bracelets, there are plenty of fun and easy projects that kids can do to stay cool and creative.

  • Movie Day: On especially hot days, it’s okay to take a break from the sun and enjoy a movie. Choose a fun and age-appropriate movie that the kids will love, and make sure to have plenty of snacks and drinks on hand.

  • Game Room: If your summer camp has a game room, make sure to take advantage of it on hot days. Whether it’s playing pool, ping pong, or video games, kids will have a great time bonding and competing with each other in a cool and comfortable indoor space.

  • Science Experiments: Science experiments are a fun and educational way to stay cool on hot days. From making homemade ice cream to creating a DIY air conditioner, there are plenty of fun and simple science projects that kids can do to learn about the world around them.

Warning Signs of Heat-Related Illness – From ACACamps.org

  • Heat Rash: Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather.
    • Heat rash looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters.
    • It is more likely to occur on the neck and upper chest, in the groin, under the breasts, and in elbow creases.
  • Heat Cramps: Heat cramps usually affect those who sweat a lot during strenuous activity. This sweating depletes the body’s salt and moisture levels. Low salt levels in muscles causes painful cramps. Heat cramps may also be a symptom of heat exhaustion.
    • Muscle pain or spasms usually in the abdomen, arms, or legs.
  • Heat Exhaustion:  Heat exhaustion is the body’s response to an excessive loss of water and salt, usually through excessive sweating. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are those that are elderly, have high blood pressure, and those working in a hot environment.
    • Heavy sweating, weakness, cold/pale/clammy skin, fast and weak pulse, nausea and/or vomiting, fainting.
  • Heat Stroke: Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related disorder. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature: the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. When heat stroke occurs, the body temperature can rise to 106° F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given. The CDC defines heat stroke as a medical emergency and recommends that you call 911 immediately, move the person to a cooler location, reduce the person’s body temperature with cold cloths and/or a bath, and to NOT give fluids until trained medical attention arrives.
    • Body temperature above 103° F, hot/red dry or moist skin, rapid and strong pulse, possible unconsciousness.
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