Growing up, I didn’t go to summer camp. Most days, my mom simply sent us kids outside to play. I spent many hours at hopscotch and jump rope with neighborhood kids who also had been turned out of their homes for a few hours. I was vaguely aware of a place called summer camp. It seemed to me something like Camelot, a land of adventure and merriment in a faraway time and place.
As an adult, I think the idea of summer camp sounds pretty fun and wonder why it should be an experience only for kids. Who’s with me? I see lots of hands going up out there. Whether you find yourself longing to recreate the wonder of your own childhood summer camp memories, or aching to fill a hole in your life that was caused by camp deprivation, your library is here to help.
Each of our three DBRL buildings will offer fun summer activities for adults in the coming weeks.
Ashland:
DIY Mini Zen Garden. Saturday, July 14, 1-2 p.m. Call (573) 657-7378 to register.
Picture it on a Rock. Saturday, August 11, 12:30-2:30 p.m. No registration required.
Columbia:
Introduction to Bird Song. 7-8 p.m., Friends Room. No registration required.
Rock Painting for Grown-Ups. Thursday, July 19, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Friends Room. No registration required.
Fulton:
Adult Summer Reading Rockin’ Crafts. Thursday, July 12, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Call (573) 657-7378 to register.
Coloring for Adults. Tuesday, July 17, 6-7 p.m. No registration required.
Beyond library programs, there are lots of great ideas for fun.
What’s summer camp without a hike or two? Check out these trail guides one for the city of Columbia, and another for the state of Missouri.
While you’re on those hikes, you can have fun with wildflower identification. Take along the book “Missouri Wildflowers” by Edgar Denison to help you out.
In the summer camp of my mind, campfires loom large. If you have the place to build one, why not branch out from marshmallow roasting? Emma Frisch provides a variety of options in her book “Feast by Firelight.”
Of course, there have to be crafts. “Crafting With Nature” by Amy Renea proves that you don’t have to spend a fortune on supplies to make some pretty nifty items.
If you want to attend actual summer camp vicariously, check out the documentary, “Summercamp!”
Even more ideas for summer frolic, merriment and creativity can be found in our catalog list: “Adult Summer Camp – Design Your Own Adventure.” Have fun!
