Rainy Days at Camp: How to Make the Most of Indoor Activities

We're getting deeper into May, which means families are planning for summer camp. Most of the time when we think of camp, outdoor activities come to mind.

With so much rain in L.A. this year, we hope the wet weather doesn't carry over into the summer. At the same time, the weather doesn't always cooperate.

Though rainy days can put a damper on outdoor activities, however, all is not lost! A little flexibility and creativity from your child's camp counselors can keep the campers engaged and entertained. In this blog post, we will explore some of the ways that camps can adapt to rainy days and make the most of their time at camp even if camp needs to take place indoors.

1. Plan indoor activities: When it looks like rain is on the way, camp staff can plan indoor activities that will keep campers entertained and engaged. Depending on the age of the campers, these activities could include board games, arts and crafts, indoor sports, talent shows, movie screenings, or dance parties. By having a variety of activities planned, campers can choose what they are most interested in and stay entertained throughout the day. In many cases, especially in a well-planned camp, the camp director will have already arranged indoor programming ahead of time in anticipation of a rainy day so the transition to indoor activities from pre-planned outdoor ones is seamless.
   
   
2. Embrace the rain: Some camp activities can still be done in the rain with the right preparation. For example, hiking in the rain can be a fun adventure if campers are outfitted with rain jackets and waterproof boots. Water-based activities like canoeing or kayaking can also still be done in the rain, as long as there is no thunder and lightning. By embracing the rain and finding ways to enjoy it, campers can learn to appreciate the beauty of nature in all weather conditions.
   
   
3. Create a rainy-day schedule: When it is raining outside, camp staff can create a schedule that allows for a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. For example, they may plan to spend the morning doing indoor activities like arts and crafts, and then spend the afternoon outside once the rain has stopped. This way, campers get a balance of both indoor and outdoor activities and can still enjoy their time at camp.
   
   
4. Keep campers informed: Communication is key when it comes to dealing with rainy days at camp. The best camp counselors will keep campers informed about any changes to the schedule, what activities are planned for the day, and what they should bring with them such as like rain jackets or extra socks. By keeping campers informed, the kids will feel more secure and prepared for whatever the day may bring.
   
   
5. Have a backup plan: As we touched on above, in case of severe weather conditions like thunderstorms, it is important to have a backup plan in place. This could mean having a designated safe area where campers can gather during a storm, or having a list of indoor activities that can be done in case outdoor activities need to be cancelled. By having a backup plan, camp staff can ensure the safety and well-being of all campers and staff.
   
   

There's no doubt about it -- rainy days can be a challenge for camps. But with a bit of creativity and planning, they can still be fun and engaging for campers. By embracing the rain, planning indoor and outdoor activities, and keeping campers informed, camp staff can ensure that campers have a memorable and enjoyable experience, no matter the weather.