Hi girls! Please don't forget to fill out our brief Rookie Camp Evaluation form to let us know about your 3 nights! Your feedback is important to us as we continue to grow and plan for next year!
Have a great summer!
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Thursday 6/21 Recap
Our final night of Rookie Camp was so much fun. We began with some IHA trivia and our girls did a great job knowing random IHA facts! The girls broke into small groups to discuss getting involved at IHA. They were given a list of all of our clubs and activities at IHA and encouraged to choose something that they may be interested in joining next year. We realize that freshman year can be overwhelming and that some girls need more time to adjust before getting involved. However, it is also important for our students to find their niche in school. These clubs and activities are invaluable for personal growth and making friends. All of our clubs and activities are also on the IHA website and are updated each year.
Next, creativity took over as we began our Cake Boss Challenge. Our Peer Mentors baked cakes/cupcakes and brought in supplies with only a $20 budget! The only instructions were to design a cake that represented IHA and used some piece of candy (...for our Sweet 16 theme, of course). We were beyond impressed by the creative and original ideas of our groups! Check out these pictures:
Today we also held our Rookie Olympics! With our 4 teams (Red, Green, Blue, Yellow) we headed to the gym for a variety of balloon popping, sugar stacking, lining up, candy stringing activities!
We can't thank everyone enough for your participation and enthusiasm in our Rookie Camp! We had a great 3 days and look forward to seeing everyone at Out of the Box Night in August!
Next, creativity took over as we began our Cake Boss Challenge. Our Peer Mentors baked cakes/cupcakes and brought in supplies with only a $20 budget! The only instructions were to design a cake that represented IHA and used some piece of candy (...for our Sweet 16 theme, of course). We were beyond impressed by the creative and original ideas of our groups! Check out these pictures:
Today we also held our Rookie Olympics! With our 4 teams (Red, Green, Blue, Yellow) we headed to the gym for a variety of balloon popping, sugar stacking, lining up, candy stringing activities!
The RED Team was the champion and received candy bar prizes after our activities!
We can't thank everyone enough for your participation and enthusiasm in our Rookie Camp! We had a great 3 days and look forward to seeing everyone at Out of the Box Night in August!
Wednesday 6/20/12 Recap
Wednesday's focus was on the social life at IHA. We began our small group session developing our perfect "Recipe for Making Lasting Friendships" at IHA. Below, read one group's creative suggestions for making friends:
After creating our recipes, each group created a list of 10 adjectives that describe an IHA girl. Later in the evening, we created World of these adjectives and presented it to the girls in the PAC. We had a great conversation about what it means to be an IHA girl, from academics to friendships.
The girls also learned our Alma Mater! Our Peer Mentors led the groups in learning the words to our school song. After our beginning session, we moved into small groups where the peer mentors offered advice on socializing at IHA. From attending football games and dances to talking to the girl next to you in class, some great advice was shared.
By far, the highlight of Wednesday was our Fashion Show! The groups were given only newspaper and masking tape and instructed to create a fun and fashionable outfit. From brides to trendy fashionistas, we had some great outfits!
Next up, we completed our Speed Friending activity where the girls had the chance to meet new people and have a 2 minute conversation before switching to the next person on line.
We concluded our night in the PAC listening to 3 of our Peer Mentors describe their experiences in activities at IHA. From CARE (our service organization) to Swimming and more, the girls spoke about what made them get involved at IHA and how their clubs, sports, and activities have helped them grow!
After creating our recipes, each group created a list of 10 adjectives that describe an IHA girl. Later in the evening, we created World of these adjectives and presented it to the girls in the PAC. We had a great conversation about what it means to be an IHA girl, from academics to friendships.
The girls also learned our Alma Mater! Our Peer Mentors led the groups in learning the words to our school song. After our beginning session, we moved into small groups where the peer mentors offered advice on socializing at IHA. From attending football games and dances to talking to the girl next to you in class, some great advice was shared.
By far, the highlight of Wednesday was our Fashion Show! The groups were given only newspaper and masking tape and instructed to create a fun and fashionable outfit. From brides to trendy fashionistas, we had some great outfits!
Next up, we completed our Speed Friending activity where the girls had the chance to meet new people and have a 2 minute conversation before switching to the next person on line.
We concluded our night in the PAC listening to 3 of our Peer Mentors describe their experiences in activities at IHA. From CARE (our service organization) to Swimming and more, the girls spoke about what made them get involved at IHA and how their clubs, sports, and activities have helped them grow!
Tuesday 6/19/12 Recap
We had a great day on Tuesday meeting all of our new students at Rookie Camp! This year we have the biggest group of Rookies EVER! With over 160 students attending throughout the 3-days, our Rookies have been able to meet many new friends. Tuesday was one of our most attended nights!
We began with our brainteasers ice-breaker. The girls did a great job at figuring out what each image translated into. Next we broke into 2 larger groups. One half of our girls took a tour of IHA while the other girls broke out into small group conversations regarding academic life at IHA. The academic conversation included how to approach IHA's summer reading program, how to adjust to our schedule, and most importantly, how to adapt to using a laptop on a daily basis. The tours were great because no one else was in the school, so the girls were able to slowly travel the halls and point out important places for freshmen, such as freshman hallway, the nurse's office, and the main office. Similarly, as the girls traveled through the halls, they shared stories, advice, and general IHA knowledge about the different areas of the school, from academics to activities.
After our break, Mrs. McGovern gave a great overview of the Guidance Department at IHA. She explained to our girls how the counselors are divided and how Guidance will serve them throughout their four years. She also gave great examples of why and when students should go to Guidance. We realize that not all incoming students have had Guidance Counselors before and may not understand when and why to meet with their counselors. If the girls ever have any questions, we hope they will be open to visiting and meeting with their counselor. It's very valuable for students and counselors to form relationships early on in their high school journey. Our Guidance Dept. will have a variety of activities and meetings with the girls throughout their first year and beyond.
Next, we moved to our tradition of Ride the Pony! This fun, large group activity involves several girls in the middle of a large group circle. All participants sing a song while the middle group gallops around as if they're riding a pony. They choose a member of the outside circle, do a short dance, and switch spots. We started in 2 smaller groups then merged all girls. With almost 200 people, it was a great success!
After Ride The Pony, we broke back into our small groups and moved to a favorite activity: The Human Knot! The girls all crossed arms and joined hands with other members. The goal is to twist, turn, climb, and bend to unlink the arms. But no one can let go of each other's hands! It's tricky for sure!
We began with our brainteasers ice-breaker. The girls did a great job at figuring out what each image translated into. Next we broke into 2 larger groups. One half of our girls took a tour of IHA while the other girls broke out into small group conversations regarding academic life at IHA. The academic conversation included how to approach IHA's summer reading program, how to adjust to our schedule, and most importantly, how to adapt to using a laptop on a daily basis. The tours were great because no one else was in the school, so the girls were able to slowly travel the halls and point out important places for freshmen, such as freshman hallway, the nurse's office, and the main office. Similarly, as the girls traveled through the halls, they shared stories, advice, and general IHA knowledge about the different areas of the school, from academics to activities.
After our break, Mrs. McGovern gave a great overview of the Guidance Department at IHA. She explained to our girls how the counselors are divided and how Guidance will serve them throughout their four years. She also gave great examples of why and when students should go to Guidance. We realize that not all incoming students have had Guidance Counselors before and may not understand when and why to meet with their counselors. If the girls ever have any questions, we hope they will be open to visiting and meeting with their counselor. It's very valuable for students and counselors to form relationships early on in their high school journey. Our Guidance Dept. will have a variety of activities and meetings with the girls throughout their first year and beyond.
Next, we moved to our tradition of Ride the Pony! This fun, large group activity involves several girls in the middle of a large group circle. All participants sing a song while the middle group gallops around as if they're riding a pony. They choose a member of the outside circle, do a short dance, and switch spots. We started in 2 smaller groups then merged all girls. With almost 200 people, it was a great success!
Watch the Ride the Pony Video!
After Ride The Pony, we broke back into our small groups and moved to a favorite activity: The Human Knot! The girls all crossed arms and joined hands with other members. The goal is to twist, turn, climb, and bend to unlink the arms. But no one can let go of each other's hands! It's tricky for sure!
We wrapped up with our Bubble Gum Trivia challenge. With 50 general trivia questions, from recent news to history, the girls were challenged to answer questions correctly. For each incorrect answer, she'd have to chew a piece of gum. Some girls got up to 5 or 7 pieces of gum at once!
We had a great first day at Rookie Camp 2012!
Monday, June 18, 2012
Ready for Rookies!
Hello Sweet Class of 2016! Here's an update on what we were up to getting ready to meet you tomorrow!
Today the Peer Mentors and moderators met to set up for our next 3 nights. We made folders for each Rookie, prepped name tags, organized tables by groups, and t-shirts were organized (all Peer Mentors have fun Hot Pink t-shirts so you won't miss them tomorrow!).
Tomorrow, when Rookies arrive you will be greeted by our cheerful sophomore and junior volunteers at the check-in table. The volunteers made some fabulous signs to help direct you through the parking lot and into the school. Upon check-in, Rookies will pick up their t-shirts (Check it out below)! Those who are on the yellow team are encouraged to wear them on Thursday!
Rookie Camp T-Shirt:
The cafeteria is set up with tables and open space for our activities. When Rookies check-in, they'll be given their group numbers and escorted to the cafeteria where they can find their group table. Each table has a number so they will be easy to find.
We have an exciting 3 days ahead and can't wait to meet our Rookies!
See you tomorrow!
Today the Peer Mentors and moderators met to set up for our next 3 nights. We made folders for each Rookie, prepped name tags, organized tables by groups, and t-shirts were organized (all Peer Mentors have fun Hot Pink t-shirts so you won't miss them tomorrow!).
Tomorrow, when Rookies arrive you will be greeted by our cheerful sophomore and junior volunteers at the check-in table. The volunteers made some fabulous signs to help direct you through the parking lot and into the school. Upon check-in, Rookies will pick up their t-shirts (Check it out below)! Those who are on the yellow team are encouraged to wear them on Thursday!
Rookie Camp T-Shirt:
The cafeteria is set up with tables and open space for our activities. When Rookies check-in, they'll be given their group numbers and escorted to the cafeteria where they can find their group table. Each table has a number so they will be easy to find.
We have an exciting 3 days ahead and can't wait to meet our Rookies!
See you tomorrow!
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Welcome!
Welcome to the Rookie Camp blog! We're excited to meet our Rookies next week and can't wait to get started with our fun activities. Check out the pages on this site for more information. Daily updates and blogs will be posted for those who have attended, family, and friends.
Don't forget to follow us on twitter: @RookieCamp2012 for updates, photos, and more!
See you next week!
Don't forget to follow us on twitter: @RookieCamp2012 for updates, photos, and more!
See you next week!
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