Camp Daily Life

Groups

  • When camp opens, campers are under the supervision of their group counselors.
  • Campers are divided into age groups for most of the camp activities.

    • Activities

      • Arts and crafts
      • Latvian language
      • Nature activities
      • Swimming
      • Sports
  • Campers are divided into four larger teams for most of the sports and physical activities. Each team consists of children of all age groups.
  • Mazputnini parents are responsible for their children at all times during camp, unless the instructors specifically indicate that their help is not needed for a particular activity.
  • Camp teams compete for the Mežotne trophy by earning points in sports, group activities, relays, swimming, academics, behavior, helpfulness, and speaking or learning the Latvian language, as observed by teachers and group counselors.
  • Each child and each group will earn points/pompoms throughout the week in recognition of citizenship, exemplary effort, and Latvian language use.  Then on Friday they will be able to use their accumulated points to “buy” a special treat for the group – e.g. ice cream party, pizza party, night swim, or a number of other items, depending on the total points earned during the week.

Wake-up

  • The camp wake-up call occurs at 7:30 AM, although counselors and parents may find that they need to rise earlier in order to help their children getup, get dressed, and be at morning exercises on time.

At the flag

  • Royal blue Mezotne shirts are required attire each morning for flag raising and each evening for flag lowering.
  • Appropriate behavior is required: in a line with their group members, arms down at their sides, no hats, no squirming around or chattering.
  • Each morning campers meet for morning exercises before flag raising.
  • Each group will have at least one opportunity to participate in the flag ceremony honor guard, including the Mazputniņi.

Mealtimes

  • At meal times, campers sit with their respective group and counselor.  All groups eat cafeteria style.
  • Before each meal we have a song or prayer.  Those are led, in turn, by the group counselors.
  • After the meal each group puts away their dirty dishes, cleans up the table and surrounding area, and thanks the kitchen staff.

Bedtime

  • Bedtime for all groups is at 9:00pm.
  • Workers and camp counselors are on night duty from 9pm until midnight.