Session 5 Day 5: Closing Campfire

We kicked off our final full day at Camp Taiwan with beautiful weather and high energy. After a hearty breakfast, campers dove into their last two sessions of free choice activities. Since teams are mixed up for these periods, make sure to check each activity folder for photos of your camper—you never know where they might have been!

We did get two periods of fairly heavy rain today—fortunately, the timing worked in our favor. One shower hit during rest time while campers were cozy in their tents, and the other came during skit practice, when everyone was indoors working hard on their performances.

In the afternoon, the teen campers took on the challenge of building fires using flint and steel. They learned about the science behind fire—specifically the fire triangle of heat, fuel, and oxygen—as well as practical tips for gathering materials and building a successful fire. By the end of the session, their efforts paid off with a well-earned reward: a warm cup of instant noodles cooked over their own flames.

Meanwhile, the youth campers were deep into a wide game called Sushi Go. It’s based on the popular board game, but we’ve adapted it for the outdoors. Campers raced around collecting sushi cards to build the perfect bento box by trading and teaming up—part strategy, part scavenger hunt, and all fun.

During the last activity block of the day, campers came together in their teams to prepare a skit, song, or dance for the closing campfire. This is their chance to shine, and they took it seriously (well, mostly). With plenty of creativity, they brainstormed, scripted, and rehearsed, with counselors standing by for a little help here and there.

Tonight, we’ll wrap up the session with our traditional closing campfire where we will get to see the performances the kids have been working on. We’ll also sing some favorite camp songs. A short ceremony will mark the end of the week and celebrate what each camper has accomplished—new friendships, new skills, and new memories. We’ll also recognize our returning campers, some of whom have spent years with us. And yes, s’mores are definitely on the menu. The weather looks a little uncertain for this evening, so we will keep our fingers crossed. Luckily, we have an area under cover if it does rain.

It’s the perfect way to say goodbye—for now.

Here is the link to Day 5 photos.