Tag Archives: children’s summer camp

ROGA Blog: Camp ROGA: Magic and Illusion

This week, ROGA’s campers stepped into a world of magic and illusion! From casting spells in the gymnastics gym to creating magical crafts and enjoying enchanted snacks, there was plenty of fun to discover. Grab your wand and get ready to see what tricks our campers had up their sleeves!

Camp ROGA campers create and decorate magic-themed crafts, including colorful potion bottles and magician hats, during craft time.

Before the campers could take to the stage and dazzle the audience with their magic and illusions, they had to conjure up some tools of the trade for them to perform their magic with. It was a veritable magician’s workshop in the craft room this week, with routines being performed and spells flying everywhere. First up were the makeshift magic potions, where campers mixed up their very own mysterious concoctions. Want to be invisible? Camp ROGA had you covered! Want to have the strength of a hundred supermen? The campers made sure to stock up on plenty of potions of superstrength. Want something that just looks cool? That is just our speciality! Glitter and small toys made up most of what we used in the potions, but we had a different secret technique for each potion. Whether you wanted your potion to be layered into different bands of colorful glitter, or you wanted to brew up a storm with a mini cyclone in a bottle, Camp ROGA had you covered. Next came the decorated magic caps, giving campers the chance to make the perfect accessory for any aspiring magician. With plenty of decorations to choose from, they transformed their caps into colorful and fantastical pieces worthy of the grandest magic show. After all, every great magician needs a great hat! Speaking of hats, campers also made some paper top hats to assist with their act! But every magic top hat needs a rabbit, so we made sure to add a little compartment just for the campers’ little rabbit friends to peek through whenever they yelled Abracadabra! Finally, the kaleidoscopes added a little bit of illusion to the mix. Campers created their own colorful optical creations, then looked inside to discover patterns that seemed to shift and change with every turn. It was like having a tiny magic show right in the palm of their hands!

ROGA campers practice gymnastics skills on beams, bars, mats, and in the foam pit during magic-themed camp activities.

This week, ROGA’s gymnastics gym was full of magic and illusion! Our campers stepped into the shoes of magicians, mystical performers, and fantastical adventurers as they flipped, spun, and bounced their way through a week of gymnastics tricks. First up were the bars, where campers showed off some seriously magical maneuvers. Swinging, spinning, and moving from bar to bar, they looked like illusionists performing a disappearing act, one moment on the bar, the next on the floor performing a salute! Then came the vault, where campers got to make their grandest entrances. After racing down the runway, they climbed into a cannon and were shot out across the gym, safely into the foam pits below! On the beam, campers inched carefully down a magical tightrope, wary of the dangers below! On the trampoline, campers practiced their levitation spells with every bounce, soaring through the air with a flick of the wrist (and plenty of leg muscle for propulsion). And on the floor in the midst of their dazzling routines, campers cast a hypnotic spell to ensure all eyes were on them as they completed their grand finales in the gym.

ROGA campers enjoy magic-themed snacks including popcorn cups, pudding cups, watermelon, and fruit skewers during snack time.

This week, the magic didn’t stop when it was time for snacks! Our campers traded their wands and magic caps for some delicious treats inspired by the world of magicians and illusionists. First up were the fruit wand skewers, giving campers their very own edible magic wands! Packed with colorful pieces of fruit, these wands were almost too magical to eat. Almost. After all, even the most powerful wizard needs a snack break between spells! Next came the popcorn rabbit cups, which put a fun spin on the classic magician’s rabbit-in-a-hat trick. Instead of pulling a rabbit out of the cup, campers got to enjoy a cup filled with popcorn and decorated with an adorable bunny. It was a magic trick where the snack disappeared instead! The Lucky Charms candy bars brought a little extra luck to snack time. Packed with colorful marshmallow charms, these sweet treats looked like something a leprechaun might keep hidden in a magician’s treasure chest. One bite was all it took to make snack time feel a little more magical! Finally, campers enjoyed pudding cups made to look like top hats. With their pudding creations dressed up like tiny magician’s hats, campers had the perfect treat to finish off their magical snack lineup.

ROGA campers enjoy Water Day outdoors with water games, sprinklers, a slip-and-slide, and colorful pool activities.

This week, even Water Day got a magical makeover! With a theme all about magic and illusion, our campers were ready to dive into a day filled with splashes, surprises, and a little bit of enchantment. The pool became our very own magical world, where every game had a twist, and every splash felt like part of the show! First up were the water games, where campers put their skills to the test in some seriously splashy challenges. From racing across the pool to working together to complete different games, there was no shortage of excitement. It was almost like watching a group of young wizards cast spells, only instead of wands, they had pool noodles, water, and plenty of enthusiasm! Then came the water slides, where campers got to experience a little bit of magical transportation. One moment they were standing at the top, and the next they were racing down the slide and splashing into the water below! With every trip down the slide, it was as if they had been transported from one part of the magical world to another. The pool itself became a stage for all kinds of aquatic adventures. Campers splashed, swam, and played games while imagining themselves as magical creatures exploring an enchanted underwater kingdom. Between the laughter and the splashing, it was hard to tell where the water ended and the magic began! Of course, no Water Day would be complete without a few splash battles. Campers grabbed their water toys and prepared for an all-out magical showdown. With water flying in every direction, it was less of a battle and more of a spectacular illusion, especially for anyone trying to stay dry!

ROGA campers pose together outside the Rochester Gymnastics Academy building beside a large blue slip-and-slide.

From magical gymnastics routines to crafty creations and spellbinding snacks, this week was packed with tricks, treats, and plenty of imagination. Our campers certainly knew how to put on a magical show!

ROGA Blog: Camp ROGA: ROGA’s Got Talent

Lights, camera, talent! This week, ROGA campers stepped into the spotlight for ROGA’s Got Talent, where every activity brought a chance to show off some impressive skills. From creative crafts and tasty snacks to gymnastics tricks and an action-packed Water Day, our campers had plenty of opportunities to put on a show. There were flips, splashes, laughs, and maybe a few performances that deserved an enthusiastic round of applause. It was a week full of fun, creativity, and plenty of ROGA talent!

ROGA campers create talent-themed crafts, including decorated artwork, star projects, and personalized designs.

Before the campers could rush the stage and start to perform, they needed something to perform with. Luckily, the campers had plenty of time before the show started, and quickly set about crafting up some tools for them to knock the audience out of the park with. Our more musically inclined campers set about creating instruments for them to perform with, whether that performance be singing or playing. Campers were encouraged to sing the night away with crafted microphones, each constructed out of construction paper, tinfoil, and the campers’ desire to be heard. Many a catchy tune was sung; and sung again, and again, and again until the lyrics were forcibly stuck in everyone’s minds. But that just made it all the easier to dance to the music. For those who would rather play than sing, they constructed banjo guitars for them to accompany their singing fellow campers. These were constructed using a popsicle stick, some durable string, and a jar lid. Campers spent the day jamming it out on their craft guitars, going through the motions (or perhaps just their approximations of the motions) of their favorite songs. When they had prepared their routines, campers took turns on the stage, each winning the audience over with their unique performances, to uproarious rounds of applause. Finished with the competition, the campers were each presented with their rewards. First, a trophy for a job well done, each made out of sticky putty shaped into a champion’s reward. Then, for showing off their star power, each camper designed their own personal walk of fame star, complete with a handprint from each camper (theirs were in paint instead of cement, though).

ROGA campers practice gymnastics skills on bars, rings, balance equipment, and foam pits during ROGA’s Got Talent week.

This week, ROGA’s Got Talent, and our campers were ready to put on a show! Of course, no talent show would be complete without a few jaw-dropping acts, so the gymnastics gym became center stage for a week of flips, tricks, and acrobatics. First up were the bars, where our campers showed off their best acrobatic routines. Swinging from bar to bar, they looked like seasoned stunt performers who had traded the stage lights for a gymnastics mat. With every swing and spin, they brought a little more drama to their routines! Over on the beam, balance was the name of the game. Like a talent-show performer attempting an impressively complicated stunt without missing a beat, campers carefully navigated the narrow beam while performing their gymnastics skills. One wobbly landing and the audience might have needed to hold its breath! Then came the vault, where campers got their chance to deliver a truly explosive performance. After racing down the runway and launching themselves into the air, they looked less like campers and more like professional stunt performers pulling off their big finale. No pyrotechnics required! The trampoline was another crowd-pleaser. If ROGA’s Got Talent had an award for best aerial act, this would have been a serious contender. Campers bounced, flipped, and twisted through the air, giving the kind of high-flying performance that would make even the most fearless acrobat think twice. Finally, the floor gave campers their own stage for putting everything together. With tumbling, rolls, jumps, and plenty of personality, every routine had the makings of a miniature acrobatic show. From daring stunts to impressive tricks, our campers proved that when it comes to talent, ROGA’s gymnastics crew knows how to perform!

ROGA campers enjoy talent-themed snacks, including fruit, marshmallow treats, and colorful food creations.

To refuel after a long day of performing their acts, campers took a trip to the snack room for a little bit of relaxation. To continue celebrating their star power, campers chowed down on some healthy fruit skewers, each fruit cut into a star. Following the idea that you are what you eat, each camper was positively glowing by the time they finished up and headed back to practice their acts. Though they didn’t always need to leave the snack room for that; sometimes the acts followed them in! Campers were greeted with some juggling practice on Wednesday when they came for their snack, tossing grapes and cheese puffs from hand to hand. Their act went so well that the day before, they were given medals for their juggling skills! These medals, however, were made from tasty Oreos and strung with fruit roll-up.

ROGA campers enjoy Water Day activities, including a slip-and-slide, splash pool, and outdoor water games.

Every great talent show needs a few acts that leave the audience speechless, and this week, our campers took those acts straight to the water! For Water Day, ROGA’s Got Talent traded the stage for sprinklers, slides, and swimming pools, giving our campers plenty of opportunities to show off their most impressive aquatic talents. First up were the sprinklers, where campers delivered a performance worthy of a high-energy dance act. Dodging streams of water, running through the spray, and occasionally getting caught completely off guard, they put on a show. Then came the water slides, where campers had their chance to star in the week’s most thrilling stunt act. With each camper racing down the slide before making a spectacular splash at the bottom, it was less of a gentle descent and more of a full-scale grand finale. The bigger the splash, the louder the applause!

ROGA campers and staff pose together outside the Rochester Gymnastics Academy building beside a large slip-and-slide.

What a week it was at ROGA’s Got Talent! Our campers showed off their skills in the gym, got creative during crafts, enjoyed some delicious snacks, and made a splash during Water Day. Whether they were flying through the air, racing down water slides, or simply enjoying time with their friends, there was no shortage of memorable moments. With so much talent on display, choosing a winner would have been nearly impossible. Luckily, everyone had a great time taking center stage!

ROGA Blog: Camp Roga: Harry Potter World

This week, Camp ROGA received a very special letter sealed with wax and delivered straight from Hogwarts! Our young witches and wizards packed their trunks, grabbed their robes, and stepped through the magical world of Harry Potter for a week filled with enchanting crafts, spellbinding gymnastics, delicious treats, and magical Water Day fun. From Diagon Alley to the Quidditch pitch, every activity was packed with creativity, imagination, and plenty of wizarding adventures that would make even Dumbledore proud.

Camp ROGA campers create Harry Potter-inspired crafts including clay wands, painted snakes, magical potions, and decorated wizard glasses.

After the wizards got their letter in the mail, they were raring to go off to Hogwarts, but before they could enter the wizarding world proper, they needed to grab their school supplies. With a pinch of Floo powder and a set of (very) carefully pronounced words, they disappeared from their fireplaces and appeared in Diagon Alley. With so many sights to see, but so little time before their classes, the wizards flitted their way between stores, grabbing everything that they needed. Their first stop was at the Magical Menagerie; stepping through the doors, they were greeted by a cacophony of noise as little beasties and pets squeaked and squawked from the cages lined wall to wall within the store. The little wizards had a hard time picking their favorites, but since so many of them were proficient in Parseltongue (hissing constantly counts, right?), they decided to bring a snake with them to school. But with so many different (paint) colors, gems, and different magical breeds to choose from, every camper got their own unique pet which they could take with them to Hogwarts. Then it was time for them to head over to Ollivanders and pick up their very own wand. But it appears that Ollivander ran out of the usual yew, chestnut, and holly wood, and so he had to get creative. Campers this time made their wands out of clay; normally, a wand picks the wizard, but this time the wizards made the wand. Using the clay to shape their wands into whatever shape they desired, whether that be spiral or beads, or some other wacky combination, the wizards fashioned themselves the perfect spell-casting device and were ready to head to their first wizarding class. The first class was Potions with Professor-Coach Snape; campers got to mix up whatever potion they desired with all of the ingredients that they got from Diagon Alley. Glitter and food coloring stood in for bezor and toad eyes, but that did not make the mixing any less fun. The campers came up with all kinds of different potions; fire breathing was a popular one, and there was plenty of liquid luck floating about. Some even made a potion that turned you into Daniel Radcliffe (and they specified Daniel Radcliffe, not Harry Potter). Next, the campers headed to their charms class, and each of them channeled their inner hermonie granger when they cast Occulus reparo! And conjured up a pair of glasses for each camper to wear. Each camper got a pair of glasses to decorate and take home, and by the time that the charms stopped flying, all the campers needed was a lightning-shaped scar, and they would be ready to defeat the dark lord themselves.

Camp ROGA campers complete Harry Potter-themed gymnastics activities on bars, beams, trampolines, rope climbs, obstacle courses, and foam pits.

Our witches and wizards put their magical training in the sky blue halls of Hogwarts. Every station offered a new challenge worthy of a Triwizard Champion. Campers mounted the bars and soared off to a Quidditch match, tumbled across the floor dodging enchanted chess pieces, and leaped through the foam walls of Platform 9 ¾. Campers climbed to the Astronomy Tower, while obstacle courses had everyone racing to collect “house points”. Whether practicing cartwheels, swings, jumps, or climbs, every camper got plenty of mileage out of Wingardium Leviosa. By the end of the day, our campers had completed another magical round of training and were more than ready for whatever adventures awaited them next at Camp ROGA.

Harry Potter-themed snacks at Camp ROGA featuring broomstick pretzels, Hogwarts house treats, Rice Krispies bars, pudding cups, and campers enjoying snack time.

Once their spell classes were done, the campers headed out onto the quidditch pitch for a tasty snack. Campers had some pretzel brooms, which were made from pretzels, a recess cup for the end, and some smaller pretzels topped with marshmallows for the broom spokes. Campers got their house spirit on with some house-themed snack cups, each with a different snack for the different houses. Staying in the spirit of House pride, we had pudding cups and Rice Krispies bars, each with different house colors on them so that campers could stick with their sorting hat choices.

Camp ROGA campers enjoy Harry Potter-themed Water Day with slip-and-slide races, splash games, water balloons, kiddie pools, and outdoor activities.

At the end of the week, campers broke out the Aguamenti spell with gusto. Buckets, water balloons, and sponge games turned ordinary activities into magical challenges, with everyone trying to stay one step ahead of the next water curse. Between games, campers gathered with their friends to enjoy the sunshine before heading back for another round of watery adventures. The combination of warm summer weather, energetic games, and Harry Potter-themed fun made Water Day a favorite part of the week. By the time the last splash landed, our young witches and wizards were soaked, smiling, and already looking forward to the next magical adventure waiting at Camp ROGA.

Camp ROGA campers and coaches pose together outside Rochester Gymnastics Academy during Harry Potter Week summer camp.

As the Hogwarts Express pulled away for another year, our campers left with magical memories, handcrafted treasures, and stories they’ll be sharing long after the last spell was cast. Whether they were brewing potions, soaring through gymnastics, enjoying wizard-worthy snacks, or splashing through Water Day, every camper brought their own magic to Camp ROGA. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back for another exciting week of adventures, where a brand-new theme and even more unforgettable memories are waiting!

ROGA Blog: Camp ROGA: Superhero Training Academy

Camp ROGA transformed into a headquarters for heroes this week as campers suited up for Superhero Week! From designing their own secret identities to swinging through the gym like comic book legends, every day was packed with action and imagination galore. Whether they were battling villains, cooling off with an Aquaman-inspired Water Day, or enjoying hero-worthy snacks, our campers proved they had everything it takes to save the day.

Camp ROGA campers create superhero masks, shields, picture frames, and kites during Superhero Week arts and crafts.

Before our superheroes could don their capes, power up, and set off to kick some supervillain butt, they needed something to protect their secret identities. Every good superhero needs a mask to keep supervillains off their tails, but a great superhero mask also shows off the hero’s powers and personality to everyone who sees them. Knowing this, campers infused every one of their masks with a little bit of their spirit, taking great care to draw exact lines or circles, or putting a bold marker stroke through the mask, or just dosing the whole thing in glitter. Regardless of whatever design choices they made, it was clear by the end who’s mask belonged to who, even without reading the name on the back (especially if their hands were covered in glitter). The mask wasn’t the only part of their superhero arsenal, though. In order to give themselves more defensive power, campers each designed a shield for their personal use. Much like with masks, campers went about making the shields their own with gusto, more glitter and markers, plus some colored tape for some extra reinforcement. But what made the shields really special was that once they were paired with the masks, the campers turned heroes were ready to go fight some crime, their shields put to the test by waves of foam swords chopping down in the grips of some dastardly villains.

Once they were defeated, though, the heroes found themselves ambushed by reporters, their pictures set to run through the daily news the next day! Luckily, the campers had some friends (or maybe just their alter egos) on the news team who helped them spruce up their pictures for the media. On Wednesday, campers got to decorate their own picture frames, in which they proudly displayed themselves in the midst of their heroic activities, each frame a personal front page for every camper. On our final day in camp, we decided to give campers one more gadget, one that could see them soaring through the air like any other flying superhero: a kite. On to this magical device, you could attach just about anything: a camera for sneaky spying on villains’ evil plans, an encoded message sent to your fellow heroes, or just your picture of you in superhero gear flying off to save the day.

Camp ROGA campers practice gymnastics skills on bars, rings, beams, trampolines, and in the foam pit during Superhero Week.

In the gym, campers got a chance to soar through the air just like their favorite heroes. Weaving through New York City on the ninja rings, campers ducked beneath bridges and swung between skyscrapers as they chased down the Green Goblin. The rings made the perfect substitutes for web swinging, the motions virtually identical. This meant a villain was apprehended and physical endurance was trained in the same fell swoop. Taking a break from the rooftops, campers crept across narrow rooftops atop the beam, mimicking the caped crusader as they slinked through the gym, on the lookout for any suspicious activity. And when they found nefarious ill-doers, the campers sprang into action. Some opted for a graceful glide through the air, reminiscent of Superman over Metropolis, whereas some just hit the ground hard in a big Hulk smash. Regardless, our coach/villian stand ins were certainly feeling the hurt.

Camp ROGA campers decorate superhero-themed snacks, including Captain America fruit shields and superhero rice crispy treats, during Superhero Week.

Even superheroes need to refuel occasionally, and the ROGA Snack Development department had them covered. After a long day crafting, fighting crime, and doing gymnastics, we thought it best to offer some healthy food to get them back up to crime-fighting shape. Strawberries, blueberries, and a couple of marshmallows made up our Captain America fruit shield, with plenty of healthy fruits and some sweets to make a nutritious midday snack for each and every masked menace. One Tuesday, we partnered with Wayne Enterprises to produce some superhero rice crispy bars, each stamped with the logo of a prominent superhero. And finally, we opted for some superhero fruit snacks to power up some muscles and laser beam colored popcorn for a little bit of extra punch.

Camp ROGA campers cool off during Superhero Week Water Day with sprinklers, slip-and-slides, water balloons, and splash games inspired by Aquaman.

Water Day made a splash as campers traded the gym for the kingdom of Atlantis, where everyone had the chance to channel their inner Aquaman. With a pool noodle trident in one hand and a water balloon in another, campers charged in to defend Atlantis from Black Manta and save the fish kingdom once and for all! With Aquaman’s call ringing through the air, campers slid over the slip-and-slides with dolphins swimming alongside them, both heading the call of the king of the ocean. The crash of the ocean waves sounded overhead as sprinklers threw down waves of water on all sides, and campers stepped through a secret sprinkler waterfall to find a hidden underwater cave of treasure (more water balloons to throw at their friends). If Aquaman had stopped by to visit Camp ROGA, we’re sure he would have felt right at home.

Camp ROGA campers pose together outside after a fun-filled Aquaman-themed Water Day during Superhero Week.

As Superhero Week came to a close, our heroes hung up their capes after another unforgettable adventure at Camp ROGA. Creative crafts, action-packed gymnastics, tasty snacks, and an afternoon spent defending Atlantis meant that there was never a dull moment. We loved seeing every camper bring their own unique hero to life, and we can’t wait to see everyone back for another week filled with new activities and even more fun!

ROGA Blog: CAMP ROGA: ROGA Olympics

The Olympic torch made its way to Camp ROGA this week as campers spent the week competing in their very own ROGA Olympics! Gymnastics events were only one aspect of the Rogalympics, though, as we made sure to include a little of every event in the Olympics at camp this week, from beachball to bobsleighing, and we even made time for a little snack and craft as well. Even the rainy weather couldn’t dampen the excitement, as campers took their marks at the starting lines and raced off into another week jam-packed with fun.

Campers balance, climb, swing, and practice gymnastics skills during Olympic-themed activities at Camp ROGA.

Every four years, the world’s greatest gymnasts gather to compete for Olympic gold, but this week Camp ROGA welcomed a hundred or so future contenders of its own. With the Olympic torch burning bright over Camp ROGA, campers stepped onto the competition floor, the roar of an imaginary crowd (and the massive amount of rain this week) thundering all around them. Despite the awful weather, the spirit of the Summer Games came alive in the gym this week as each of the campers competed for medals in every gymnastics event the Olympics had to offer. While normally on an Olympic stage it would be the whole world watching, in this case it was only their fellow campers and coaches cheering them on and encouraging them to greater heights. Regardless of the size of the crowd, every camper gave it their all on every event, from the vault to the beams, to the floor, to the bars, and when it was all over, every camper had earned that golden medal hanging around their necks (which they had made on the last day of camp, of course).

Campers create Olympic torches, construction paper medals, bead jewelry, and other themed crafts during ROGA Olympics week.

Every Olympian knows that great performances deserve great rewards, so our campers spent the week creating everything they needed for a proper celebration of the Games. To begin, each athlete designed their very own gold medal, cutting and decorating construction paper medals worthy of hanging around the neck of a champion after a hard-fought competition. Of course, no victory ceremony is complete without a little Olympic flair, so campers also crafted their own torches in two unique styles. For the first torch, we thought we might stick with the old school flames(tissue paper) and wood, though our wood was sliced a few more times than usual (into paper). For the second, since the weather was so bad this week, we thought it best to make sure the torches didn’t go out as their bearers were sprinting to light the Olympic flame, and we made them waterproof. Pool noodles and ribbons typically don’t light on fire, but they do provide a colorful symbol for campers to wave around, which we know will never go out. Between opening ceremonies and medal presentations, campers also designed bead necklaces and bracelets in their favorite colors, stringing together keepsakes to remember a week full of friendly competition.

Olympic-themed camp snacks including Cheeto torches, Rice Krispie Olympic rings, edible medals, and patriotic trail mix enjoyed by Camp ROGA campers.

Every Olympian knows that training for the Games works up an appetite, so our athletes gathered each day for a lineup of snacks worthy of the winners’ circle. To keep the Olympic spirit burning bright, campers were served ice cream cones filled with Cheetos. The celebration continued with Rice Krispie treats decorated with colorful M&M’s to resemble Olympic rings. Medal ceremonies wouldn’t feel complete without something to wear, so campers earned edible medals made from fruit roll-ups and vanilla wafers, but campers found it hard to rest on their laurels when those laurels were already in their stomachs. Thankfully, we also had some craft medals to make sure our campers went home with something more than a full belly. To finish things off, a red, white, and blue trail mix brought a patriotic touch to snack time, giving campers one last boost of energy before returning to the day’s events.

Campers enjoy Olympic-inspired Water Day with slip-and-slides, sprinklers, and splash-filled summer games at Camp ROGA.

After the gymnastics arena emptied for the day, the Olympic Games marched outdoors for a series of splash-filled aquatic events. Rowing is a time-honored part of the Olympics, though it is one that usually requires some boats. Not to be deterred from the lack of boats or proper oars, though the campers made do with some bodyboards, some pool noodles, and a little imagination to turn the slip and slide into a river. Also on the slip and slide, the Summer games turned to the Winter ones. Not content to row gracefully down an imaginary river, some campers hit the slides running using their bodyboards as toboggans and the slip and slide as an ice track. Not far away, the water polo stadium was filled with crossfire as campers launched soft balls toward moving targets, though the targets seemed unusually keen to not be hit this time around. Even the beach volleyball venue found its place in the Games, though there was less of a net and a court and more like an agenda to make sure the beach ball never hit the ground. Between events, competitors cooled off beneath sprinklers and relaxed in the kiddie pools or dried off in the dry area before returning to another fun set of games. Campers ensured that the Roga Olympic highlight reel was absolutely chock-full of memories and photos, some of which you can find here, and more of which are available all over our Facebook.

Camp ROGA campers gather outside Rochester Gymnastics Academy for a group photo celebrating Olympic-themed summer camp week.

As the closing ceremony came to an end, every camper headed home an Olympian in their own right. The campers’ start to their gymnastics careers was surely deserving of a medal, but their skills in craft and play were certainly rivals for attention as well. Whatever they did, they did with gusto and spirit, and we know that whatever their future endeavors are will be fuelled with that same energy. We loved cheering on all of our athletes and can’t wait to see what adventures await at Camp ROGA next week!

ROGA Blog: Camp ROGA 2026: Beach Bash Week

The sun was shining, the waves were calling, and Camp ROGA was ready for a week of seaside fun during Beach Bash Week! From sandy crafts and ocean-inspired snacks to exciting gymnastics adventures and a splash-filled Water Day, campers spent the week soaking up everything they love about summer. Grab your sunglasses and join us as we look back at another unforgettable week at Camp ROGA!

Camp ROGA campers create beach-themed crafts including sand art, fishing rods, clay crabs, and miniature aquariums during Beach Bash week.

One of the best parts of going to the beach is playing in the sand by the water. Sure, the water is nice and cool, but in the sand, you can make anything that your creativity can dream of, so we decided to give campers a little taste of that. The first craft on the agenda made great use of sand and creativity, both with some sticky sand art. Each camper got a sticky sheet covered with foam strips and a few vials of sand. Whenever they wanted to add some sand to their art, they would tear off a strip of foam and pour the sand over it, making colorful sandy pictures. And while the castles might be 2d, they sure weren’t any less fun to put together! After putting together their sandy fortresses, campers decided they needed ocean denizens to populate their halls. However, in order to catch them, they first needed some heavy-duty fishing rods. Constructed from popsicle sticks and clothespins, these fishing rods were custom-made by the beach-going campers to catch all the deep-sea critters they could get their hooks on! When it finally came time to cast, however, the first thing to get caught was not a fish, but a crab! These little critters, made from putty and pipe cleaners, were more than happy to take a trip to the campers’ castles, each of them giving their camper a little happy wave and a hello on the way. And finally, with all the fun they had at the beach, each camper was sad to see it go, so we made sure to send them home with a little piece of it. Each camper returned home with an aquarium made from colored water, glitter, and fish toys, each one a reminder of an awesome time spent at the beach.

Camp ROGA campers practice gymnastics skills on bars, ropes, rings, balance beams, trampolines, foam pits, and obstacle courses during Beach Bash week.

With the sun shining on Beach Bash week, campers spent their days surfing from one gymnastics event to the next, making waves with every routine, floating through the air like they were underwater with each jump. The gym was filled with the energy of summer as campers practiced new skills while enjoying a week inspired by sandy shores and seaside adventures. At the bars, campers got into the rhythm of rolling ocean waves, practicing pull-overs, casts, and controlled dismounts, each sway and rotation reminiscent of cresting waves; and when they finally careened up and over the bar, they came down with the crash of a mighty wave against the side of a shore. The balance beam this week was a weather pier the campers had to navigate across, the sunny weather turning into a storm that threatened to throw them into turbulent weaves, every step fighting against the winds (but more so their own balance). And when the weather finally returned to a wild ocean breeze, campers celebrated by taking a dip in the (sea) foam of the pit and enjoying the soft landing.

Camp ROGA campers enjoy beach-themed snacks including beach dirt cups, crab oranges, edible fishing treats, and healthy summer camp snacks.

After a full day of gymnastics and soaking up the fun of Beach Bash week, campers were always ready to recharge with a lineup of delicious beach-inspired snacks. But while they were taking a rest, they were not taking a rest on the beach. To start their snacks off, campers took a load off at the beach, munching on dunes made of graham cracker dust and jello. And while it is true you are not supposed to play with your food, who can pass up on building an edible sandcastle to chow down on later? Next, since they were by the sea, campers decided to go for some deep-sea fishing. But, though the ocean is surely bountiful, these gold fish fishing cups are ridiculous! Every cast saw a handful (or two!) of goldfish climb up the fish line into a waiting mouth; if only all our fishing trips could catch so many fish! And since the campers were out on the ocean, how could they pass up on a trip beneath the waves? Deep down under da sea, campers spotted another tasty snack, one that was sure to give them plenty of vitamin C. Crawling along the ocean floor were a score of Crab Oranges, each leg a slice of delicious fruit with a center topped with a cheese hat to make the fruity crustaceans a little fashionable. While the campers were down picking their fruit crabs, they also got a chance to sample the salty seafloor. Rocks of bugle chips and cheese puffs, and seaweed made from veggie straws made for a nice salty snack to end off the week of beachy culinary deliciousness.

Camp ROGA campers cool off during Beach Bash Water Day with sprinklers, kiddie pools, water balloons, slip-and-slides, chalk art, and outdoor summer games.

Beach Bash week wouldn’t have been complete without a day spent cooling off in the sun, and Water Day delivered all the excitement of a perfect summer trip to the shore. Plenty of wet shenanigans abounded, “beach balls” filled with water chief among them. The crash of waves came upon Camp ROGA’s shores with every dive across the slip and slides, causing a wave of water to come and splash the little beach goers, surfboards skidding over the makeshift blue wave in the center of the lawn. The kiddie pools and splash pads served as relaxing beach lagoons where campers could cool off between adventures and prepare for the next round of watery fun. And when the surprise splashes here and there became too much, campers could head over to the beachfront area to relax on some towels and enjoy the sun high in the sky, a truly fitting way to end the campers’ adventures on the beach.

Camp ROGA campers gather outside Rochester Gymnastics Academy for a group photo during Beach Bash week at summer camp.

As Beach Bash week came to an end, campers headed home with sandy souvenirs, new gymnastics accomplishments, and plenty of sunny memories to share with their families. Enjoying every moment in the gym, in the craft room, and out on the makeshift beachfront, it was a week filled with laughter and summer fun. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back for another exciting Camp ROGA adventure next week!

ROGA Blog: Camp ROGA 2026: Space Challenge Week

Three… two… one… blast off! This week at Camp ROGA, our gym transformed into a gateway to the stars as campers embarked on an unforgettable space adventure. Throughout the week, aspiring astronauts trained their gymnastics skills, engineered incredible spacecraft, fueled up with cosmic snacks, and conquered challenges that would make any space explorer proud. By the end of the week, every camper in attendance had learned that the sky is never truly the limit when you are having fun. Join us as we look back on an out-of-this-world week filled with laughter, learning, and memories that are truly written in the stars.

What use is a space challenge without a way to get there? To reach out and grab the stars, campers needed a proper spaceship to bring them there; luckily, Camp ROGA had all the supplies needed to build just that. Using special kits, plenty of accessories, and a pinch of imagination, each camper designed a one-of-a-kind spacecraft ready to blast off on an intergalactic adventure. However, space can be a perilous place full of challenges, so to ensure that every camper had the tools they needed for the job, we spent every day creating a different kind of spaceship, so campers had one ready for every situation they might encounter.

To get their imaginations started, we decided to return to the classics with a NASA shuttle craft. Good for getting around in space, and good for tossing while you are still on the ground. This craft could be thrown to make it soar through the cosmos of the mind, with a plastic nose to ensure that each landing, even the crash landings, left the craft intact.

Children proudly displaying handmade NASA space shuttle crafts during Camp ROGA's space-themed gymnastics camp.

For takeoff, campers got to design the ignition rocket. In order to get out of orbit, these rockets needed an extra punch, so campers went all out designing their thrusters. Flames of every color shot out of the rocket thrusters, represented by colorful windchimes tied to the rocket’s ignition port. Not to be outdone, the hull of the rocket also got a makeover. Every variety of color adorned their hulls, along with stickers, beads, and an assortment of shiny stick-on jewels.

Campers showing off colorful handmade rocket crafts created during Camp ROGA's outer space summer camp.

And to give themselves one last tool for the job, campers designed the space suits they would use to protect themselves on their spacewalks. Of course, making sure each suit was properly sealed was important, but what was more important was making sure every suit was dripped out in the best the ROGA Camp department had to offer. I’m pretty sure a lot of these colors aren’t regulation, but the little spacemen certainly seem happy with them.

Young campers coloring space-themed crafts and activity sheets during Camp ROGA gymnastics summer camp.

Of course, the real mission of the week happened inside the gym, where our space explorers trained, preparing for launch. Every trip into the gym became a new mission through the galaxy! Campers explored a variety of gymnastics stations designed to build confidence while keeping the space adventure alive. At the rope station, campers trained their climbing skills in preparation for scaling lunar cliffs, strengthening their arms with every new summit. Over on the bars, campers brushed up on their knowledge of the rotations of the planets, each of them performing one full orbit around the bar as they practiced pullovers.

Campers climbing ropes, swinging on bars, balancing, and exploring gymnastics obstacle stations at Camp ROGA summer camp.

On the floor, campers prepared for zero g’s by getting some air time! With one giant leap for mankind, campers soared through the air into the block pit or a soft mat, doing tricks while they went. Some campers were nervous about trying flips for the first time, but once we demonstrated that the moon’s low gravity would catch them as they fell (plus the comforting embrace of a pit full of foam), many warmed up to the idea, performing the first front and back flips of their gymnastics career.

Children practicing gymnastics skills, foam pit activities, stretching, and team games during Camp ROGA's space-themed summer camp.

To refuel after a long day spent at play, our campers took a trip to the distant stars to search the nebula of the sky for fluffy popcorn stars. Above you can see the popcorn bags, filled with delicious popcorn and decorated to resemble a swirling galaxy, making every camper feel like they were holding a tiny piece of the universe in their hands. The chance to search the brilliant skies for some tasty treats added a little excitement to snack time and gave every camper a boost of energy they could take back to the gymnastics floor. Popcorn is a household favorite, and with a little creative presentation and not a small bit of imagination, it can simply taste out of this world.

Campers enjoying galaxy-themed popcorn snacks served in colorful nebula bags during Camp ROGA's space-themed summer camp.

Rounding off their adventures through the great wide cosmos, the campers find themselves before a great field of comets! With comets flying this way and that way, campers had to summon up every bit of spaceman acumen they had built up over the week to dodge them all. Every roll and cartwheel performed in the gym flashed through their minds, showing them the way to dodge the perfidious comets, come to pelt them with water. Once all the comets were thrown, campers dove into the curtains of misty space dust and finally had their chance to relax in the pool, their challenges finally overcome.

Campers playing water games, tossing water balloons, and cooling off during space-themed water day at Camp ROGA summer camp.

As our mission came to an end, our astronauts returned to Earth with crafts, souvenirs, and memories aplenty. Stronger gymnastics skills aside, each camper walks out of camp with greater confidence and new friendships to cherish beyond the halls of Camp ROGA. Each day offered a new adventure waiting to be discovered. We loved watching each camper’s imagination soar as high as their gymnastics, and we can’t wait to see what exciting journey Camp ROGA will blast off on next! Join us next week for Ninja Challenge as campers embark on a new training regimen, one a lot more… sneaky.