Tag Archives: children’s summer camp

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.