Summer camp is often synonymous with outdoor adventures, arts and crafts, and making lifelong friends. But at 6 Points Creative Arts Academy, we’re turning up the volume and adding a whole lot of rhythm to the mix! As a content creator for ten-dance.com, I’m excited to share an inside look at how “Dance Dance Dance Zumba” became a camper favorite, proving that fitness can be just as fun and engaging as any other camp activity.
Bonim campers engaging in a lively Zumba dance session, showcasing energetic movements and joyful participation.
Initially, bringing a gym-style workout to a creative arts camp seemed a bit unconventional. However, during staff week, I discovered the energy-boosting power of early morning cardio. This personal experience sparked an idea: why not introduce Zumba-inspired dance classes to our campers? My goal was to create a fun, accessible way for both our younger Bonim unit and older Olim unit to embrace physical activity throughout the summer. I envisioned energetic “dance dance dance zumba” sessions that would get everyone moving and grooving.
What I learned quickly was that while the enthusiasm for movement was universal, the preferred styles differed between age groups. The Bonim campers, with their boundless energy and love for the theatrical, were instantly captivated by “Musical Dance Party.” Show tunes became their soundtrack to fitness, turning each session into a mini-musical extravaganza. The Olim campers, on the other hand, leaned towards more traditional sports and activities. While “dance dance dance zumba” in its pure form wasn’t their immediate go-to, they were keen on activities like track walking and team sports like soccer and tennis.
Recognizing these preferences was key. Working closely with the camp leadership, I adapted the kinesthetic arts program to ensure everyone felt included and excited. For the Olim, this meant incorporating more tennis and soccer into the daily schedule, providing structured opportunities for cardio and skill development. It was fantastic to see campers who brought their own tennis rackets finding a real purpose for them, and I even learned a thing or two about soccer from their impromptu coaching sessions!
Olim campers participating in a soccer game, demonstrating teamwork and physical activity on the field.
For the Bonim, “Musical Dance Party” continued to evolve, becoming a vibrant hub of camper-led creativity. It moved beyond just following steps to a collaborative art form. Campers started sharing their favorite musical theatre dances with each other, teaching and learning routines, and building towards incredible mash-up performances. The highlight was undoubtedly their performance of “You Can’t Stop the Beat” from “Hairspray” at the end of Shabbat services. The energy was infectious! This success then spurred even more creativity, leading to a second performance featuring Broadway choreography actually created by the Bonim campers themselves. Talk about camper empowerment through dance!
Bonim campers performing a choreographed dance routine, showcasing their teamwork and newly learned dance skills.
Whether a seasoned dancer or a complete beginner, a soccer superstar or new to the game, our campers at URJ 6 Points Creative Arts embraced the chance to try new things in kinesthetic arts. They learned tennis techniques, mastered new dance moves like the “swim pivot” and the “Jitterbug,” and most importantly, they discovered the joy of movement and creative expression. Facilitating this journey of discovery, seeing campers build confidence and creativity through trying new activities, is incredibly rewarding. And personally, getting in some extra cardio while leading these fun sessions? That’s a definite win-win! At our camp, we’re proving that “dance dance dance zumba” and a whole range of physical activities can be integral to a well-rounded, creative summer camp experience.
