Adventure Camp: The Secret Garden

Camp Description:
In this immersive summer camp, young artists will experience The Secret Garden as both readers and creators. Through reading the Great Illustrated Classic version of the book, participants will follow Mary Lennox’s journey of discovery and transformation. Each student will receive their own copy of the book to read throughout the camp, and engage in hands-on projects that mirror the characters' actions and the natural wonders in the story. From unlocking hidden spaces to nurturing a garden and creating art inspired by the book’s key moments, this camp brings the story to life through a blend of reading, art, and adventure.

Session Structure:

• Reading and Reflection: Each session starts with reading passages from The Secret Garden together, focusing on Mary’s exploration of Misselthwaite Manor, her discovery of the secret garden, and her growing friendship with Dickon and Colin. After each reading, students will discuss how these moments inspire the day’s art projects.

• Creating Your Secret Key: Just like Mary finds a mysterious key to unlock the garden, students will design and create their own "secret key" using clay, wire, and paint. Each key will be unique and represent the idea of unlocking something magical and hidden in their lives.

• Unlocking the Garden Gate: After creating their keys, students will craft their own garden gates using cardboard, wood pieces, and decorative elements like vines and flowers. This project reflects the excitement of discovery as Mary first enters the secret garden.

• Tending the Secret Garden: Drawing from the novel’s central theme of renewal, students will learn basic gardening skills by planting flowers and small plants, mirroring Mary and Dickon’s efforts to revive the hidden garden. Each student will also create a small potted plant to take home, continuing the story’s theme of growth and care.

• Nature Drawing and Painting: Inspired by the beauty of the secret garden as it blooms, students will sketch and paint flowers, plants, and garden landscapes using watercolors and acrylics. This will help them capture the feeling of being inside the flourishing garden.

• Building Miniature Gardens: Just as Mary works to bring life back to her secret garden, students will build their own miniature versions of a garden using natural materials like moss, stones, and small plants. Each garden will reflect their personal vision of a hidden, magical space.

• Creating Character Portraits: Students will draw and paint portraits of the key characters—Mary, Dickon, Colin—capturing their transformation throughout the story, from lonely and sad to vibrant and full of life, just like the garden.

• Designing a Robin: The robin is a key character who leads Mary to the garden. Students will create a sculpture or drawing of a robin using various art materials, focusing on its role as a symbol of hope and guidance.

• Final Celebration and Showcase: To end the camp, students will create a final piece of artwork that brings together all the elements of the story. They’ll present their miniature gardens, keys, and artwork, showcasing how they’ve brought The Secret Garden to life.

Educational Objectives:

• Connection to Literature: Through the full reading of The Secret Garden, students will understand the book’s themes of growth, friendship, and renewal, and apply these lessons to creative projects.
• Hands-on Gardening and Nature Art: Participants will engage in real gardening and nature-inspired art, learning basic skills in both areas while drawing connections between nature and creativity.
• Creative Expression: Encourage personal expression through projects that allow students to design their own secret keys, gates, and gardens, reflecting their unique interpretations of the story.
• Character and Story Engagement: Foster a deeper connection to the characters and plot through projects that explore the journey of Mary, Dickon, and Colin as they transform along with the garden.

Materials Provided:
Each student will receive their own copy of The Secret Garden (Great Illustrated Classics edition) to read and keep. All necessary materials, including paints, clay, plant supplies, drawing tools, and other crafting supplies, will also be provided.