CAMP CIRCUS PICNIC provides online activities to children
“What are we going to do with the kids this Summer?” That’s the question every parent is asking, and the reason why a creative family from Austin started CAMP CIRCUS PICNIC, a virtual summer camp for the whole family.
With everything that’s been canceled this summer, Kelly and Jefe Greenheart decided to help families feeling stir-crazy and trapped at home find the magic of camp right where they are.
“We want to transform cabin fever into family fun. Turn screen time into playtime. We believe we can bring the magic of camp to your own backyard. We need that now more than ever.”
The Greenhearts direct the camp as multi-talented teachers of unique skills. Together, they’ve traveled the world making films for non-profits, performed as stilt walkers for local parades to Cirque Du Soleil, and even competed on American Ninja Warrior. Their production company was hard hit due to the cancellation of major events like SXSW and ACL Music Festival, so they searched for ways to serve a new audience: mindful families.
CAMP CIRCUS PICNIC is not a traditional camp; it’s a fun variety of skill-building, creative challenges, and altruistic adventures in your own neighborhood. As parents themselves, Jefe and Kelly want to instill a love of nature and adventure in kids. “We’re not interested in facilitating 8-hour live stream sessions. Quite frankly, we’re ZOOM-ed out, and we think most families are too. Many offerings we saw required kids to be glued to the screen all day, but we think technology should simply be a springboard to learning adventures - the means, not the end. Our kids should be participants, not passive viewers.”
The 4-week program is self-paced, so anyone anywhere can connect with the lessons. That way campers and parents don’t stress about missing instructions because they show up late to a teleconference. The content is pre-recorded and drip-delivered throughout the week. The format is 15-30 minute videos that kids can watch, learn, and get inspired accompanied by 3-minute “spark” videos and printouts designed to help busy parents tag in and help guide the little ones when needed. Kids earn virtual patches for completing activities on their own time. “While we do have a 1-hour Campfire Chat each week, it’s more vibrant and interactive than other online events. We hosted our first Zoom Party for our son’s birthday in April and took everything to the next level—extraordinary costumes, homemade movie trailers, and gameshow style quizzes. The feedback was incredible, and we realized we were onto something special.”
The experience is designed for K-5th and their siblings. The project has an educational advisory council carried over from the Greenhearts’ PBS pilot program Mr. Greenheart’s Treehouse.
What they hope to accomplish is admirable: bringing families an end of summer filled with positive memories, a sense of belonging and being connected to something bigger than ourselves, even while we’re isolated at home. Enrollment is open for the last session starting July 20th, and they’re offering it as a Pay-What-You-Wish Model. “Parents need support, and kids need safe ways to continue to play and develop. And those gifts should be accessible to everyone, so each family decides what they can pay. We just want to bring light into homes.”
Watch their delightful video to learn more at https://www.CampCircusPicnic.com
