Evening & Large Group Activities
Bring your whole group together for a memorable evening singing around the campfire, hiking under the stars or playing a few rounds of gaga.
Campfire
Gather round and enjoy a warm evening by the campfire. You’ll be in for a lively, entertaining evening as you sing campfire songs, hear riddles and stories and watch skits performed by 100 Elk instructors. Some songs require high energy, standing and action while others help mellow out the night before students head back to cabins. Campfires are held outside by the Valerie fire ring or inside by the fireplace, depending upon weather. Chaperones and students are encouraged to participate as well by leading songs and activities, so come prepared with a song, joke or story! Before you ask, s’mores are not included.
Night Hikes
100 Elk instructors take groups of students on 45 to 90-minute night hikes as an evening activity. Explore the forest at night and participate in sensory awareness activities to learn about the special adaptations of nocturnal animals, night vision and how to navigate comfortably in the dark. Later, students have the opportunity to reflect on their experience and nature through storytelling, “Alone with Your Thoughts” quiet time or stargazing. Hikes can be co-ed or by cabin groups, depending on a school’s preference.
Gaga
A favorite of many of our alumni, gaga is a dodgeball-inspired game played in our indoor “gaga pit,” a large, octagonal structure at Wyly Lodge. This fast-paced, high-energy game allows adults and kids of any size, age or ability to play and have fun. Much like dodgeball, the object of the game is to hit the ball towards opponents (below the knee) and be the last one remaining. Depending upon the size of the group, games last between 10 and 15 minutes, and groups are usually eager to play again and again.
Rock Gym
Our indoor rock gym, located at Wyly Lodge, is a popular evening activity. The activity, often combined with gaga, allows students students to float between the downstairs rock gym and upstairs dance floor and gaga pit. Groups can spend the whole evening at Wyly Lodge or end there after night hikes or games on Hubbell Field. The rock gym evening session includes 100 Elk staff supervision, but limited time for instruction and warm-up . So, it’s helpful to have your groups participate in a rock gym rotation during the day.
Lawn Games
Spend an evening outside Valerie Lodge playing lawn games. 100 Elk instructors can lead a variety of games or set up one large game such as capture-the-flag for the group. Games can be active, as well as include name games or community building for schools focused on bonding at the beginning of the school year.
Hubbell Field
Available during the fall and late spring, our 81,000-sq-ft sports field, Hubbell Field, is ideal for soccer, kickball, Frisbee or large group activities such as team building and name games. This fenced-in, grass field is located at Sky Valley Ranch, adjacent to Wyly Lodge, and is a great way to fill a morning, afternoon or evening. For inspiration, we have a nearby shed with a selection of sports balls, cones and other supplies for outdoor games.
