Our second day at Camp Dragon was brimming with energy and enthusiasm as students continued to settle into their new surroundings and form connections with their peers. The summer spirit was truly alive, with plenty of sunshine and laughter echoing across the playgrounds and classrooms. The warm weather has helped set a cheerful tone, and students have been making the most of the outdoor spaces.
The morning began with a lively all-campus assembly led by Director Lou, where students were introduced to the house system—a beloved tradition at Camp Dragon. With great excitement, students were placed into one of four teams: Red, Yellow, Blue or Green. This colourful approach not only fosters friendly competition but also gives students a sense of belonging and shared purpose. As Lou explained, students can earn points for their houses by helping others, tidying up and showing kindness—a simple but powerful way to encourage teamwork and good values throughout the week.
After lunch, the students’ creativity took centre stage with an arts and crafts session dedicated to designing their very own dragon mascots. Using paper plates, colourful card and generous amounts of glitter, each child created a dragon mask and tail to represent their house. This activity brought out plenty of smiles and gave everyone a chance to express themselves. Staff noticed how much pride students took in their work, and it was clear that even the shyest among them were starting to come out of their shells.
The day’s fun didn’t stop there. While some students crafted, others took part in an energetic parachute game, taking turns to run underneath, wave the edges and laugh along with their new friends. This rotating format between craft and play meant that everyone stayed engaged and had the chance to try everything. The parachute game, in particular, was a highlight for many and helped spark spontaneous moments of joy that had both students and staff smiling.
Later in the afternoon, the children enjoyed time in the playground, which was full of cheerful activity. With space hoppers bouncing and balls flying between games, it was clear that the group was starting to bond, forming the early threads of new friendships. These unstructured moments of play are just as important as the planned sessions, allowing students to feel relaxed, confident and part of a community.
It’s been a warm and welcoming start to the week here at Camp Dragon, with the atmosphere on campus feeling both inclusive and uplifting. Although we’ve only just begun, the students have already begun building the foundation of what promises to be a memorable summer together. With houses chosen, dragons made and games played, there’s a real sense of excitement about what lies ahead.