Director's Corner

I cannot believe we are at the end of seven weeks. I would like to first thank "my Lord and Savior" for keeping the staff and campers, healthy and safe throughout the seven sessions. The teachers have academically challenged the campers in reading, math, writing and science. They will be showing their specific talents during the closing program. They have worked very hard, so come and support them. Lastly, I would like to thank our wonderful parents for their support and entrusting their children to us. You are the best and I hope you will be returning to Camp Odyssey in 2014.

Acting, Batarangs, and Special Abilities: Week 7 is here!

Well everyone, we have made it to the final week of Camp Odyssey. It is amazing how quick time flies during the summer! This week, the campers will need to be on their game in a mighty way as there are only 3 days left until Thursday's Closing program at 6 PM. As everyone has been doing their part to make this show great, Thursday night should be one to remember!

Before that, the campers will be going on what is to some, the most anticipated field trip of the summer. I am, of course, talking about the trip magical Six Flags America theme park. On Wednesday, the   Camp will be swimming in the Wave Pool, going way up and way down on the Tower of Doom, and experiencing the best of the DC Universe as they ride the Batwing and Jokers Jinx. 

On Friday, among other things, there will be a camper talent show! Can you sing? Dance? Are you the next great stand-up comedian of our generation? If you are any of those things, or have another unique talent, show us what you can do on Friday! Prizes for this year could be anything from toys and games, to gift cards for an awesome restaurant or store! 

So, memorize your lines for the closing program at 6 PM on Thursday, let loose and have some fun on Tuesday at Six Flags America, get that Talent Show act together for Friday, and gear up for an action packed last week of Camp Odyssey! 

Staff Showcase

The Hoops Report!

Your author, in addition to working hard as a counselor here at Camp Odyssey, is also putting his typing skills to the task at his internship. For those of you who do not know, I write for thehoopsreport.com.  I cover all sorts of topics in the arena of college hoops! My latest article, entitled Capitol Area Power, discusses the top players in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area colleges. Please give that, and all of my articles are read! Let me know if you have any questions or comments at jerseyware@!

My Vision-Jalen

          Hello my name is Jalen and my vision board has a lot of features that will explain a lot about me the pictures are pretty hard to describe so it will be hard to tell it.                                                                                                                                      

"And that's my vision of the future."- Jalen Cash

       So first I am going to do gaming. I have three sonic pictures of the past the present and the future. So the past and present you should know if you play sonic generations, but the future you have to see. It is Sonic in robotic armor with a blast claw and his gloves have claws on them. I al so put in, well,as you all know, Mario pictures and I have a Mega Man  picture as well.

I then have a Pokemon picture with Ash and all his friends and Pokemon. I also have a picture of Jin and Devil Jin. Last but not least I have a picture with link and link in his wolf form from the Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. I also have a bonus picture of a game controller

Now on to movies. I have a picture of the movies Transformers, Spider-Man, Iron Man, Thor, Avatar, Let it Shine, and Twilight: New Moon.

As far as sports go, I only have two pictures of a football player and a picture of a basketball.


Finally, there's music. I have pictures of Beats headphones. I also used a picture of a flaming guitar, a tape playing a guitar, a heart with dark mist and a D.J. playing a turn table.

And that's my vision of my future.

my vision board jt

    

Jelani Thorne

 I have chosen to use a LeBron James' dunk because I believe that LeBron James is a great basketball player and  his accomplishments have backed that up.

2× NBA champion (2012–2013)

2× NBA Finals MVP (2012–2013)

4× NBA Most Valuable Player (2009–2010, 2012–2013)

9× NBA All-Star (2005–2013)

2× NBA All-Star Game MVP (2006, 2008)

NBA Rookie of the Year (2004)

NBA scoring champion (2008)

7× All-NBA First Team (2006, 2008–2013)

2× All-NBA Second Team (2005, 2007)

5× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2009–2013)

NBA All-Rookie First Team (2004)

Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year (2012)

Sporting News Athlete of the Year (2012)

USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (2012)

Cleveland Cavaliers all-time leading scorer

Naismith Prep Player of the Year (2003)

3× Ohio Mr. Basketball (2001–2003)

2× Consensus National H.S. Player of the Year (2002–2003)

      not mentioning the medals he won at the 2004 2008 and 2012 Olympics

  I also chose to use Jay Z and Eminem on my board because  I think they are both great rappers and that they have the best "flow" and way of words.I put Riley freeman on my board because I love the show "Boondocks" I put shoes on the board (Air Jordan 28[Nike/Jordan] , LeBron zoom soldier VII[Nike],Air Jordan retro 8[Nike/Jordan] and the Kds 6[Nike) because I love how they look and they are my dream shoes. Just to sum some of this up on my board I put Floyd "$Money$' Mayweather I pus a little spin on the money part with the cash signs, and I put a vintage photo of the dunk from Michael Jordan from the free throw/foul line.

   "What do I want to do when I grow up"

Honestly, I can't answer that question to the fullest extent, but I have an idea of wanting to become a game engineer for a major gaming company ( Yukes,2k, and even Naughty Dog) , but it is a dream that I need to have a lot of catching up to do if I want to take advantage of when the opportunity when it awaits.

Keeping up with the Raven-Redskins-Weeks 3-5

It has been a pretty eventful time in the happenings of the Raven-Redskins these past few weeks. In math, for instance, they learned how to add with double and triple digits. According to teacher Ms. Tracy, "Some of the Raven-Redskins even learned how to multiply."

Pastor Sandi Johnson came in and taught the campers sign language. Ask your camper what the sign for boy is to see if they remember what they learned. Ms. Taylor, one of the counselors here at Camp Odyssey, explained to the Raven-Redskins how other countries and cultures tell time. Ms. Meyana, teacher of the Super Kool Kids (ages 8-10) surprised us with a fun and safe science experiment. The campers were given a bowl with milk inside; following that, green food coloring was added. The campers then placed a Q-tip with liquid soap on the tip and placed it in the mixture. The food coloring reacted to this by splitting and spreading throughout the bowl. Perhaps you and your camper (or you by yourself) can try this at home!

In weeks four and five, the Raven-Redskins worked harder than they usually do on their reading comprehension skills. They continued their phonics reading program through scholastic reading. A few of the titles that Ms. Tracy and Ms. Jamie had them cover were: Ice is Nice, Hop Like a Tree Frog, The Rain Forest Race, and Stuck in the Mud. Along with the rest of Camp Odyssey, the Raven-Redskins got to enjoy the literary classic "Peter Pan and Wendy" performed live at the "Imagination Stage" in Bethesda, Maryland on Friday, June 12.

With the closing program taking place on August 1, 2013 at 6:00 PM, the Raven-Redskins have been practicing very hard for that night. The group has focused on the act of welcoming campers new and familiar during the first couple of weeks of camp. They will be closing out this summer focusing on manners such as saying "excuse me," "please," and "thank you."

Ms. Tracy looks forward to spending these last couple of weeks with your campers. If you have any questions, please call her at Camp Odyssey at (301) 577-3354.

Jade's Vision Board

Jade Henry!

My name is Jade Henry .My vision board is about mostly me and what I like to do like one thing on this board is a pictures of some animals. I put  this one my board because I like to have fun with animals and that might be my career in life .I also have a picture of a famous person which is to represent that you can be what ever you want to be. One more thing I have on the board is nail polish and makeup because I like to do nails and makeup also.



  Something I would like to do for a job is either do hair  or like I said work with animals. I really want to do hair because I thing it is interesting  to see how many  styles I can do. also I would like to work with animals because I think it would be fun.

Directors Corner: Week 5

Hello Everyone,

       We are in our final two weeks of camp and I am loving all the excitement of the activities, sign language, trips, and preparation for the closing program. I would like to "thank" the teachers and counselors for all of their hard work and dedication to the campers and their jobs. You are truly the best!

        Also, parents, please make sure your camper(s) are practicing at home for the closing program. They may have a song, speech, or dance to practice. Last, but not least, I thank the Ebenezer family for their continuous donations and gift cards to Camp Odyssey. We are forever grateful. See you soon on August 1 at 6:00 PM.

My Vision Board !

"Singing is my passion"- Dejah Distance

        My name is Dejah Distance and my vision board is about what I like and what I love to do. The things I love to do are listen to music , play on my phone or basically any electronics and also do my nails and makeup. I also like shoes, clothes, money, games and Beyoncé. Beyoncé is really pretty and I love to listen to her music , I am a big fan of her.  I like playing with dogs and some cats. I used to have a dog and I loved her very much .



    One of  the things I want to do when I grow up is play basketball. Basketball is one of my favorite sports to play when I'm bored at home or when I'm bored period. I really want to be a nurse when I grow up as I love helping people feel better when there ill or hurt. Singing is my passion! I love to sing and I have been singing since I was about 7 years of age I want to be a singer. Being a nurse is pretty much my back up plan after basketball and after singing.


And that is what I like and what I love to do !!!!

Anaiyah's Awesome Vison Board!!!!

"I love my life and I'm happy to be living"- Anniyah Boone

Hi my name is Anaiyah! I am 10 years old going on eleven and here are the things on my vision board. I love to play on my phone and iPhone along with dancing and shopping for new clothes, as well as accessories for my apple products and me. When I grow up I would like to go to The Joffrey or Julliard school for college to pursue my dance dreams. After I graduate college I would like to own a kids spa and salon similar to Scoops with the help of close friends and  climb a high mountain like Mt. Fuji. I would love to visit Niagara Falls and explore the rich African culture on a trip to Africa and maybe even learn a new language there. Another thing I would like to do when I am a little older and more experienced swimmer is to go surfing on a huge ocean. I want to also be in the future Olympics for swimming, gymnastics, or another water sport.


 Moving away from my future dreams, here is more about me. I love Beats by Dre, Apple, Vine, Instagram,  iTunes gift cards, music, candy, baby lips, eos, the water, Zendaya, Raven symmone, Vera Bradley, Uggs , shopping, Juicy Couture, and things that glow. My favorite quote is "it's really nice to wake up in the morning knowing that God has given you another day to live." I like this quote because I love my life and I am happy to be living. I am happy to be a Christian as well knowing that if I am good to God, he will give me another day. Also something that was too valuable to go on my list was that I love my family a lot, and no matter what, they love me.

Hope you enjoyed my vision board and hope you learned a little about me!!!

Sere' Vision Board

"I love getting my nails done"-Sere' Hainesworth!

       What's on my vision board are things I will like to happen to me in the future. The first picture on my vision board is a quote I like: "Live, Love, Dream." I really like that quote because it describes me as I like to live love and dream. The second picture I have is the college I would like to attend which is Georgetown. It seems like a very nice, well-rounded college. Another one I have is one of graduation caps. I would like to graduate college and finish with a masters degree. I also have one of a surf board as I would love to go surfing one day, it's a dream I have had for a long time. I have a picture of a Louis Vuitton bag as it's on of my favorite brands. I would like to have a couple purses from that brand. I have one of Trayvon Martin as I believe he needs justice. It was very sad when the killer was found not guilty.

       I have two pictures of very nice houses that I would like to live in when I get older. This last picture I have is of nail polish because I love getting my nails done. I get them done at least every three weeks. Here's just a little bit of the things I enjoy on my free time. I love to shop , spend time with my family & friends , go to the movies , I do a little bit of sewing , and I like to meet new people. So that's my vision board and a little bit about me keep on reading the camp odyssey blog.

Friday Surf Dinner!

On tomorrow, Friday July 12, Camp Odyssey will be having it's annual Fish Fry! From 3PM-6PM, the campers will be selling fish fried wonderfully by the EUMC Men.

Here is a look at the complete menu for tomorrow afternoon:

Fish Sandwich- $6.00
Fish Dinners- $8.00
French Fries-$2.00
Water and Soda-$1.00

So, if you love fish, or if you just refuse to cook on Friday, come on out to the Camp Odyssey Fish Fry! Think Surf!

Camp Odyssey's Mission Statement

  

Some of our first donations!

Camp Odyssey's mission for this camp year is to help the families in Shepherd's Cove Women's Shelter, located in Capitol Heights, Maryland. A full list of items the shelter allows and needs to supply their residents with is posted at the camp. The women of Ebenezer United Methodist Church will make sure the shelter receives any supplies donated.

There is a box at the Education Outreach Center (Camp Odysseu) where these donations can be placed. Please review their "Wish List" and feel free to bring any products under the highlighted titles. Some of the categories and items are:

Baby/Children Items
-Car seats
-Pacifiers
-Playpen

Bath/Bedding
-Bath cloths
-Bath towels

Cleaning Products
-Bleach
-Laundry Detergent
Kitchen Items
-Aprons
-Oven Gloves

Paper Products

More donations!

Cereal Bowls
Kleenex Tissues


Other items include: feminine/personal care products, gift cards/certificates, storage bins with lids (medium and large), outside marquee, trash bags and cans (any size).

 The staff and campers appreciate your support and donations. We look forward to helping the women in Shepherd's Cove.

Give Me That 2013 Spirit (Week)

From July 15-19, Camp Odyssey will be have a totally different look to it. History, athletics, and sleep will be some of the themes surrounding the second annual "Sprit Week." Each day, the campers will wear something that corresponds to the particular spirit day.

Here is how things will break down:

Monday- Pajama Day
Campers will be able to (more or less) roll right out of bed and right into camp without a change of attire. Night caps, stuffed animals, and slippers will be things to look for this day.

Tuesday-Flash Back Day
Whether you want to be a 'groovy" flower child, or a big haired star from the 80's, it's all fine when we turn back the clock for a day.

Wednesday-Bamma Day

"Ugh, plaid does not go with polka-dots." "Your shoes don't match at all!" "Orange, red, and lime green sooooooo don't go together." These are some of the statements you will here on our bamma/mismatch day. During this time, any clothing combination goes.

Thursday-Steve Erkel Day

"Did I do that???" On this day, Camp Odyssey pays homage to one of T.V.'s most memorable geeks-Steve Erkel of Family Matters. Though Jaleel White has moved on in his career, Steve's spirit will live on this day in the form suspenders, big glasses, and high-water pants.
Friday, Friday, Friday!- Sports Day

On Sports day, you decide which team you'll represent. You can:

1.) Hail to the Redskins or to the Victors (University of Michigan)
2.) Rock the Red
3.) Fly like a (Philadelphia) Eagle or Flyer
4.) Rep your hometown or country.

Whatever you decide to wear, be sure to support your team somewhere in the outfit.

No matter the outfit choice, there will be tons of spirit here at Camp Odyssey next week!!!!!

This is Our Dream

When it comes to making changes in our schools, there are two sides to the story. On one end, there are things that parents, government and education systems (read "adults") want. This category of wants include better curriculums, better college prep programs, more foreign language courses and the such. The other (and sometimes less acknowledged) part of the equation is what the students themselves want in terms of improvements. It is for this reason that Camp Odyssey's "Marvelous Rock Stars" were posed the question "How Would You Change School?"

Many in attendance called for technological changes. Some asked for things such as phones, IPods, tablets, and other portable devices to be allowed for personal use. Others like Sere Hainesworth, in the area of school security and tech, asked for the removal of metal detectors and other methods of searches. Jelani Thorne wanted his school to get with the times and acquire some up to date technology for educational use.

The lunchroom sparked some pretty interesting conversation as well. "Real Food" was the plea of a number of the students. Yasmeen Mahdi specifically asked for "real meat" in the school lunches.  Dejah Distance just asked for "better food" in general. Courtney Holmes wanted her school to serve "steak, crab cakes (a Maryland cuisine staple), and potatoes," as a part of their lunch program.

In the area of student freedoms, it could be argued that many, if not all, of the M.R.S believed that they did not have enough freedom at their particular places of learning. Jalen Cash made this apparent when he asked flat-out for "no rules" and "extended recess."  Areyon Williams wanted the ability to choose her own classes and schedule for the day. Williams also wanted the ability to pick her own trips and have games at the end of lessons. Despite the fact that most of the students are headed to or in middle school, some, such as Holmes, wanted there to be a naptime during their day.

Other suggestions included: cleaner bathrooms, "three ply" toilet paper, longer school days, more extracurricular activities, movies during lunch, lower vending machine prices, and student elevator use.

For more on these "Marvelous Rock Stars," continue to tune in to the Odyssey Expressions!

"Camp Odyssey. Many members, One Camp!"

What makes Kool so Cool?

               The Super Kool Kids [ Calese, Chalyn, Justin, Tamia, Tyana, Michael, Aaron Davis, Daniel and Conrad] are quite a unique group of campers. You may ask, what exactly is a Super Kool Kid? Well we sat down to find out what makes The Super Kool Kids so cool. From the unique spelling of cool, to their Christian Faith, there is no doubt that the Super Kool Kids live up to their name. The Super Kool Kids also strive to maintain outstanding behavioral skills. The dynamic teacher-counselor duo of Ms. Meyana and Ms. Taylor promote and do their best to provide an environment of respect, love kindness and overall positivity.


                  These campers enjoy an array of activities such as reading books and watching movies. When asked during a recent in class interview, Tamia told our reporter that her favorite book is Karen Beaumont's Shoe-la-la. While her classmate Daniel chose Jeff Kiney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid. As far as movies go, two of our campers, Tyana and Michael have taken quite a shying to this summer's release Pixar's Monsters University. When asked about her Super Kool Kids, Ms. Meyana told our reporter "I look forward to their fresh inquisitive minds and that their young lively faces brighten my day which makes working with them an overall enjoyable experience."

                Stay tuned for more hot updates on these Super Kool Kids.

Director's Corner

Camp Odyssey Director- Joyce Yates

Greetings and welcome to Camp Odyssey! The Camp odyssey staff has planned a special summer for your camper. We have added a "writing clinic" to the math, science and reading curriculum. This curriculum will help your camper enhance their academic skills. Our classes are interactive and fun so the campers' will not be "bored." The teachers send home a newsletter explaining what their classes achieve weekly. We also have teachers for Spanish and Sign Language who volunteer their time during our seven week camp session. The campers will show you these talents during the closing program on August 1.

We thank the Leadership Committee of Ebenezer United Methodist Church for securing volunteers to teach Spanish and Sign Language and planning ahead to make Camp odyssey the "best camp" ever.

Last, but not least, we thank Aaron Ware Jr., our editor and chief of the Camp Odyssey newsletter , for starting our "official camp newsletter online" and using his talents to help develop campers in their writing skills." Please read and enjoy.

Sincerely,

Joyce Yates

Keeping Up With the Raven-Redskins

Welcome to  Camp Odyssey 2013. I look forward to having a fun filled educational time with each and every camper this summer. My name is Ms.Tracy Brooks and I am the teacher of the group ages 4-7 also know as Raven-Redskins. Every friday teachers send out a letter informing parents on what campers did throughout the week.

Week two: the Reven-Redskins improved academically and socially. In math,we practiced telling time. We also practiced addition,subtraction,and how to use a calendar. Some Raven-Redskins even advanced to converting cups to pints. In reading,the campers used their thinking and language skills. The Raven-Redskins read several stories and answered questions about what they read. And Ms.Jamie and I also introduced some of the Raven-Redskins to synonyns and antonyms.