Star Wars Camp

The event of the summer (at least by Carter's standards) finally arrived the first week in August... STAR WARS CAMP! As I said in an earlier post, Russ created this little 3-day Jedi Training Academy especially for Carter. Carter had great dreams of attending a camp that simply did not exist. Rather than dash his dreams, Russ designed a curriculum and presented it to the Maumelle Community Center for approval.

Initially, I think Russ was a bit disappointed that he only had 8 padawans signed up...by the end of the first day, I think he was wishing he only had two! Russ didn't realize that little boys can complete an hours worth of activities in 15 minutes. Add the chaos of giving them all weapons and he definitely earned his title of Jedi Master Russ. I volunteered an hour each day to help with organizing and photographing. A nice "mom job." In the end I think it was a big hit. The kids all seemed to have a really good time while learning about Jedi qualities such as friendship, loyalty and trust. They had to complete the Jedi trials on the last day to become a Jedi Knight Level One. I'm proud to say my little guy passed!

The first day photo shoot.

Whispering to Natalie (the only girl in the class!) during a "transmissions" class.

Owen and Carter calling upon the force.

Receiving their tattoos after putting in a full day of training.

The entire class practicing their moves. Russ may have

borrowed this exercise from the Jedi Training Academy at

Disney World. Who says those trips don't pay-off?

Carter posing with his planet. The boys had to design and name

their own planet. They had to decide if it belonged to the Empire

or the Republic. Carter was Republic all the way!

Dueling with his buddy Isaac.

All the young padawans with Jedi Master Russ.

Playing a game with R2D2.

Alex was an official Jedi Master, as well. He was a tremendous help.

He lead a discussion on main characters and their characteristics.

I love all those raised hands.

Getting ready for the Jedi trials on the last day. The

boys had to complete an obstacle course while carrying Yoda

on their back.

Each day Russ did a power point presentation on Episodes 1-3.

He would play clips, pause and discuss. I was amazed at how

much the kids enjoyed this.

Bowing to the Jedi Master during the graduation ceremony.