RAZ Land Summer Camp 2025: Dive Into Olympic History with Art & Innovation
- Yael Lichaa
- Apr 28
- 4 min read
At RAZ Land Summer Camp, we believe that creativity and history go hand in hand. In the first two weeks of our camp, campers will journey through the roots of the Olympics, discovering how ancient and modern innovations shaped the spirit of the Games. With hands-on projects, cultural exploration, and exciting discoveries, we’re bringing the Olympic legacy to life in a way that inspires creativity, unity, and progress!
Week 1: Ancient Greece – The Origins of the Olympic Spirit
In Week 1, campers will step back in time to Ancient Greece, immersing themselves in the origins of the Olympic Games and the timeless values of excellence, unity, and competition. The ancient Greeks didn’t just invent sports; they set the stage for an idealistic view of humanity striving for excellence. Campers will learn about "Arete", the concept of excellence, and how it shaped the values of the Olympic Games. Through creative art projects like sculpting Olympic athletes, designing symbols such as flags, medals, and torches, kids will connect with the ancient traditions that gave birth to the Games.
Beyond the arts, campers will dive into Greek culture and its impact on the world. They’ll build a simple Greek theater to learn about ancient performances and playwriting, with a particular focus on writing short plays in the Greek style. They’ll also explore Greek gods and heroes through art and storytelling, bringing mythological figures to life through sculpting and drawing.
A core theme of this week is also exploring the Greek government and its values, which laid the foundation for modern democracy. Campers will engage in a collaborative painting where each participant contributes to one another's artwork, reflecting the way different forms of government have built upon each other over time. They’ll discuss ideas about justice, fairness, and governance, and learn about the moral philosophies of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. This hands-on project will highlight how individual contributions create a unified, collective outcome - just like the evolution of government systems.
To top off the week, campers will create a Pandora’s Box to represent the ancient mysteries and philosophical dilemmas that have shaped human thought for centuries. These activities will help kids appreciate the ancient Greek contributions to modern art, philosophy, politics, and the Olympic Games, all while engaging in creative, hands-on projects that spark their imaginations and foster a deeper understanding of history.
Week 2: The Dawn of the Modern Olympics, 1896-1904 – Innovation and Progress
In Week 2, campers will dive into the exciting dawn of the modern Olympic Games, a period where groundbreaking discoveries and innovations in science, technology, and social change shaped the global nature of the Games. This era saw the revival of the Olympics in 1896 and the first appearance of women in the Games in 1900. The inclusion of women was a historic milestone that signified the growing inclusivity of the Olympics - a shift that continues to evolve today.
To celebrate this momentous achievement, kids will create a fabric collage of women in different sports, honoring the pioneers who broke barriers. They’ll learn how these milestones laid the groundwork for gender equality in sports, fostering creativity and empowering future generations.
This era also introduced the world to monumental discoveries that changed the course of history. Marie Curie’s discovery of radioactivity and the development of the Periodic Table of Elements reshaped our understanding of science and medicine. Campers will create a table of elements using Legos, making science fun and interactive. It’s a way for them to experience the excitement and importance of discovery while learning about Curie’s groundbreaking work that continues to influence our lives today.
Campers will also build a model airplane in honor of the Wright brothers' first flight, a pivotal moment in human history. Their innovation revolutionized transportation and symbolized human ingenuity - a perfect tie-in to the Olympics’ ideals of pushing boundaries. Lastly, inspired by Rudolf Diesel’s invention of the diesel engine, campers will construct their own simple engine model, learning about industrial advancements that helped shape the modern world.
These projects highlight how the Olympics and technological advancements are connected by the drive for innovation and progress. From the inclusion of women to the inventions that changed the world, the discoveries and milestones from this period demonstrate how the Olympic Games are a reflection of broader social and technological movements.
A Perfect Blend of Olympic History with Art & Innovation
In both weeks, RAZ Land Summer Camp combines Olympic History with Art & Innovation, offering a dynamic mix of creativity, learning, and physical activity. Each project ties into the larger Olympic story, connecting children with history, culture, and the enduring spirit of competition. Whether sculpting Greek gods, building models of historic inventions, or reflecting on the values that unite us through art and storytelling, our campers will develop their creativity while celebrating the Olympic Games’ legacy.
With hands-on art projects, scientific discoveries, Olympic sports, and plenty of fun along the way, these first two weeks will set the tone for an unforgettable summer of exploration, innovation, and inspiration.
Don’t miss out on the Olympic adventure of a lifetime - register today for RAZ Land’s Summer Camp 2025!
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