F+B Slingshot “Un-Camp” is a structured program with built-in options for teens to make the most out of their summer time at F+B. The "Un-Camp" Program checks all the boxes:

 

Sports: Slingshot is a popular competitive international sport.

• It is accessible for most abilities, and is novel enough that your teen is unlikely to be at a disadvantage in experience compared to others –we’re all getting better together! 

• Consistency and accuracy require building skills through disciplined practice and focus. 

• Improves fine motor skills, coordination, and balance. 

• Skills translate to other sports and activities. Applies the universal athletic position –Feet apart, knees bent, hips back, chest forward, arms extended, which is the starting position for many different sports

• Engages the 5 C’s of sports psychology: Commitment, Communication, Concentration, Control and Confidence.

• Promotes setting goals and working to achieve them. 

• There’s no ceiling on the level of precision and improvement in this sport!

 

STEM: Physics of Slingshot play and hands-on target building.

• Did you know that slingshots are called “catapults” in some parts of the world? Catapult building is a standard activity in youth STEM programs because of the many engineering and physics lessons built in to the project.

• Develop an understanding of potential energy, velocity, force, consistency, precision and angles.

• Program participants will be engaged in activities such as measuring the speed of ball flight with a chronograph and draw weight (how much strength it takes to pull back band) to understand force. Participants will build an understanding of the physics connecting these factors to angles and accuracy. Participants will calculate average ball speed and have their own “slingshot shooting stats.”

• Program participants will also build and test reactive targets using their creativity and applying an understanding of what it takes to move an object with a lightweight rubber ball.

• Participants will measure and learn to calculate their individual active band length.

 

Art & Crafts: Decorate paper poster targets, learn to tie slingshot band sets, create a reactive target for a gallery theme, and more!

• Program participants will get blank poster target to decorate in their own style. They will also use their design skills to set up challenges and goals on the poster targets.

• Learn the craft of tying slingshot band sets to customize your equipment for improved safety and accuracy during slingshot play.

• Program participants will draw on their creativity in building a unique reactive target to test out their slingshot shooting skills on.

• Other arts and crafts options will include: making a clay slingshot model, drafting a slingshot frame design, building a small catapult from basic household items.

 

Social media & perception management: F+B Un-Camp is such a unique experience, they will want to tell everyone about it! As part of the program, they will have the opportunity to develop their skills as “creators” and “influencers” in a managed/controlled setting.

• Program participants will capture content and collaborate to develop a social media post of their time at Un-Camp.

• Emphasis will be placed on understanding the importance of self-presentation, managing reputation, and psychological principles involved in effective perception management.

• Social media posts are created within small groups, requiring collaboration and cooperation.

 

Social Skills & Psychology: The F+B Un-Camp Program is designed and run by doctoral level social scientists with extensive training and experience in course and program development, teaching and mentoring young people, and applying evidence-based practices from research. We build our expertise (subtly) into every aspect of the program to promote personal and social responsibility and engagement and self-improvement.

• Program participants will engage with each other throughout their time, beginning with icebreakers and stretches and ending with reflections and discussions.

• Slingshot play and target building activities will promote cooperation, healthy and friendly competition, and team building with leadership opportunities. 

• Sports psychology is core to excellence in target sports.

• Enhanced resilience and persistence through goal setting and reflection on effective strategies for improving accuracy in slingshot shooting i.e., “what works.”

• Program participants will practice giving and receiving positive encouragement and constructive feedback.

• Strict rules are in place for safety and require self-control to have fun while following them