A Director, A Counselor, And An 11-Year-Old Camper Offer Their Distinct Views Of The Camp Experience
By Jem Sollinger
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my 17 years as a camp director – and 10 years as a parent – it’s that no man is a prophet in his own home.
I’ve had plenty of experience helping campers work through challenges, from minor issues like home missing and confronting their fear of getting up on water skis… [more]
Choosing The Right Type Of Camp For Your Child—Single Sex Or Coed? Traditional Or Specialist?—Can Make All The Difference.
When searching for a sleepaway camp—or resident camp, as some call them—there are many factors families need to consider. The most basic decision involves the type of camp but even that has its subtleties. One must consider the pros and cons of a general camp versus a specialty camp. Likewise, do you want your child in a coed setting or… [more]
As Social Communities With Shared Values And Lots Of Group Fun, Camps Often Produce Friendships That Last A Lifetime
Is there any friend like a camp friend? Of course there is, though summer camp is such a unique and social experience, one of the best things about it is often the close friendships you make. There's even some research: In a poll of campers, the American Camp Association (ACA) found that 96% say camp helped them make new friends… [more]
Most Camps Try To Be Low-Tech Havens While Offering A Number Of Ways–From One-Way Emails To The Occasional Phone Call–For Parents and Children To Stay In Touch
For generations, summer camp has been a respite from technology, a chance for children to unplug and connect with nature and each other. But camp directors and owners also know that in today’s connected world, it can be difficult for parents to completely disconnect from their children and to not receive immediate feedback about them. “In fact, camps are making… [more]
For Children With Special Needs, There’s Been A Wonderful Bloom Of Camps—General And Specialized—That Can Help Them With Their Challenges While Enjoying The Full Camp Experience
Summer camp provides children with the opportunity to develop new skills, build self confidence and learn to work with others as a team. There are many factors you need to consider when looking for a camp for your child including a camp’s philosophy, program emphasis, and what type of child is successful at the camp they are looking into. And… [more]
How To Find The Right Summer Camp