Putting Together a Wardrobe for Summer Camp

Packing for summer camp is always exciting, and having the perfect wardrobe is important for keeping kids comfortable while they are away from home. Although they want to be stylish, camp is not the time to worry about wearing their most expensive or trendy clothing because it’s a guarantee that your child will be engaged in a lot of outdoor activities. As you prepare your packing list, here is what you need to know about putting together a wardrobe for summer camp that will cover every activity while still showing off your kid’s personal style.

Choose Practical Daily Wear

Summer camp is a time where kids toss aside their school wardrobes, and swimsuits become normal daily attire. Since your son or daughter will be hiking, fishing and going on overnight camping trips, it is important to choose simple clothing that is durable enough to survive a little bit of extra dirt. Shorts, t-shirts and tank tops are perfect for your kid to wear every day, and your camp will tell you about how many of each to bring so that your kid can have something clean to wear between laundry days.

Select Appropriate Water Clothing

Water sports are another important part of camp that will require some careful attention to the choices you make with your child. While your daughter may have her eye on that trendy bikini, it is not going to survive a white water rafting ride or provide much protection from the sun. Instead, opt for a one-piece, and look for fabrics that include sun protection. For boys, a sturdy pair of swim shorts with a button or shoestring tie will help keep them on during those daily water skiing lessons.

Add Something Warm for Evening Activities

Kids usually stay warm during the day as they enjoy their outdoor activities, but the evenings can get a little cool. Make sure they have a warm jacket or sweater to wear as they gather around the campfire in the evenings or go for a late afternoon trek through the wilderness. A robe is also an excellent choice for kids to wrap up in while they unwind in their cabins before bed.

Focus on Footwear

Proper footwear is important for kids to get the most out of their camp experience. Flip flops make great shower shoes and will give them something quick to throw on as they walk through the cabin. However, they will also need to bring skid-proof tennis shoes or hiking boots that can withstand long distance treks on uneven terrain. If your son or daughter will be participating in a sport, then make sure that you also prepare to send cleats and other types of gear that pertains to their athletic interests.

Have Fun with Camp Brands

Summer camps also offer branded items that can be ordered for kids before they arrive for the season. These items usually fit easily into a camp-friendly wardrobe, and having a new shirt or hat touting their camp’s name builds camaraderie among the campers. For many families, this offers an option for adding something new to the wardrobe that is budget-friendly yet has enough of the cool factor to make kids happy.

Always remember to check your kid’s camp packing guide to find out if any special items of clothing are needed. But keep in mind that this is one summer vacation where the “keep it simple” rule is important to follow. By carefully putting together your kid’s wardrobe, they can comfortably participate in their favorite activities while knowing that they have exactly what they need to wear no matter what new adventure is on the schedule.

If you're considering sending your child to an overnight summer camp, be sure to visit our site to learn about Camp Walt Whitman. Located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Camp Walt Whitman offers a safe, nurturing environment in a beautiful mountain setting. Our camp is a coed sleepaway camp, with separate areas for boys and girls. The kids have a blast, and make friendships that can last a lifetime. Learn what campers say about summer camp at CWW: http://www.campwalt.com/about-sleepaway-summer-camp.html

Teaching Kids How to Swim

There’s no doubt that learning how to swim is an important part of childhood, both from the standpoints of safety and fun. Most kids are around water at some point in their lives, whether playing in the backyard pool, at the beach, boating or just walking down a dock or fishing by a lake. It only takes a moment for a drowning to occur, so every parent should be sure their child knows the rudiments of staying afloat. All that aside, swimming is one of the true joys of summer for kids of all ages. There are abundant opportunities for your child to learn this all-important skill.

At Summer Camp

Pretty much every summer camp, even specialty camps, include swimming lessons as part of their slate of programs. Many camps use the techniques and standards of the American Red Cross, with skilled, certified instructors guiding youngsters through all the levels of swimming instruction from beginner to advanced. Kids are tested at the start of camp for level placement and can move up as their abilities improve. You can find excellent swimming programs at both day camps and sleepaway camps. Look for small class sizes so your little camper can get a more individualized level of instruction along with some good old fashioned summertime fun. Many camps, even if situated by a lake, will have a heated outdoor pool for more comfortable swimming lessons. Early morning lake water can be a bit of a shock!

At Community Centers

Community centers and YMCAs across the country are super places to send kids for swimming lessons. Do a little research to see how instructors are certified prior to registering your child. Many facilities start children as young as 18 months (with a parent), so you can be right there with your child as he or she becomes used to the water and eventually learns the rudiments of staying afloat. Programs for kids up to three are generally all about swimming readiness. The American Academy of Pediatrics doesn’t recommend formal swimming lessons until the age of four when kids are developmentally ready to learn the skills needed to actually stay afloat. Once they’re six, most youngsters can start to learn all the basic strokes including the crawl, back stroke and breast stroke. Many programs move all the way from toddler up to expert levels and may have locally-based swim teams to satisfy the competitive streak of accomplished swimmers.

With You

Lots of parents choose to teach their kids the basics of swimming themselves, especially if the family has a backyard pool or spends a lot of time at the beach. Kids who are comfortable when immersed in the water can usually pick up the basics of staying afloat and moving through the water fairly easily. Unfortunately, youngsters who have had a scare or two in the water may have a bit more difficulty overcoming apprehension about being in deeper water or putting their face in the water. Patience is key in overcoming this. Remember, even if your child does well swimming in a pool, it may not translate perfectly to the beach or lake. Always keep a close eye on young children around the water and always have them wear a life vest when boating even if they are skilled swimmers.

If you're considering sending your child to an overnight summer camp, be sure to visit our site to learn about Camp Walt Whitman. Located in the white mountains of New Hampshire, Camp Walt Whitman offers a safe, nurturing environment in a beautiful mountain setting. Our camp is a coed sleepaway camp, with separate areas for boys and girls. The kids have a blast, and make friendships that can last a lifetime. Check out our water sports program here: http://www.campwalt.com/summer-camp-water-sports.html

Making Kids' Summer Extra Fun

Summer is the best time for kids to enjoy, explore nature and step out their comfort zone. However, one of the most challenging role of working parents is promoting a healthy way for kids to have fun. The solution? Send your kids to overnight summer camp. Here are few reasons why sending kids to camp can make their summer extra fun in a safe environment. 

Checking Out the Culture of an Overnight Summer Camp

So, your child will be taking the big step this summer to spending hot, happy months at sleepaway camp. There are of course many things to take into consideration when choosing an overnight camp, but perhaps one of the most important from the standpoint of each individual child is the overall culture of the camp. Is it more geared toward sports? Is it large or small? What kinds of kids tend to go? Will your youngster feel like he’ll fit in? Although there’s no way to guarantee a great camp experience, there are a few ways you can get a feel for the overall “vibe” of camp life.

Ask Around

Although you’ll have to take into consideration the source of any information, it’s a great idea to check with other parents of campers at a potential camp. Often, your child will have classmates or neighbors who have attended the camp, particularly if it’s not that far away. Of course one child’s idea of camp heaven may be quite different from another’s, but you can get an overall impression of camper/counselor interaction, how engaged kids are in camp activities, safety and supervision. If lots of parents report their child can’t wait until next summer, you’ve probably got a winner.

Traditional or Modern?

With the incredible amount of camps out there, you can choose anything from rustic lakeside retreats with few of the luxuries of home to upscale modern summer meccas with everything from Internet access to cell phone privileges. Clearly, the culture of a camp brimming with contemporary comforts will be far different from that of a traditional style sleepaway camp.

Peruse the Websites

Needless to say, every camp is putting its best foot - or hiking boot – forward on the Internet, but these websites are super places to get basics like camper/counselor ratio, camp size, amount of kids in each cabin, a typical day at camp, rules on communicating with home and amount of structure. If you feel your child would be lost in the crowds of a big camp and might do better with small groups, or if they might flounder with too much unstructured time, you can look for camps set up for smaller groups of campers and a more structured schedule of activities. See if you can find out the return rate of campers, summer after summer; it says a lot about the camp’s overall culture.

Take a Camp Tour

Pile the family in the car and take a summer camp tour the summer before your child will go to camp. This is where good planning comes in, as you’ll want to go while camp’s in session to get the best feel for the overall “vibe” of the place. Naturally, the tour guide will be showing all the high points, but try to see if your child can get a chance to chat with some of the campers. Look around. Do the kids seem happy and engaged in the activities? Are the counselors enthusiastic and involved? Are the facilities clean and well-maintained? Do waterfront activities in particular seem well supervised? Ask plenty of questions of camp staff; you’ll have your own unique concerns for your child. Once you’re back in the car, listen carefully to your child’s feelings about the camp, and don’t let your own enthusiasm or lack thereof influence his or her decision; she’ll be the one spending the summer there, not you!

If you're considering sending your child to an overnight summer camp, be sure to visit our site to learn about Camp Walt Whitman. Located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Camp Walt Whitman offers a safe, nurturing environment in a beautiful mountain setting. Our camp is a coed sleepaway camp, with separate areas for boys and girls. The kids have a blast, and make friendships that can last a lifetime. http://www.campwalt.com.

First Aid Fundamentals During Summer

Photo Credits: Stuart Miles of http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

Summer is here, and along with the happy days of sand, sea, softball and soft ice cream you may encounter cuts, scrapes, bee stings, tick bites and heat stroke. 

Don’t let summer time bumps, bruises and bites get in the way of your good times; be prepared to treat your family quickly and efficiently. 

Everyone should have some basic knowledge of summertime first aid, and even kids in overnight summer camps are taught how to deal with warm weather emergencies. Following are some summer first aid basics.

The All-Important First Aid Kit

Always have a well-stocked first aid kit on hand, whether in the car, your beach bag or on the boat. Standard items like Band-Aids, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, hydrocortisone cream, over-the-counter pain relievers, tweezers, cold packs and calamine lotion are some important essentials.

Bee Stings

As long as you’re not allergic to bee venom, a bee sting is painful if basically harmless. Push out the stinger as soon as possible using a blunt-edged object, being careful not to squeeze any venom back into the area. Clean the stung area with soap and water and apply a cold compress. Afterward, relieve any remaining discomfort with a bit of calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream. Hives or difficulty breathing may indicate an allergic reaction and you should seek immediate medical attention.

Tick Bites

With the increasingly common incidence of Lyme disease, parents have become more vigilant about tick bites. Although only the tiny deer tick is thought to carry the disease, any tick should be immediately removed. If possible, avoid tick problems by dressing kids in long-sleeved shirts and long pants when they’re playing in the woods or tall grasses. Hot days call for insect repellent, and you should have a tick check at bath time every night, remembering to examine the scalp as well. To remove a tick, grasp lightly with tweezers near the head and pull it off gently, trying not to leave the head in the wound. Clean the area and apply an antiseptic cream.

Poison Ivy

If you think you’re youngster’s been exposed to the notorious plant Poison Ivy and that it may be the cause of miserable summer rashes, wash all exposed areas with soap and water as quickly as possible. As an extra precaution, pop your child into a cool bath with baking soda or oatmeal to prevent spread of the plant’s rash-spreading oil, and be sure to wash all exposed clothing and sheets. Calamine can ease the itching, but call the doctor if the rash starts oozing or affected areas start swelling.

Jellyfish Stings

As the water gets warmer, jellyfish seem to multiply dramatically. If you have a run in with one these seaside stingers, soak the wound in vinegar water; this will help ease out the tentacles. Once tentacles are at the skin’s surface, gently scrape them off with a flat object like a credit card and rinse the affected area with salt water. If the jellyfish stingers are on the face or in the genital area, seek professional medical care.

Heat Stroke

Hot, sweaty, active kids don’t always remember to stay hydrated. Make sure your little one drinks lots of water and watch out for heat stroke symptoms like leg cramping, rapid pulse or hot, dry skin. In extreme heat stroke, sweating stops and the body can no longer cool itself off. A person affected with heat stroke can be cooled down by being immersed them in cool water, put cool wet cloth on the back of the neck and forehead while sipping on water, or  in a cool shower or wrapped in a damp, cool blanket.

If you're considering sending your child to an overnight summer camp, be sure to visit our site to learn about Camp Walt Whitman. Located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Camp Walt Whitman offers a safe, nurturing environment in a beautiful mountain setting. Our camp is a coed sleepaway camp, with separate areas for boys and girls. The kids have a blast, and make friendships that can last a lifetime. http://www.campwalt.com.

The Best Way to Scope Out an Overnight Summer Camp for Your Kid

When the time comes to pick a summer camp for your child, the choice may seem overwhelming. 

Overnight summer camps have sprung up all over the United States, and the mind-boggling array of choices range from traditional summer camps to those with a specialized focus, from one-week stays to summer-long experiences. 

How big of camp do you want? Do you want fancy amenities? Horseback riding? Single sex? Co-ed? Religious? Air conditioning? How much can you afford to pay? Most importantly, where do you think your child will have the best and happiest experience? There are various ways you can winnow down the choices for your youngster’s sleepaway camp experience.

Summer Camp Visits

Many parents choose to visit several camps and get a first-hand look at what lies behind the glossy brochure and pretty website. During tours or open house weekends, you can get a look at the facilities and a general feel for what a day at camp would be like. 

If possible, it’s best to go when camp is in session to get a better idea of the overall vibe of the camp, how well supervised the kids are and how they interact with each other and the counselors. Your youngster will also get a chance to chat with kids his own age about camp. Talk to your child after each visit to get an idea of his impression and level of enthusiasm; after all, this will be where he’ll be spending a big chunk of his summer!

Ask Questions

You’ll probably have a lot of questions for the camp staff. Ask what the camper retention figures are, what percentage of counselors return each summer and what percentage of counselors were once youth campers?  What can kids do at camp that they can’t do at home? 

For many parents, the hope will be that it will be unique experiences like canoe trips, multiday games and just “roughing it” without their usual plethora of techy gadgets. Ask what makes the camp unique and what sort of reunions takes place; this will give you an idea of the variety of friendships that are forged at the camp over the years.

Get Some Phone Numbers

If you can, it’s a great idea to get a few phone numbers to talk with others  about the camp; you may be able to get this information from the camp director. Talking person-to-person gives you a lot of first-hand knowledge about the camp, and many camps will be happy to give you some references. 

If you know of any local kids who attend summer camps that interest you, give their parents a call and get a truly unbiased opinion. Depending on whether the camp is popular in your area, your child may also have friends who attend, and these families can be a great source of information.

Google

Ah, Google; we use it for everything. Go on-line and check out reviews posted of camps on your list of potentials. 

Though you can take some comments with a grain of salt, you can get a pretty reliable overall view of kids’ and parents’ feelings about a particular camp by reading reviews. YouTube videos posted from camps are another good choice. You may find clips posted by the camp administration or by campers themselves.

If you're considering sending your child to an overnight summer camp, be sure to visit our site to learn about Camp Walt Whitman. Located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Camp Walt Whitman offers a safe, nurturing environment in a beautiful mountain setting. Our camp is a coed sleepaway camp, with separate areas for boys and girls. The kids have a blast, and make friendships that can last a lifetime. http://www.campwalt.com.

Sleepaway Summer Camp Tour

Deciding on which of the hundreds of overnight summer camps is best for your youngster is a big decision. From camp fees to activities and camper-to-counselor ratio, there’s a lot for you and your future camper to consider, and one of the best ways to find the best fit for your child is to go on a few summer camp visits.

If you're considering sending your child to an overnight summer camp, be sure to visit our site to learn about Camp Walt Whitman. Located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Camp Walt Whitman offers a safe, nurturing environment in a beautiful mountain setting. Our camp is a coed sleepaway camp, with separate areas for boys and girls. The kids have a blast, and make friendships that can last a lifetime. http://www.campwalt.com.

Checklist of a Happy Summer Camper

Are you planning to send your kids to summer camp? Sending kids out on a camping trip isn’t easy not just for the kids but also for parents. This is especially true if this is the first time that the kids are away from home.

If you’re looking to let your kids out to an outdoor camp for the summertime, you’re going to need a checklist. You need to know what things you need to pack as well as how to ease their apprehension or anxiety, if there’s any. But first, you need to assure them that this excursion will be fun and enjoyable. They will be meeting new friends there and do a lot of fun stuff.

To start off, simply go over their schedule of activities and events. Explain the items they are unsure about. You and your kids also might want to try out some of the featured activities. For example, if they are afraid to swim, you can build their confidence by bringing them to a swimming class that offers a crash course where they can learn the basics. There’s going to be campfire sing-a-longs too; you might want to teach them a couple of camping songs so they’ll be ready.

Most summertime campsite usually provide beddings or meals. But to be sure, it is best to ask the camp administrators in advance. For a regular week-long encampment, most children will need these following items in their backpack:

• Emergency contact information
• Sleeping bag and pillows (if they are not provided by the camp)
• Soap, shampoo, and other toiletry supplies
• Towel, swim gear, and raincoat
• Sunblock and bug protection spray
• Flashlight
• Medications and accompanying instructions
• Extra set of clothes like T-shirts, shorts, pants, undergarments, etc.
• Sweatshirt and pajamas
• Water bottle
• Sunglasses and sun hat
• Book or video game

For an added delight and surprise, slip in a handwritten note with a funny family photo, telling them to enjoy while they are out on their fun adventure. You could also pack some candies in their gear, which they can share with their new friends at the camp.

Don’t forget to send them off with a big hug with lots of excitement and hope. Your enthusiasm will rub off, making them more eager to go to summer camp.

Safety Checklist for Preschooler-Campers

For parents of preschoolers heading out for this summertime adventure, we understand your concern for their safety. If you are among these parents, to be appease your concerns, here’s a simple checklist as well just to be certain that your kids are well cared for while they’re out of the home.

Is there a playground in the camp? Do the kids have access to the pool or lake? Is there a medical personnel at the camp? Are they CPR-certified? Do they have adequate first-aid training? Is adult supervision adequate at the camp?

As they say, seeing is believing. If you have the time, make a visit to their camp site. For your peace of mind, you could ask the camp administrator to let you in and inspect the facilities. You can ask them what precautionary measure they have to ensure the children’s safety.

If you're considering sending your child to an overnight summer camp, be sure to visit our site to learn about Camp Walt Whitman. Located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Camp Walt Whitman offers a safe, nurturing environment in a beautiful mountain setting. Our camp is a coed sleepaway camp, with separate areas for boys and girls. The kids have a blast, and make friendships that can last a lifetime. http://www.campwalt.com.

Explore the Many Wonders of Summer Camp

If you've ever been to summer camp, you know it can have profound benefits that still have relevance to you today as an adult and are something you would want for your kids.

However, if you've never experienced what it's like to be at a camp, you may not realize its positive benefits and how it can help mold your kids into a complete person.

Read more here

Your Summer Camp Essential Handbook

Summer Camp Essentials

It’s time to get your camper packed up and off to overnight summer camp and you’re overwhelmed with what to pack – or not to pack. While most camps will provide a list of summer camp essentials - as well as forbidden items – to families, it’s good to have your own list of must-haves in mind.

Swim Gear

Swimsuits are of course a necessity and more than one is advisable, since they’ll be in a constant state of being wet or damp from the super parade of activities in and on the water. A couple of beach towels and some flip-flops or water shoes are also advisable, along with goggles for kids who prefer eye protection under water.

Sunscreen

Not only should your youngster bring a sufficient supply of sunscreen, but should be drilled in applying it regularly; no one wants painful sunburn to interfere with summer camp good times. Get a water-proof product with an SPF of at least 30.

Bug Spray

With adventurous woodland hikes and plenty of after-dark activities like star-gazing and campfires, your youngster will have plenty of bug exposure. Mosquito bites are especially annoying, and kids will need to spray skin and clothes well before a night of ghost story telling around the campfire. Send along a spray made especially for kids that contains a minimum of the toxic active ingredient DEET.

Stationary

Pack your youngster to off camp with some stationary and self-addressed, stamped envelopes to encourage some good old-fashioned snail mail correspondence. You’ll treasure these often entertaining epistles from camp for years!

Journal

Bringing a personal notebook or journal to camp encourages your child to record the myriad of memories sleepaway camp offers. It’s fun to include pasted-in memorabilia and photos with associated narrative. Once kids are home and back to school, they’ll love browsing through pages of summer adventures. Be sure to send pens and pencils too!

Clothes for All Conditions

While it’s nice to think that camp will consist of nothing but sunny, hot days, the truth is often a bit different. Be sure to pack a raincoat or poncho so wet weather won’t interfere with outdoor fun, even if it’s only racing from the cabin to the activity center. Quick drying cool weather tops like fleeces are ideal for layering on evenings when the temps drop or for hiking in higher altitudes.

Sneakers

Yes, sandals are synonymous with hot weather, but sneakers are better for camp. After all, you can run, jump and play sports a lot better in sneakers and you’re less likely to trip. Send along a couple of pairs in case of wet or muddy conditions.

Flashlight

Flashlights are indispensable at sleepaway camp, whether it’s for reading under the covers, a spur-of-the-moment game of flashlight tag or a little innocent evening mischief at the neighboring cabin. Be sure to pack plenty of batteries. A super-cool variant on the flashlight would be night vision goggles!

Cheap Camera

Many camps don’t allow cell phones (and their associated cameras) and you won’t want to send your camper along with any expensive photographic equipment. However, an old digital camera or a bunch of cheap disposable cameras are excellent alternatives for chronicling a summer of fun. Kids love posting on Facebook and tagging summer friends; it’s a great way to keep in touch in the “off season”.

Labels

Make sure everything is labeled! From bathing suits to backpacks, water bottles and sweaters, labeling your camper’s gear can forestall a lot of problems.

If you're considering sending your child to an overnight summer camp, be sure to visit our site to learn about Camp Walt Whitman. Located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Camp Walt Whitman offers a safe, nurturing environment in a beautiful mountain setting. Our camp is a coed sleepaway camp, with separate areas for boys and girls. The kids have a blast, and make friendships that can last a lifetime. http://www.campwalt.com. 

Your Child's First Year at Overnight Summer Camp

Sending your youngster off for his first summer away at sleepaway camp is a huge event for many parents. How will your little one ever survive without your protection and guidance?

The answer is, probably very well after a bit of initial homesickness. Camp counselors are well trained in the art of making kids at ease with new friends and in unfamiliar surroundings, and while you've been suffering the pangs of paternal anxiety at home your camper has been off swimming, sailing and giggling around the campfire. Relax and make the big step easier for everyone by following a few helpful hints. Read more

Pros and Cons of Sending Your Child to Overnight Summer Camp

While Summer is a long way off, the time to think about Summer camp - especially sleepaway camp - is now. When thinking of this you must consider the various aspects, such as how your child will handle being away, the cost, and how you will handle the period of separation.

All of this can be broken down into sets of pros and cons.

Why you Should Send Your Child to Camp

When a child goes to an overnight Summer camp there is sense of independence he or she will learn or expand upon. It is great because the kids are in a safe and monitored environment where they learn to get along with new people and make decisions on their own.

In addition to this, it is also great for parents for the same reason. Many adults find themselves stuck in a mode where they center their plans (as they reasonably should) around their child. It is only years later when the child leaves home that mom and dad realize they don't know what to do with themselves if there aren't any games or practices, or times to be home.

some adults find that they can use the time to have a romantic evening or two, a weekend away, or they can even use it to throw themselves into a special project at work that can lead to a promotion.

Having said this, there are also reasons that Summer camp is not the best choice.

Why you Should Keep Your Child Home

Camp is an added expense to one's budget. For some, the cost is out of reach, making it an experience that really should be postponed until the funds are saved.

For children who are rigid or anxious, an overnight camp can be an experience that is contrary to most children's. For them, it might be best to test out camp by having them attend day camp first. Then, if the child wants to go away the following Summer, they can look forward to it rather than dread the idea.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

When you list out the reasons to do and not do something, it is wise to weight them in an order of most importance. For example, if camp being affordable is the #1 Pro/Con, then it needs to come before anything else. This includes how much the child wishes to go.

Having said this, if affordability is the main objection to going, then the child can be encouraged to earn the money. For example, there are plenty of leaves on the ground (and snow in some places). They can take home some money by working for neighbors and friends. For older kids who can hold more traditional jobs, they can apply to nearby businesses.

If the main objection is that one parent can't stand the idea of his or her child being away, then a compromise can be made in the length of time at camp.

There are many reasons that camp is great, and some reasons not to go. By addressing them properly, you can make the best decisions for your family.

If you're considering sending your child to an overnight summer campwww.campwalt.com, be sure to visit our site to learn about Camp Walt Whitman. Located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Camp Walt Whitman offers a safe, nurturing environment in a beautiful mountain setting. Our camp is a coed sleepaway camp, with separate areas for boys and girls. The kids have a blast, and make friendships that can last a lifetime. http://www.campwalt.com.

Developing Your Child's Artistic Talents at Summer Camp

Photo Credits: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

Frequent opportunities to engage in artistic activity can help to instill confidence and achievement in children’s endeavors throughout their lives. An overnight summer camp is the perfect way to allow children to develop these artistic talents, as well as to help them build confidence in social activities in a fun environment without the distractions of their everyday life.

Finding Your Inner Artist

Some children take to doing art projects naturally and seem to have a number of ideas on their own. Other children are new to the task of manipulating art materials and may need a little help in the early stages, until they grow accustomed to this new method of self-expression. Camp art counselors can help these children to feel more comfortable with art materials. They offer instruction, encouragement and support throughout the project to help children attain a successful outcome.

What Children Learn From Art Activities at Sleepaway Camp

Child development experts say that art projects help children acquire a number of important skills for life:

• Creativity – The ability to find new ways to use materials helps to increase their creative thinking.
• Focus – Taking a project from beginning to end is a critical skill that children learn when doing art.
• Problem solving – As with any activity, problems may arise during an art project that must be worked out to allow completion. Counselors can children find solutions to problems to complete their tasks.
• Collaboration – Children may work on a project with others and learn the give-and-take that is inherent to group work.
• Perseverance – Taking the project from beginning to a successful end is an important skill for children to learn
• Receiving feedback on work – When doing art projects, children learn to accept the feedback from others, as well as suggestions for improvement. This is a valuable skill for any aspect of life.

Art in the Camp Environment

Skills such as drawing, painting, sculpting and working with a variety of media can help to increase visual acuity, composition, matching skills and color coordination. In addition, working with art materials can translate into a lasting appreciation of the artistic process and the ability to use these skills in their schoolwork for special projects in a variety of subjects. The natural setting can create increased opportunities to think creatively in a number of ways.

Using the Natural Environment For Art Projects

Being at camp offers opportunities for exploration not available in the conventional classrooms. Camp counselors may have children collect materials while on hikes to incorporate into their art projects. These children are encouraged to interact with the natural setting in a way that cannot be achieved in a school setting. As a result, the children are encouraged to think, touch and investigate their art materials in more expressive ways.

Advantages of Sleepaway Camp

When children attend a sleepaway camp, they become more self-sufficient and participate in a number of activities they may not have tried before. This atmosphere of adventure can help to facilitate creative expression in new way. This environment of self-reliance and openness to new experiences can help to increase the ability to express oneself creatively.

If you're considering sending your child to an overnight summer camp, be sure to visit our site to learn about Camp Walt Whitman. Located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Camp Walt Whitman offers a safe, nurturing environment in a beautiful mountain setting. Our camp is a coed sleepaway camp, with separate areas for boys and girls. The kids have a blast, and make friendships that can last a lifetime. http://www.campwalt.com.

Theater Arts at Summer Camp

From sing-alongs to skits, sleepaway camp is full of activities that help kids grow creatively. 

In fact, many of today's actors and singers first got bitten by the entertainment bug at overnight summer camp. 

Whether you like to sing, dance, write, create costumes or build scenery, theater arts has a part for you to play.

Traditional sleepaway camps blend theater into the daily routine of camp. 

After all, evenings around the campfire are best when a little entertainment is thrown in, often songs or skits created and performed by campers. If you’re on the shy side, you may prefer to be the writer or director, coming up with funny dialogue or figuring out how your actors can best present a send-up on a facet of camp life, current event or historical figure.

A skit may just be a short scene, but a lot can be involved. Campers may get to design costumes, ferret out props or use construction skills to come up with a set. If dancing is involved, the scene will need some basic chorography. Skits are the perfect venue for letting campers work as a creative unit, with each piece contributing to the whole.

While often comedic, camp productions may also involve learning or may have a moral message. They may deal with issues like homesickness, fear of the water or bullying. Whatever the theme of the production, actors get to experience the joy of entertaining an audience and hearing the happy sound of applause.

Many camps have a special theater arts program as an elective activity. If you’ve ever wondered if you’d be good at acting, singing or even directing, it may be a life-changing experience to take this chance to get involved in an actual production. You’ll learn about how to write, direct and act in a play, and perhaps even a bit about auditions and how to proceed if you decide to try out for parts in local or school theatrical productions after you get home from camp.

Theater arts productions may also be interconnected with other camp programs. Camp music participants may play an instrument or sing in a skit, while kids in the camp workshop may get to help design and build sets. It’s a great way to try out a whole new experience in a place where you’ll have the support of trained counselors and a whole new group of friends.

Putting on a skit or mini-production is a great team builder and kids really get to learn how to work with others, honing cooperative and leadership skills and building self-esteem. 

You’ll get to experience the organization required to pull off a successful performance and learn the importance of all the different facets from memorizing lines to being on-time for rehearsals. 

Kids trying out directing a skit will have the sometimes challenging and always interesting experience of working cooperatively with actors to best present the material.

Being involved in theatrical performances builds confidence, and camp is the perfect place to try out this new endeavor. You may be surprised to find you have a real flair for comedy, can write quick-witted dialogue or know just how to pace a scene to get the most laughs.

If you're considering sending your child to an overnight summer camp, be sure to visit our site to learn about Camp Walt Whitman. Located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Camp Walt Whitman offers a safe, nurturing environment in a beautiful mountain setting. Our camp is a coed sleepaway camp, with separate areas for boys and girls. The kids have a blast, and make friendships that can last a lifetime. http://www.campwalt.com.