Quick Guide to Summer Camp for Kids

So you’re off to summer camp and you’re wondering what to expect. 

Even if you’ve made summer camp visits maybe you’re worried about being home sick, wondering if you’ll make friends or even a bit nervous about nighttime in the woods. 

Rest assured that summer camp staffs are experts at making kids feel at home in their new woodland environment right off the bat. 

Before you know it, that bunk-bed filled cabin will feel just like home and you’ll be mastering the mighty skills of Ga Ga ball and skimming over the lake in all kinds of water craft. 

Overnight summer camps are all about making school vacation the very best it can be; you’re lucky you’re going!

First Day Jitters

Whether your parents bring you or you take the bus, it can be a little overwhelming to arrive at camp. However, counselors will come to the rescue, shepherd you to your cabin, introduce your bunk mates, reassure your parents that you’ll be fine and hustle you off to any one of a variety of getting-to-know-you activities, camp tours and all sorts of fun that will quickly have you forgetting your first day jitters.

Waterfront Fun

Most likely, your camp will be situated on a lake and maybe have a heated pool for swimming lessons, which means you’ll be on, in and around the water a lot. At the beginning of camp, you’ll be tested to see where you belong in swimming lessons and any other activities that require a certain level of skill. After that, you’ll have scheduled lessons and activities that could include swimming, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and even the latest craze, wake surfing. Counselors and instructors will always be on hand to help promote a safe, fun environment.

Land-Based Adventures

When you’re not out on the water, there’ll be plenty of fun and games going on. Most camps have a high and low ropes course that let campers experience lots of team-building exercises and physical challenges. Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, tent camping, rock climbing walls are among the amazing recreational activities you’ll experience at overnight summer camp.

Games Galore

From traditional camp games like dodge ball and color wars to regular sports like baseball, softball and basketball, you’ll play games galore at camp. Make new friends, develop friendly rivalries and maybe find a new sport you love.

Creative Streak

Yes, at camp you’ll get to tap into your creative side too. With activities like arts and crafts, pottery and woodworking shop, you’ll head home with a wealth of camp memorabilia and gifts for friends and family. Whip up a cool tied-dyed t-shirt, create a crafty mini-Ping Pong table or glaze pretty bowls; camp days can be endlessly creative. You may also find you love the performing arts when you venture into acting in a camp skit, leading the campfire sing-along or stepping out on the dance floor for a fun-filled night of square dancing. There’s something for everyone at overnight summer camp!

Campfire Sing-a-Longs

Day’s end is the best, when you gather with new friends, counselors and staff for traditional campfire activities. Listen to stories, sing traditional camp songs and listen to the special sounds of the woods as darkness falls after another exciting, unforgettable day at summer camp.

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.

Overnight 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.

First Hand

Ideally, you’ll be able to visit when camp is in session. This will give you more than the standard tour of facilities, fields, waterfront, bunk houses and dining hall. It’s great to check out the layout of the place, but wandering through when other campers are there gives a far better feel for the overall vibe of the camp. Your youngster will get to meet kids his own age who attend and get a taste of the summer’s activities. Many camps hold camp fairs to meet with representatives and take a tour, while some hold prospective camper sleepover weekends.

Camp Ladies

If you find the whole decision a bit overwhelming, you can seek out the assistance of a camp consultant, a sort of recruiter who provides services free to parents and is paid by the camps themselves. These “camp ladies” can help you sort through the type of camp you’re interested in, distance, fees and the specific needs or interests of your child.

Life Changer

More than just the best sports facilities, canoes and overnight camping trips, choosing the right summer camp can actually be a life-changing experience for your child. Think about it this way: When you send your kid off to college, it’s for four years, while returning summers at camp can span more than twice that time. Life-long friends and cherished memories form during those magical summers; just look at the alumni sites and gatherings from summer camps! It’s like boarding school or college – only more fun!

Listen to Your Child

Go with your instincts and listen carefully to your child’s comments during or after a camp visit. After all, it’s your youngster who will be summering there, not you! Get to know the staff a little and ask what’s special about each camp.

The Legacy Connection

For parents who attended sleepaway camp as a child, the decision is often a no-brainer. If you have an attachment to your childhood camp, you may have brought your kids along with you to reunions and they may already be excited about attending.

Putting Your Mind at Ease

Many parents find that visiting camp with their kids ahead of time eases a lot of that separation anxiety (for you!) when kids are dropped off for one or two months out in the wilderness. Once you’ve met the director, the staff and some of the kids, you’ll have a much better feel for what the upcoming summer months would be like for your little camper. Ask as many questions as you want, and you’ll find most camp personnel more than helpful in addressing your concerns.

The Other Green Stuff

With some camp fees topping the price of college tuition twenty years ago, you’ll want to get the most bang – and fun – for your money, and summer camp visits can give you a first-hand look behind the glossy brochure and website photos. It’s only sensible to investigate any possible investment!

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.

Important Life Skills Summer Camp Teaches Kids

Summer sleepaway camp is mostly known for being just plain fun with friends in the great outdoors. However, along with all the swimming, canoeing, crafts and campfires, a lot of valuable life lessons are learned at camp, and kids will use these skills long after the end-of-camp song has been song.

Persistence

Campers at overnight summer camp learn that even the seemingly impossible can be achieved with persistence. Whether they’ve set a goal of swimming across the lake, making it across the suspended bridge on the high ropes course or designing and building the perfect mini Ping Pong table, kids get the right combination of help and support at camp to meet their goal - or at least come close!

Safe Risks

Kids get the chance to take risks in a safe, supportive environment. Maybe a youngster has always wanted to try acting, singing a solo or learning to wield a hammer and saw. Sure, there’s always a chance of failure, but it’s important throughout life to learn from your mistakes and keep trying.

Personal Achievement

The joy of personal achievement is a big gift of overnight summer camp. Away from parents, kids face challenges and beat them all on their own, savoring the joy of independence and personal victories. Maybe a child is a little afraid of the water and doesn’t really like swimming class or canoe trips, but they do it anyway, on their own or with help from friends and counselors. For kids who struggle with a tough mountain hike, dare to try out for the camp musical or overcome a bad bout of homesickness, that independent victory is sweet.

Living Cooperatively

Summer camp kids get used to living in a different community. For a lot of kids, camp is the first time they’ve had to share sleeping quarters, take care of their own things or even do their own laundry. So, they loads of get valuable life lessons in organization, respect for other’s property and maybe even laundry!

The Value of Teamwork

Kids at sleepaway camp learn to interact as a team rather than just individually. Everyone works together for the common good, whether pitching a tent at a camp-out, participating in a relay race or working to put on a campfire skit. With the increased emphasis on teamwork in the workplace, kids in summer camp are getting an early start on a skill that will serve them well throughout their lives.

Love of Nature

For many kids, summer camp is the start of a lifelong love of nature. Particularly for campers who hail from the city, the world of the woods and the lake are like a foreign land, full of fascinating sights and intriguing nighttime noises. This connection to the natural world can lead to a lifelong respect for nature and interest in environmental protection.

Leadership

At school, the same kids may seem to be class leaders year after year, but at camp every kids gets to try on the leadership hat and many who never knew they had the chops find they do a great job at directing the camp skit, navigating a hike in the woods or organizing the completion of a special project. Camp gives everyone a chance to try on new roles, and some kids are delightfully surprised at what they can do when given a chance.

Value of Perseverance

Many parents give kids a little slack on getting a job done, settling for less than a best effort. At camp, however, counselors will encourage youngsters to try harder, make that final attempt that leads to success and find the inner exhilaration of completing a difficult task.

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. 

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.

Crafts Are Geared for Each Age and Skill Level at Sleepaway Summer Camp

Arts and crafts are a big hit at overnight summer camp, where youngsters get creative with everything from pottery wheels to sewing machines and skill saws.

Because of the wide range of ages and skills at most camps, arts and crafts programs are divided up into age groups with younger campers creating colorful collages, hand-sculpted pieces and fun crafts like sand candles, while older kids are often able to use more sophisticated artistic media and woodworking tools.

Whatever the age, arts and crafts activities at overnight sleepaway camp foster a spirit of camaraderie and creativity, with young artists excitedly chatting as they work on visual arts projects.

Crafts
Good old fashioned craft projects are a time-honored summer camp tradition, and many adults wistfully recall sitting around long picnic tables on sultry afternoons surrounded by loads of friends, paper, paint, glue, craft embellishments and laughter.

From friendship bracelets to wind chimes, God's eyes, tie-dye T-shirts and personalized tote bags, camp crafts often become treasured memorabilia of long, lively days on the lake.

Drawing and Painting
Kids of all ages love to create landscapes, portraits, caricatures and abstract works of art. Camp art classes use a variety of mediums including ink, colored pencils, water colors and acrylic paints. While younger kids may just enjoy some free form designs and basic color concepts, older campers may receive more advanced instruction in perspective, color and design.

Ceramics
Ceramics, from free-form clay designs to pottery wheel masterpieces, lends itself to all sorts of cool creations, from bowls to vases, animal sculptures, refrigerator magnets and nature tiles. Younger campers love to hand sculpt and paint everything from flower pots to name tags. Use of a pottery wheel is usually reserved for older campers who can better learn wheel throwing technique and use of glazes and stains, enabling them to design and create a wealth of projects including bowls, plates and mugs.

Jewelry
Not only is creating jewelry fun, but necklaces, bracelets and earrings make great gifts and wearable memorabilia of happy days at camp. Little kids love to string beads, put sparkle on just about everything and weave friendship bracelets, while more advanced skills may involve use of wire wrapping and more intricate aesthetic designs.

Woodworking
Today's tech-savvy kids seem to love the old-fashioned skills of wood working. When starting out, kids can make boats and toys by gluing Popsicle sticks together, then later learn such basic skills as measuring and cutting wood in a straight line or designing a simple project.

As they progress, campers learn how to safely use basic hand tools to design and create personalized projects ranging from chess sets to salad bowls, toys and birdhouses. Senior campers often get the opportunity to use power tools including band saws and drills to build more advanced projects

Art Show
Lots of sleepaway camps wind up a summer of amazing creativity with a camp-wide art show, giving kids the opportunity to show off a season's work to family and friends. You'll be amazed at the wonderful works of art your child has produced and delighted with the joy and excitement he or she has found in the creative process.

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 settings. 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.

Learning Ceramics at Sleepaway Summer Camp

Among the many great things about sleepaway camp are that there is a variety of new activities kids can take part in. This lends itself to the idea that while not all kids are interested in climbing a rock wall or playing sports, they can all have fun.

This is especially true when it comes to learning about new mediums of art, specifically ceramics. Ceramics are not usually an activity the average child can take part in, but at overnight summer camp it is part of the normal activities offered all season long.

Ceramic art is great because it is different, engages creativity in a new way, and will serve as a great memory for when the summer is over and it is time to go home.

Ceramic art Serves as a Bridge Toward the Arts

Many times, children who are not as creatively inclined will lean away from the arts because the concept of creating something from nothing is simply unappealing. With ceramics, the canvas (or model) has already been built; now it is time to add color.

This is great because for those interested in karate, they may find a great sculpture of a martial artist doing a spinning heel kick. A camper who has a parent with a great garden may find something to bring home as a gift.

While those who are naturally artistic will also enjoy ceramics, they will find the added bonus of making friends with "non-art-kids" when they engage in this activity, because they will find some common ground.

Making Friends Through art

Fine art has been a part of the mainstream for as long as anyone can remember, so there is no shortage of people who will meet up because of their love for crafting pictures and sculptures. However, ceramics is different because it brings people together from both sides of the spectrum.

It may happen over a rainy day when the basketball courts are closed, or on a whim. Regardless, many great friendships (and great works of art) have been created at overnight summer camp in this way.

In fact, that's what happened to a former camper named Terry Bollette. Terry was a shy boy who had a lot of trouble adjusting to his first week at sleepaway camp. He was a pleasant boy with a kind demeanor, but he missed home badly.

The camp counselors were about to call it quits and let his parents know that he may need to be picked up (it was an extreme case), but that all changed when he went into the ceramics room and found a sculpture of two men wrestling.

He found himself there all day, and when he was done many of the kids were impressed. And he has been impressing them ever since!

The Legacy of Terry Bollette

Many people know this young boy today as Hulk Hogan. While it's hard to think that he was a troubled camper in his youth since he has dedicated his life to the fearless pursuit of excellence, the truth is that the path to being a champion has many speed bumps.

However, these bumps in the road can be smoothed out by overcoming adversity one season at a time.

Professional Swimming Instruction for Any Skill Level at Camp

Professional swimming instruction is one of the most important components of a good sleepaway camp. And, since overnight summer camps are usually centered around lakes and pools, the sport of swimming takes on a whole new dimension of fun, from swimming the length of the lake to morning polar bear swims and just-for-fun races.

Knowing how to swim is not only a lifelong skill and pleasure, but also keeps your child safe around the water wherever he or she may be, whether boating, at the beach or simply walking down a dock. Everyone should know how to swim, and kids at sleepaway camp have a lot of fun learning in a safe and friendly environment. With plenty of patience, perseverance and of course practice, any youngster can be a good swimmer.

Lakes are an amazing center of fun at camp, offering incredible varieties of water sports, so it's especially important that youngsters are safe around the water. Campers may learn to swim in lake waters, but many camps prefer using heated pools to take the chill off that early morning swim class. Most sleepaway camps use the traditional standards of the American Red Cross to encourage kids to have a good time in the water and learn to swim using proper techniques.

Generally, camp swimming classes are divided into groups based on ability, from beginners to advanced, giving kids the confidence-building opportunity of moving up in the ranks. Small class sizes are a great way for campers to learn more quickly, and earning a spot in the next level is always a thrilling moment. For many kids, the first time they swim the length of the pool without touching the bottom or stopping at the side is a big moment!

All kids, even returning swimmers, are usually tested at the beginning of camp, as swimming skills may have changed during the year. After an assessment, kids are placed in one of the camp's established swim levels and allowed to progress at their own pace. Tell your child not to be upset if he or she is moved "down" a level at the beginning of camp in order to review some skills. The review may be considered necessary in order to help your camper get more confident and better prepared to move to the next level. Often, campers are also tested at camp's start for safety in deep water. Classes not only teach new skills and refine old ones, but they can also help young swimmers eliminate bad habits that slow down progress at later stages.

Most basic skills would include water adjustment and pre-stroke skills for beginners. Kids then progress through basic stroke instruction, stroke development, stroke refinement and skill proficiency. When they reach upper levels, more of an emphasis is placed on technique and competition. Kids can also learn advanced water safety and self-rescue.

Safety is the number one priority of most overnight summer camp swimming programs, and instructors strive to consistently create a safe, confidence-building environment for every skill level of swimmer. Most camp swim instructors are certified lifeguards with CPR training.

When it comes to swimming safety comes first in summer camp. Your kids can enjoy the benefits of sleepaway summer camp at Camp Walt Whitman in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Learn more at http://www.campwalt.com