Choosing a Tennis Program for Your Child

Tennis is known as a lifetime sport because children who learn to play tend to continue strengthening their skills through practice and competition as adults. Finding the right tennis program is the key to successfully teaching your child the lessons they need to be successful in this competitive sport. As you explore potential programs, look for these signs of quality that will ensure your child gets the right start toward developing an interest in tennis that turns into a lifelong passion.

Ask About the Coach’s Credentials

When it comes to teaching tennis, experience in the sport and with kids is everything. While your coach might not be an Olympian, they should have a history of successfully competing and winning competitions. Memberships in local tennis organizations and national affiliations also speak for their dedication to staying current regarding the latest coaching techniques while supporting the development of their preferred sport. While possessing the right credentials is important, your child’s coach should also be personable with an upbeat personality and the energy to keep up with the children on the courts.

Check for Low Staff-to-Student Ratios

In tennis class, too many students without enough coaches leads to chaos and boredom. Therefore, in addition to the coach, you should see additional staff members available to assist. This keeps kids from having to wait around for instruction ensuring a higher level of safety on the courts.

Learn About the Facility

Tennis programs need enough space for every student to practice playing as much as possible. Ask how many courts are available and if they are full-size. Ideally, kids will be practicing on courts like the ones used in competitions. Although they may play doubles during practice games, there should still be plenty of courts available for everyone to play at once. During your tour, the facility should also be clean with well-maintained equipment.

Sign Up for Daily Practices

Learning any new skill requires consistent practice, and kids thrive when they are offered tennis classes during school breaks so they can fully immerse themselves in the sport. For example, tennis programs offered as electives at summer camp will encourage kids to practice every day, and specialized programs allow them to dive into tennis for an entire week. These types of programs help keep your child’s skills fresh throughout the entire year.

Look for Intensive Practice Programs

If your goal is for your child to play tennis competitively, then private practice sessions are essential. Since your child benefits from working with staff members and coaches they already know, make sure the program you choose offers private sessions. During these sessions, your child will receive one-on-one training that is targeted to strengthen their weak skills while reinforcing the things they do well. It also gives them a chance to practice with advanced tennis players that love being able to pass down their expertise.

Learning to play tennis takes a combination of dedication and the right kind of training. Whether your child just wants to play for fun or they are aiming to be a professional athlete, signing up for a tennis program is the first step toward success. By knowing how to choose a quality program, you will line your child up with the right coaches and practice schedules to truly develop a love for the sport.

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

5 Life Skills Kids Learn in Summer Camp Drama Class

Aspiring actors have the unique opportunity to hone their skills in drama classes at summer camp. Not only do these classes serve as a fun diversion from their usual school day, but they also provide the perfect chance to learn skills that will last a lifetime. Preparing for a play and performing for an audience takes both dedication and courage, and your child benefits from learning these five life skills every time they take center stage.

See Other Perspectives

Getting into character requires putting on someone else’s shoes and seeing the world through their eyes. Whether a child is portraying an optimistic orphan or a misunderstood ogre, they have to stretch their imaginations to understand how their character would behave. The ability to empathize with others transfers to becoming a people person that excels in school and work experiences.

Improve Poise

When performing, it is often necessary to think on one’s feet since anything could happen. If a fellow actor forgets their lines, your child may have to pick up the beat. In acting class, kids also learn how to control their body language to support the script. As they do, your child will know how to properly express their emotions. From giving a bow to express gratitude for applause to smiling through their stage fright, acting lessons emphasize the effect that every movement makes on the audience.

Learn to Cooperate as a Team

Many kids struggle with working in a group, and sports are not the only place to help them learn the value of teamwork. For every play that goes on, there is a team of kids that all must work together to make sure the show runs smoothly. While some kids may act, others may play supporting roles through designing the set or planning the costumes. Regardless of what role a child plays, communication is key to a successful performance.

Develop Public Speaking Skills

Speaking to a large group is still a fear among many adults, yet it is critical to career success today. Drama class teaches kids the fundamentals of speech such as how to project their voice and stay calm when standing before an audience. With public speaking, practice really does make perfect. Performing in a play at summer camp also provides a supportive audience full of a kid’s peers and family which makes it a little easier to stand before a crowd for the first time.

Increase Self-Confidence

Acting coaches at camp have the honor of watching as kids go from fumbling through their lines to playing their role like a pro in front of an audience. With every line that is mastered and every successful show, kids develop self-confidence that they carry with them throughout their lives. In time, even the shyest kid asks to take their chance in the spotlight, and parents always notice the difference by the time the final curtain falls.

The idea that art can influence life has long been in existence, and drama classes at camp allow kids to express their creativity while building their confidence in front of an audience. While your kid may just think they are having fun in their drama program, you will know that they are learning skills that they will use throughout their life.

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/camp-arts-program.html

Building Memories at Summer Camp

Summer represents a time full of possibilities for kids to expand their horizons and make beautiful memories and summer camp offers the perfect environment for kids to truly tap into their interests and connect with others. Today, summer camp adventures range from traditional activities such as campfire songs to volunteer opportunities and multi-day excursions into the wilderness. In fact, going to summer camp helps kids build beautiful childhood memories by stimulating their growth and development in the following areas:

Conquering Challenges

Learning how to overcome fear and accomplish goals is an important part of childhood that often leads to some of the strongest memories. Whether a child has never jumped off a diving board before or spent the night in the wilderness, they will be provided with support from caring members of the summer camp team along with their peers until they reach their goal. Remembering how they scored their first soccer goal or swam across the lake strengthens a child’s self-esteem and encourages them to tackle bigger challenges as they approach adulthood.

Forming Diverse Friendships

Ask any child about their time in summer camp and you will be inundated with stories involving their friends. At summer camp, kids come to stay from all over the world, giving your child the opportunity to form friendships with their peers from all different types of backgrounds. From silly camp pranks to late night chats in the cabin, summer camp friendships are the kind that can only be formed through long hours spent together. Over the course of the summer, kids cherish these friends like family and share memories throughout the year as they keep in touch.

Participating in Creative Pursuits

Summer camp is a place where kids tend to blossom and it is not uncommon for a family to discover that their wallflower has suddenly transformed into an amazing dancer at a camp dance recital. Camp crafts, such as pottery and jewelry making, also provide kids with an outlet for creative expression that leaves them with a tangible object that reminds them of their days at camp. Often, these creative opportunities lead to lifelong interests in music and art that kids always remember began at summer camp.

Strengthening Family Bonds

It may seem strange to think that going away for the summer will help a child bond with their family, but it really is true that absence makes the heart grow fonder. At summer camp, kids gain independence that provides them with a different understanding of the importance of family. Summer camps also offer fun family days during which siblings and parents can observe and participate in some of their kid’s favorite camp activities. Family camps often top off the end of the season with a weeklong adventure that allows families to form amazing memories as they indulge their playful sides in an outdoor environment.

Summer camp memories fill scrapbooks, online albums and most importantly hearts with all of the wonderful activities that took place during the season. At camp, kids spend every moment of the day engaged in activities that stimulate their mental and physical development. From forming close friendships to gaining new skills, the memories made at camp last a lifetime.

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

Fun Things to Do During Summer

Summer and fun pretty much go hand-in-hand for youngsters, whether they’re off to summer camp, taking a family vacation, building endless sand castles at the beach or just biking around the neighborhood. But with many parents working and lots of kids in organized daytime activities from recreation programs to specialized camps, it’s fun to plan some special days for family fun.

Plan a Day Trip

You don’t have to travel far to have fun as a family; a key component is letting the kids get in on the planning phase. Surf around the Internet or leaf through some brochures for nearby attractions or activities. If you have several youngsters, it’s a great lesson in compromise and team work to come up with an itinerary that will please everyone. Whether it’s the local zoo, a historic attraction or an amusement park or a combination of a bunch of places, the key component is that everyone has a little invested in the trip and it’s a real group effort for a day of family fun.

Water, Water Anywhere

You have to do it in summer; head to the water, no matter where you live. Pack it up for the day and head out to the beach, the lake, the local pool or even a splash park. Let your youngsters help assemble a picnic lunch and snacks and, if you have room, take along a friend or two to keep older kids entertained.

Back to Nature

It’s been found that kids exposed early to nature grow up with a great respect for the planet and all its life forms. Find a kid-friendly activity that will get your youngster up close and personal with the fascinating wildlife in your locale. Nature trails, zoos, hiking paths, ponds, beaches and rivers all present bountiful opportunities to observe even the tiniest of life forms. Try your hand (or ear) at identifying various bird calls, look for starfish in tide pools or check out the fascinating variety of life forms that have taken up residence under fallen logs.

Old Fashioned Fun

Try out the old-time tradition of the neighborhood block party. It’s a great way to meet the folks around you that you may not already know, and the multi-generational aspect is great for kids and old timers alike. Walk around the neighborhood with your children and pass out flyers they’ve helped design. Keep the menu summery and simple, allowing everyone to contribute; think hot dogs and hamburgers, potato salad and loads of watermelon and ice cream! If it’s permissible in your state, have a few sparklers and back yard fireworks at the end for a truly festive flair. There will likely be flocks of kids running through the dark while the grown-ups chat and enjoy the balmy summer evening.

When the Stars Come Out

Have you ever noticed how different the sky looks whey you just lay flat on your back and gaze upwards? Pick a clear night and set out some blankets in the back yard and just relax and pick out the constellations with your child. If you don’t know the stars well yourself, do a bit of research. Older children may enjoy helping look up the constellations and learning the stories behind the names. If you have an observatory nearby, check out the schedule of viewings. Kids are fascinated by the wonders of space.

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/our-location.html

Cooking Classes at Summer Camp

Summer camp is known for being a place where kids can explore new interests, while benefiting from the experience of a trained instructor, and cooking classes are one more fun way for kids to learn skills at camp that they will use for a lifetime. Cooking at camp goes well beyond roasting hot dogs over a campfire. In fact, kids at camp get to enjoy state-of-the-art equipment as they practice their culinary skills. While they may think they’re simply having fun, you can enjoy knowing that they are gaining the following benefits from their summer camp cooking classes.

Strengthen Math Skills

Many kids struggle with challenging mathematical skills such as adding fractions. In the camp kitchen, opportunities to practice these critical skills are everywhere. For example, kids often have to add or multiply fractions when they are increasing a recipe. Weighing ingredients, converting between the metric and imperial measuring systems and calculating cooking times are all ways kids learn math in the kitchen.

Experiment with Science

The science involved in the cooking process is often overlooked, yet every recipe is a chance for kids to learn about chemistry, physics and nutrition. From learning about the Maillard reaction as they brown meat to using salt to lower the freezing point of ice, kids will have fun while also learning essential science concepts. The best part about learning science in the kitchen is that it is the one time when kids can eat the final product. Camp cooking classes also foster an environment where they are more willing to try new foods and learn about the importance of good nutrition for their health.

Develop Greater Independence

Parents are often surprised at how much growing up their kids do over the summer and cooking classes at camp are a big part of them developing more independence. In the camp kitchen, kids are responsible for prepping ingredients, cooking meals and cleaning it all up afterwards. Since everyone is required to help out, kids naturally take on greater responsibilities that give them a sense of pride.

Nurture Creativity and Self-Confidence

The difference between a regular cook and an excellent chef is the ability to combine ingredients into creative new recipes. At summer camp cooking classes, kids have a safe place where they can take risks with their culinary skills. If a recipe doesn’t work out, all that is lost is a little time and a few ingredients. Yet, even a recipe that doesn’t turn out right is not a failure since kids learn from what went wrong and go on to recreate the dish using their findings. Many new recipes have been created in a camp kitchen and kids gain self-confidence when they can share their signature dish with others.

Taking cooking classes at summer camp helps kids round out their active schedule with an activity that teaches skills they will use throughout their lives. While it may seem like a fun way to enhance the typical camper’s menu, kids who take cooking classes learn academic and social skills that are best taught in the exciting and interactive environment offered by the camp kitchen. From pulling apart fresh baked monkey bread to making granola bars to share with friends on the trail, each cooking class at summer camp is always a new adventure.

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

The Very Best Way for Kids to Spend the Summer

Summers should be an idyllic time in childhood when a child has the opportunity to stretch out of their comfort zone and reach their full potential. Yet, finding healthy ways to keep your kids engaged during the summer months can be one of the most challenging parenting tasks you face, especially if you work during the day. If you are tired of hearing those whines of boredom or listening to the constant drone of video games playing in the background, then here are just a few of the reasons why camp is the perfect way for your kids to spend their summer break.

Build Physical Strength and Stamina

Texting and video gaming do little more than work out your child’s thumbs, and all of that extra energy never gets dispersed. At camp, kids enjoy days that are packed with physical activity. Canoeing, wakeboarding, hiking and rock climbing are all just normal things for campers to do on a beautiful summer day. By the end of the summer, kids are not only stronger, but they also understand how to direct their energy toward positive activities that enable them to learn new skills.

Increase Independence and Confidence

Sure, going to camp for the first time is hard, and homesickness is a real thing. However, those nervous feelings usually only last for a short time, and kids feel a major sense of accomplishment after they complete their first week. As kids progress through the different levels of camp, they also gain confidence from helping younger campers adjust to the new routine. Additionally, spending a few weeks away from home helps children to enjoy greater independence while still being surrounded by a support network of friends and camp counselors.

Develop a Talent

Do you have a budding actor or perhaps an avid guitarist? These early childhood interests can often turn into lifelong hobbies and even careers when kids are given the tools they need to explore their strengths. The summer months offer a chance for kids to explore their interests while unimpeded by academic studies. For this reason, summer camps are full of programs dedicated to the arts. Putting on a play, performing with a band and making pottery are all creative endeavors that can allow your child to tap into a talent.

Form Lifelong Friendships

During the school year, kids spend the majority of the day with children from their neighborhood. While it is great to have local friends, going to camp can expand a child’s opportunities to appreciate diversity. Experiences such as learning how to work out differences with members of their Cabin Group and singing around the campfire help children to form long-lasting friendships with peers from all over the world.

When the school doors close for the summer, children look forward to several months of freedom. However, it is important to make sure those long summer days are filled with wholesome activities that stimulate their minds and bodies. Keeping your kids busy throughout the summer is easy with camp activities that encourage your kids to conquer challenges and build greater self-esteem.

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.

Fun Books About Summer Camp

Even when kids are back in the swing of school, sports and neighborhood activities, it’s always fun to open up a book and dive back into the wilderness adventures of summer camp. Whether your youngster likes funny stories, scary tales or friendship sagas, there are treasure troves of books that take place at sleepaway camp. You can get in the campfire spirit, even when the snow flies, when you slip between the pages of these popular summer camp novels and story books.

Plantzilla Goes to Camp by Jerdine Nolen, illustrated by David Catrow - ages 4-8

Really young kids about to head off for their first summer of camp will love the story of Mortimer Henryson, off to sleepaway camp for the first time. With a text laid out in letters, telegrams and post cards, the vividly illustrated book tells the story of Mortimer as he sets off to continue the family tradition of attending the same camp his dad went to as a boy. Poor Mortimer reluctantly leaves his dog and his pet exotic plant, nicknamed Plantzilla. To make matters worse, he’s assigned to a cabin with the camp bully. Sensing trouble ahead, the amazing Plantzilla heads off the rescue, with much merry mayhem to follow!

Camp K-9 by Mary Ann Rodman; illustrated by Nancy Hayashi - ages 6-8

Written by a former camper and counselor, this enchanting picture book will be a sure-fire favorite with the younger set. Illustrated with pretty pastels, the book tells the story of Roxie and her fellow dog campers and their adventures at Camp K-9. Unfortunately for Roxie, she’s paired up with a “mean girl”, trouble-making standard white poodle, Lucy. One day Lucy goes missing and a wild search ensues, culminating in Roxie finding Lucy and finding out Lucy has a secret. Will Roxie tell?

Camp Fear by Carol Ellis - ages 10-14

Kids who love stories of things that go bump in the night will love the story of Camp Silverlake, where a group of counselors share a deep, dark memory of one summer when they were campers themselves. That long ago summer one camper didn’t make it home and now someone or something has returned to Camp Silverlake to exact a terrible revenge.

Holes by Louis Sachar - ages 8-14

This contemporary classic follows the unusual adventures of Stanley Yelnats. Wrongly accused of theft, this perpetually unlucky young man ends up at a juvenile detention center called Camp Green Lake where there is no actual lake, just a lot of kids digging holes in the dirt. How Stanley survives a summer among the sadistic staff and crazy fellow campers to find out what all the frenzied digging is really about makes for a fascinating read.

Slept Away by Julie Kraut – ages 10 to 15

Tween girls will find a lot to love in the story of Laney Parker, a city girl with pots of money who is horrified to be sent away to the dreadfully rustic Camp Timber Trails. With no cell phone, no air conditioning and no idea of how to be cool when the in-crowd is determined by foreign things like swimming skills, Laney is in for the most surprising summer of her life.

P.S. I Hate It Here edited by Diane Falanga – all ages

You and your older campers will love this hysterical compilation of real letters parents kept from their kids away at camp. The letters, written by campers from eight to sixteen, will have you laughing out loud and reminiscing about days at camp, whether they were last summer or twenty years ago.

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.

Four-Step Plan: Prepare Your Child for Overnight Summer Camp

So this is the year your child will take the big step and head off to summer sleepaway camp for the first time. 

There’s a lot you can do to make the experience easier for him. No matter how excited he is at the prospect of endless days and nights of swimming, sailing, games, campfires and after-dark giggling, it’s still a huge step from the comforting familiarity of home to the great unknown of sleepaway camp. 

Depending on your child’s personality, and whether or not anyone they know will be going to camp with them, there may be some trepidation mixed in with the excitement of living away from home for a whole summer.

Get Your Child Involved

Your child will feel a lot more invested in the summer camping experience if they are included in the decision-making process and preparations. Before you sign on the dotted line visit some camps together. Talk about the ones each of you liked and why…and the one ones you didn’t like and why. If possible, try to visit when camp is in session. This allows you to observe how the campers and staff interact. It also gives your child a chance to chat with other campers and find out if they’re enjoying their summer and if they seem happy, involved and well-supervised. It also gives your camper an opportunity to get a feel for the surroundings and to help determine whether or not there is a sense of “fitting in”.

Pack It Up

A big part of building up to the excitement of camp is getting everything ready; it’s like packing for an exciting vacation. Most camps provide a list of what to bring and what not to bring. So, using this as a guide, the two of you can sit down together, come up with a shopping list and then go on an afternoon shopping spree. If your youngster insists on one trendy item for the summer, indulge the whim; just having that cool piece of clothing can make a child feel more confident among potential new friends.

Camp Tales

If you were a summer camper yourself, tell some tales of your own adventures at camp and let your child know if you were a little nervous that very first summer. Even though they’re eager to head off into the wilderness, there still might be just a little apprehension. Knowing that you overcame your own fear of the unknown and had an awesome time can help ease pre-camp jitters. Books about camp can also be helpful. Talk over any specific worries your future camper may have and some strategies for dealing with anything from fear of the deep end of the pool to concerns about making new friends and fitting in. Read stories about camp aloud to your child or let them choose their own reading material from a list of good kiddie lit about summer camp adventures.

Staying in Touch

It’s a good idea to discuss ahead of time how you’ll stay in touch while your child’s at sleepaway camp. Depending on the rules and facilities at camp, you may be able to use email or you may need to rely on good old-fashioned snail mail. Sending your new camper off with some stationery and pre-addressed, stamped envelopes will make it easier to send home those treasured letters from camp. Also, you may want to slip a letter from home right into his trunk as a surprise during unpacking. And remember…once your child is in the swing of summer camp fun...you’ll most likely miss him or her more than they’ll be missing 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.

Summer in New England

With its breathtaking shoreline, quaint villages, scenic mountains and glorious lakes, New England offers a cornucopia of summer delights for everyone from beach bums to history fans and outdoor fanatics. Cross the border from New York and you’ll find everything you’ll need for summertime dreams come true.

Captivating Connecticut has it all, from the beautiful hills of Litchfield to the pretty seaport towns of the Long Island Sound. 

Try out a lazy day of tubing on the Farmington River, take the kids on a dinosaur expedition at the popular Peabody Museum in New Haven or explore life in a turn-of-the century whaling town at the Mystic Seaport Museum. 

A wealth of beaches and state parks line the shoreline including historic Ocean Beach in New London where old timey arcades, an historic boardwalk and a wide swathe of sand lure young and old alike. Stop in pretty towns like Essex, Old Saybrook and quaint little Stonington village on your way to Rhode Island.

Little Rhody is deservedly famous for its stunning stretch of sandy coastline winding up from popular family vacation haven Westerly, just over the Connecticut border, through Charlestown, Narragansett and glamorous Newport. 

Take the kids to Misquamicut State Beach for super surf, family friendly eateries, outdoor movies and motels right on the sand, or head to more upscale Watch Hill, once known as Little Newport, where quaint shops, two beautiful beaches (bay and ocean) and some of the best ice cream in the state await. 

Afterwards, head to historic Newport where a necklace of magnificent mansions unwind along the breathtaking Cliff Walk, and the waterfront is a glorious tangle of upscale shops, galleries and restaurants.

Summer in Massachusetts is synonymous with Cape Cod, where a dazzling string of pretty coastal villages wind up to the spellbinding dunes of the Cape Cod National Seashore. Spend the weekend at a charming little bed and breakfast just a short stroll from the beach, dine alfresco on same-day-fresh seafood and savor a sunset cocktail at a friendly local café. 

Biking, swimming, sailing, horseback riding and surfing are all part of a day’s play at the Cape. History and museum buffs should definitely make a detour to Boston, where attractions like the Museum of Fine Arts and Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum offer a fine culture break from days of sun, sand and home-made ice cream.

New Hampshire, with its verdant hills, awe-inspiring mountains and crystalline lakes is a real mecca for hikers, climbers, campers and white water rafters. Home to numerous sleepaway summer camps, this beautiful state offers a wealth of summertime treats. 

Savor lunch on the verandah of an historic grand hotel, get a unique perspective on White Mountains scenery on the historic Cog Railroad, experience the magnificent vistas of the Kangamangus highway or head off to a day of kiddie delights at Story Land, a New England family tradition.

Vermont, known mainly as a super ski destination, is really a four-season playground. Before the leaf peepers descend in the fall, summer in Vermont is chock full of activities, especially at the ski resorts, where zip lines, gondolas and mountainside slides turn a winter wonderland into a spectacular summer holiday destination.

Whether you crave the romance of a rugged coastline or the solitude of miles of unspoiled wilderness, Maine is the perfect spot for summertime adventure. Quaint beach towns like Kennebunkport and Booth Bay Harbor offer a classic Maine seaside experience, while adventurers will want to explore the granite and spruce islands of Arcadia National Park or hike Mount Katadhin, end point of the Appalachian Trail.

Whatever roads through historic New England you choose this summer, you’re bound to find outdoor adventure, seaside delights, historic wonders and plenty of fun in the sun.

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.

Ways to Teach Teamwork to Kids

One of the greatest things kids can learn is how to work as a team, as skill that will serve them well in so many parts of their lives, from youth athletic leagues to school projects, college academics and the workplace. 

Being a “good team player” and knowing how to work with all sorts of people toward a common goal certainly makes you a valued commodity in our society, and activities like summer camp makes learning this valuable ability a whole lot of fun. 

Kids can learn to function as a team in many ways, and if you keep your eye out at summer camp visits, you’ll notice campers involved in activities in places like the low ropes courses as well as on all sorts of playing fields, in swimming pools and out on the lake.

What is a Team Player?

A team player is less an “it’s all about me” kind of person and more a “go team” sort. Kids who help out at home and in the classroom, include others in games and activities and know how to both lead and follow tend to grow into more successful young adults.

Ropes Course Activities

Lots of companies use the lower part of a ropes course for team building activities, and kids at overnight summer camps get a jump on the action. Whereas the high ropes course focuses on more physical challenges, the low ropes course is chock full of trust building and problem solving activities, all geared toward helping campers learn how to work together effectively toward a common goal, all while getting to know each other better and having buckets of fun.

Theatrical Teamwork

Theatrical activities from summer camp campfire skits to local talent shows and community theater stage productions pretty much require kids to work as a team if the show is going to go on. Many stage companies routinely use teamwork activities to form a cohesive cast and crew before a show gets into full swing. 

However, even little summer camp productions have actors, writers, directors, stage builders, lighting crews and stage managers. Each person has his or her role and has to learn how to work with all the other team members whether they get along with them particularly well or not. Opening night is the deadline and everyone has to pull together to meet it successfully!

On the Playing Field

From organized youth athletics to school sports and summer camp fun, the playing fields can be a super way to learn to be a team player. Of course summer camp is brimming with all kinds of games, from beloved standard gaga ball and rowdy camp color wars to traditional sports like basketball, softball and soccer. 

At camp, counselors encourage youngsters to celebrate everybody’s contribution and truly work together to play the best game possible. Everyone cheers everyone else on and the end result is lots of fun whether the team wins or loses.

Everyday Teamwork

There are so many ways kids to learn to work as a team, especially when they are at places like sleepaway camp where they tend to have more responsibilities.

Even keeping the cabin clean can be a great team building event, since the sooner clothes are picked up and beds made, the sooner the day’s fun can begin. From helping the team win at a swimming relay race to prompting an actor in the campfire skit, sleepaway camp is full of opportunities for kids to learn how to work as a team.

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.