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. 

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

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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.