It' s because you care, you're reading this article. Chances are you've explored the options and are getting close to sending your child or children to a residential camp. It doesn't matter whether this is the first camp experience or whether you're an old pro, it's a near certainty a couple of things have crossed your mind.
One of the first things you noticed and contemplated, there are many camp types to pick. In this sea of camp offerings, many appear to be the same camp rebranded. Of course, you want to choose the right one because they're not inexpensive. Lastly, you've wondered if it's possible to find a camp the kids will love but will benefit them, you know, a little education or something.
You're exactly correct in each thought. The volume of camps is overwhelming. They do cost a fair amount of money, there are similar programs and yes you should be able to have your child's person positively impacted while away.
In the perfect scenario your children are receiving the educational benefit without them being aware of it as they'll fully participate and not rebuff your camp suggestion. There are camps with programs aimed at tackling both fronts: fun and education.
Clearly, camps that are college prep, or that take place on a university campus with courses is going to give you the enrichment you may be looking for; however, your child may not want to go to school after just getting out of school. Thus, you need to be a little more Agent-99, in your camp choice.
Try to locate camps that refer to team building. In their descriptions see what they do that is supposed to build teams. For instance, a rafting camp requires campers to work together to get their raft safely downstream. Hiking a mountain or climbing on ropes will require a team attitude for support and safety.
Look for a camp that references activities that require people to engage one on one and in groups. Buzz words to look for: discussions, community, leadership, evening campfire, interconnectedness, etc. These are camps that have thought enough about the benefits of communication and improving these skills.
Look for a camp that speaks of experiential-education. This is not a new term, but one that's gaining momentum. As our schools remove programs, college entrance becomes ever more competitive, school sports becomes more about winning and less about learning how to be a teammate, the need for education through experience, experiential education, is ever increasing. Camps that note this type of experience are cognizant of this need and are at minimum working towards providing this type of experience to the campers they host.
Let's look at the whitewater rafting camp again. If the camp is noting experiential education: teamwork is learned in each phase of a rafting trip from preparing the gear, to suiting up, to learning to paddle as a synchronized crew, learning safety techniques, and how to swim in moving water. These skills encompass the physical, the mental and the verbal. All of this while rafting, there are other elements to camp as well.
If you're exploring residential camps, you probably have the means to send your child. It's natural and good parenting to want to get the most experience for your dollar spent. Your child's life will be greatly enriched from their summer experiences.
In summary, yes, camp is meant to be fun and your child should have the time of a lifetime; however, with a little time on the internet, armed with a few insider tips and key words to look for, you can find a camp that is both fun and educational. I do believe, when it comes to summer camps, you can have your cake and eat it too. Best in your summer quest!
One of the first things you noticed and contemplated, there are many camp types to pick. In this sea of camp offerings, many appear to be the same camp rebranded. Of course, you want to choose the right one because they're not inexpensive. Lastly, you've wondered if it's possible to find a camp the kids will love but will benefit them, you know, a little education or something.
You're exactly correct in each thought. The volume of camps is overwhelming. They do cost a fair amount of money, there are similar programs and yes you should be able to have your child's person positively impacted while away.
In the perfect scenario your children are receiving the educational benefit without them being aware of it as they'll fully participate and not rebuff your camp suggestion. There are camps with programs aimed at tackling both fronts: fun and education.
Clearly, camps that are college prep, or that take place on a university campus with courses is going to give you the enrichment you may be looking for; however, your child may not want to go to school after just getting out of school. Thus, you need to be a little more Agent-99, in your camp choice.
Try to locate camps that refer to team building. In their descriptions see what they do that is supposed to build teams. For instance, a rafting camp requires campers to work together to get their raft safely downstream. Hiking a mountain or climbing on ropes will require a team attitude for support and safety.
Look for a camp that references activities that require people to engage one on one and in groups. Buzz words to look for: discussions, community, leadership, evening campfire, interconnectedness, etc. These are camps that have thought enough about the benefits of communication and improving these skills.
Look for a camp that speaks of experiential-education. This is not a new term, but one that's gaining momentum. As our schools remove programs, college entrance becomes ever more competitive, school sports becomes more about winning and less about learning how to be a teammate, the need for education through experience, experiential education, is ever increasing. Camps that note this type of experience are cognizant of this need and are at minimum working towards providing this type of experience to the campers they host.
Let's look at the whitewater rafting camp again. If the camp is noting experiential education: teamwork is learned in each phase of a rafting trip from preparing the gear, to suiting up, to learning to paddle as a synchronized crew, learning safety techniques, and how to swim in moving water. These skills encompass the physical, the mental and the verbal. All of this while rafting, there are other elements to camp as well.
If you're exploring residential camps, you probably have the means to send your child. It's natural and good parenting to want to get the most experience for your dollar spent. Your child's life will be greatly enriched from their summer experiences.
In summary, yes, camp is meant to be fun and your child should have the time of a lifetime; however, with a little time on the internet, armed with a few insider tips and key words to look for, you can find a camp that is both fun and educational. I do believe, when it comes to summer camps, you can have your cake and eat it too. Best in your summer quest!
About the Author:
For twenty years, Action Whitewater has provided professional whitewater rafting trips: always a leader in youth trips. Adventure summer camps are the organic expansion of this focus as they strive to provide the most comprehensive youth programs on the river. To see, video and photos of what you can expect at an adventure camp, visit our website.
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