Going Gaga for Ga-Ga

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Something you might not know about summer camp:  It breeds passionate athletes in many different sports, even ones that are little known outside of summer camp, such as ga-ga.  Although it’s not well known in America (but becoming more so everyday!), hoards of campers dream all winter about getting back into the ga-ga pit.  Many camps even have ga-ga tournaments!  Camp challenge weeks even have ga-ga challenges.  There is no doubt that campers are going gaga for ga-ga!

So what is this ga-ga?  It’s a little like dodgeball in a circular enclosed space.  Many camps feature ga-ga pits , but the game can be played virtually anywhere there are four walls or barriers.  As in dodgeball, when players are hit with the ball, they are out.  They may, however, use the walls of the ga-ga court to clear the ball.  As players are struck by the ball, they are eliminated, and leave the pit.  The last boy (or girl) standing wins.  Two primary ways that ga-ga differs from dodgeball is that ga-ga strikes must be at or below the knees and players bounce rather than throw the ball.   Also unlike dodgeball, players may either bounce the ball at other players or against the walls of the pit.  Some camps have adopted rules of play unique to their campers’ style of ga-ga play, while others prefer to stick to the official rules…What?  There are official rules?  Yep.  In fact, there is even an International Championship Tournament held annually in Europe.  More than 30 countries , including the U.S., winner of multiple championship titles, participate.

No one quite knows how ga-ga originated or where it comes from, but rumor has it that the game gets its name from the sound the ball makes during the opening play.  It’s bounced twice in the air and  the players say “ga” on each bounce.  On the third bounce, the ball is in play (some rules call for three bounces with the ball officially in play on the fourth bounce).  So warm up your ga-ga hands and start stretching.  We’ll see you in the pit!

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America’s Finest Summer Camps: More than 200 Combined Successful Summers

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As part of iconic America, many American summer camps are steeped in rich histories.  America’s Finest Summer Camps are no exception.  We thought we would take a minute to share a brief history of each camp with you.

Camp Laurel
Camp Laurel was founded in 1949 and has been in continuous operation ever since. Its original site was on Lake Awosting, New York. During this period, the camp was under the co‑direction of Mel and Bette Archard and John and Alice Harrison. In the fall of 1965 the camp moved to its present site on Echo Lake in Mt. Vernon, Maine. Camp Laurel opened at its new site on July 1, 1966. In 1974 Ron Scott began working for Camp Laurel on a full‑time basis, and in 1978 Ron and Ann joined Mel and Bette as Directors. In 1979 Ron and Ann purchased Camp Laurel and assumed the roles of Owners and Directors. In 1994, after spending three summers as Co-Director, Keith Klein purchased Camp Laurel and has served as Owner and Director since that time. Jem Sollinger, a long-time camper and counselor, joined Keith as Co-Director in 2002. In 2007, Jem and his wife, Debbie, assumed the directorship of Laurel. Keith maintains an active role as Director and spends his summers on Echo Lake, Maine along with Jem and Debbie.

Camp Starlight
Founded in 1947 by the Schmierer family, 2011 marks Camp Starlight’s 65th year of making tradition, spirit, friendship, adventure, family, and fun.  These are the words used by campers, parents, and staff to define their experiences and memories of Camp Starlight.  Located in Starlight, Pennsylvania, just two and a half hours northwest of New York City, a drive up the mile long road brings you to the 285 acre brother/sister campus with its own private lakes and surrounded by the “endless mountains” of Pennsylvania.

A glimpse at the endless rows of bunk plaques inside the Dining Room will provide any visitor with an instant glimpse of what a special place Camp Starlight has been to campers and staff alike in its 65 years of existence.  David and Allison Miller purchased Camp Starlight in 1999 and are now in their 13th year of serving as its Owners/Directors.

Camp Laurel South
Laurel camping was founded in 1949 and Camp Laurel operated its first summer in 1950 under the direction of the Archard and Harrison families.  In 1974, Ron and Ann Scott joined Ann’s parents, Mel and Bette Archard, as Directors.  In 1979 Ron and Ann purchased Laurel and assumed the roles of Owners and Directors.  In 1994, Keith Klein purchased Camp Laurel from the Scotts.  Keith owns Laurel today along with his partners, Jem and Debbie Sollinger. The Scotts purchased the former Dr. Johnson’s Camps in 1992 at its site on Crescent Lake in Casco, Maine, and renamed it Laurel South.  Laurel South operated its first summer in 1993 under the leadership of Roger and Dagni Christian.  In the fall 0f 1998, Roger and Dagni, along with Keith, took ownership of Laurel South and continue their partnership to this day.

While Laurel South is known as a first-rate facility, Roger, Dagni and Keith have always maintained that it is the people who make Laurel South the special place it is today.  Every camper and counselor has left an impression on our camp and contributed to the rich tradition we enjoy.  As we speak with Laurel South alumni, we often hear stories of Spirit Days, Council Fires, Carnival, S- Day’s, Ohana, Socials…the list goes on and on.  The overriding theme that ties each of these stories together is memories. Memories of friendships and fun which last long after the summers spent at camp.

Camp Weequahic
Weequahic was founded in 1953 by Art and Mollie Lustig and operated under the directorship of the same family for more than five decades. The ideal with which camp was started – to provide the best in camping –still holds true today, almost 60 years after our first campers spent their summer with us in Lakewood, Pennsylvania.

Weequahic is far more than the facilities and scenic beauty of over 100 acres located in Wayne County, although these are certainly part of what has made Weequahic so special. It’s the people and their relationships that make Weequahic what it is. Our campers learn new activities every year, but what draws them back is our warm, caring environment… an environment in which friendships are encouraged and where self-sufficiency and tolerance in learning to live with others is taught.

The current Directors, Cole and Kate Kelly, work tirelessly to insure that the Weequahic motto, which has been maintained for almost 60 years, continues to be:
“Where Caring is a Tradition.”

So there you have it.  If you’ve been doing your math, then by now you’ve figured out that, combined, we have 200 years of experience in the camping!  For America’s Finest Summer Camps, history is our past, present, and future.

What is ACA Accreditation?

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The American Camp Association (ACA) is the parent organization of American Summer Camps.  The most reputable American summer camps voluntarily adhere to standards set by the ACA and, in search of accreditation, undergo a thorough evaluation process every three years during which their processes, facilities, emergency plans, staff training, and operations are very carefully scrutinized and then scored.  Based on their scores, summer camps either receive accreditation from the ACA or are told what they must improve in order to be accredited.

The ACA accreditation is no small feat and receiving it requires a tremendous amount of meticulous effort on behalf of summer camps.  However, it’s worth the reward.  ACA accreditation elevates a camp’s reputation and credibility to other camps.  However, more importantly, parents thinking of sending their children to camp should be concerned about ACA accreditation.  ACA accreditation provides that extra peace of mind that the summer camp you’ve chosen for your child goes that extra mile to insure that everything they do—and how they do it—is nothing short of top notch.

For all four of America’s Finest Summer Camps, merely meeting the minimum guidelines for accreditation is unacceptable.  We strive to meet and exceed all expectations of the parents who choose to send their children to one of our camps.  For us, “premier” isn’t merely a title given to a great camp, it’s a state of mind.  We are proud to be the best and offer the best.  As such, we never stop preparing for standards.  We do not simply breathe a sigh of relief and spend the next couple of years resting after the ACA pays its bi-annual visit.  We’re constantly updating policies, improving and maintaining our facilities, re-evaluating our current procedures for best practices, and working to be nothing short of excellent.

Do You Know the History of Summer Camp?

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Today, we feature a guest blog from Cole Kelly, Camp Weequahic Director.

Do you know the history of camping? Most people don’t and it’s too bad. It’s an interesting story and I’m happy to give you my take on it.

Back in the early 1900’s, several individuals and families, seeing the swelling slums in the northeastern cities, began to think of ways to get kids back to nature. Striking out from New York and Boston, these camp pioneers found pieces of land with lakes, trees, clean air, and a lot of space on which to build the first ‘residential camps’ in the US.

Mostly school teachers and coaches, these early camp leaders built relationships with families who chose to send their children to camp. The founding purpose of camp was to provide an environment of wholesome activity in which the values of independence, teamwork, gratitude, and community were transmitted, both overtly and subtly, to children.

Looking back at over 100 years of organized camping, I think these early professionals were on to something. Camping is no longer just for children from the northeastern major metro areas, though they still make up a large proportion of campers. Camp has spread across the country and world and is now a big part of lots of peoples’ lives.

There are a lot of reasons why camping has thrived over the years. The main reasons, at least in my opinion, are the relationships built between campers and the staff at camp, being a part of something special, and the skills (physical, psychological, and emotional) that are developed. When you combine value-driven adults who are eager to lead with campers excited to learn, grow, and build new friendships, you’ve got an incredible start for creating a remarkable camp experience.

Can’t wait for camp!

Cole Kelly

Director, Camp Weequahic

A Glimpse at Orientation…The Training of Camp Staff

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Every summer you pack your children up and entrust them to the care of others for the summer.  Have you ever wondered what sort of training is provided for your child’s summer camp staff?   For summer camp staff members, the season begins at least one week before the campers arrive with Orientation.

What is Camp Counselor Orientation?  Orientation is a week for camp counselors and other staff members to…

Become familiar with the camp’s expectations.  Summer camp staff members participate in workshops relating to teamwork, camp policies, and child development. During this time, counselors are also familiarized with ACA standards and the importance of maintaining and exceeding these standards.  It’s during this training that counselors are able to grasp that their new summer job, though fun, carries a lot of responsibility and 24/7 focus.

Familiarize themselves with their surroundings.  Your camp wants counselors to understand the campus prior to your camper arriving.  During Orientation, staff members are given every opportunity to familiarize themselves with their new surroundings, as well as which areas require special supervision.

Make new friends.  Why is this important to you?  Happy counselors make better counselors.  As you well know as parents, having a proper support system in place is essential to the success of any parent.  Those looking after your children this summer are no exception.  Orientation is a time for summer camp staff members to become comfortable with their new co-workers and begin to get to know each other.

Attain necessary certification.  Those staff members working in areas such as waterfront and outdoor adventure must have training and certification prior to supervising your children.  For some staff members, this entails arriving at camp well before the camper arrival date in order to be fully prepared from the day the first camper sets foot on campus.  Outside experts such as the Red Cross are often brought in to conduct lifeguard training.  Outdoor Adventure and Waterfront  areas also frequently utilize external professionals to train their staff.

Understand what it’s like to be a camper.  Many camp orientation programs follow mock daily camp schedules and encourage staff members to participate in many of the same activities that their campers will throughout the summer.  Most staff members live and function as members of groups during this period.  The role play isn’t merely designed to give staff members an idea of what’s in store. It gives them the opportunity to embrace the camp’s traditions so that they can share in the enthusiasm with campers.

Receive very valuable and essential education to understanding and working with children.  Summer camps take the well being of their campers very seriously and spare no expense in this area of Orientation.  Big name speakers are brought in for lectures and workshops that educate staff members with the latest, most up-to-date childcare information and relevant laws.  Counselors and other camp staff are left with no doubt or misunderstanding that the campers and their safety are the reason that they are there and, as such, come first.

Mentally prepare themselves for the arrival of campers.  Even the most seasoned childcare professionals and educators can feel a bit overwhelmed when suddenly surrounded by hundreds of enthusiastic children who’ve waited ten months to see their camp friends again.  By taking place on campus before the campers arrive, Orientation serves as a sort of segue from the camp counselors’ lives back home into their new summer lives by giving them some time to adjust to their new home and surroundings before the chaos that is summer camp ensues.

Finally, Orientation is an opportunity for Camp Directors and Senior Staff to assess how their staff interacts and identify individual strengths and weaknesses.  This helps them assign camp counselors to cabins and bunks and age groups in which they’re likely to provide the best leadership.

So when you put your campers on the bus in June, you can bet that a very excited and well trained camp staff is waiting on the other end to meet your children and give them the best summer ever.

Summer Camp Rentals Make Camp Possible for Grownups Too!

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Admit it.  You’re jealous.  Your children go to summer camp each summer.  Then they come home and tell you about it, and you wish that you could go to camp, too.  Well, you might be able to.  Did you know that many summer camps offer facility rentals during the “off season”, typically from mid-to-late August through early June?  If you have a group function, such as a reunion, retreat, or wedding, think about renting a summer camp.  For a large group, using a camp as your venue may have several great advantages.

First, unlike at hotels and resorts, you will likely have exclusive use of the facilities.  Your group will be the only one there, which means that you will have privacy and are sure to be #1.  Keep in mind that certain areas of camps, such as waterfront and outdoor adventure areas, may only operate under the supervision of adequately trained personnel and acceptable weather conditions.  Many camps will provide trained personnel for you for an additional fee.  The value of enjoying such popular camp areas may far exceed any additional costs. Outdoor Adventure areas and ropes courses are particularly ideal for team building exercises and bonding.

Most summer camps also provide in-house staff familiar with the campus to assist you with all of the details of your stay.  From arranging housing, to campfires, special events, and meals, the camp will have at least one liaison, somewhat like a concierge,  to assist you with all of the special details and make sure your stay is perfect.

The very atmosphere of a summer camp facilitates togetherness.  Summer camps provide a natural environment free of many modern distractions, such as television, video games, computers, etc.  This isn’t to say that all of these things won’t be available if you want them.  But that they are available in contained areas keeps the focus on the purpose of your gathering.

Camp rentals often include meals in the camp’s dining facility.  This means that everything is done for you.  The camp food services staff  plans, cooks, and serves meals for your group.  Of course, many camps will also work with you to customize menus, if necessary.  Regardless, you are likely to have an entire dining facility at your convenience and can decide when meals will be served.

Finally, summer camp campuses offer amenities that most hotels just don’t have. Yes, there are tennis, volleyball, and basketball courts.  But there are also soccer fields, football fields, baseball diamonds, arts and crafts studios, and theater facilities…all things your average hotel just can’t offer.

10 Things to do before Your Children Leave for Summer Camp

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10 Things to do before Your Children Leave for

10. Complete all of the camp paperwork.  This provides the camp with valuable details about your child that they can pass onto their health center and counselors.  Knowing your children’s interests before they arrive helps the camp place them into cabins or bunks in which they’ll thrive, provide them with the best program options, and be able to supply them with any medication they may require.

9. Buy stationary, pre-address and stamp envelopes for letters home.  Many camps have specific time set aside in their daily schedules for writing home.  Pre-addressed envelopes help ease the process of sending the letters campers have so lovingly written.  This is particularly the case for younger campers.  Also, familiarize yourself with your children’s camp policy regarding camp packages to avoid disappointment that may result from sending items that are undeliverable to your children.

8. Review the camp’s packing list and make sure you have everything.  Don’t overlook things like extra socks and underwear as well as rain gear and warm clothing.

7. Review your camp’s handbook with your children.  Camp handbooks contain valuable information regarding the expectations of campers.  Emphasize that camps put such guidelines in place for the safety and well being of their campers so that they can insure everyone has the most fun possible.

6. Make your Visiting Day plans and book lodging.  Yes, it’s true that your children haven’t even left for camp yet.  But many hotels within the immediate vicinity of a camp often book months in advance.  If you’re unsure of the lodging options near your children’s camp, contact the camp office.

5. Make sure your children’s camper accounts are in order.  Some camps maintain “spending accounts” for campers.  These accounts provide additional funds for campers to take along on out of camp trips to purchase souvenirs or treats.  If you’re unclear at all, call the camp office. Keep in mind that these are often separate accounts from those that cover in-camp expenses such as canteen and laundry services.

4. Ensure you have all adequate sports and musical equipment in order:  the wheels on the roller blades are oiled, the shin pads are the proper fit, and the guitar strings have been tightened.  Just as if they are going off to rehearsal, your children’s sports equipment will receive as much of a workout at camp as it will at home.  Sending your campers with properly maintained and fitting equipment can have a tremendous affect on the success of their summer.

3. Pack.  It sounds so simple.  Yet, for camp, it’s quite the production.  Most camps strongly advise against packing any clothing that can’t withstand commercial laundry services.  It’s also wise to remember that camps often downplay the importance of physical appearance, which means leaving the “dry clean only” and “one of kind” items at home is typically a good idea.  Once you have your children’s bags packed, don’t forget to arrange for them to be delivered to camp by the designated date.

2. Review the bus pickup location and procedures.  It’s particularly important to understand what your children can take on the plane or bus and what they can’t.  Carefully review whether lunch will be provided for your children either on the trip or when they get to camp, or if you should provide packed lunches for them.  Understand the carry-on limitations, particularly in regard to sports equipment.  Finally, be on time to the departure point.  Of course, people inevitably get stuck in traffic or lost (as is particularly the case for new pickup locations), but try to get a sense of where you’re going ahead of time and leave a bit early if necessary.

1. Wish your children an unbelievable,  happy summer.  They’re going to have one!  But knowing you’re supporting them 100% just makes it that much better— particularly for first time campers.  Remind them of all the fun they’re going to have.  Let them know that you can’t wait to hear about it in their letters, and that you’ll be monitoring the camp’s website daily for blogs and photographs in addition to sending them letters and email.

Famous Faces of Summer Camps

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Have you ever thought about what your bunkmates might be doing ten or twenty years down the road? Maybe you have said to one another that you want to come back some day and be counselors, division leaders, and maybe you even dream of being a head counselor. But did you ever consider that the camper in the bunk next to you may end up on the big screen, in the final seconds of the Super Bowl, or even behind a big wooden desk in the White House? Well it may seem crazy to consider now, when you see them all decked out in your camp gear and singing crazy songs, but this is the reality of many former campers around the country.  It is very surprising to find out how many of the who’s who in American society once found themselves spending their childhood summers in the magical places known as summer camps!

Here are a few famous faces that spent their summers at summer camps around the country:

Cindy Crawford, model Bob Dylan, folk singer
Tre Cool, Green Day drummer Jamie Lee Curtis, actress
Bill Clinton, US President Candice Bergen, actress
George W. Bush, US President Michael Jordan, professional athlete
Jeff Daniels, Dumb and Dumber Julia Louis-Dreyfus, actress
Robert Downey Jr., Actor Dustin Hoffman, actor
Conan O’Brien, TV Host Chris Farley, actor
Denzel Washington, actor Chevy Chase, actor
Ruth Ginsberg, Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, Supreme Court Justice

What does our future hold? Maybe you will be your camp’s next claim to fame!

Summer Camp: Improving Your Child’s School Performance

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Sure parents send their children to summer camp to have fun.  And letters home detailing exciting moments during the summer usually more than assure them that they’re getting their money’s worth.  But did you know that summer camp also may improve a child’s performance in school?

For one, there is routine.  Yes, it’s summer camp.  Yes, your children are letting loose and having some serious fun.  But they’re also maintaining a routine.   Studies have shown that children who maintain regular routines get better grades than those who don’t.  Many camp programs follow a schedule.  Although the individual activities vary from day to day, campers know when they will eat meals, have day and evening activities, shower, and go to bed from day-to-day.  Child-experts  have noted that maintaining a routine helps children stay focused because it keeps their lives calm and predictable.   When children feel calm and safe, they accept change more easily.  By maintaining a schedule at camp, children are able to transition more easily from the previous school year into the new one.  “Children handle change best if it’s expected and it’s handled in the context of a regular routine,” says Dr. Laura Markham, behavioral specialist.   Dr. Markham also notes that routine helps children understand expectations.  The faster children are able to transition into their new school year, get settled and understand expectations, the more likely they are to be successful.

Camp also provides social structure.  Social structure helps children learn how to interact with other people.  Ultimately, they become better communicators.  The benefit of being able to learn this process at camp is the camp social structure has a ready made support system.  Summer camp promotes a strong sense of family and tradition.  Emphasis is placed on the idea of each person being a valuable member of the camp family and the importance of individual contributions to the continuance of camp traditions.   Camps tend to place emphasis on fun rather than appearance. Children are also encouraged to be curious.  The atmosphere is very fun, playful, and nonjudgmental.  In his 2006 article Why play, Toys, and Games are Important, author Dr. Toy (yes, that’s his real name) says that children feel free to be themselves when they are relaxed and having fun, which makes them better listeners and communicators.  Students who are good communicators are less likely to feel frustrated in school.

As children mature at camp, they’re taught and given more responsibility.  From the first day they arrive at camp, campers obeserve that there are certain rites reserved for specific age groups.  They see that even they, as early campers, are not without their own special traditions.  But they also learn that there are things to look forward to in getting older and becoming more experienced campers.  Older campers take longer trips outside of camp and sometimes journey further away.  They stay up later.  They have more freedom of choice in their daily activities.  There are also have rituals exclusive to mature campers, something that younger campers learn to look forward to when they were young campers and of which they anticipate being a part.

Finally, there is the element of family in summer camp.  Not only do children learn to collaborate and be flexible by co-existing with others and participating regularly  in team sports and challenges, they are given additional tools by Camp Directors and Staff who care very much about them and their development.  Many camps utilize the services of professionals, such as MA Jeff Leiken, to implement special programs that help older campers prepare for high school and beyond by understanding how to maximize their potential for success.

Sure children have fun at summer camp!  But they also learn and maintain healthy habits that help them transition into the role of good student between summers.

*For more information or to contact Jeff Leiken, please visit his website http://leiken.com.

So You’ve Got a Golden Ticket…Ready, Set, Go Part 3

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Finally, we close our trilogy of camp counselor tips with one last blog dedicated to you, future camp counselors…

Get ready to build your resume!  Working as a camp counselor at a summer camp will provide you with some invaluable experience that will serve you well far beyond this summer.  Many HR Managers in lots of different fields find summer camp experience very impressive because of the level of dedication and commitment required.  Summer Camp also demonstrates that you can adapt well to new cultures, which is essential for success in many corporate environments.  In fact, many corporate executives were once campers and/or camp counselors themselves.  If you’re an education major, it goes without saying that experience working directly with children is a huge plus on a new teacher’s resume.

One final warning: As a summer camp counselor, you will act goofy, dress funny, and find yourself doing all sorts of crazy things you’d probably never ordinarily do…and you’ll have a blast while doing them.  It’s what summer camp is all about.  But what other job can you get where being an expert in painting faces, making signs, inventing outrageous costumes, and acting silly are all just part of your typical workday?

So there you have it!  A few suggestions for preparing yourself for a great and successful summer.  Have fun!