Camp: Memories for a Lifetime

The guest blog this week comes from Camp Laurel and was originally posted on September 10, 2012 at http://www.camplaurel.com/blog/uncategorized/camp-memories-for-a-lifetime/.

Duffles are unpacked. School is once again in full swing. Summer ­ and camp ­is far on the horizon.

But throughout the school year ­and for the rest of their lives ­campers will draw upon, and draw strength from, the positive experiences of the past summer.

Dr. Christopher Thurber describes some of the transformations we witness every summer at camp. A clinical psychologist, he notes that many children head to camp with “core fears.” These include being judged, looking “less than cool” and being alone.

Fearing judgment can come from many reasons: one’s background, body size or perceived lack of physical skills, for example.

At camp, the staff — and the environment they create — gives each camper a chance to
show off his or her special talents and skills in an emotionally safe place. There’s nothing like positive judgment to make a child’s summer.

The fear of not being successful can cause some campers to shy away from trying new activities. That’s why it’s so important for staff members to lead by example and try new things. We call it “modeling,” and we emphasize it over and over among our staff AND campers. Modeling behavior can sometimes make one look goofy ­ but it sends the message that there’s nothing wrong with being silly, trying new things and taking safe risks.

Camp is a place where caring, committed, compassionate adults provide stability and warmth. It is this environment and community that gives children and teens the strength and confidence to say, “I am going to go for it. I can overcome this. I can do this.”

When campers return home each year, they talk about activities, friends and counselors. They remember fun and funny moments. They seldom verbalize the fears they’ve had, and how they’ve met them head on. But that is as much a part of any camp experience as swimming, cookouts and College Days or Spirit Days. And confronting these fears is what builds self-esteem, develops a greater sense of self, and allows our children to take safe risks and thrive far beyond the fishbowl of camp.

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Camp: A Different Set of Expectations

Okay, admit it.  You’ve found yourself spending a considerable amount of time admiring that candle your daughter gave you on her camp’s Visiting Day or those wooden bookends your son brought home.  Part of you wonders how come you never got to make stuff that cool when you were a kid while another part of you is mystified by how the arts and crafts staff of your child’s summer camp was able to draw out the Picasso in your little ones.    After all, you can barely get them to focus long enough to make a poster for their science projects.  What is it about camp that seems to facilitate children’s creativity?

Sure it’s woodsy and remote, even quaint–the perfect place for children to feel free to be themselves.  They certainly do a lot of things at camp that they don’t get to do at home.  And you did spend the entire summer looking at photos of your daughter posing in a rainbow colored tutu—Did she ever take that thing off?—and of your son covered in face paint knowing full well that neither of them would EVER dress like that at home.  And was that your son dressed as a dog singing on stage?  Singing?  Him?  Really?  And last night he just told you, by the way, that he is trying out for the school play this year because the camp play was really fun.  He would never ever—even if someone had double dog dared him—have auditioned for a play before camp.  What changed?  The Expectations.

There are a lot of reasons children find themselves exploring more creative avenues at summer camp, but one really big one is that the expectations are different.  Children learn to respond to expectations.  Moreover, they learn to respond to the expectations of individuals.  They understand that their parents have expectations as do their teachers, siblings, friends, coaches, so on and so forth.  Whether  we’re comfortable admitting it or not, a lot of the expectations in that ten month world campers know as “winter” in some way promote conformity.  Expectations placed on children at home, in school, etc. emphasize the importance of following rules and established guidelines.  Of course, camp expectations do this, too, but the emphasis at camp is not to find one’s place in that larger whole by blending in but by standing out.  Camp is a place in which children are encouraged to try new things in a quest to find their passion.

Sure you’re thinking of those photos of your daughter holding up her latest tie-dye creation for the camp photographer’s camera—those ones in which she was covered to her elbows in dye—and you’re thinking that’s you wouldn’t really classify tie-dye as a “passion.”  Maybe not.  But it could be the beginning of one, the spark that leads to an interest in art or the arts, or even just the memory of trying something new that turned out to be fun that lends courage to trying other new things.  The expectations in the “world” of camp is that campers will explore it.  Perhaps this is why it’s no surprise that many well known figures attended summer camp and attribute it to being the place where they found long-term direction.  Sure, learning how to plunk out folk songs on a guitar is a long way from the philharmonic and being part of the chorus in the camp play is certainly not Broadway, but the idea is the same and, for many campers, it’s the start of building enough self confidence to stand out.

10 Signs Your Classmates or Co-Workers Who Worked at Summer Camp are Finally over Campsickness

10.) They’ve stopped claiming to be late to class or work because they didn’t hear the morning wake up call.

9.) They no longer ask you at the beginning of every day if you know what the evening activity is.

8.) They’ve stopped randomly breaking into spontaneous cheers, songs, and dances in the cafeteria.

7.) Mismatched socks are no longer visible under their pant cuffs.

6.) They no longer refer to the beverages in the vending machine as “bug juice.”

5.) They’ve stopped wearing their hair in sloppy ponytails and have started wearing it as it’s intended to be styled again.

4.) The constant reminders of remembering to apply lots of sunscreen and to drink lots of water have stopped.

3.) They’ve stopped bringing beads and lanyard to school/work with them.

2.) Tutus are no longer a regular part of their wardrobes.

1.)“At camp” are not the first words of every sentence anymore…just every other sentence.

Preparing Children for a Global Life

This week’s guest blog comes from Camp Weequahic:

The world is shrinking. It’s a line you hear over and over because it’s true. First, steamboats and railroads made it possible to ‘easily’ travel distances once thought unimaginable. Then airlines made it possible to get anywhere within 24 hours. Now, the internet and our smartphones allow us to connect with anyone, anywhere in the world, instantly.

The benefits of this new found ability to connect immediately will be most fully realized by our young people who are interested in building connections and have some experience in doing so. A summer at camp could hardly be a better place to start.

Children and staff come to from all over the world. In fact, our community represents all but one of the continent. (Hopefully, we can find an intrepid penguin to help us round out all seven continents next summer!)

Our campers had the summer of their lives laughing, growing, and learning alongside children with whom they’d never connect and from staff they’d never meet unless at camp. Young people immersed in a wonderfully fun environment are more willing and interested in reaching out to others. In doing so, they begin to build the habits of independence, curiosity, and openness. These are the same skills necessary to be successful in the larger but shrinking world of adults.

If you want your child to learn to connect with others, you’d be hard pressed to find a safer, more inviting place than camp. Our diverse and professional staff help prepare our campers for the larger world in so many fun and exciting ways. Whether through arts, athletics, aquatics or adventure or simply sitting around the campfire, we’ve something for all to enjoy.

Come spend a summer at camp and learn to build those much needed real world connections!

*A version of this blog was previously posted to www.weequahic.com on September 13, 2012.

Looking Past the Post Camp Lull

It’s here.  The lull.  The point at which the reality has set in that summer is over but next summer isn’t quite real enough.  By now, most of us have shared our favorite memories of camp at least a half dozen times with anyone who will listen  and we’ve actually started to settle into our fall habits, even if we do still catch ourselves humming camp songs in that off moment while riding in the car or doing homework.  There is a peacefulness about this time of year, though, because it’s the point at which we really begin to grasp the past couple of months, reflect on them, and embrace the memories of them.  Believe us!  We’re not joking when we say that for those of us at camp, the summer passes with lightning speed.  Blink more than once and miss it speed, in fact.

It’s hard to really take it all in in the moment.  But one of the best things about camp is that it is something that can be savored.  Henry David Thoreau wrote, “But the place which you have selected for your camp, though never so rough and grim, begins at once to have its attractions, and becomes a very centre of civilization to you.”  And he was right.  Camp is as much a mindset as it is a place.  For the next ten months, things will regularly happen that will remind us of something that happened at camp.  Whether it was a heart to heart with a counselor, a favorite activity, or even just the adventurous spirit that comes with discovering something new, each summer at camp is full of about a million opportunities to learn just a little bit more about life, some of them impossible to realize until well after the original moment has passed but each of them capable of taking campers and staff back to that “place.”

One of the Most Memorable Summer Camp Activities

Most traditional  summer camps are in the thick of one of the biggest parts of their summer program.  In fact, the event itself is nearly as big of a tradition in and of itself as the concept of summer camp.  It’s what everyone sees on movies or television shows about sleepaway camp and wants to be a part of—the color war.  For several days, campers and staff members parade around camp in their team colors.  Body paint, capes, mismatched socks, colored hair spray, pom-poms, and tutus are the en vogue accessories, and enthusiastic demonstrations of team pride via spirited cheers are infectious.

Although an emphasis on friendly competition geared toward giving campers an opportunity to put their camp skills to the test while exhibiting exemplary sportsmanship has prompted many camps to change the name to such things as Challenges, Tribals, College Days, and Olympics, the concept remains the same: Campers are placed onto teams and, for several days, engage in a host of activities designed to re-cap the summer—a sort of “best of” replay.

Whatever the name, the competition is often full of traditions regarded as sacred by campers and staff alike.  The beginning of the games is invariably a surprise to campers and much of the staff with the reveal being is a closely guarded secret about which there is quite a bit of discussion and speculation in the days leading up to it.  The breakout is unquestionably, one of the biggest events of the summer and always on everyone’s list of favorite moments from the summer.  Counselors are included in the action as team leaders and coaches.

The end of the competition often involves some sort of bonding activity designed to bring the teams back together as one camp family to finish out the summer because, in the end, the emphasis of a color on color contest is not whether one is on a winning team when all is said and done, but that each and every camper has had the opportunity to demonstrate what he or she has learned over the summer and, thus, gain an understanding of how each person brings something different and valuable to the camp family.  Such a focus makes these types of camp activities a valuable lesson in diversity and teamwork.  Everyone has a unique role on the team that directly affects the team’s overall performance.  For anyone—camper or staff—who has ever been a part of camps, it’s the part of the summer that is undoubtedly one of the most memorable.

Catching up with America’s Finest Summer Camps

How about a guest blog?  Rather than picking just one blog, we’ve decided to peek in on all of America’s Finest Summer Camps for a glimpse of what has been happening this summer…

Camp Laurel:

What a week!! Tuesday was the annual Big Show as Baxter, Sequoia, Bec and Bago joined forces to WOW us all with two fantastic showings of FAME the Musical. We were so proud of the incredibly talented cast and crew and can’t wait for THE JUNGLE BOOK in 10 days. Wednesday was an S-Day and we started the day with the Bec/Bago Laurel Idol Semi-Finals and a dodgeball tournament and spent the afternoon heading out all over the state. We had trips to Aquaboggan, Rummels, Old Port, and Funtown/Splashtown. Last night was Group Sing as each group in camp sang a popular song with the lyrics customized to a camp theme. If you surveyed our campers, most would tell you it’s one of their favorite night of camp!! And the weather this week has been Maine-Picture-Perfect!

*Originally published on www.camplaurel.com on 7/20/2012

Camp Laurel South:

We have been at camp for just a few days, but the action is already in full swing! Tennis, Skiing, Riding, Ceramics, baseball, Theatre, Lacrosse, Fishing and More!! After our annual Moosestomp Day, programming began and it’s been non-stop ever since.We had our first rotation of “A” and “B” Days, and we can’t wait for our first in camp “S” Day! Our 8th Graders are heading out to Acadia National Park for their camping experience. Our CIT’s are getting ready for their amazing White Water Rafting Trip…and Intercamps and Tournaments begin tomorrow. The weather has been absolutely fantastic…it’s always a beautiful day in the state of Maine! We are so happy to be on the shores of Crescent Lake!

*Originally posted to www.camplaurelsouth.com on 7/20/2012

Camp Weequahic:

The aspiring chefs of Camp Weequahic’s first session put together an amazing cookbook full of some super yummy recipes from our cooking studio.  The link is below.  Enjoy!

Weequahic Cookbook

*Originally posted to www.weequahic.com on 7/11/2012

MTV Night 2012 was a close competition with thirteen divisional winners battling it out for overall champion.  From remixes to movie soundtracks, the music was about as varied as the costumes.  Everyone fabulously demonstrated why they’d won their divisional titles with excellent lip syncing, dancing, and choreography.   The judges had a really tough decision, but in the end Junior Girls bunk 6 edged out the Senior Boys of the Lodge to take the title with a number called Waka Waka.  Congratulations to girls bunk 6 for their victory and to all of the competitors for putting together some extremely entertaining acts!

*Originally posted to www.campstarlight.com on 7/25/2012

No doubt about it…It has been a busy and exciting summer at all of the camps!

Beating the Heat and the Sun’s Rays

It’s summer, which means it’s hot outside.  Each summer, sleepaway camps field dozens of calls from parents regarding heat and sun care.  Parents appreciate learning that America’s Finest Summer Camps take a great deal of care in helping campers and staff alike be sun-safe.  Campers are encouraged to carry water bottles with them in order to stay properly hydrated.  Some camps also keep water at strategic places throughout camp so that campers and staff can have convenient access.

Sunscreen is also key to beating the summer sun.  In addition to making sunscreen available on campus, summer camps include sunscreen on packing lists.  Doctors recommend a minimum SPF level of 15, although anyone with fair or sensitive skin should use a minimum level of SPF 30.  Counselors and camp staff are charged with insuring that campers are regularly properly applying sunscreen.

Wearing sunglasses, hats, and light colored clothing are also recommended when children are outdoors, and, whenever possible, campers and staff members are encouraged to seek shaded areas.  By taking some standard precautions, summer camps are helping campers beat the heat.

Summer Camp Helps Children Maintain Routine

Summer camp is a lot of fun.  One need only ask any camper on virtually any summer camp campus to confirm that notion.  Children love the activities and the relatively relaxed environment of sleepaway camp.  However, there is something else that summer camp children crave, although they might not know it:  structure.  Dr. Laura Markham asserts that routine helps children develop self-discipline, cooperation, change tolerance, and responsibility.

To an outsider, summer camps may seem like little more than organized chaos.  However, most summer camps operate around set daily schedules that move children from activity to activity at specific times throughout the day.  Although the daily activities may change, the times and length of the periods do not.  Meals are also held at set times.  The use of bugle calls, bells, music, or announcements assist campers in transitioning from one part of their day to another, which, according to Markham, helps eliminate power struggles by setting parameters and giving children a recognizable sign for knowing when it’s time to bring one activity to a close and move onto another without being told.

A daily routine also helps at night.  Research shows that children who have a structured schedule sleep better at night.  Routine also lessens anxiety and improves behavioral issues.  Children feel less anxiety when they understand what is expected of them and can confidently anticipate what will happen next.  Summer camp is built on traditions that happen from year-to-year.  Many camps are also divided into age groups that serve as steps through the camp experience from the first year of camp to the final.  From their first day at camp, there are certain rites and privileges related to sleepaway camp traditions specific to each age group to which campers can look forward as they get older.  That children can see from the beginning that summer camp is a progressive process also helps them to understand the concept of patience when working toward a goal.

Because of the benefits provided by the structure of summer camp, many parents are increasingly seeing the advantages of time spent at summer camp.  As a result, summer camp is experiencing a revival of sorts as a summer staple.  More than eleven million people attended camp last year, according to the American Camp Association.  If you’re trying to think of a way to add value to your children’s summer, consider sending them to summer camp.

What Summer Camp Means to Me

Our guest blog for this week actually comes from a couple of campers at Camp Starlight, who shared their ideas about what summer camp means to them:

Today, campers Jodie K. and Marni C. gave us some insight about what camp means to them…

“Hi, my name is Jodie K and this is my 7th summer at camp Starlight.  I am now thirteen.  Since I was seven, I have been fortunate enough to call this camp my home.  Without using a cliché, this camp mean to me in one simple word: EVERYTHING!  I am given the appropriate amount of freedom while being taught lifelong lessons like communication, honesty, and respect.  What most thirteen year olds in today’s society don’t realize is that with today’s technology, kids don’t know how to communicate with others effectively.  Using texting and other forms of social media, kids avoid ever contacting each other directly.  Here at camp where no technology is allowed, it gives me the chance to get to know my favorite people in the whole world.  People I call my sisters, roles models, and friends for life have made this experience even better.  Everything this camp has done for me has made me a stronger person for the better.”—Jodie K.

“This is my sixth summer at Camp Starlight and I’m an Upper Deb.  What camp means to me is a home away from my home.  When I come to camp, I always feel safe and comfortable around staff and other campers.  When I think of Camp Starlight, I think of myself making memories that will last a lifetime.  For example, when I go home during the winter, I ways laugh with my home friends and share those memories.  Camp is a place that you go to for a majority of your summer and you never want to leave.  The day before I leae for camp, I have butterflies in my stomach, and the day I leave to go home from camp I have tears.  Camp Starlight is a special place that will be in my mind and heart forever.”—Marni C.

*This blog was originally posted on the Camp Starlight website www.campstarlight.com on July 3, 2012.