Inspiration is All Around Us

 

Brant Lake Dance Camp

Inspiration is All Around Us

March is the biggest season for Dance in New York City. It’s exciting and inspiring. So, in spite of the “March in like a Lion and out like a lamb” weather, I love to go. Whether it’s the Paul Taylor Dance Company, AIley II, NYC Ballet, ABT, Dance Theater of Harlem, or, less famous companies like BalletNext, Sokolow Theater/Dance Ensemble or Pigeonwing Dance, there is something beautiful and inspiring for everyone.

 

Every company is featuring work of a new choreographer, a theme especially dear to our hearts at Brant Lake Dance Camp. We at BLDC know that inside every young dancer is a voice waiting to be heard. Our young choreographer course, Enchoreo, is a wonderful place for our young women to explore their creative voices. Some of their inspiration comes directly from their surroundings, a cool breeze through pine trees or a seed from a performance they saw back in March. It may have been a turn led by a shoulder at a Paul Taylor performance or an impeccable series of leaps at the NYC Ballet or a dip performed by Pigeonwing Dance or maybe it was the way that guy on the train took his seat. 

 

Inspiration is all around us. Especially, this month in the NYC dance scene. Go see some!

 

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Camp Friends are Forever Friends

Laurel South

Camp Friends are Forever Friends

Something camp friends will always appreciate about each other is the feeling that friendship is a two-way street. At camp, everything is about giving to the community; maximum enthusiasm, maximum caring, maximum friendliness. Everyone strives to give 100% at all times, because 95% isn’t enough to make the experience unforgettable. Camp taught us that community means everything.

The special spark that makes a person who they are will never really change. However, there is a noticeable maturing that happens for campers. The class clown becomes more thoughtful. The dreamer becomes more attentive. The quiet one learns to come out of their shell.

Ultimately, camp teaches how to care for others the way we wished to be cared for ourselves. It’s a value that sets “camp people” apart from the crowd. Campers become each other’s families. When a birthday comes around, campers get as many cards, calls and texts from camp friends as they do from family. We know camp friends can be just as dependable as family.

They say you can’t pick your family, but you can pick your friends. And when you pick your friends at camp, you stay friends forever.

How Camp Makes Kids Better Eaters

 

For some lucky families, dinnertime is an enjoyable and relaxing time to connect with family. For others, it’s like World War III. Whether kids are too busy chatting about their day to eat, or refuse to eat anything remotely healthy, keeping kids fed can be a challenge for many families.  Many parents are surprised to hear that when their kids go to camp, they’re more likely to try newer, healthier foods than they would at home.

Spending the summer at camp means kids are active and busy from morning ‘til night. They are running from activity to activity, and are burning calories without even thinking about it. They need to be constantly refueled, and camp makes sure they’re putting good stuff in their bodies. At America’s Finest Summer Camps, campers are sometimes more likely to try a new food because their friends are eating it, which opens their minds to trying new things. It’s a good kind of peer pressure.

 

Kids also become more responsible for their eating choices.  They don’t have parents choosing and prepping every single meal for them, so they are responsible for making balanced and healthy choices. They have access to homemade options throughout the day as snacks and are given multiple healthy options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Soups made from scratch and a colorful salad bar encourage campers to make balanced and healthy choices. They are also encouraged to stay hydrated with water throughout the day.

Kids aren’t deprived of a sweet treat here and there, but they learn about balance. They eat well throughout the day and stay active, and learn that indulging in a dessert is perfectly fine in moderation.

At home, it is easy to get into a weekly dinner routine consisting of the same meals that kids will like (Taco Tuesday, anyone?!) While this makes dinner time a little easier for parents, it doesn’t give children the opportunity to try new foods. At America’s Finest Summer Camps, campers are exposed to new foods on a daily basis and are encouraged to try them! They are usually pleasantly surprised that they like quite a few of the new foods that they try!

It’s important to teach children from a young age the importance of nutritional responsibility. Providing them with new foods to try and encouraging them to find a balance is what they eat, drink and do will create healthy adults who value good food and living a healthy lifestyle.

International Women’s Day

Brant Lake Sports Academy

International Women’s Day

Did you know that March 8th is International Women’s Day? Who are the mentors and leaders in your life? From teachers to coaches, celebrities to parents, there are many people who can influence your life in positive ways. 

 

At BLSA, our coaches are role models both on and off of the field – a person looked to by others as an example. Their values, attitudes and behaviors are inspiring to our campers. We hope that each camper brings something they’ve learned from our coaches home with them to be used in their daily lives. 

 

Celebrate International Women’s Day – who is that special woman in your life?

It is OK to Act Your Own Age

 

 

How camp allows kids and young adults to enjoy being young.

Many first time parents are guilty of rushing their babies from one milestone to the next, pushing them to sit then crawl then walk, while seasoned parents have learned to appreciate each step and understand how fast each stage flies by. As kids grow, they too can find themselves wishing their childhood away, always wishing they were older and on to the next stage of their lives. In this fast-paced world, kids are hurrying through the most joyful times of their lives in pursuit of freedom and independence, and before they know it they’re paying bills and reminiscing about “the good ‘ol days”

Camp strives to meet kids right where they are; to embrace their innocence, their goofy-ness, their awkwardness and their curiosity. 

 

 

Camp is a safe place for kids to act like kids without the fear of being judged. America’s Finest Summer Camps is serious about fun and has become a place where kids can be fully immersed in childhood play. Instead of taking selfies and worrying about where they fit in with their peers, they are chasing lightning bugs, judging belly flop contests, singing songs around a fire, and putting on shows. They are being kids, which is exactly how they should be spending their summers.

And kids aren’t the only ones acting like kids. Camp counselors come back year after year because of the freedom and joy that comes from being at camp. Camp counselors use their summers at camp as a way to escape the rules and restrictions of adulthood and embrace their inner child. They play games, dress up, sing songs and fully engage with the campers every day. They use this time to free themselves from the rigid expectations of their everyday lives and participate in the activities that make them feel like a kid again.

The school year is full of schedules, deadlines, and commitments that can sometimes overshadow the importance of play. With clubs, sports, family obligations and school expectations, kids can be bogged down with responsibilities that take the fun out of being a kid. Although a healthy balance of work and play is vital for growing minds, the summer should be a time where kids can relax a little and enjoy this fleeting time of their lives. As adults, we know how fast this time goes, and we should encourage the children in our lives to spend as much time as they can playing, laughing, getting dirty, trying new things and being silly. And that is exactly what America’s Finest Summer Camp aims to offer each and every camper.

Inclusivity at Camp

At America’s Finest Summer Camps, we strive to create a culture of kids and teens that respect themselves and others. Everything we do is based on giving young people every opportunity to interact with other people in a healthy and positive way. Every day, campers learn to solve conflicts, share their feelings, listen, and communicate effectively; skills that are vital to becoming a productive member of society. And in a world where so many kids report feeling left out and alone, we’re determined to help create a culture of “includers.”

Inclusivity is a foundational element at camp, and from day one campers are taught the importance of teamwork and making everyone feel welcomed. In a place with this many people, there are bound to be personality conflicts, but we welcome these as opportunities to teach respect and acceptance. Everyone is welcomed to camp with open arms, and a friendly and welcoming attitude is instilled into everyday culture.

When we hire counselors, there are a few things we look for in regards to character and personality, and an attitude of acceptance, respect and inclusivity are some of them. Our counselors and staff are trained to lead activities that make everyone feel included, and to notice signs in campers that could signify that they’re feeling left out or lonely. Campers also see counselors interact with other groups and staff members and learn to model their positive and inclusive behavior. There is no “us vs. them” mentality at camp (unless it’s all in fun during a game or competition!) and even good sportsmanship and teamwork are a top priority.

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One of the coolest things about camp is that the options for sports, arts, activities, and adventures are endless. There is not a one-size-fits-all type of camp; it’s a place where kids with all different levels of abilities and strengths can find a place where they belong. Everyone finds their place at camp, and is encouraged by other campers and staff to be the best versions of themselves.

Camp is a place where boys and girls feel like they belong.  After a summer at camp, students head into the school year with an eye and a heart for others. They learn to build others up and make everyone feel included. If you were to take a peek at campers as they enjoy a meal, you’d never guess that they were strangers before; the connection and relationships that they build at camp are based on respect, communication, and inclusivity.

For the Love of Dance

Brant Lake Dance Camp

For the Love of Dance

 

Love is the theme of the month and we all LOVE to dance. At Brant Lake Dance Camp we encourage everyone to try as many different dance forms as possible. Diversity in your training will not only make you a stronger dancer, it will exercise your brain and stimulate your creativity as well. If you love your Contemporary at home, try a Jazz or Modern class at camp. There are sure to be new ways to move your body that you’ve never thought of before, and you’ll love the way you feel when you master a new combination. You’ll also love the addition of new-found techniques while creating your own Enchoreo piece.

With three levels of Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Hip-Hop and Modern professionally taught at Brant Lake Dance Camp, you’re sure to find a new Love of Dance to add to your current Love of Dance.

Reminders for a Healthy Heart

Brant Lake Sports Academy

Reminders for a Healthy Heart

Did you know that February is Heart Health Month? Here are a few recommendations from The American Heart Association to keep your heart healthy:

At least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity at least 5 days each week for a total of 150 minutes.

OR

At least 25 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity at least 3 days per week for a total of 75 minutes.


AND

Moderate to high-intensity muscle-strengthening activity at least 2 days each week.

Stay active and keep your hearts healthy!

How Summer Camp Cultivates A Growth Mindset

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America’s Finest Summer Camps are focused on developing the whole child in a way that is healthy and fun. And although all of the running, jumping, swimming, climbing, dancing, and playing is great for their physical health, working on their emotional well-being, their character, and their self-confidence is just as necessary. This is why we put so much emphasis on having a growth mindset vs. a fixed mindset.

By definition, people with a growth mindset “believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment. On the other hand, people with a fixed mindset “believe their basic qualities, like their intelligence or talent, are simply fixed traits. They spend their time documenting their intelligence or talent instead of developing them. They also believe that talent alone creates success—without effort.”

Campers come to camp with the labels and expectations that the world has put on them, and many have come to believe that these traits, both good and bad, are just an integral part of who they are. Some have been told they are smart their entire lives, and their fixed mindset makes them believe that their intelligence is something that comes naturally to them and doesn’t require effort to improve upon. The same goes for athletic performance, relational ability, and their character. Campers who have been told they have anger issues will begin to believe that they are incapable of handling their anger; it is a fixed part of them that can’t be changed or improved upon.

At America’s Finest Summer Camps, we focus on fostering a growth mindset in each camper. When they succeed, we praise their efforts by saying things like “you worked so hard at that” instead of “you are awesome!” Although the latter can be helpful to hear, hearing specific praise acknowledging the effort that the camper put into a specific task is more rewarding and builds their self-esteem. Camp staff and counselors work hard to praise the process instead of just the person. Campers will hear us say things like:

    Tell me more about what you did

    How did you figure that out?

    Are you pleased with how it came out?

    You must be so proud of yourself

We try to avoid labeling campers or putting too much emphasis on the labels they put on themselves. We want to encourage them to see themselves as capable and worthy of improvement in all areas of their lives. We want them to strive to be the best versions of themselves instead of being complacent with the label they’ve grown so comfortable with.

As campers step out of their comfort zones and try new things, they realize that they are capable of so much more than they thought and that their qualities, strengths, and abilities are not fixed. We want campers to be intrinsically motivated; to try new thing and preserve through hard things to feel good about themselves, not because they are seeking the approval of anyone else. 

A summer at camp is about growing, maturing, and improving in all areas of life. Our goal is that campers leave with new friends, new experiences, and a stronger sense of who they are and what a valuable asset they are to the world. And it all starts with how they think about themselves. 

Camp: The Ultimate Career Prep

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The last thing kids are thinking about as they are running, dancing, jumping, singing, and playing at camp is what they want to be when they grow up. But counselors and staff at America’s Finest Summer Camps know that the things campers experience and learn during this time in their lives can directly impact the adults that they become. Spending a summer at camp fosters valuable life skills in campers that can prepare them to enter the professional world.

Teamwork

Even if campers end up owning their own business or going the entrepreneurial route, they will still need to know how to work well with others. This is why learning to play well with others is such a valuable skill. Counselors lead by example and demonstrate practical communication skills, conflict management, compromise, listening skills and working together. Many camp activities require campers to work together in order to be successful. Campers learn to trust and encourage each other. Campers who feel confident working with others at camp build a solid foundation for teamwork in the workplace.

Problem Solving

One of the biggest characteristics employers look when they are hiring is problem solving. They want to be sure the person they hire can not only identify a problem, but also figure out a solution, often without needing much guidance or direction. Campers are given multiple opportunities throughout the summer to identify obstacles and find a solution. Whether they are solving a problem with a friend or learning a new athletic skill, problem-solving happens all day at camp and is a valuable life skill for campers to build upon.

Perseverance

Nobody likes a quitter. In the workplace, employers expect employees to give their job their all, and not to give up when it gets hard. Pushing through obstacles and preserving through a difficult task is crucial for workplace efficiency. Campers are encouraged to stick with difficult tasks, even if it means walking away and taking a deep breath to clear their minds. Seeing a project through to completion is what will set campers apart from their coworkers when they enter the workforce.

Time Management

Time management is another important skill campers learn without even realizing it. While a variety of activities available for them to try, campers are responsible for planning out their day so they get the most out of each activity. Campers learn to factor in things like travel time between activities or how much prep time is required between events. Most employers don’t tolerate excessive tardiness, so learning the importance of being on time and early will help campers be successful in the real world. They’re also given opportunities to extend grace and courtesy to those who are running behind and taught to exercise patience when things don’t always go according to plan. Campers learn to be flexible and understanding, while also learning how to prioritize important events during their daily routine.

Organization

For many campers, camp is the first time they will share a private space with a group of people they don’t know. They quickly learn to organize their personal belongings in a way that makes them easily accessible but out of the way of others. A clean and organized desk or workspace increases productivity and is a sign of respect when working close to others. Campers are expected to keep their personal space neat and tidy and be respectful of the people that share their space. Learning how to be organized at camp can directly transfer over to being organized at home and in their future professional environment.
Spending a summer at camp is one of the best things you can do for the future of your child. It is a fun way to build character and prepare them for the real world. Campers learn valuable life lessons on a daily basis at camp, all while having the best summer of their lives. Camp staff is focused on developing the whole camper, and embrace the opportunity to prepare each camper for success. When they finally enter the workforce, campers will be prepared with the confidence and skills required to be successful.