Children have the amazing ability to be deeply connected to their imagination, often more easily than adults. Kids of all ages need an outlet so their imagination can blossom. Art summer camps provide a safe and nurturing environment for kids to let their imaginations open up. Imagination can be awakened and encouraged in different ways; summer art camp is one of the most memorable and fun.
Creativity is one of the most important things a child can engage in while growing up. The ability to make things with their hands helps brain development and facilitates self-awareness. Kids can attend art summer camps to learn and hone painting, music, theater, crafting, sewing skills and more. Many summer art camps have various instructors and camp staff with specific talents and experience so kids can learn to develop and increase artistic skills.
Self-expression is an important part of self-awareness and personal growth. Once a child has tapped into his or her imagination and been taught to explore their own creativity, they are ready to go even deeper into understanding what is means to be self-expressed. Self-expression is a great way to turn creative skills into original and authentic art. Art summer camps can help children begin an artistic journey and support them through their education and growth until they are older. They can develop artistic vision and confidence.
Inspire Kids to Live Their Creative Potential
Art summer camps are a powerful way to inspire kids to open up their minds and hearts to all of the possibilities. If your child needs to learn to communicate and express their ideas more clearly and easily art summer camp can be the perfect place for them improve these skills, while being inspired.
Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4
Accreditation Helps Confirm Credibility of Summer Camps
When looking for a summer camp it is important to know how the camp program is evaluated and improved over time. Many camps are members of organizations that provide standards for the summer camp industry and educational opportunities for camp staff. Accreditation is a snapshot of how a camp has performed against a set of standards when reviewed by a peer group. In general, a camp that has been reviewed successfully on multiple occasions is attempting to live up to those standards, but it doesn’t mean the camp is perfect. Nothing replaces doing your own research, checking references, and asking questions.
Do Your Homework When Reviewing Summer Camps for Your Child
Once you make a list of camps to consider, find out what organizations accredit the camps and ask about the accreditation. There are numerous organizations that grant accreditation to camps- the ACA, AEE, CCA, GSA, BCCA, and the list goes on (see below). The standards of each of the accrediting organizations reflect the focus of the organization. The ACA, American Camp Association, is by far the largest accrediting organization for summer camps. Their standards cover a broad spectrum of summer camp programs from day camps to sleepaway camps with sessions up to eight weeks or longer. The AEE, Association for Experiential Education, on the other hand, focuses on adventure programs that may take wilderness trips far away from a base camp. ACA accreditation is an appropriate choice for many traditional camps that have a broad range of activities primarily based at one location. For camps that often travel to remote areas to rock climb, mountain bike, backpack, or go whitewater canoeing, AEE accreditation would be an appropriate choice.
Ongoing Evaluation and Improvements for Summer Camps Indicate a Successful Program
Accreditation is an expensive and time-consuming proposition and only a fraction of summer camps are accredited. Numerous camps have membership in an association, but are note accredited by the organization. Many excellent camps choose to not be accredited but should be prepared to tell you how their program is evaluated and improved in an ongoing fashion.
Summer Camp Associations
The list below shows most of the major summer camp associations. If the association does offer accreditation, there should be a commentary about accreditation on the association’s website that outlines the focus of their accreditation services.
When choosing an academic summer camp for your child, there are a range of factors to consider. Think about the following points, and use the questions to start a discussion with your child – after all, it’s their summer experience, and involving them in the decision is the best way to get them excited for summer camp.
Summer Camp Curriculum – The classes offered at camp should mirror your child’s existing interests and hobbies, and they should be fun as well as educational. Does your child want to learn how to make a video game? Is your child interested in programming iPhone® and iPad® apps? Will your child be engaged at a camp specializing in 3D animation? A summer education experience is more likely to be successful if a student is interested and willing to learn, so choose a camp specialty that will get your child energized every day.
Class Size and Instructor Ratio – Does your child do best in large or small groups? Will your child receive personalized attention at camp? Find out the size of the entire camp as well as the size of individual classes – an organized camp should always be able to tell you their ratio of campers per instructor.
InstructorQualifications and Quality – Will your child be learning from a Counselor-in-Training or from an adult instructor? Adult instructors are preferable because they have more career experience and maturity. Does the summer camp have a high rate of returning counselors? Generally, the higher the return counselor rate, the higher the job satisfaction and the higher the teaching quality.
Summer Camp Take-aways – Will your child be taking home any final projects that show off what they accomplished at camp? If you’re trying to set up your child for a competitive career path, starting a portfolio of their original work and projects could prove very useful. An impressive final project can even be used on college applications.
Age Range – What age range does the camp serve? Ideally, classes should be broken down by difficulty and the accepted age range will vary by class. Consider whether or not your child is mature for their age, and ask if they feel comfortable being among the youngest or oldest of a group. If you have a teen, perhaps they’d be more receptive to attending summer camp in a teen-only environment. When the age range is restricted to an older group, campers often get more independence and experience a social situation that prepares them for college.
Summer Camp Location – How many locations does the camp offer? How close are they to your home, and how far are you willing to travel? Does the program help you find carpools? Many camps offer central locations at schools and churches, and some specifically host programs at prestigious universities. This is ideal for getting students excited about college, and introduces students to studying in campus libraries and laboratories.
Hours and Overnight Options – Does your child want to come home at the end of the day or stay overnight? For a full social experience, staying overnight is often a great idea. Time away from home gives students an introduction to being self-sufficient in a safe, controlled environment. Students can mingle with peers who love the same subjects and bond before curfew.
Summer Camp Program Cost – How much are you willing to pay? Is financial aid available? Some camps can be expensive – but think about the skills that your child will pick up, both academic and social. Weigh how much an edge on the competition is worth. Many parents ask their children to pay part of the tuition, and this actually helps students get more out of the experience. When students must work to contribute to the costs, suddenly the value of the program becomes clear.
Once you narrow down your search to a single academic summer camp company, many of them have course recommenders on their websites for matching student interests to specific classes. Check out course listings online and then call and talk to a client services representative – the people who run the camp will know what levels and courses are right for a student, and they can help with your final decision.
1. Music Summer Camps and Arts Summer Camps Encourage Kids to Express Themselves in More Than Just Words
Verbal communication is an important part of development for any child, but in addition to speaking kids also need to learn how to express their thoughts, ideas and feelings in other ways. Arts summer camps help kids explore visual mediums of self expression, while performing arts and music summer camps allow kids to sing, dance, act and play musical instruments. Self expression is one of the ways children learn to be themselves and grow as people. Encouraging kids to be expressive and honest will help them have healthy adult relationships.
2. Music Summer Camps Offer Instruction in a Variety of Styles and Instruments
Music summer camps across the United States and Canada feature instruction in rock and roll, classical, country, modern, acoustic and other musical styles. Girls and boys can often find a music summer camp to suit their individual taste in music. If kids get to study and practice music they love then they get even more excited about attending summer camp.
3. Performing Arts Summer Camps Teach Children to Sing, Dance and Act
Girls and boys that excel at singing, dancing and acting can practice and improve their skills at performing arts summer camps. At camp, kids can participate in musical performances and learn to infuse their own spirits into the songs, dances and characters. Performing arts summer camps are often very special places for the kids that attend. Every child has the chance to be in the spotlight and celebrate their own special talents.
4. Kids Gain Self Confidence at Arts Summer Camps
Arts summer camps, like sports summer camps, are a great place for kids of any age to improve self confidence. In an atmosphere founded in acceptance, creativity and positive feedback children are able to face the fact that they will never be perfect, but they can live life with passion and be the very best they can be. In addition to increasing self confidence at arts summer camps both girls and boys are often taught to love themselves and see themselves as strong, productive and unique.
5. Kids Explore Various Creative Mediums at Arts Summer Camps
Painting, sculpting, arts and crafts, drawing, sewing and other activities can be experienced at arts summer camps. Girls and boys like can discover what kinds of mediums and art forms they prefer. Many children will find out they excel at different styles of art and enjoy using different tools at different times. Arts summer camps also provide the opportunity for both specific and general art instruction so children can focus on one medium or explore multiple types of artistic endeavors.
Retreat centers generally offer one of the most rewarding work environments especially when they are located on a summer camp property. Whether you are seeking temporary, seasonal, or full-time employment, you will want to search for retreat centers that fit your skills, talents, work experience, and personality.
Director Positions If you are seasoned and looking for a full time director position, you will need to have experience with: fund raising, marketing, operations, reservations, guest relations, facilities cleaning, building and inventory management, bookkeeping and accounting. Sometimes, depending on the retreat center’s needs, you will need to be able to facilitate spiritual activities and events. Usually a college degree is required, in addition to excellent communication skills, event marketing, and management and computer skills. Often, retreat centers may look for experience in event coordination, hospitality and ministry.
Program Director Positions Qualifications typically required for program staff include: staff experience in resident summer camp, supervisory skills, management experience and the ability to evaluate the performance of camp counselors, and training experience. Retreat centers may want you to train and supervise program counselors, coordinate camp activities and special events, and provide primary backup of program counselors.
Camp Counselor Positions If you are seeking seasonal work at retreat centers, the list of qualifications may focus on some of the following abilities: relating to one’s peer group, accepting supervision and guidance, working with children, and assisting in teaching activities. Character traits most needed are: integrity, adaptability, and enthusiasm, a sense of humor, patience, and self-control.
The benefits of working at any one of the thousands of retreat centers across the country can offset a smaller salary. Most retreat centers have a mission statement that centers on renewal of body, mind, and spirit. Located in beautiful settings and staffed by harmonious people, your work experience may truly become your career path, and even, a way of life. All the best to you as you search for retreat centers and opportunities that suit you well!
Summer camps are a great way to give kids a chance to be more independent and learn new things. Time away form the familiar comforts of home and family can be difficult for some children, especially when they first begin to attend day camps and sleep away summer camps for the first time. Ensuring your child is prepared to enjoy time away from home is essential to the success of their time at summer camp.
1. Find Out What Gear Is Typically Needed to Attend Adventure, Sports, Arts, Technology, Horseback Riding and Other Types of Summer Camps
Being away from home can be difficult for girls and boys alike. Leaving the typical comforts of family and home can be eased by making sure your child is prepared with the proper supplies and special items they might want or need while away at summer camp. The necessary resources may change depending on which types of summer camps your child is interested in attending.Sports summer camps require different supplies than arts summer camps or horseback riding summer camps. Review a reliable summer camp resource guide in order to find online stores where you can purchase a wide variety of summer camp supplies. If your child goes to summer camp with everything they need and even some little things to make their time away from home more comfortable, they are guaranteed to have a great time.
2. Talk to Your Son or Daughter About Self Confidence and Making Friends at Summer Camp
Summer camps provide children with the opportunity to interact with their peers in a supportive, positive environment. Whether your child attends a sports summer camp, an arts summer camp or any other kind of summer camp they will have a chance to make friends and gain self confidence, as well as skill. Encourage them to be open minded, friendly, kind and to be themselves. Let them know the goal is not to be perfect, but to be true to one’s own heart. This will help them connect on an authentic level with the other kids they meet and very likely will help them create friendships that will last a lifetime.
3. Let Your Child Choose the Types of Summer Camps to Explore
As parents, it is easy to believe you know what your child wants to do when it comes to hobbies, extracurricular activities and creative or athletic endeavors. It is important however to speak with your child and ask them their opinion about which summer camp programs they want to participate in. When kids are involved in the decision making about summer camp, they feel empowered. It also makes them feel more connected to their parents and family because they have a voice and people who love them enough to listen. This ensures kids will truly enjoy their time at summer camp and will learn and make special connections with new friends.
Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4
Christian summer camp is often the source of lifelong memories for any people. The experiences, friendships and lessons learned, even at a young age, can become the cornerstone of one’s faith. Every day, as children grow and develop, they become their own true self. In this process of individuation they have their own questions of faith and belief. Christian youth camps all over the country gives kids the opportunity to explore faith, get to know God and make their Christian faith a part of their personal support system and lifestyle.
Christian youth camps offer many of the same programs other summer camps offer. Basketball, swimming, music, horseback riding, archery and many other sports, outdoor, and arts activities are available to kids that attend a Christian summer camp. In addition to these traditional summer camp activities, Christian youth camps create an atmosphere centered in Christ, where worship, prayer and community are the main focus. The key to choosing the right Christian summer camp for your child is to talk to them about the kinds of activities they want to enjoy while at camp. This will allow them to attend a summer camp where they can explore sports, music and other programs in a faith-based environment.
Christian youth camps can be found anywhere in the United States and even in Canada. You can find Christian youth camps in urban areas such as computer camps, adventure summer camps, sports camps, horse camps and more. In every state there are Christian youth camps available to children of a variety of ages. Kids can also visit a variety of rural areas including farms, parks, beaches, mountains and forests to explore outdoor sports and activities, as well as music and the arts. Regardless of where you live, your children can find out more about the world around them and how to stand strong in their faith in God.
Marketing Online for Summer Camps in the U.S. and Canada
If you are a summer camp owner or camp director in need of more online marketing opportunities contact our summer camp directory staff and find out more about what CampPage.com can do to increase website traffic, search engine rankings and more.
Learn to Connect with Your Kids and Find Resources for Parents
Parents often discover as children get older that building and maintaining a close, intimate relationship with your kids is as complex and rewarding as any other kind of relationship. It is so important for parents to establish a role of authority and guidance, as well as develop a strong sense of emotional support, acceptance, trust and honesty. Parents must learn to listen to their children, share in their growth experiences, let go when it is time for kids to explore who they are in the world on their own at school, at church, atsummer camps, in dance classes and in many other scenarios and circumstances. There are a variety of resources available to parents online to help them develop ways of communicating and building long lasting, healthy, strong relationships with their children.
PBS Parents – A Great Way to Engage Your Kids
For many years PBS has been reaching out to families and providing quality television and Internet programming, resources and content geared towards helping parents strengthen communication and learning in the home. The PBS Parents website is fun, informative, and easy to navigate. Don’t allow feeling of isolation make cooperating and communicating as a family more difficult. Join the PBS Parents community and fidn the support you need to continue moving forward.
In 2011 PBS Parents was the first parenting website to win the prestigious Parent’s Choice Gold Award. They have also developed newExpert Q & AandIssues & Advicepages. Other sections of the site include:
There are even sections of the site that can be found in Spanish. ThePBS Parents websitewill also act as a portal into the family-oriented andkid-friendly programmingcurrently available on PBS.
Visit the PBS Parents websiteto find out how you can learn to connect more deeply and authentically with your children and help give them the tools they need to grow up healthy and strong in every way possible.
It is so important to monitor and tracks what kids see on the Internet today. Online filters can be created and there are many tools for parents to use in order to keep the Internet rated G. But even if you haven’t invested in any programs or security tools you can do some small things for free.
One is to give your children access to kid friendly search engines. Kid friendly search engines already have the filters parents need built in to the system. There are a wide variety of choices when it comes to kid-friendly search engines and parents may want to review and visit a few before choosing the one they prefer their kids to use.
The CampPage.com Summer Camp Directory – A Safe Way to Search for Summer Camps with Your Kids
If you are searching for the best summer camp for your child in 2012 then CampPage.com is a great online directory of summer camps that let’s you search throughout the United States and Canada for a wide variety of summer camps. Search for arts summer camps, sports summer camps, horseback riding camps, adventure camps, technology summer camps, music summer camps, and many more by simply reviewing and reading each summer camp listing and the individual summer camp websites. Find out everything you want to know about where to send your child this summer in a family friendly atmosphere quickly and easily online.
Summer campsare a special place, not only for kids, but also for staff, counselors and directors. Summer camp brings back some of the best childhood memories, that is why it can be one of the best professional experiences any adult can have. Summer camp is a place where girls and boys learn to become independent and begin to embark on a journey of self discovery. Camp staff encourages and inspires kids during time at camp. They have the opportunity to connect with the children and support them during a period of great personal growth. To be in this profession one must love working with others, teaching others and learning from them as well. As a camp counselor amountain biking jobis challenging both physically and emotionally, but the rewards and benefits are long lasting.
The Benefits of Getting a Mountain Biking Job at aSummer Camp
Summer camps offer a wide variety of programs including many different sports and outdoor adventure activities. Outdoor adventure summer camps are very popular and these are the types of programs in search of responsible, experienced adults to help teach boys and girls about sports such as mountain biking. It is important to have the patience, safety training and love of teaching necessary to spend an entire summer instructing and monitoring kids of all ages about mountain biking.Summer camp jobsthat involve mountain biking allow camp staff to share knowledge and passion with younger people, as well as to improve mountain biking skills. There are also many other benefits to taking amountain biking job.
Benefit 1: Stay Fit Mountain biking every day is a surefire way to stay fit and healthy. Mountain biking is a complete workout. It can be difficult and very demanding, but the pay off is a much stronger body overall.
Benefit 2: Gain Experience Biking on Forest Terrain Biking in the forest is very different than biking on the road. Riders that want to gain more experience off road will appreciate spending the summer with access to forest terrain that has been used for mountain biking before.
Benefit 3: Spend Time Working in the Outdoors Atsummer campstaff members spend the majority of the day outside enjoying nature. This is one of the best advantages to working at a summer camp. Time outside engaged in a variety of activities is the focus for the children, and counselors and staff are able to share in the excitement and fun.Benefit 4: Inspire Kids One of the highest rewards of working at a summer camp is the opportunity every camp staffer has to inspire the kids and show them how to respect, care for and love the outdoors, others and themselves. Every child that attends summer camp is unique and amazing in their own way. Watching them grow up and become healthy, active, motivated adults is exciting and an unforgettable gift. Benefit 5: Learn to Work with a Team Atsummer campevery staff member is important, every task helps the camp run smoothly and easily. Everyone has a job that is valuable and important. Counselors, staff and directors all must work together, collaborate and communicate for the summer to be a success. Learning to work with a team and to function as a support person to other staff members is a skill that can be used in any professional situation. In the future knowing how to communicate and collaborate in a work setting will be a great asset.
Sarah Benoit is a writer for CampPage.com, a comprehensive online directory of summer camps for boys and girls throughout the United States and Canada. Parents and kids can find listings of arts, music, sports, adventure and technology summer camps.
Encourage them to get involved with different sports leagues - in-school team sports, intramural and co-ed sports, the YMCA, etc. and offer to provide rides/carpools. Be sure to go to their games as often as possible.
Take them to high school, college, and professional sports games.
If they must play video games, encourage them to play sports video games and keep them away from the violent ones. Sports video games can actually help with ambidexterity, hand-eye coordination and helps them learn the game inside and out and teaches them to be more efficient. For example, if you play hocky, it teaches you rules like offsides, icing, etc.
Encourage them to study and do well in school. When athletes get better grades in school they tend to be better athletes. There is a connection between succeeding academically and doing better physically and in all areas. The 6th Century BCE father of Western Philosophy, Pythagoras, mentored athletes to look beyond athletics to become better world citizens and to develop and master their inner and outer world. He taught them how to think and how to develop strategy and scientific ways of "beating" their opponent with right use of energy, diet, and exercise.
Spend time with your child and show them you are available so that when they have a problem they will talk to you instead of turning to drugs or other destructive avenues. With the world and technology keeping us busier than any other time in history, it's important to block out time at least twice a week to spend quality time with your child. Play catch, basketball, tennis, take them to a movie, etc.
Book the sports summer camp early for next year so they have something to look forward to.
Encourage them to stay in touch with other kids from their favorite sports summer camp.
Not only will these things help sustain the spark after summer sports camps, they will help your child-parent bond as well!
Karen Mazza works with the Camppage.com. CampPage is one of the nation's best resources for information about summer camps in the United States and Canada online at Camppage.com.
Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4
Summer camp is a place where children and teens are able to explore, mature, and define. Kids learn to work together with others in community and communicate thoughts and feelings in their own unique way. Arts summer camps help kids discover their voices and find vision and inspiration.
1. The Imagination Is a Terrible Thing to Waste
The imagination is an essential part of a child’s life. Girls and boys alike respond best when encouraged to dream, wish, and pretend. Exercises in imagination help children develop flexible perspectives, which allow them to emotionally adapt when necessary. Arts summer camps encourage children to expand and communicate their imagination. Music, visual arts, theater, crafts and other summer camp programs are specifically geared towards creating a safe, supportive, environment where kids can artistically grow.
2. Creative Exercises Help the Mind Develop
Creativity in the classroom has been proven to improve brain development, along with physical movement. The body and mind must both be engaged on a regular basis in order for kids to grow up healthy and strong. Arts summer camps provide both of these essential experiences. The time spent outdoors combined with the opportunity to creatively express ideas and thoughts via music, acting, dancing, painting, etc makes arts summer camps the prime place for children and teens to develop healthy behaviors and coping mechanisms.
3. Self Expression Is an Important Part of Personal Growth
One of the most valuable skills a child can develop is the ability to clearly communicate. Children dealing with communication issues, such as speech impediments and dyslexia, need extra attention and help learning how to clearly articulate their needs and wants. Arts and crafts can help kids develop the skills necessary to share their ideas, thoughts and emotions. This helps them to grow up and become healthy adults. Self expression is something all humans need to develop and there are many ways to explore this aspect of one’s self. Arts summer camps give kids a variety of mediums through which to express all kinds of inner dialogues. In the future this will allow them to continue to learn new ways of expressing and sharing themselves with others.
Sarah Benoit is a writer for CampPage.com, a comprehensive online directory of summer camps for boys and girls throughout the United States and Canada. Parents and kids can find listings of arts, music, sports, adventure and technology summer camps.
Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4
Karen Mazza works with CampPage.com, a Summer Camps Online Directory. CampPage is one of the nation's best resources for information about summer camps in the United States and Canada online.
There are over 8,000 residential summer camps in the United States and Canada. Picking the best camp from so many may seem like a huge task. Follow the “top ten” list below and you will find the best camp for your child. It may not be the same camp that I would choose for my son or that your neighbor would choose for their daughter, but it will be the best camp for your child.
10. Make a Family Decision- First of all, include your child in the decision. Picking a camp and sending your child away without involving them in the decision is the best way to send them to the worst camp in America. Start the process early. Exceptional camps may fill some sessions as early as September (yes, almost a year before the summer camp season). Many families will begin the camp search a full year before they are planning for their child to attend.
9. Review the Camp's Philosophy- Camps can be for learning a sport or to de-emphasize competition, for fun or for school credit, for furthering a camper’s religious education or for interacting with children of many faiths. Ask camps for their mission statement and then look at their literature and camp video to see how the mission of the camp is woven into the overall camp philosophy.
8. Choose the Right Summer Camp Program- What sort of experience are you looking for? There are high adventure camps, traditional camps with a range of activities, skateboarding camps, football camps, computer camps, and the list goes on. The length of the camp session can make a big difference in the effectiveness of a camp program. In general, longer sessions mean more skill development. After you have thought about philosophy and program, you are ready to start making your “long list” of camps. CampPage.com is a helpful resource for a starting point to make your initial list of possibilities.
7. Consider the Cost of Different Summer Camps- Many wonderful camps pay their staff well, use the best program equipment, have a great camper-to-staff ratio, and constantly work on improving their facility. Those camps will also, by necessity, charge a higher tuition than camps that pay low salaries and have aging program equipment. Some low-cost camps are still great camps because they are supported by an organization that supplements camper fees or because of the nature of their program offerings. Some camps offer discounts for financially strapped families. Grandparents often send their grandchildren to an outstanding camp that would normally be beyond the means of their family.
6. Choose the Best Summer Camp Location- How close to home is the camp? If it is too close to home, part of the camp experience may be lost. Too far from home & travel costs can become an issue. Other considerations with location include the temperature during the summer, and activities suitable to the geographic region.
5. Know the Size of the Summer Camp- The size of a camp can mean the size of the facility or how many campers are in the facility. If the camp is huge, lets say 500 or 750 campers, it can seem smaller if there are meaningful ways to segment the group. It is important to ensure that campers in these smaller segments are still getting the full camp experience.
4. Ask about the Staff at Various Summer Camps- The composition of the staff is, for most parents, the most important consideration in choosing a great camp. How long have the directors been at the helm and what are their priorities when selecting staff. Do they conduct background checks? What percentage of the staff is foreign? What is the staff-to-camper ratio? What is the age and experience of the staff? There is no “right” answer to these questions, but the answers you receive might spark a deeper conversation about a camp’s staffing philosophy.
3. Understand the Camp's Standards- How is the camp program evaluated and improved? There are numerous organizations that grant accreditation to camps- the ACA, AEE, CCA, GSA, BCCA, and the list goes on. The ACA, American Camp Association, is by far the largest accrediting organization for camps. Find out what organizations accredit the camps on your list and ask about the accreditation. Many excellent camps are not accredited but should be prepared to tell you how their program is evaluated and improved in an ongoing fashion.
2. Ask for Camp References- Will the camp give you references in your area to call? Most camps are happy to provide a list of families that have agreed to be a reference. Once you have narrowed the choices down, call a few families and ask them why they chose the camp and what they feel are the top attributes of the camp. That is the person to ask about the quality of the camp food, the staff, and the camp “feel”.
1. See or Review the Summer Camp Facility- Visit the camp, if possible. Most camps will be happy to give you a camp tour that fits your schedule. There is no better way to find out about a camp than by going in a cabin, seeing the dining facility and to converse with the camp staff as you walk around; even better, schedule your tour during the summer to see the camp in action. Meeting the directors and asking them questions in person is the next best alternative if you cannot visit the camp facility in person. If you cannot visit in person, see if a camp representative will be visiting your area. Many camps will schedule visits to the geographic areas they serve. A phone call to the camp may be the only practical way to speak to someone in the camp administration. Regardless of whether it is in person or over the phone, ask a camp representative what she feels are the special qualities of her camp. Don’t just go through a list of questions- talk about your child and engage the camp representative in conversation about the meaning of a camp experience.
After going through the top ten list, you should be able to have the 8,000 choices narrowed down to the “Best Camp in America” for your child. You will then be able to drop her off on opening day with confidence about the experience she is going to have while at camp.
Author Henry Birdsong has been involved in Summer Camps for 35 years and has been a camp director at Camp High Rocks for boys since 1988. He has served on the National Accreditation Committee of the Association for Experiential Education and served on the BSA National Camp School staff.
Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4
One of the wonderful benefits of summer camp is the opportunity for a child to develop independence while in a supportive community. Many successful adults look back on their camp experience as a fundamental building block in their personal development. Michael Eisner, former CEO of the Walt Disney Corporation, recently wrote a book about the meaningfulness of his camp years, appropriately entitled “Camp”.
Developing independence while at camp may mean overcoming a degree of homesickness for some children. As I look back on nineteen years of directing a summer camp, some of the campers that got the most out of a camp experience were the ones that struggled with homesickness to one degree or another. It could be as simple as being uncomfortable with new surroundings until fun activities begin in earnest, or it could be more pronounced and last for several days with a copious amount of tears and heart wrenching letters home. Either way, homesickness can be (and normally is) a good thing.
Summer Camps Turn Homesickness into a Positive Challenge Kids can Overcome Camp staff are experienced with helping campers move past homesickness. Normally a summer camp will work on getting the camper active and involved, helping the camper meet new friends, and letting them know that it is normal to have these feelings. Many camp professionals will encourage homesick campers to write down their feelings in a letter home. If you receive a letter from camp that is less than positive, don’t worry too much. Homesickness is usually over by the time you receive the letter.
Homesickness is not always exclusively for children. Parents can also have an adjustment to camp as well; instead of being “homesick”, they are “campsick”. If you feel that you might fit into that category, establish a relationship with the camp prior to opening day to improve your comfort level. You should be able to call camp (but not your child) with any concerns or about your child’s progress at camp. These days, lots of camps post daily pictures of campers at camp. Seeing a picture of your child smiling and having a great time might be all that it takes to cure your “campsickness”!
The Experience of Summer Camp Happens Before and After Camp is in Session The foundations of a successful summer camp experience are often laid months before opening day. Here are some things you can do as a parent to help set your child up for success at camp:
Involve your child in the decision about camp. While a camp experience is a wonderful experience for most kids, it is not for everyone. If, after your best efforts, your child says “I don’t want to go to camp”, you might want to look at an alternative for the upcoming summer. Maybe when his friends report back on their camp experience he will be ready for the next summer.
Familiarize you son or daughter with camp. Visit the camp if possible, look at the camp DVD, and visit the camp website.
Never tell a child he can leave early if he doesn’t like camp- it sets him up for failure and he will focus on the “deal” instead of the experience.
Have your child attend camp with a friend if you suspect it might help the transition.
Send encouraging letters telling her how proud you are of her accomplishments. Keep the letters focused on camp and not on things that are happening at home. Especially avoid writing about an event she would have liked to attend or saying how much she is missed or the “dog misses you”.
Give information to your son’s counselor beforehand about what works for him.
Don’t linger at camp too long on opening day. Staying too long just delays the transition to new surroundings and can add to your son or daughter’s anxiety level.
Most camps have a policy regarding phone calls. Help your child understand the policy prior to camp so they will not be expecting to hear from you.
Follow these guidelines and the foundation for a successful summer camp experience will be in place for your child.
Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4
If you attended a camp as a youth, don't expect the same experience for yourself as a staff member. It can still be lots of fun as a counselor, but it is also hard work. Camp counselors put in long days and don't always get paid a lot, but the work is rewarding and you will likely meet people that will be life-long friends.
Summer Camps throughout North America Seek Talented Staff
Summer Camps all over the United States and Canada are looking for staff for the upcoming summer. Most camps require that counselors have completed at least a year of college (or similar experience) and have a genuine interest in working with children. Ask yourself these questions to narrow your search:
Would you like to be a cabin counselor or an activity instructor (or both)?
What type of activity would you like to instruct?
In what region of the country would you like to work?
Many camps require personal interviews- are you ready to travel to the camp?
What type of camp do you want- wilderness, private, Boy Scout, YMCA, Girl Scout, religious, competitive, non-competitive, coed, boys, girls, sports, adventure? The list goes on- there are all types of camps!
Investigate Preferred Summer Camps and Start the Application Process
Once you have narrowed down your choices, it is time to begin the application process. Before making contact with a camp, be sure to research the camp and know about their philosophy. Knowing about the camp in advance will make the process smoother and increase your chances of being hired. Here are a few tips about applying for a summer camp counselor job:
Most summer camp directors will file form letters where they belong- in the trash!
Making an introductory phone call is a good first step
Send references with your letter, application, or resume- the camp will want them eventually and the sooner you provide them, the better your chances are.
Early application is best. In January, most camps have lots of openings and few applicants. In April or May there are few spots left, but lots of applicants.
Better late than never- even in May some camps need specific positions filled. Call around to find the one that is still looking for your talents.
First aid & CPR training are usually required, a plus is lifeguard training. Any training specific to your activity area will help, especially if the emphasis is on instructing the activity.
Camp is for kids. If the kids aren't your first priority, you should probably look somewhere else for a job.
Count on the camp doing a background check. If they will find anything it is best that you let them know in advance rather than have them find out on their own.
Summer Camps are Hiring - Find Out More
Many camps are hiring for next summer, even if they do not have positions announced on summer job websites. Check these websites to begin your search:
CampPage.com is an online directory of summer camps throughout the United States and Canada. They feature summer camp jobs throughout North America as well as adventure camps, sports summer camps, arts camps, music camps, special needs summer camps and much more.
Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4
Summer time presents plenty of opportunities for work: internships, high-paying labor, classes, travel, volunteer work and summer camp jobs for college students. Each offers it's own rewards, however, no matter what interests you or what your college major, working as a summer camp counselor is one of the best opportunities.
Traveling and living somewhere different. With the wide selection of summer camps, you can choose from a summer camps in just about every geographic region. For example, if you've been yearning to live in the mountains of Western North Carolina, there are a ton of summer camps in North Carolina to choose from. What better way to discover another part of the country while getting paid and engaging in your favorite activities? Now's the time to do it!
Working with Children - if you like children, there is no better summer job than to be a positive role model for children of all ages. You get to develop your mentoring skills helping them resolve problems, being there if they need to talk with someone, setting them on the right track. Just being around children is fun.
Develop valuable personal and professional skills - Working as a summer camp counselor offers many skill-building opportunities: communication, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, conflict management, and responsibility. Many adults who were camp counselors during their college days can look back and recall how their summer camp counselor job days provided a foundation for their personal and professional skills which later helped build a successful career.
Job security - assuming you like the camp and they like you, you will be able to return year after year relieving you of the stress of having to look for a job every summer. This also looks good on your resume; it demonstrates to an employer a strong work performance and loyalty. During an interview you can talk about all the abilities you developed as well: problems you handled, conflicts overcome, becoming a productive contributor of a community, teamwork, and communication.
Make friends from all over - most overnight camps hire people from all over. This is a great way to learn about other cultures and also make long-lasting friendships.
Have fun and try new things! Most summer camps offer a plethora of activities. During your time off, you can explore the programs and try something you've never experienced: sailing, tennis, arts and crafts, archery.
CampPage.com on Facebook! Get Updates on All of Your Favorite Summer Camps
CampPage.com has a long, successful history online. Since 1995 our online directory of summer campshas served families and teens across the United States and Canada by providing them with a reliable resource for locating, choosing and connecting with summer camps in their region offering the activities and experiences they are looking for.This season we are proud to launch a new Facebook Page where parents and kids can learn about everything related to summer camp programs. Summer camp directors and camp staff can also share information about their activities and events throughout the year. Visit Facebook.com/SummerCampsOnlineand connect with CampPage today.
Summer Camps of All Kinds Can be Found on CampPage.com
Keep up to date on all topics related to summer camp programs. CampPage.com features summer camps with all types activities and specialties. The new CampPage Facebook page will include information on:
And much more. We hope parents, kids, teens, summer camp directors and camp staff will get involved in our Facebook page and share their experiences, ideas and stories about summer camp. Join us on Facebook at Facebook.com/SummeCampsOnline today.
If you’re a college student, you’re probably looking ahead and thinking about a summer job so you can help your parents pay for that college tuition that’s piling high. If you’re the outdoorsy, sporty type, you definitely don’t want to sit behind a desk or work inside a building. You want to be active, outside enjoying the elements, and maybe even have a little fun! What better way to do that than with a summer camp counselor job?
Sports Summer Camps
There are tons of different camps you can choose from such as sports summer campsand outdoor adventure summer camps and you can even specialize in activities such as summer basketball camps, tennis summer camps, mountain biking camps, soccer camps, horse camps, etc. If you’re active with or majoring in sports or coaching at your college, many camps are looking for counselors with experience playing or participating in their activity at a competitive level so you will have lots to offer.
Outdoor Adventure Camps
Outdoor adventure camps can be the perfect job for those who love the great outdoors. Many adventure summer camps are located in the heart of mountain ranges including some of the most beautiful hiking spots in the country. Hiking is usually one of the major components of outdoor adventure camp programs as well as overnight adventures. As a counselor, you will learn how to teach one on one and in a group setting. You will develop a wide range of teaching techniques, organizational and communication skills leading hikes and dealing with campers and their camp lives. These positions require all staff to be in top physical condition. You will most likely be required to participate in a wilderness training of some sort.
Why Work at a Summer Camp?
In addition to keeping you fit and healthy, summer camp jobs for college students are actually good for your career. You will learn how to create lesson plans, develop projects, set goals, supervise and instruct. If you are a college student focusing on a career in athletics, sports management or coaching, a summer camp counselor job provides a meaningful opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with children and building your resume.
Many universities offer internship credit in various fields such as parks and recreation, education, tourism, etc. Contact your school for more information.
To explore whether a summer camp counselor job is right for you, take a look at our summer camp counselor jobs listings and contact the summer camps listed there!
In this digital age, there are many online resources for families and parents of children with disabilities. Differently-abled kids have more challenges that most people will never face. For most families with special needs kids, the challenges are faced by everyone together. It is essential that children with special needs and their families are able to find credible information, emotional support and an atmosphere of encouragement. There are many organizations dedicated to providing this assistance online, but most of them do not have the vision of Disaboom.com.
How Disaboom.com started.
Dr. J. Glen House is founder of Disaboom.com. As a physician specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation, who is also a quadriplegic, Dr. House has first hand experience with the challenges people with disabilities face every day.
The Disaboom Mission
Disaboom.com is dedicated to a clear mission: to create the first comprehensive, evolving source of information, insight, and personal engagement for the disability community.
Disaboom.com features the expertise of people from all walks of life. As one of the largest online networks for individuals affected by disabilities, website visitors and online community members can learn from medical experts and peers. The Disaboom.com community also provides tools and guidance to help our visitors live active, engaged lives. Everyone from moms to surgeons to athletes can be found on Disaboom. The network includes more than 180 million members.
Most of all, the goal of Disaboom is to provide information, community and connection to help people with disabilities and those who support them to define who they are and what kind of life they want to lead.
Special Needs Summer Camps
Another way for kids with disabilities to learn to be independent and experience life is for them to attend special needs summer camps. Parents and families can explore a variety of summer camp options for differently-abled kids. Camp directories like CampPage.com list special needs summer camps throughout the United States and Canada.
Sure, working with children is rewarding in itself and working outdoors is enticing, however, one of the best reasons to consider being a summer camp counselor is to help your career. What better way to spend your summer than in a “paid internship” that offers experience honing your teaching skills and mentoring children while getting paid? Some camps even offer college credit. If you are a college student studying education (or any number of academic programs), summer camp counselor jobs for college students offer meaningful experiences to build your resume.
“Being a camp counselor is a 24/7 job, you have to be ready at any moment to be a father, a mentor, a best friend…It is one of the most rewarding ‘jobs’ you will ever have in your life and the memories you have of camp will last a lifetime.” – Chase R on camplenox.com website
Working at a summer camp job will be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. As a summer camp counselor, you’ll build leadership skills that are essential to becoming a successful teacher. Just as in a classroom, you will be responsible for kids’ welfare; nurturing their self esteem and assisting them in their personal development. You will be there to support them in a setting that is unfamiliar to them. You will also be a role model assisting and motivating campers to learn new skills and help them with their concerns and ideas. It will be your job to do everything in your power to make each of the campers’ summer filled with lasting memories. As Matt V on camplenox.com said, ” If you put in the time and effort and focus on why you are really there, which is for the kids, this could be the most rewarding summer of your life.”
Working as a summer camp counselor offers an array of benefits. Some of the skills and abilities you will learn and cultivate include:
Leadership and Problem Solving
Responsibility and Supervision
Risk Management and Safety Awareness
Social Interaction and Teamwork
Professionalism
Documentation
Childcare
Conflict Resolution
Customer Service
Programming and Activity Planning
Communication
Natalie H. from camplenox.com added, ” As a counselor, you will transform from just another smart, athletic, motivated young person into a teacher, a mentor, a coach, and a best friend without even realizing it.”
In this competitive market, an additional benefit of summer camp counselor jobs is saving money. Since housing and meals are provided while at camp, you can bank the money you earn.
Summer camp counselor jobs widely Available
There are many summer camp counselor jobs available throughout the world in a wide spectrum of niches, interests, activities, needs, and religious preferences. If you are drawn to traveling and learning about different cultures, there are international summer camp counselor jobs available. For those committed to teaching according to their faith there are Christian camp jobs, among other religious camp jobs. If you are a special education major, their are many special needs and special interest camps.
To explore whether a summer camp counselor job is right for you, take a look at our summer camp counselor jobs listings and contact the summer camps listed there!
In the modern world of digital communications Mommy Bloggers have become an important resource for mothers everywhere. Anywhere in the country, moms with Internet access can discuss topics related to kids, career, politics, health, beauty, and much more. There are also many online communities for women where moms can speak their minds, contribute their experiences and share ideas in order to stay connected to other moms, families and women near and far. There are a few top Mommy Blogs online currently that offer fun, exciting, useful and credible information for moms from many walks of life.
www.BlogHer.com BlogHer.om is a wonderful, sophisticated community of women bloggers. Many of the writers focus on issues related to parents, children and families. The content is engaging and thought provoking. One of the most exciting features on BlogHer.com is called KidsGiveMeHope. This section of the site will make you laugh and cry and it will inspire you.
www.5minutesformom.com This website is an exciting and large online community created as a place for for moms to connect with one another and share experiences and advice. This site also features an extremely useful directory of resources for moms.
www.momsfavoritestuff.com This website offers well organized and credible reviews of various products and places. Momsfavoritestuff.com features a large number of videos on a wide variety of topicsfrom makeup to travel. The site also offers tips on subjects such as financing, parenting and more. Momsfavoritestuff.com is based in Boston and does provide some local commentary.
www.babble.com/ This site is made up of many different opinions about topics related to parenting and raising kids. It is a great place for parents to challenge their own opinions and beliefs. There is a great deal of information and discussion about the various stages of growth that children go through and how parents are affected during these stages. Babble also has sections dedicated to products, food, health, arts, crafts, creativity, blogging and more. There is also an excellent interactive feature about baby names to help expecting parents.
www.mombloggersclub.com Mombloggersclub.com is exactly what it sounds like: a mommy bloggers club. This is a great site for moms that are already blogging or are interested in blogging. It is a true community of mommy bloggers that are strong, intelligent, creative, bold and inspired. Moms can find a variety of groups and in depth conversations related to almost any topic.
www.typeaparent.com/ TypeAParent.com is a self proclaimed “online hub for digital moms and dads.” There are some excellent groups to participate in and a great deal of information about lifestyle, food, technology, parenting and business topics. If you are a business or mom with a product you an request a review right online.
