How Camp Fosters Independence for Parents and Children

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Spending a summer at a sleepaway camp is a fun way for campers to gain a new sense of responsibility and independence. For many campers, their first summer camp experience is their first experience away from home. As they learn to navigate a new place, adhere to a new schedule and new rules, and adapt to many new personalities, they gain a sense of independence that will help them mature and grow in new ways. However, the kids aren’t the only ones who do some growing over the summer. When parents say goodbye to their kids for the summer, they get to see the result of all of their hard work, modeling, and teaching as their children go off without them. Although it’s a bittersweet moment, it’s a milestone for both parents and kids.

How Camp Fosters Independence In Children

Without their parents by their side, campers quickly learn that they are responsible for themselves. While counselors are around for guidance and support, campers are given clear expectations at the beginning of camp and are expected to follow these guidelines without being constantly reminded. Things like keeping their space tidy, respecting quiet time and mealtime rules, getting to places on time, and maintaining their personal hygiene are their responsibilities. They get a taste of freedom while still being carefully supervised. They are given the privilege of free time, in which they can pick which activity they’d like to do. They learn quickly that as long as they don’t abuse this privilege, they have many freedoms and choices in regards to their camp experience.

And while camp provides many sports, events, and activities to keep campers entertained, there are parts of the day that are unscheduled. Being at camp teaches campers how to productively manage this “downtime” without needing to be constantly entertained. Campers also learn independence during meal times, as they pick what they want to eat and are responsible for making healthy choices, not wasting food, and cleaning up after themselves. 

Meeting new friends is part of the traditional sleepaway camp experience, and even this aspect of camp helps foster independence in children. Starting conversations with strangers, working well with others, resolving differences with respect, and being inclusive of others are all things campers experience at America’s Finest Summer Camps. They do most of these things on their own, and the relationships they build are authentic and based on their own personal connections with their peers. For many of the younger campers, their parents are still very active in creating social connections, but at camp, they learn to make friends all on their own.

What Camp Does For Parents

It’s common to see parents a little teary-eyed as they say goodbye to their kids on the first day of camp. It’s a significant milestone; trusting your child to go off into the world and hoping you’ve equipped them with everything they need to be successful. Thankfully, this is camp, not college, and your children will be surrounded by people who can help guide them and steer them towards positive decision making.

By “letting go” for the summer, parents have time to reflect on the types of people their children are becoming, and can finally see the results of all of their hard work as parents. Seeing how successful your child is at camp can help you feel comfortable giving them more responsibilities and freedoms at home. Hearing about how you child felt confident making their own choices and decisions at camp and how he/she enjoyed being independent can make it easier for you to give your child more independent in other aspects of his/her life as well.

Although this expanding independence is a sign that your baby isn’t a baby anymore, it also means that they have absorbed the lessons you’ve taught them are applying them correctly. The whole idea behind parenting is to raise happy, healthy, and productive people who can work independently within society. America’s Finest Summer Camps help with this.

Spending the summer at camp is one way children can begin to spread their wings, find their sense of self, and discover who they are as individuals. Giving campers this independence is crucial for their self-esteem and self-worth, and is a great practice run for when they are finally out on their own. Going to camp is an emotional milestone, but a powerful one that parents and campers will remember forever.

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The Value of Tradition at Laurel South

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The holidays are around the corner.  During this time of year, the word “tradition” gets thrown around a lot.  The word “tradition” is often confused with “routine.”  They’ve both become something that we do on a regular basis to establish or maintain a consistency or pattern in our behavior.  So, what really distinguishes “tradition” from “routine”?

Tradition is, by definition, community oriented.  It’s a shared custom, belief, or activity with a common understanding of the reason for its practice. Tradition is something that is a common bond between multiple generations.  It’s an acknowledgment that an event or action was significant to someone tied to our past, and the observance of traditions is our way of paying tribute to that event or action as well demonstrating our understanding of it.

Routine, unlike tradition, is not necessarily multi-generational or even long-term.  It’s something done for a specified length of time.  While we maintain some routines for all or much of our lives, others are short term. Routine is task oriented.  We take up routines to accomplish a goal.  There is an intended result in routine.  Tradition, however, is an observance.  Routine is a way of moving forward, whereas tradition pays tribute to the importance of the past.

By now, you’re surely asking yourself what any of this has to do with summer camp. In a culture that places a significant amount of importance on the establishment of routine, the value of tradition is increasingly less understood and appreciated.  Laurel South is grounded in tradition.  It’s a place where campers and counselors alike get refresher courses in the power of tradition.  Whether it’s singing at a campfire, the Camp Brother/Sister program or Spirit Day, there are so many opportunities every summer for those at Laurel South to bond through tradition.  Many former campers and counselors name “tradition” as one of their highlights of summer camp.  If tradition has become an element of holidays past, consider giving your children a future opportunity to experience and enjoy traditions at Laurel South.

Confident Campers at Brant Lake Sports Academy

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Did you know that between the ages of 8 and 14, confidence levels in girls decreases by 30 percent? Did you know that sports increase confidence in girls as we increase physical activity, which eventually leads to greater overall health?

At Brant Lake Sports Academy, our goal is to motivate and increase self-esteem in girls through sports by providing them with access to top-notch facilities and high-quality coaching. By placing girls in a safe environment at camp where they can not only grow physically, but emotionally and socially, girls go home feeling better about themselves. They leave camp excited to show their friends and families what they learned and talk about their experiences.

I recently came across this New York Times article with tips we can use in our everyday lives to increase confidence in girls, just like we do with our campers at Brant Lake Sports Academy.

Thankful for Brant Lake Dance Camp

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‘Tis the season to be thankful! After eight summers at Brant Lake Dance Camp, I still thank my parents for sending me to such a magical place all those years ago. I feel immense gratitude for all BLDC has done for me. From singing the Alma Mater with our arms draped over each other to our epic lip sync battles, camp is a place filled with love, laughter and lifelong friends. After eight years I still have regular reunions with Z Cabin of 2010!

Brant Lake Dance Camp is a place that fosters leadership, confidence and unconditional love. What’s unique about BLDC is that competition doesn’t exist, we as a community push each other to grow in this art that we love. Mia Michaels said it best: “If you dance with your heart, your body will follow.” I also learned if you dance with your best friends the fun will follow. I love how BLDC mixes a structured dance curriculum (with amazing teachers) while still emphasizing the fun of camp. What other place brings girls who all love to dance together while having campfires and cozy movie nights? At Brant Lake Dance Camp you come for the dance, and stay for the friendships!

The best part about going from camper to counselor to key staff is that I get to grow with those campers who return with me. Whether it be the lifelong camper who is in her last summer or the camper who worked endlessly over the summer to get her triple pirouette and debuts it during WIPs (Works In Progress). I was at another camp for five years before coming to BLDC, and I realized Brant Lake Dance Camp goes beyond what it means to be an exceptional camp.

I thank Brant Lake for giving me a place to enjoy my summers, and for also helping me realize what I wanted to do career-wise. As an aspiring educator in my first graduate school year, I get to use what I learned at BLDC in my classrooms.

So, while I am munching on my turkey this month, I am also counting down the days ‘till camp and reminiscing about BLDC Cupcake Wars and snuggling up with hot chocolate on the rocking chairs with my Brant Lake Dance Camp family.

Five True Things about Camp Laurel

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  1. At camp you learn more about yourself in one day than you do in one month in the real world. And that’s not an exaggeration. At camp, every day can be a transformative experience. So many campers accomplish new things they wouldn’t necessarily have the opportunity to try at home, all with the support of passionate counselors.
  2. Speaking of passionate counselors, at camp you meet the most spectacular people, and they will inevitably become some of your closest friends. That’s the beauty of an experience like camp: you get to know people from different backgrounds but find the similarities you share. As a bonus, you now have friends from all the country and around the world!
  3. Camp is sort of like s’mores, you can’t just have one (or in this case, you can’t just go once). Of course, once I got a taste of Camp Laurel, I couldn’t stay away. Camp Laurel feels like the home I never knew I was missing. When I’m there everything is right with the world. 
  4. Once camp is over, you will try and try to articulate what it means to you. But it’s impossible to talk fully about camp to someone who hasn’t experienced it. Much of my life in the winter is spent in this sappy mood—missing people and places that are a few months away. I’m so happy that I have something/someone worth missing; I wouldn’t have it any other way.
  5. Camp Laurel is the most magical place I’ve ever been lucky enough to experience. Camp is laughing harder than you ever have in your life, playing games with new friends and singing songs in The Lodge at the top of your lungs. Camp is looking out the window of the bus as you slowly pull away and thinking: I’m not done with you yet. Camp is knowing you have a home away from home.

 

Get a Real Job

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For many counselors at America’s Finest Summer Camps, their experience as a camp counselor is also their first experience in the workforce. Many counselors have the opportunity to spend the summer on one of the nation’s most beautiful campsites, enjoying all of the classic sleepaway camp adventures, and get paid for it. Their first job is not spent waiting tables or washing cars or serving coffee, but instead spent shaping the lives of kids and teens and learning valuable life skills they can apply to their future careers.

A first job is a milestone in any young adult’s life and is an opportunity to learn responsibility, time management, teamwork, and commitment. It teaches the value of hard work and gives the individual ownership over the money they make. The attitude towards an after-school or part-time job can be that of reluctance, as young adults sometimes feel that a job gets in the way of their social life. However, for the lucky few who get to be summer camp counselors for their first job, it’s a different story. Working as a counselor doesn’t feel like work, because it is fun.

Counselors are in charge of inspiring and motivating campers to try new things. They get to be in on the action as campers score goals, put on plays, and explore. They facilitate friendships, teach camp traditions, offer cures for homesickness and an ear to listen. They are role models for campers and serve as the big brothers or sisters that many campers have never had.

They are responsible for making sure campers are safe and responsible, that they get where they need to be and do what they’re supposed to do. They are in charge of teams of people and are required to be effective communicators for camp to run smoothly. If this isn’t a training ground for the world’s best leaders, we’re not sure what is. The skills counselors learn during their time at camp easily roll over into other aspects of their lives and prepare them for the future.

However, the job of the counselor is not confined to working with campers. Counselors also interact with a team of other counselors and staff, providing countless opportunities to foster their communication, teamwork, listening, and leadership skills. With so many counselors and staff at camp each summer, each counselor has the opportunity to learn how to work effectively with people with different ideas, backgrounds, communication styles, and personalities. If you can work with hundreds of kids all summer and a handful of other counselors, what can’t you handle?

If your idea of an ideal first job is clocking in and out of a business that you aren’t passionate about, to work alongside people you’re not crazy about, a job at America’s Finest Summer Camps is not for you. However, if you love the idea of changing lives, singing songs, eating s’mores, swimming, dancing, and connecting with people from all over the world all summer, and getting paid for it, we’re ready for your resume.

Sports At Camp

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Sports play a significant role in the lives of boys and girls across the country. Many children are encouraged by parents and teachers to try a sport, make the team, and be the best. Although the intentions are good, many children and teenagers get burnt out quickly due to the pressure put on them by well-meaning adults. They quickly feel obligated to perform instead of finding the joy in the game. And while this is not the case for all children, it is becoming more and more of an issue across the country.

America’s Finest Summer Camps takes a slightly different approach towards kids and sports. Many campers come to camp with a predisposition about what sports they are good at and which ones they aren’t. They assume that since they’ve played soccer since they were 4, they are exclusively soccer players. They don’t realize that although they’re familiar with soccer, it’s not the only thing they are allowed to try and enjoy. America’s Finest Summer Camps encourage athletes to try new things, to branch out from their comfort zones and get active in a sport that is new to them. Gymnasts at home become volleyball players at camp. Basketball players discover their love for golf. Camp gives campers a chance to try new sports that may not be offered in their schools or communities. And of course, for those who are passionate about their sport, camp gives them the entire summer to do what they love, perfect their craft, and surround themselves with other athletes who are passionate about the sport.

Sports at camp are different than sports at home because the pressure is off. Sports are played to teach teamwork and sportsmanship. Sports are played to give campers a healthy way to relieve stress, to get in a good workout, and to practice goal setting. Sports at camp are designed to bring campers together through healthy competition. Participating in sports builds confidence and strengthens relationships, and provides a safe outlet for campers to try new things without judgment or pressure.

Team sports like baseball, basketball, flag football lacrosse, soccer, and softball bring campers together towards a common goal. These sports encourage campers to work together on the field or court, which then translates to working together in other areas of camp life too. Playing a team sport allows campers to connect with other campers whom they may not have met otherwise.

Individual sports like aerobics and figure skating still puts campers in group settings but allows them to focus on their personal skill set, goals, and abilities. No matter what type of sports campers play, they’re always surrounded by people who encourage them to be their best. There are no stressed-out parents to worry about, no crazy coaches screaming from the sidelines. Just friends, playing together for the fun of it.

Campers can engage in sports as much or as little as they want to at camp. Seasoned athletes can work on new skills and improving their current skills, while new athletes can feel safe trying something new surrounded by the encouragement and support of their counselors and fellow campers. America’s Finest Summer Camps have built a reputation for offering an incredible sleepaway camp experience that combines art, music, sports, good food, great friends and the beautiful outdoors in a way that every camper will easily fall in love with.

Dance Concerts to See this Holiday Season

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Brant Lake Dance Camp

October’s the month to plan what Dance Company you’re going to see this Holiday Season.

As developing dancers at BLDC, we all know there are many ways to learn and grow as dancers. We always talk about watching and learning from other dancers. Since we are not physically at camp now (insert ugly crying face), there are many other amazing opportunities to learn and watch other dancers!

With the holidays right around the corner, now is the time to plan your concert dates. Buy the tickets now and get it on your Holiday calendars. For me this means my personal favorite dance performance is ready to get back on stage: The Christmas Spectacular starring The Radio City Rockettes. It’s an unbelievable show filled with beautiful lights, props, costumes, and the most talented dancers! This show has been a beloved holiday tradition for generations in NYC and my family.

Another way I see our BLDC dancers connecting to the Christmas Spectacular is the passion to try new things! This year’s show will have a few new and exciting elements added in. The director said “100 drones, representing Christmas lights, will magically surround Santa Claus on stage, forming various shapes and patterns.” How amazing?!

Now is the time to get your tickets and make that plan whether you’re an NYC Ballet Nutcracker fan, or Prefer BAM to see Mark Morris’ Hard Nut, or a Rockette’s Christmas Spectacular fan, or your favorite home city performance. If you’re in the NYC area November through December, I recommend seeing the show!
ROCK(ETTE) ON!!!!

Olivia Damson,
Assistant Director, Brant Lake Dance Camp


Rockettes, A Christmas Spectacular 2017

 

Mark Morris, A Hard Nut

October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month

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Brant Lake Sports Academy

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. What are you doing to spread the word?

WHAT IS IT?

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual international health campaign organized by major charities every October to increase awareness and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure. The campaign also offers information and support to those affected by breast cancer.

WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP?

Take action through exercise. Cycle for Survival or Race for the Cure are just two ways to get involved.

Wear swag.  Did you notice NFL players wearing pink cleats or celebrities with their pink ribbons? You can purchase your own swag too!

Host your own fundraiser.  Whether it’s in your office, at your school or even at your own home, there are many ways to independently raise money. Host a bake sale, organize a town run, make and sell your own pink gear.

WHY?

Breast cancer is one of the leading health crises for women in the United States. 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. There is currently no known cure for breast cancer, and its early diagnosis is critical to survival.

THINK PINK IN THE MONTH OF OCTOBER AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT!

Rachel Milim

Brant Lake Sports Academy

Camp Tradition Inspires Innovation

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Laurel South:

Tradition. It’s one of those camp words. It brings forth images of making bracelets, playing games and campfires. All things that go hand-in-hand with every sleepaway camp. But what’s sometimes lost in the talk of tradition is how inspiring it can be. Tradition helps campers feel a part of something bigger than themselves. Camp becomes a second home, and friends become part of a camp family. In short, tradition helps campers feel safe. And camp helps campers feel comfortable taking “safe risks.”

Campers will undoubtedly learn new things each summer. They’ll play new sports, conquer the climbing wall or learn to waterski. But steeped in camp tradition is another thing campers will find: creativity. When children are surrounded by positive reinforcement from their cabinmates and counselors, they move boldly forward with enthusiasm for new ideas. They also learn to communicate and listen effectively, taking in thoughts and guidance from those around them. Children talk endlessly with their friends about ideas, which helps them process steps for making their dreams a reality. It’s the perfect environment for inspiration and innovation. So when it comes to camp-words like “Tradition, Community and Values,” camp people should remember to include “Innovation.”