Treasure it Forever: the Importance of Camp Mail 

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Mail time at summer camp is a meaningful time for campers and counselors alike. The experience of receiving a postcard or letter from home hearkens back to a time before iPhones, iPads, and the Internet. This is camping, after all!

 

What’s more, it teaches us that all good things come eventually, and those who are patient and thoughtful get the greatest gift of all: mementos of love from friend and family.

Digital detox doesn’t mean total disconnect 

Going from SnapChat to “SnailMail” can be a challenging transition for some campers, but it’s a transition that offers huge rewards: and not because there’s anything “wrong” with texting your friends. It’s just that once you’ve experienced the joy of paper mail, it makes you appreciate the convenience of digital mail all the more.

 

Spending time away from digital connections doesn’t mean you have to disconnect entirely. It just means you have a little more “me” time during the day to spend making new friends, exploring new activities, and generally enjoying your down time from the stresses of school.

Communication is a gift  

As a culture, we often forget that communication is a gift. We look forward to receiving things from one another — it reminds us that we care, and gives us a chance to show what we love about each other. That’s why our counselors always carve out time in camper’s schedules for them to write letters home to family and friends.

 

Even if you just fill it with scribbled drawings or send cards that say “hi!” and nothing else, trust us — you’ll be thrilled to have letters when they come, and you’ll be even more thrilled to have them when you’re back at school.

Something to remember us by 

Life moves fast, and the brief few weeks spent at summer camp each year will blow by quicker than you can imagine. Photos, postcards, and letters will one day be all you have to remember these golden days spent with your best friends in the world.

 

Camp changes us into leaders and adventurers, but at the end of the day there’s something else that makes camp important: the fact that it’s just plain fun. So, treasure those letters from home. Be sure to drop a card in the mail to let the folks back home know you’re thinking of them.

 

One day, when camp is a distant memory, those mementos of your summer will mean the world to you.

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A Letter From A Camp Mom

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When I opened up my mailbox 11 days (9 hours and 26 minutes) after dropping my child at the bus for camp, I squealed with delight when I recognized her handwriting on an envelope. I couldn’t even wait to get into the house to open it, and ripped it open right in the driveway. I unfolded the letter and smiled ear to ear as I read her opening line:

 

Dear Mom,

 

Camp is SO AWESOME.

 

Her letter went on and on about hiking and campfires and a new best friend named Liza, this “amazing” mac and cheese, her first experience on a sailboat, and how she was hesitant, but “leaning more towards yes” about trying lacrosse for the first time. Included in her letter, were a few pictures of her and her new friends, and that is when the tears came. She looked so grown up, so happy, and so excited. I could tell, just by the few snapshots, that she was surrounded by people she loved and doing things that made her happy, and as a parent, can we really ask for anything more?

 

I re-read her letter 3 times that night, laughing every time at the part where she explained her numerous attempts at Hip Hop (she gets her dancing skills from her dad) and it warmed my heart to read about how encouraged she felt by her fellow campers to keep trying and not give up.

 

Receiving her letter made me even more confident that sending her to a sleep away camp for the first time was not only a good idea, but one of the best things we could have done for her. As the second and third letters rolled in (with more and more space in between each one, I’m assuming because she got busier and busier as the summer rolled on) I caught a glimpse of my child changing. I was able to read about her facing fears and challenges, handling social conflicts and trying new things, and “watched” her character mold and change in the process.

 

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t counting down the days until my baby comes home, but I am so thankful for America’s Finest Summer Camps and the gifts they’ve given my daughter. She is having a blast and meeting new people, and experiencing things she would never have the chance to try if she stayed home for the summer. I’m excited to hear all about her summer, and to see the young woman she has started to become, all thanks to spending a summer at camp.

 

If there are any parents on the fence about sending their kid to camp, hear me loud and clear: you’d be doing your child a disservice by keeping them home when they have the opportunity to grow, learn, play, do and explore in a way that only a camp like this can provide. Send them, you’ll be glad you did.

The Art of Friendly Competition at Camp

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Since before the training wheels were even taken off of my bike, I’ve been playing sports. My older brothers were all exceptional athletes which put a lot of pressure on me; I was constantly being compared to them and thus was always being pushed to run faster, train harder, and jump higher. There was a lot of emphasis put on being the best. I won plenty of medals and trophies and was considered an MVP in most sports that I played. I loved playing, but more than that, I loved winning. I lived for that feeling. I would do whatever it took to be on top and wouldn’t enjoy myself if I wasn’t the champion. Then I went to camp.

 

When I stepped on the camp fields for the first time I began with my usual intensity. It took a second for me to realize just how different the environment was from what I was used to. Usually I’d look around before a game and see serious, intense faces, but instead I saw smiling, happy ones. I realized that while I played to win, my fellow campers had different motives. They enjoyed winning, but they played to learn something new, push themselves and spend an hour doing something they loved. They helped show me there’s a difference between friendly competition and unhealthy competition.

 

My competitive spirit came solely from winning and being the best. I learned that healthy competitiveness comes from improving and being your best self. Instead of being in competition with others, I began competing with my past self. This allowed me to focus on the skills I needed to improve on while still enjoying the game. When you can walk away from a sport and still have had a great time, win or lose, you are a winner.

 

When I got home, I took what I learned and applied it to my sports teams. It was difficult for my dad to learn to calm down, stay quiet, and stop focusing solely on winning, but when he saw how much happier I was and how much I improved, he started to come around.

 

I’m so thankful for America’s Finest Summer Camps and how they taught me to be a compassionate, helpful and less stressed athlete and person.

 

Alex, age 14

 

 

Camp is Like Disney World, But Better

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They say Disney is the most magical place on Earth, but ask any kid who has spent the summer at one of America’s Finest Summer Camps, and they’ll beg to differ. They’ll tell you of a place that feels magical, that sparks their imagination, a place they can’t wait to get to and a place they never want to leave. They will tell you about a place where you can spend the entire day going, playing and doing and STILL not do and see everything there is to see. They’ll tell you that camp is a lot like Disney, but better.

 

There is something about making the journey to Disney that adds to the magic and excitement of the experience. Even if the drive is long or the flight is exhausting, there is something about the journey that adds to the excitement.  The same goes for camp. The build up, the anticipation, the letters in the mail, the newsletters and all of the things that lead up to the initial trip to camp help build the excitement before they even step foot on the grounds.

 

Camp is made for kids, much like Disney. It is made with growing imaginations in mind. America’s Finest Summer Camps take everything that kids love and roll it into one jam-packed summer. And, like Disney, every kid can find something they love at camp. Camp caters to athletes, thespians, crafters, animal lovers, thrill seekers, writers, outdoor enthusiasts, artists, nature lovers and everything in between, just like Disney caters to pirates, princesses, evil villains, talking mice and ducks that dance. Whatever campers are into, camp has something for them.

 

It goes without saying that a day at Disney is a day filled with fun, but for most families, it is just a day. Some lucky families can spend a few days exploring Disney, but usually no more than a week. The great thing about camp is that is lasts for so much longer than a week, and kids have plenty of opportunities to try everything, and then re-try the things they love the most. Camp is multiple weeks of fun and adventure, giving campers plenty of time to bond with new friends, and allowing them to enjoy everything camp has to offer without feeling rushed.

 

And although a lot of Disney is sparkly and magical, A LOT of Disney is waiting in lines. Long lines. Long, hot lines if you go in the summer. At camp? No lines. Campers spend their time actually enjoying the activities, not waiting in line forever to try them. And when there is a line, it’s always for something worth waiting for, like camp’s famous mac and cheese or a trip down the zip line. Kids who spend their summer at camp spend it having fun, not waiting around in long, sweaty, lines.

 

You can say all you want about Disney, but one thing is true: they know how to treat people. Disney is all about making magical experiences for everyone who walks through the gates. When you are greeted by a cast member at Disney they have this happy, genuine, remarkable ability of making you feel like they’ve been waiting for you to get there, that you’re the only one in the park, and that you having a magical experience is their top priority. Camp counselors at America’s Finest Summer Camps are the same kind of people. But the difference is that it is not a persona they put on for their “shift” and then turn it off when they go back to real life. Camp counselors work at America’s Finest Summer Camps because they truly want to make a difference in the life of the kids they are entrusted with. They really do get excited about the campers that are coming, they really do make kids feel like the most important person there, and their entire focus, for the entire summer, is making sure every single camper as an experience of a lifetime. Anyone can do that for one interaction at Disney, but these campers do it day in and day out, and it’s easy for them, because it’s genuine.

 

Heading to camp for the summer is something every kid should. Disney may be a magical place to spend a few days, but there’s a good chance that kids won’t build lifetime friendships, face fears, try something new or develop a deeper sense of self while they’re there. Those things come from spending the summer at America’s Finest Summer Camps.

4 Ways Camp Creates Happy Campers

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Did you know that there are certain things, certain scientifically proven things, that are shown to create and increase the hormones in our brain that make us happy? This isn’t just some fluffy stuff we made up, it’s proven by really smart scientists who know their stuff!

 

The amazing thing is, that most of the things doctors and scientists recommend people to do to be happy can all be done at camp! No wonder kids who spend their summers at America’s Finest Summer Camps are some of the happiest kids around!

 

Stop and Smell The Roses: Well, any flower will do, really. A study done from the Human Emotions Laboratory at Rutgers University found that “flowers in general are a powerful positive emotions inducer.” In the study, people exposed to floral scents were three times more likely to have immediate associations with happy and positive memories. Lavender can decrease anxiety and depression and jasmine can have a calming effect. Lucky for campers, the grounds are a hot spot for beautiful fauna, and sweet smelling flowers can be found just about anywhere. There are many distinct smells at camp, including sunscreen, bug spray and s’mores. But the soft scent of flowers will definitely boost your mood anytime.

 

Exercise in the Morning: Exercise plays a huge part in your mood. When we are feeling slow and lazy, our mood tends to reflect that. When we are active and moving about, we tend to be happier. Exercise releases endorphins and proteins that make us feel happier. Getting active first thing in the morning is an excellent way to prepare your brain for a great day. At camp, kids have plenty of opportunities to start their day with a run, a swim, yoga class or a game of football. Getting an early start is a great mood changer, and can be the first step in a happier day!

 

Spend Time With Happy People: Everyone has had that one friend or acquaintance who is negative all of the time and who complains a lot. It can be mentally exhausting to be surrounded by all of that negativity, and it’ll eventually take a toll on your personal happiness. Scientists say surrounding yourself with happy, positive people will make you a more positive and happy person. It’s hard to be down and depressed when you’re around people who are hungry for life, laughter and adventure. And, what do you know, camp is chock full of happy people. Both the campers and the staff are having the time of their lives, and their mood, vibes and happiness are totally contagious.

 

Go Outside: Being outside and connecting with nature can do wonders on your mood. Getting out and about has been proven to increase concentration, reduces stress, and (surprise!) can boost your mood and overall happiness. The fresh air is good for you, the Vitamin D you get from the sun is beneficial, and the ever-changing scenery of the outdoors is an excellent way to get your brain working and help you to focus better. A large portion of a camper’s day is spent outside, enjoying the sunshine and exploring nature, and this helps them to feel energized and excited.

 

Teachers and parents have said time and time again that they can just tell the difference between kids who go to camp and kids who stay home. “There’s just something different about kids who go to camp. It’s their confidence, their mood, their overall happiness” is something heard quite often about campers. And it makes sense! Spending the summer at America’s Finest Summer Camps is the perfect formula for happiness, and gives a whole new meaning to the term “happy campers.”

Camp Changed My Kid

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unspecified-1I was nervous and excited to send my son Connor to one of America’s Finest Summer Camps this year. Connor’s best friend attended camp the summer before and could not stop raving about it. So after plenty of research and discussions, we decided to let Connor spend the summer away. I won’t lie, my “mommy heart” broke a little when he practically jumped out of the car at drop off and didn’t look back, but  I was pretty sure we were making the right decision. Last week, when we picked him up, I was 100% sure we had made the right decision. The happy, smiley kid who jumped into our backseat was….different.

 

I couldn’t pin point many differences right away, except for the excitement in his eyes and voice when he talked about all of his new friends and cracked himself up remembering inside jokes and hilarious conversations with his new buddies. One of the main things I noticed when we got home was how helpful he had become. Without me asking, he would make his bed, take his plates to the sink, offer to bring in the groceries or even simply ask if he could get us anything from the kitchen since he was going that way. I noticed a new sense of thoughtfulness when he came back. Not that he was heartless before by any means, but I definitely noticed a change in his willingness to help others and think of others before himself. As the days passed, my heart exploded with joy to see him excited to email, chat and FaceTime all of his new friends. He went to camp a little reserved, and came back social and confident. I loved seeing him interact with his peers, I loved seeing how he was truly listening to what others had to say, and how he felt confident contributing to the conversation.

 

Just today, he told me he was going to try out for soccer tryouts at school, a sport he had never played before camp. He said he was encouraged to try it at camp and played it almost every day while he was there. As a mom, I am blown away at what positive changes have come from sending my son to camp. I knew he would make friends, try a new activity or two, and learn to live both independently and with a group, but I had no idea about the social skills, character development, relational growth, and boost in confidence that spending just a few weeks away could create.

 

Any parent that is even thinking about sending their kid to camp should stop thinking right now and sign them up. Not only will you enjoy a few kid-free weeks of relaxation, but when your kid comes home, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at everything they’ve learned, and more importantly, who they’ve become.

 

America’s Finest Summer Camps changed my son for the better, and we are both looking forward to the growth and changes that will happen next summer at camp!

 

Camp and Compromise

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AC9U5125Growing up as an only child has many perks. I was always the focus on my parents’ attention, I had all of my own stuff, own space, and when a family decision had to be made, I always felt like my opinion was heard and, more often than not, given serious consideration. Sure, there were times when I wished I had a sibling to play with, but for the most part, I’ve enjoyed the solo child life.

 

As I get older, I’ve started to notice that things that are easy for my friends with siblings, like compromising, taking turns, and being patient, don’t come as naturally to me. Their entire lives are made up of figuring out how to live harmoniously with their siblings. They’ve had to make sacrifices, they’ve had to come second (or third, or fourth) and they’ve had to learn about delayed gratification. They’ve had to think about the well-being of their siblings before themselves, they’ve had to share rooms and clothes and toys, and in turn, these character traits seem to come naturally to them.

 

It took me about 3 hours at camp to realize that I was going to have plenty of opportunities to strengthen these particular traits. Going to camp is like having 100 siblings, and in order for the “family” to run smoothly, everyone has to be willing to compromise, be patient and think of others first. To be totally honest, it was a hard reality to adjust to at first. I quickly learned that my mess wasn’t appreciated or tolerated in a shared space. I also learned that my opinions, wants and needs weren’t the only ones that mattered, and my hesitation to take anyone else’s opinions or thoughts into consideration came across as rude and selfish. That was a slap in the face, and humbling for sure.

 

My counselors were amazing, and were patient and calm when I wasn’t. They took the time to talk to me when I was feeling overwhelmed, crowded or impatient. They helped me look at the bigger picture, and reminded me about how good it felt to work as a team, a family, a collective unit, instead of just thinking about myself.

 

About a week or so into camp, I could already notice the mental shift happening inside of me. I saw the biggest change in my attitude regarding being surrounded by people all of the time. My whole life, I’ve had the luxury of being able to be in my own space and to “get away” whenever I wanted to be alone. I always had my own things and my own space, and getting used to sharing my time and space with others took some getting used to. But as the days turned into weeks, I began looking forward to these group settings and I enjoyed the constant buzz of people around me. I loved our late night chats after lights went out, and I appreciated having people who would share their sunscreen with me when I ran out. Sharing space, time and things with people turned out to not be so bad after all.

 

At the end of camp, I felt like I had gained 50+ siblings, and a whole new set of character traits that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I am a more patient person because of camp. I am better at sharing, I compromise more, I’m more giving, more aware of my personal space, more accepting of people’s differences, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

 

I may be the only child at home, but since my summer at camp, I have plenty of camp siblings who are just a text, phone call or email away. Camp gave me much more than just a summer away from home; it has strengthened my character and given me lifelong friends.

9 Lessons a counselor learns from their campers

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Everyone that arrives at summer camp leaves with a profoundly changed outlook on life. Like many camp counselors, I expected to learn a lot from the experience. What I didn’t expect was for so many of the things I learned to come from my campers!

 

It turns out being a role model can be a two-way street. If you’re looking to become a counselor yourself, here are a few of the things you can expect to learn from your campers:

1. You get what you give

Campers demand a ton of energy, and keeping up with the day’s activities — all while being positive, enthusiastic, and with an eye towards safety — can be totally exhausting. Something new happens every day, and greeting new challenges with a smile makes all the difference.

 

Show up to an activity expecting to be bored, and you’re sure to be bored. Show up ready to give it your best shot, and the fun is guaranteed!

2. Respect is more important than agreement

I’d be lying if I told you I always agreed with everyone at camp. That would be impossible! However, I soon started to notice that the campers who were having the most fun were the ones who treated their peers with respect — even if they didn’t want to be BFFs with them. Campers who refrained from poking fun at someone, even behind their back, always came to the end of the summer with tons of friends and a big smile on their face.

 

I resolved to start being more conscious about showing respect to my fellow counselors; and the results were incredible! I never even realized how much negativity you can let go when you simply cut out the gossip and “agree to disagree.” This one lesson was worth the whole summer!

3. You can always do more than you think

Camp teaches you how to manage time better than any class. After all, if you can’t keep track of your own life, how are you going to keep track of all your campers?

 

Life at camp quickly taught me that I was never as busy as I thought I was; I just needed better organization. It’s easy to say “it’s too much” or “I can’t do that” in regular life, but at camp there’s no option: you simply have to show up, rain or shine, and give it your best shot.

 

4. Laughing makes everything better

It’s scientific fact that smiling makes your mood better, even if you have to “fake it till you make it” at first.

 

On the one hand camp is full of variety, but on the other sometimes you have to buckle down and do the same activity week after week and make sure it feels “fun” every time. Seeing the campers’ faces light up when we jumped into a new activity kept it fresh for me. When I started smiling even during the activities I didn’t feel like doing, the activities became fun again!

 

Now I use this technique every day in my “real life,” and it always helps make tasks like laundry day or preparing reports at work feel “fresh” again!

5. It’s okay to say “I don’t know”

Being a summer camp counselor is often a counselor’s first experience as an authority figure. When you’re barraged with questions all day, it’s frustrating at first when you don’t know the answer.

 

You’ll quickly learn that campers don’t mind if you don’t know everything; in fact, they don’t expect you to. Saying “I don’t know… but let’s find out” is much more exciting than the alternatives, and it shows them that you’re human too.

6. Including everyone makes life more fun

Sometimes there’s a camper who just doesn’t want to do anything. The food isn’t fried enough, the activities aren’t fun enough, and the campfire isn’t “cool” enough. Including everyone in activities is really challenging at first, especially when it means you have to be extra-committed to keep the energy flowing. But something magic happens when you insist on everyone playing together: that camper’s finally joins in, and before you know it they’re having the time of their life! The first time you make that change in a camper’s attitude will change your outlook forever.

7. You’re remembered for the little things

There’s a saying that we’re remembered for our mistakes, not our successes; but I disagree. At camp, as in life, it’s the little things that make your legacy. That time you brought a sick camper their favorite dessert from the dining hall, even though they didn’t ask? They will never forget. Anyone who’s been to summer camp knows it’s the little kindnesses that make the biggest difference.

8. It’s okay to be alone sometimes

Camp is all about togetherness, but sometimes a little alone time is just as important. Camp helps everyone grow by making them learn to ask for it when they need it, but sometimes campers don’t know how to do that and get frustrated. As a counselor, your job is to step in and help them get everything they need to have a great experience. Learning to recognize when campers need alone time and when they need team time is a subtle skill that will radically change your life outside camp.

9. Always pack more socks

This last lesson may be the most important of all! No one ever packs enough socks. They get dirty, they get lost, and you always need more than you think. And yes, you definitely need a comfy pair for lounging around the cabin!

Keep an open mind and have a great summer

Summer camp is as much about learning as it is about fun. When your campers speak, keep your ears open; you just might learn something!

Fun rest hour card games for 2+ players

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America’s Finest Summer Camps are busy places, so it’s important that campers get a little bit of down time every day to relax with their group. Laidback card games keep everybody smiling even if they don’t necessarily feel like napping. But what can you do if everybody isn’t on board to play Uno for the millionth time?

 

Luckily, there are tons of fun games that can be enjoyed by any number of players using just an ordinary deck of cards. Here are a few of the best that keep up the pace without taking longer than your rest time!

Slapjack

Number of players: 2-5

Concept: A simple, high-energy game that keeps you on your toes!

Gameplay: Play rock-paper-scissors to pick a dealer. The dealer splits the deck between all players, facedown. Don’t look at your cards yet! (It’s okay if everyone doesn’t have the exact same number of cards, so long as it’s approximately even.)

 

Starting with the dealer, take turns flipping over the top card of your pile into a pile in the middle, going around the circle. When a jack appears, whoever is first to slap their hand on top of it gets to add all the cards in the middle to the bottom of their deck. (Some versions have a rule that you can’t slap a jack if it came from your deck.)

 

If anybody runs out of cards they can try to slap the next jack that turns up, but if they miss it, they’re out for good!

 

Whoever ends up with all the cards at the end is the winner. Let’s play again!

Crazy Eights

Number of players: 2-4

Concept: A fast, fun game for small groups. Similar to Uno, with a few twists…

Gameplay: To start, each player gets 7 cards (5 if only two players). Yes, you can look at them!

 

The deck goes face down in the middle. Turn over the top card faceup next to the deck. This will become the “discard” pile. The dealer can go first, and they try to match 1 or more cards in their hand to either the suit or number of the faceup card in the discard pile. (For example, if the card in the discard pile is a three of spades, you could lay down any card that is a spade on top of it, or any card that is a three.) If they can’t match the card, they have to keep drawing cards from the deck until they can. Once they’ve managed to match the card the next player’s turn starts.

 

Eights are wild (that’s why it’s called “Crazy Eights!”), so if you have an eight in your hand you can play it on any card. (Strategy tip: save it for an emergency!)

 

The first player to empty their hand wins.

I Doubt It!

Number of players: 4-5

Concept: A bluffing game that gives you a chance to practice your poker face

Gameplay: Deal out cards to each player one at a time until the deck is empty and everyone has a more or less equal number of cards. Yes, peeking allowed!

 

Before starting, each player should organize the cards in their hand from lowest number to highest. (Ace is 1, Jack 11, queen 12, king 13, as usual.)

 

The object of the game is to get rid of all your cards. The first player puts down an ace in the middle (facedown), and says “ace.” The second player puts down a two on top of it and says “two.” This continues around the circle, starting at ace again once king has been played.

 

The twist is that you have to put down a card, even if you don’t have the number your turn lands on. So you have to be sneaky, put on your poker face and bluff! For example, if it’s your turn and the last card played was seven, you have to put down some other card from you hand, while saying “eight.”

 

At any time the other players can yell “I doubt it!” if they think the player is lying. The player has to turn over their card, and if they were lying, they take all the cards in the middle into their hand. BUT if they were telling the truth, the person who yelled “I doubt it!” has to take them.

 

This game can get pretty heated, and keeping a straight face can be surprisingly hard once the giggles start going around!

 

Whoever runs out of cards in their hand first wins.

52 Pick-Up

Number of players: any

Concept: being a goofball

Gameplay: 52 pick-up may be the fastest game of all. Ask your friends if they want to play a round of 52 Pick-Up, and if they say yes, throw a deck of cards up into the air, making a huge mess! Then say, “okay, now we have to pick them up!” Just be sure not to play this game when your counselor is watching…

Memory

Number of players: 2-10

Concept: A quiet and challenging game that improves camper’s memories… or so we hope

Gameplay: Begin by laying all the cards in the deck face-down, either in a grid pattern or randomly. Draw lots to see who goes first.

 

The first player picks 2 cards at random and turns them over so everyone can see what they are. If the card numbers match (e.g. a pair of twos, a pair of queens, etc.), the player gets to keep them. If the don’t match, they turn them back over and everyone tries to remember what they were; because of course the longer the game is played, the more chance you have to figure out where the matching pairs are! If you have an excellent memory and killer concentration, that is…

 

Players take turns until all the cards have been matched up. Whoever has the highest number of cards at the end wins the round!

Rest hour is for recharging

Here’s hoping these card games help you use your rest time at camp constructively! Master these, and you’re well on your way to becoming a bona fide card shark.

 

…Just remember to pack them up when you’re done, or you’ll definitely lose cards in the cabin clutter. Also be sure to invite other campers to play; the more the merrier! Having a deck of cards on hand makes the time fly — and the activities will be starting again before you know it.

How the ropes courses at camp helped me conquer my fears!

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High and Low ropes courses are designed to create a very special moment: that split second where you have a choice between doing the thing that’s challenging, and doing the thing that’s easy; and you choose the thing that’s challenging.

Someone watching a ropes course in action might be tempted to think it’s all fun and games — and it’s true that ropes activities are a blast. However, regardless of the skill level of a particular ropes challenge, ropes courses are all about the skill being taught as much as the fun of the challenges themselves.

Challenging fear

Any hard skill like tying a knot or climbing a wall comes with “soft” skills like trust, courage, and determination. One of the main focuses of high ropes activities is dealing with fear. There’s a saying that “the only thing you have to fear is fear itself.” For many of the things we’re scared of in life, it’s absolutely true.

The thing is, the difference between understanding that something is possible and stepping up to try it is a huge challenge. Ropes courses are about taking on that challenge, and that’s why they are so central to America’s Finest Summer Camps programs.

If you’ve ever jumped off a zip-line platform, you know what I’m talking about. You understand that it’s safe. But climbing up there and taking that leap is still ridiculously scary.

…But of course you jump, because it’s mind over matter — and you know the ride will be well worth the effort!

Trusting your team

Once a camper has conquered their fears, the next step is learning to trust their peers. Where low ropes courses get really interesting is the teamwork activities. Conquering your fear of heights is one thing, but depending on a friend to help you is a different game altogether.

Once you can believe in your peers enough to let them help you walk across a plank or wire, it’s a simple step to trusting them to help you in less tangible ways in the real world — and to be ready to help others when they need your guidance.

Working together

Last but not least, the most important message of ropes courses is the incredible things you can accomplish by working together.

Low ropes challenges push campers to use their words to communicate their vision for how to succeed in a detailed, practical way. After all, making it across an “acid river” is impossible if you can’t assign leadership and delegate tasks. Conquering the spiders web is out of the question if even one camper is in the dark about the big picture, and that means crystal clear camper communication.

Hey, that sounds just like the skills you need in the real world, doesn’t it? Well, that’s the idea! High and Low ropes courses build skills for both mind and body — and you don’t even notice, since the activities themselves are so exciting.