Why outdoor adventure skills are important

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Screen Shot 2015-10-14 at 1.15.33 PMAs a camp counselor, I’ve always been surprised by the wide range of lessons that campers take away from the outdoor adventure activities at camp.

Some campers benefit most from building a sense of self-reliance and resourcefulness. Others particularly enjoy the non-competitive aspects of the activities, which combine the adrenaline of sports with the positivity of teamwork. And of course, some campers just like having fun in the sun.

Regardless of interests, everybody at Camp gets to benefit from outdoor education. Nature, like adventure, is universally meaningful — and universally fun.

Personal development

A camper must learn to trust themselves before they learn to trust others, and outdoor skill-building is one of the greatest ways to build self-confidence.

The world is a scary place, and survival skills like fire-starting and shelter-building teach campers that strength comes from within; all it takes to survive and thrive in the world is a little know-how and ingenuity.

…Not to mention that knowing a thing or two about how to pitch a tent and read a map opens up a whole new world of outdoor recreation activities for life outside camp!

Teamwork vs. competition

Teamwork is one of the core values at camp, and nothing builds trust and communication between teammates quite like working together to solve the fundamental human needs that outdoor exploration puts us in touch with. That being said, outdoor adventure still requires a high level of teamwork, even though the objective isn’t “beating” another team.

There are no winners and losers when the goal is to make a campfire or build a cool shelter; it’s campers against the wilderness, rather than campers against campers. Students learn to work together to conquer a challenge, without worrying about accomplishing anything more or less than their absolute best.

Finding our place in the world

When it comes to outdoor adventure at camp, the “outdoor” side is at least as important as the “adventure” side.

Adventure is all well and good, but the raw experience of being in nature is what makes seemingly simple activities like hiking and camping so memorable. Particularly for campers coming from the city, a reminder of how small we all are in the grand scheme of things can be immeasurably valuable. The great outdoors are important for everyone. After all, it’s wild woods, crisp air and clean water that makes Camp such a special place to “get away from it all!”

Can-do attitude

Whatever particular aspect of outdoor adventure captures a camper’s imagination, they are guaranteed to walk away with a new sense of empowerment. We live in a fast-paced and quickly changing world, and the outdoor experiences at camp leave campers ready to tackle the world with creativity, determination, and humility. Just get outside and try it!

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What I learned from playing sports at camp

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Screen Shot 2015-10-05 at 3.13.27 PMI wish you could have seen my face the first day of summer camp; my excitement was so contagious I was worried the nurse would put me in quarantine. That being said, my excitement had nothing to do with sports. So far as I was concerned, sports were just another stressful school activity, and to be honest I was initially disappointed when I first saw “basketball” on my daily schedule.

Fast forward a week later, and I was signing up for golf and baseball of my own free will, and even organizing pickup games during rest hour. While I’d dreaded sports at school, they quickly become one of my favorite activities at camp!

So what happened? Well, it might sound a little cheesy, but it didn’t take much camp spirit to change my attitude. Let me explain…

Camp is “different.” In a good way.

Although many of the team sports at camp are familiar from the team sports at school, the experience of participating in sports at camp can be a completely different experience. In a good way, of course.

For campers who thrive on organized sports at school, camp offers a unique opportunity: a chance to hone skills in a more focused environment, and access to incredible coaches who are completely invested in helping their campers have a blast and build their skills. “You mean I get to spend all day long outside playing games?” For sporty campers, the athletics program at camp is paradise.

For campers who might be less inclined towards sports at school, on the other hand, camp offers a different kind of advantage: a chance to try a wide variety of sports in a stress-free environment, without the pressures that come along with the high-stakes atmosphere of organized team competitions at school.

Learning to challenge yourself

I know I wasn’t the only convert; many other campers who would never describe themselves as sporty outside of camp found themselves discovering the more positive, pro-personal-growth side of athletics during their time at camp. If the school environment sucks the fun out of volleyball for you, just try it at camp! It’s a totally different game. Trust me.

When competitive sports let me down at school, I thought it was everyone else’s fault. But getting a chance to chill out and try new things at camp taught me that actually, it wasn’t anybody’s fault; I just needed to relax and learn to be okay with winning some days and losing on others. You know, just like life.

Camp is a great environment to try new things

Regardless of a camper’s feelings towards sports at school, the number one difference that camp has to offer is this: variety.

At camp, it’s not a question of fitting a sport or two around academics; it’s a question of fitting as many sports as you can imagine into a single day! Roller hockey, golf, flag football, lacrosse, cheerleading, baseball, tennis, soccer… and those are just the tip of the iceberg.

The chances for finding a sport that suits you are endless, and if you don’t care for a particular game you aren’t stuck with it; after all, a new one will be starting up next period.

Keep an open mind

So here’s my advice to a new camper who might be anxious about team activities at camp: relax, give it a try, and keep an open mind. The best part of camp is that the scenery is always changing. Even if you decide that an activity isn’t up your alley, you can always sign up for something new next time.

…And once you do discover your favorite sport, it’s just a question of signing up as much as possible!

More Than Just A Lake

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-nsuqWS8Q5RoHGrFqonRuduNrLOBBwpYFboTTB4sDEwThere are many things notice when they arrive at camp the first day. They notice the cabins, all of the new faces, the baseball fields, ropes course, tennis courts and acres and acres of open space to run in, play in and explore in. But one of the most breathtaking and exciting parts of camp is the lake. With over 2,500 feet of private shoreline and over three miles of “so-clear-you-can see-right-to-the-bottom” waters, the lake and sandy shoreline is a popular place for campers to spend the majority of their summers.

When it comes to watersports, campers can try a variety of different options while at America’s Finest Summer Camps. Campers can relax and learn the art of fishing, or work their muscles on a standup paddle board, or they can get their heart rate up as they experience the speed and thrill of wakeboarding and water skiing. Professionals monitor each and every sport based in the water closely, and safety is of the utmost importance. The lake doesn’t just offer a location to try new sports; it serves as the backdrop for the time in their lives when kids will remember they tried something new. It will be the place they fondly remember as the spot where they faced their fears, tried something new, and had the time of their lives.

rdspsUTMrlXdz4jrAyADor2vbjs_17dBJcY6PO6UCDwThe lake also serves as a great place for reflection and peace. A quiet stroll along the shoreline can be a great place for a confidential conversation between friends, a quiet place for journaling or writing letters back home, or simply a place to connect with nature. Warm, sunny days heat the water to a comfortable 80 degrees during the day, making it easy to run, splash and play in the crystal clear waters all day long. (Don’t worry, sunscreen is readily available and lifeguards and other professionals are always around!)

The lake is a central part of camp, and it brings campers together in a variety of waves. America’s Finest Summer camps would feel incomplete without all of the activities, events and life lessons that are centered on the lake. Self-confidence, friendships and trust are all built on the lake. Campers who come from a part of the country where they don’t have access to such a beautiful part of nature really connect and enjoy everything the lake has to offer.

The lake is so much more than just a body of water in the middle of camp. The lake is a place that campers really connect with, and where lifelong memories are made.

What a campfire means to a summer camper

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Screen Shot 2015-09-15 at 2.48.44 PMCamp life may thrive on variety, but the traditional evening campfire has remained constant for as long as anyone can remember. The mere mention of a campfire brings back a flood of memories for many summer campers; memories of friends gained, challenges overcome, and a time when all there was to worry about was playing games and growing stronger. Nothing captures the spirit of the summer camp experience quite like the snap-crackle-pop of the hot fire and the magical smell of freshly split logs waiting to get thrown on the flames.

 

A day at camp is often hectic and wild, and the evening campfire offers everybody a chance to wind down. Camp simply wouldn’t be the same without it. After all, the traditional evening campfire represents more than just a nice way to stay warm on a brisk night; gathering around the fire represents community, the circle of life, and togetherness with friends new and old.

Tradition

Fire has been a life source for all of recorded history, from the first ancient person to rub two sticks together to the diligent camper wielding flint and tinder. For all that time, friends and family have gathered around the fire to tell stories, play games and enjoy good food. (or s’mores, as the case may be!)

 

Building a fire with only matches, kindling and elbow grease is a chance to pit your wits against nature and enjoy a connection to “the old days” — before light bulbs, or flashlights, or flashlight apps on your smartphone.

 

Experiencing a campfire, and perhaps even starting one yourself, is a taste of independence for campers, for whom camp is the one of many steps towards independence and self-sufficiency.

Togetherness

Another thing campfires represent is a time for winding down through songs, skits, and theatrical games. Charades is never as funny as just before bedtime, when your best friend is dancing and gesturing desperately to get everybody to guess the right word. Even if you’re feeling tired after a long day of activities, you can count on this to be true: laughter flows freely by firelight. Just watch out for all the camp-related inside jokes!

 

And of course no mention of campfires is complete without talking about traditional camp songs, especially the kinds that involve audience participation. (“Hey, Burritos!” anybody?) Legend has it that there are campers out there who know so many verses of “The green grass grows all around” that it would take a whole day just to sing it from start to finish. Even if everybody sings out of tune, the harmony comes from the camp community’s commitment to keeping the traditional melodies alive — even the completely goofy ones.

…And of course we can’t forget s’mores!

One part of the fire nobody wants to miss: s’more time! Crafting the perfect golden-brown marshmallow is an art as old as marshmallows and fires. Like any fine art, roasting a marshmallow to perfection is a tricky task that takes hard work and commitment. (Thankfully, perfection is in the eye of the beholder, and truth be told some folks prefer to let them catch fire for a crispy flavor!)

 

Whether you prefer a classic graham cracker and hershey’s milk chocolate s’more or have your own special recipe — I for one appreciate homemade chocolate chip cookies — roasting marshmallows on a rip-roaring campfire is something nobody forgets.

 

Plus, it’s just the right amount of sugar to keep you awake for the closing songs, but not so awake that you have trouble drifting into peaceful dreams after lights out!

EASY CAMP FOOD AT HOME– KIDS PERSPECTIVE

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Screen Shot 2015-09-15 at 3.02.54 PMUghhhh….Camp is over and of course, NOW summer is over too! This stinks! I mean being back home is kind of a buzz kill. School’s no fun, homework’s lame and dealing with my little bro is like, BRUTAL! All I can think about is how much fun I had away from here, with all my friends and so many awesome things to do!

But the reality is, I’m stuck here for 9 more months, until I can go back to camp. So I asked my Mom, if we could make some real camp food – you know, to bring me back! I figured she’d be game, since she says she needs new ideas and gets tired of making the same stuff over and over again. So we’re bringing camp home YO! How cool is that? Check out the recipes below, for some yummy goodness you can make at home. You gettin’ me? Oh, and no campfire needed!

HOBO DINNERS – makes 4 servings

1 pk. – Ground beef

2 TBS. – Olive oil

Dash – Salt and pepper

3 – Potatoes

2 med. – Red eppers

2 med. – Tomatoes

1 – Yellow Onion

½ c. – Salsa

4-6 – tortillas

Tear off four squares of tin foil, lay each one out and portion out ¼ cup of ground beef, dash of salt and pepper and 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil for each. Then personalize it! Chop up the vegetables and add the ones you like to your Hobo dinner and add a little salsa. Fold up each tin foild square and bake at 350 degrees, on the middle oven rack for 45 minutes. Whala!! Eat it right out of the foil pouch or scoop all the ingredients into a tortilla. Now this is chow! Yum!

TACOS IN A BAG – makes 4 servings

4 – individual bags of tortilla chips

1 lb. pk – grass fed hamburger

¼ c. – taco seasoning mix

1/8 c. – water

½ c. – salsa

½ c. – tofu sour cream

Lettuce

Brown the hamburger until well cooked. Drain. Add in the taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 10 minutes. Crunch each bag of tortilla chips. Add hamburger, salsa lettuce and sour cream to each tortilla chip packet. Crunch with a fork and munch! It’s so easy it’s cray, cray!

SMORES DIP – makes 4 servings

1 pkg. – chocolate chips

1 pkg. – large marshmallows

2 pkgs. – graham crackers for dipping

Pour the chocolate chips in an 8 X 8 pan. Set large marshmallows on end, covering the chocolate chips. Bake at 350 degrees for five minutes or until melted. Serve with graham crackers. Dig in and dip away!

CAMPFIRE CONES – makes 4 servings

4 – waffle or sugar ice cream cones

1 c. – marshmallows

1 – banana

1 c. – chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350. Fill each cone with as much bananas, chocolate chips and marshmallows as you want. Wrap each cone in aluminum foil and bake for 8-10 minutes. Unwrap and grub down!

What I Learned From My Campers

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Screen Shot 2015-09-15 at 2.52.13 PMWhen I arrived at America’s Finest Summer Camps as a counselor this past summer, I knew exactly how I wanted every camper to feel. I was on high alert for the shy ones, the scared ones, the nervous ones. I was looking for the nail biters and the ones with the look of “wow this is a lot of people” in their eyes. I was going to make them feel important, valued, appreciated, heard, accepted and encouraged. What I DIDN’T know, is everything I would learn from THEM.

 

My campers taught me what it means to be brave. And not the kind of brave that you find climbing a rock wall or balancing on a speeding waterski, but the bravery that comes from being in a new place, with new people, and not running away. The kind of bravery it takes to get up and talk about yourself to people you don’t know, the kind of bravery it takes to play a sport you’ve never tried, or get on stage despite your crippling stage fright. They taught me never to let fear win.

 

My campers taught me what it means to be patient. And not the kind of patient you need for standing in a long line for ice cream, but the patience it takes to get something right after failing the first 15 times. The kind of patience it takes to let someone else speak even when you have something REALLY important to say, the kind of patience it takes when living with someone who snores, is messy, or has a problem with your snores and messes. They taught me that patience brings peace.

 

My campers taught me what it means to be free. Not the kind of free that comes from being away from home, void of rules and expectations, and no longer under mom and dad’s watchful eye, but the freedom that comes from being somewhere safe and non judgmental. Very serious campers found themselves leading a campfire song, putting on an impromptu comedy show by the lake, or starring in a talent show. Being free means letting to go of the stereotypes you have of yourself and of others, and allows you to realize things about yourself that you’ve never known. My campers have taught me to not take things so seriously, to have fun, to be silly, and to appreciate the silliness in others. They taught me that being free is the best way to grow.

 

I went into this camp counselor experience with every intention of changing the lives of every single camper I met. I was going to make sure they all felt important and understood. As the weeks progressed, I realized that in my efforts to teach and focus on them, they were teaching me how to grow and focus on myself. And for that gift I am eternally, eternally grateful.

 

10 ways everyone can totally tell you went to summer camp

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  1. 11755097_10152937395001960_2731866731034636109_nYou want to play outside no matter the weather

The rain-or-shine attitude is something that sets summer campers apart. After all, rock climbing and waterskiing waits for no one — you sure aren’t going to miss out on the time of your life just because of a spring shower!

 

  1. You always want to work as a team on school projects

Summer camp is a crash-course in teamwork and quickly turns even the most introverted personalities into leaders and team players. From mealtime to game time to singing around the fire, campers do everything together and quickly discover that the more you collaborate, the more fun you get to have.

 

  1. You’re always singing and clowning around

“Heeeeey burittooooo! Guac-a-mol-e cinnamon twist!” You can take the camper out of camp, but you can never take the camp songs out of the camper. Repeat-after-me melodies are a tradition as old as camp itself that turn goofy rhymes into songs that get stuck in your head forever — counselors and campers alike.

 

  1. You don’t mind getting a little dirty

Summer camp is all about having fun in the great outdoors, and that means running around in the woods, jumping in the lake and getting grass stains on your jeans. Especially for campers coming from the big city, getting comfortable with mud, bugs and insects means getting out of your comfort zone… and having a blast while you’re at it.

 

 

  1. You can totally identify that bug

Bugs are everywhere, and for those that like science and nature they’re one of the best parts of camp. Who hasn’t tried to keep a grasshopper or katydid as a pet in a shoebox? As a summer camper you’ve learned that bugs, along with many other scary things in life, are only scary if you let your imagination get the better of you.

 

  1. You get along with people who are different from you

Diversity is strength, and summer camp is one of the most diverse places around. You never know who’s going to be in your core group, and no matter where everyone comes from you all have to work together both in and out of activities.

 

  1. You love to send “snail mail”

Just like the owl post over breakfast in Harry Potter, mail time at camp is exciting for everyone! Parents love getting updates about all the fun activities, and campers get a little piece of home to remind them that everything will be just fine. After camp, how will you keep in touch with your new best friends? Summer campers have besties all over the map and get postcards from their new friends for years to come.

 

  1. You know how to start a campfire (and roast a perfect marshmallow)

Not everyone knows how to start a fire in the digital era, but as a camper you know a thing or two about getting that tinder to snap, crackle and pop. Chances are you even have a great campfire story or two! (But not any that are too scary, or course…)

 

  1. You know how to have fun no matter whether you win or lose

Camp is full of games, and summer campers learn to have a good time whether they’re on the team that wins or the team that doesn’t. For you, it’s playing the game and trying your hardest that’s most fun, and competition just adds a little bit of good-natured incentive. Summer campers are always easy to spot on team sports — they are gracious regardless of the scoreboard and always smiling.

 

  1. You want to be a camp counselor when you “grow up”

The number one sign of a lifelong summer camper is when you’ve been going to camp for so many seasons that you become too old to be a camper — so you become a counselor! Being a camp counselor is one of the best jobs in the world, and a chance to share all your years of camp wisdom with the next generation. You’re more than just a summer camper. You’re a role model.

Camp Changed My Kid

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I 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.

 

11403218_10152921109351960_6993264803082064644_nI 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!

Participating versus Competing

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Screen Shot 2014-12-03 at 10.29.45 AMMy son Austin lives and breathes soccer. He is captain of his school team, plays with the neighborhood kids on the weekends and plays in recreational leagues. He watches soccer on TV, researches player stats online and is even part of a soccer club. To say he is competitive is an understatement. His sister, Emma, will kick a ball around when it is required during PE, but other than that she has no interest in being the best soccer player, or even being a soccer player at all. He’s competitive; she doesn’t have a completive bone in her body. Both spent the summer at America’s Finest Summer Camps and both had the time of their lives. Emma was urged to participate in activities that she knew she was strong in (art, music, dance) but was also encouraged to try sports that required a more competitive edge. She quickly learned that practicing, setting goals and meeting them was a major confidence booster. Being competitive didn’t mean knocking people to the ground or acting in a rude or aggressive behavior. She slowly began to get excited for games and matches at camp, excited to test her skills and track her improvement. She learned a few things about herself as she was encouraged to compete against others.

She told us on when she got home that a lot of the reason she didn’t feel comfortable truly putting herself out there and challenging others was because she felt scared to fail. At camp, she found the courage to try new things, compete against others, and in turn it helped her grow. She didn’t feel like she had to be great at soccer, but just go out and have fun with her friends. I remember her saying “Dad, I know everyone says this, but at camp I really didn’t care if I won or lost, I liked what I was playing and learned a lot in the process.” But then, to be honest, she added that winning was a lot better than losing.
Screen Shot 2014-12-03 at 10.27.25 AMAustin learned some valuable lessons too. He learned nobody likes a ball hog or a know-it- all, and team sports are a lot more fun when you utilize the strengths of the entire team. He also had the opportunity to teach younger and more inexperienced campers, which helped in his patience and teaching skills. He was in an environment where he wasn’t the best or the fastest, and it was a humbling experience for him. He also stepped out of his comfort zone and tried dance (which he hated) cooking, (which he tolerated) and sailing (which surprisingly, he loved!) Participating in these new activities helped him learn new skills, meet new people, and helped him realize the importance of making a team sport or activity fun for everyone, and not always worrying about winning.

I’m thankful that America’s Finest Summer Camps offers a chance for kids to compete and participate. My kids learned a lot about themselves, and about the world around them, by learning about the importance of competing and participating.

 

 

Academic and Social Pressures: Summer Camp

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Screen Shot 2015-01-26 at 12.48.27 PMA quick Google search for “what stresses kids out?” will produce thousands of results discussing all of the things kids and teenagers have to stress out about. As our country leans more towards standardize testing each year, students are bogged down with learning how to take a test, and riddled with anxiety about a single test that could mean the difference between advancing to the next grade, or not. Kids and teens say they spend a lot of time worrying about their grades, their next big test, their homework, and what they need to do pass. Older students worry about graduation, getting into the right colleges and finding a career they love. And on top of all of the academic pressure they face, add ranging hormones, peer pressure, relationships, heart breaks and attempting to live up to the standards set by the media, it’s no wonder kids are burnt out and need a break.

Screen Shot 2014-12-03 at 10.14.22 AMYoung people cannot, and should not, have to face a life of stress, worry and pressure as adults too. Their young minds and spirits are not built for that, and it is crucial that they have an outlet and a reprieve from all of the stress they face each day. If they don’t get a break, they will make a way to escape the stress, and all too often their escape plans involve drugs, drink and risky behavior. Instead of leaving it up to them to manage their stress, we as a parents and a community need to call a “time out” and make sure they are getting time to be kids. This is the perfect opportunity to put all of their worries and responsibilities on hold and allow them to relax. Sending them to summer camp gives them a chance to just have fun, make friends and engage in activities that they enjoy.

The great thing about summer camp is that campers continue to grow emotionally and mentally; they are continually learning how to be a better person, friend, child, sibling, and student. They have responsibilities and commitments here just as they do at camp. They are faced with various social situations (making new friends, respecting authority, handling conflict) and taught how to deal with each one appropriately. Campers will be able to take these skills home with them, and use them to manage and alleviate much of the stress they face on a regular basis.

Getting some time away is a great way for young people to relax and recharge, and gives them the energy and positive attitude they need to get back into their every day life and confidently handle whatever comes their way.

If you feel that your child has a lot on their plate, give them the gift of an action packed summer, and watch them come back to their academic, social and relational responsibilities with a brand new attitude.