Diving Into Watersports at Camp: Cannonball!  

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The lake is central to life at camp. For many campers, it’s the first thing that comes to mind when someone says the words “summer camp.” For many more, it’s where they learned to swim in the first place!

 

Nothing feels like summer quite like diving off the dock with your friends after a hot afternoon having fun in the sun. Watching the sun set behind the trees, casting bright rainbow colors into the water — being by the waterfront is truly a magical feeling.

 

…But by far the best thing about the camp lake is that it’s something few campers get to experience at home. Especially for those of us coming from the big city, watersports like wakeboarding and canoeing are once-in-a-lifetime events. (Don’t worry, we’ll make sure everyone gets plenty of pictures!)

 

Here are just a few of the activities campers get to try out on the lake every summer:

Wakeboarding 

By far one of the highest-adrenaline sports at camp, wakeboarding is super safe — and super exhilarating! It takes practice to do tricks (or just stay upright!), but it’s well worth it. After a few summers, we know you’ll be a pro.

Canoeing & kayaking 

Something really special about time on the lake is how peaceful it is, and canoeing and kayaking are easily the best ways to get in touch with nature. In your own small craft, you’re completely in control. Plus, it’s a great way to learn the basics of paddling from our expert counselors. Maybe you’ll even hit the whitewater in the olympics one day — who knows!

Sailing 

Sailing is also a great way for campers to build teamwork skills, all while putting their math and science skills to good work!

 

Piloting a traditional sailboat requires communication, knot know-how, and a fair share of understanding about aerodynamics and weather. And let’s be honest: sailing is just plain stylish!

Good ol’ swimming and splashing!  

Last but not least, the number one activity that goes on at the camp lake is good ol’-fashioned swimming. Like every activity at camp, swimming is a chance to build a skill little by little. Whether or not you’re conscious of it, spending every summer out on the lake makes you a stronger swimmer. By the time you’re in high school, it’s a fair bet you’ll be lifeguard material!

 

Just like running on the trails is more exhilarating than running on a treadmill, splashing around in the lake is a million times more fun than doing laps in a pool. We’ll see you at the pier — don’t forget your bathing suit!

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Confessions of a Camper: The Things We All Do Right Before Camp Starts 

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Once the last email has been received, the phone calls have been made and its officially official that we’re actually going to be spending the summer at America’s Finest Summer Camps, the preparation begins. Some of us may not even realize that these thoughts, behaviors and feelings are being thought, felt and acted out by hundreds of other fellow campers all over the country, sometimes at exactly the same time. The countdown for summer vacation takes over our calendars and conversations. We will know, at any given time, how many days (and sometimes hours) we have until school is out and summer fun begins.

 

Now, be honest. How many of the following things have you done to prepare for a summer away?

 

  1. Shopping! As the first day of camp approaches, many of us print out and practically memorize the suggested packing guidelines. We haul our parents out to the mall to get supplies and new clothes. We find cool new clothes that are comfortable, because we know that camp isn’t a fashion show, and it’s way more important to be comfortable than stylish. We get shoes that’ll help us run faster and jump higher, and bathing suits that will see plenty of pool water, lake water and sun. Shopping is a fun way to get ready for a brand new experience at camp
  1. Following! And of course we mean social media following! As campers, we check and re-check the camps website and social media sites to check for updates on camp. We stalk the photos to get ourselves excited about what we are about to see, and are hungry for any additional information we can get about camp before arriving. We also like to share pictures and posts of the camp we’re going to on our own social media, to let friends and family know about the amazing adventure that lies ahead.
  1. Activity Selection– One of our favorite parts about preparing for camp is setting up our schedule and picking our activities. There are so many options; it can be stressful for a first time camper, but also very exciting. Reading through the lists of everything camp has to offer, and thinking about the reality that all of these things are open to try is truly exciting! It’s kind of like picking your classes for school, except harder, because it’s much easier to pick between PE and algebra than it is to pick between kickboxing and water skiing! Being part of the planning process and picking out the activities that interest us the most makes going to camp feel more real, and is one of the main ways we get (and stay) excited about spending the summer at camp.
  1. Riding the Emotional Rollercoaster– We may hate to admit it, but there is always a small part of us that worries about camp. We worry we won’t meet new friends (literally impossible) and we worry about being away from home. But in the same thought, we are giddy with excitement about trying something new and being somewhere different. Then some of us go back to being nervous, while others stay in a constant state of impatience mixed with joy. It’s a wild ride, waiting for camp to start, and any and every combination of emotions is normal and ok. Some of us cry when our parents drive away, others are already doing cannonballs into the pool before their parents say goodbye. Some of us are ready to go home at the end, others wish the summer went on forever. We all go through some sort of emotional preparation for camp, and it is a natural part of the camp prep process.

 

As campers, we share a bond that we will never share with anyone else. And although we all experience camp in a different and unique way, there are some things that are just universal. It is these things, these commonalities, that remind us that although we all come from different places and backgrounds, that for these few weeks, we are all campers and in turn, we are all family.

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.

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!