5 Ways Kids Can Stay Healthy At Camp

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Screen Shot 2015-04-13 at 11.13.10 AMParents want to make sure their kids have fun and stay safe at camp, but a main concern for many parents while their kids are away is how to help them stay as healthy as possible. Before you send your kids off to experience the summer of a lifetime, get them in the habit of these 5 things so they can enjoy everything camp has to offer and not spend their time in bed with a runny nose, grumbly tummy or annoying cough.

Eat Well

America’s Finest Summer Camps know that kids need to stay well nourished in order to have the energy it takes to swim, climb, dance and play all day long. Healthy choices are available, and getting your kids into the habit of picking something nutritious over something salty or sweet is a great way to boost their immune system and fight off germs. Healthy foods also give your kids the energy they need to be as active as possible, where fatty foods will make them feel sluggish and lazy and may lead to missing out on some great fun with other campers.

Stay Hydrated

Pack 2Encourage your kids to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Get them excited about it by having them pick out their own water bottle the next time you go to the store. Have a friendly competition within the family to see who can fill up and drink their water bottles the most throughout the day. At camp, kids who stay hydrated stay healthy!

Hand Washing

Kids are going to be shaking hands and high fiving a lot at camp, and this is a very easy way for germs to spread. Get your kids in the habit of washing their hands after they use the bathroom, before they eat and after spending a lot of time outdoors.

Sleep

There’s something always a little off when it comes to sleeping and kids. A teenager’s biological clock is set to stay up later and sleep in late (so it’s not totally their fault when you have to go in at noon and wake them up!) Sleep is vital in maintaining a healthy mind and body, and kids who get the recommended amount of sleep for their age group perform better than kids who don’t. Getting enough ZZZ’s also helps the immune system stay strong, and keeps their memory sharp. Kids who get enough sleep report lower stress levels than those who can’t get enough sleep, and lower stress is better for the brain and heart. A well-rested kid can focus on their creativity, concentration and athletic performance, and can fully enjoy everything camp has to offer

Sunscreen

Before you send your child to camp, get them in the routine of applying sunscreen before they go outside. Help them understand the harmful effects of the sun’s rays, and assure them they can still get a tan while protecting their skin. Nobody likes to spend 3-4 days of camp walking around like a lobster, flinching every time someone brushes up against his or her fried skin. Over exposure to the sun during childhood has been linked with skin cancers in adulthood. Encourage your child to take the extra two minutes to apply sunscreen and remind them how great they’ll feel if they go home without being burnt!

A healthy camper is a happy camper, and by introducing these easy steps to your child before they get to camp, you’ll rest easy knowing they’re not only having the time of their life in a safe environment, but they are staying healthy as well.

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Playing Outside at Camp!

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Attention kids: If you’re still trying to find ways to convince your parents to send you to one of America’s Finest Summer Camps, you’re in the right place! You’ve worked hard in school; maintained good grades, stayed out of trouble (for the most part) picked up extra chores around the house, and have left pictures of camp all over the house as subtle reminders. But if you really want to spend next summer at camp, you have to think like a parent. Parents care about your health and safety (boring, we know) but they are very concerned about you being healthy and productive people. So….if going to camp was actually good for your health, they couldn’t say no, right?!

Present them with this scientifically proven information about how playing outside is good for your health, and that if you spend next summer at camp, you promise to spend most of your time outside!

It’s Good For Your Eyes- A study by Optometry and Vision Science found that kids who play outside have better vision that kids who spend a lot of time staring at TV, cell phone and computer screens

It’s Great For Socialization– (Use the word socialization, it sounds impressive!) When you play outside, you have to learn to take turns and communicate with others in a way that is healthy and productive. It also allows you to exercise your imagination! Playing outside gives you the chance to interact with your peers and learn socially acceptable behavior.

Screen Shot 2015-04-13 at 11.24.06 AMPay Attention- Do your parents seem to tell you to “pay attention!” all the time? Explain that if you went to summer camp and played outside, you would also be working on increasing your attention span. Studies show playing outside in natural settings has been effective in reducing attention deficit symptoms in children. Explain to your parent that you’re not just going to camp for you, but also so you can be a more attentive child to them.

Reduce Stress– Studies also show playing outdoors lowers stress levels. You’ve spent the last ten months studying, working, learning, testing, reading, writing and doing math formulas. That is a lot of stress on a developing brain. Spending the summer at America’s Finest Camps involve a lot of outdoor play, and also serves as a stress reliever. (Throw in there what a stress free summer your parents could have if they knew you were having the time of your life in a safe and fun place, AND improving your health at the same time!)

Screen Shot 2015-04-13 at 11.22.28 AMPlaying Outdoors is Like Taking Vitamins!- Remind your parents about how the doctor recommended that you take your vitamins, and then remind them that natural sunlight provides vitamin D, a vitamin responsible for preventing future bone problems, diabetes and heart disease. Going to camp and swimming, boating, biking, climbing and running outside is just what the doctor ordered!

Exercise– All of the activity you will be doing at camp is incredible exercise, and is a great way to keep your body weight down, heart rate up and muscles tone. It’s good for your lungs and heart to play outside. Staying active outside is great for your immune system. Expose to natural elements outside reduces the chances you’ll develop autoimmune disorders and allergies. Being outside keeps you from getting sick!

Armed with this information, you are now ready to present your parents with professional, realistic and scientifically proven reasons why , as responsible and loving parents, they really have to let you go to camp!

Good luck, and see you at camp!

 Cooking at Summer Camp

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10982417_10153191453101419_4703919330874546619_oOne of the perks about sending your child to America’s Finest Summer Camps that nobody mentions to parents is that it is very realistic to send your child away for the summer and get a private chef when they return. Your child who only knew how to make a sandwich or had no idea how to boil water could come back as a baking, sautéing, mixing foodie who has a newfound appreciation for seasonings, sauces and the magic that can happen in the kitchen. This transformation begins when kids take advantage of the cooking programs at camp, an option at all of America’s Finest Summer Camps.

ChefCamp is a specialized culinary program, taught by professional chefs with a wide range of experiences. The 3000 square foot facility the program is taught in gives kids the tools, appliances and space to create their favorite dishes and learn a few new ones.

Encouraging your child to explore their culinary side not only ensures your get to try some of their creations once they return home, but also teaches them valuable life skills. Cooking is not just throwing ingredients together and waiting until it’s edible. Cooking is an art, and a way for students to express themselves. The thought, preparation, and emotion that goes into cooking is something many children find challenging but rewarding. They also learn valuable skills such as time management, following directions, and communication, and cooking also perfects math and science skills in a way that is fun and different.

When your child is able to start and finish a project in the kitchen, their self confidence grows and they become more self assured and willing to try new things that seem out of their comfort zone. When they are active in the kitchen and learn about the things that go into their food, they are also learning about making healthy choices when it comes to what they eat. When they cook, they learn to appreciate the bright, fragrant colors and smells of fresh vegetables and fruits, and introduce their pallets to healthy and fresh ingredients.

Cooking also gives kids a sense of purpose, and gives them something they feel they can contribute to the family. Once the family takes a bite of their famous mac and cheese or savory French Onion soup and can’t get enough, they’ll feel accomplished and that they have a valuable quality to contribute to family functions. Even if they just learn basic cooking skills, the importance of cleaning up after yourself, and how to measure properly, they will be ahead of most of their microwave dinner eating peers.

Whether your child is a MasterChef in the making, or is just starting to show interest in the kitchen, cooking at camp is a great way for kids to explore the culinary arts and learn an appreciation for all things baked, fried, mixed, chopped, flambéed, and grilled.

 

America’s Finest Summer Camps da la bienvenida a los campistas de todo el mundo

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Screen Shot 2014-12-03 at 10.29.45 AMUna gran particularidad que tienen los campamentos de verano es que los niños cuentan con la posibilidad de conocer a otros niños que nunca habrían visto en su escuela local o en su vecindario. Pasar el verano con personas de culturas muy diferentes es una experiencia de aprendizaje de la que todos pueden beneficiarse.

America’s Finest Summer Camps da la bienvenida a los campistas de todo el mundo y ha sido la suerte de conocer a algunos campistas increíbles de Francia, Corea, China, España, Inglaterra y muchos otros países lejanos. Los campistas internacionales son un gran desafío en America’s Finest Summer Camps porque ofrecen la oportunidad a todos los niños de aprender sobre otras culturas. Los campistas estadounidenses tienen la oportunidad de conocer directamente cómo vive la gente en otras partes del mundo y así pueden liberarse de los prejuicios que puedan tener sobre ellos. El campista internacional se beneficia al estar inmerso en la cultura estadounidense en el verano y rápidamente aprende el idioma y las costumbres por estar permanentemente en contacto con la misma.

America’s Finest Summer Camps cuenta con un personal muy diverso que habla idiomas muy diferentes. Los campistas que provienen de un lugar donde la mayoría de las personas a su alrededor mira, habla y cree las mismas cosas que ellos, obtienen una experiencia enriquecedora ya que conocen personas increíbles de diferentes ámbitos de la vida. Si los campistas entran en contacto con nuevas culturas a una edad temprana, esto posibilita que se conviertan en adultos de mentalidad abierta y tolerantes. Y todos coincidimos en que ¡se necesita más gente de ese tipo en el mundo!

Screen Shot 2015-03-27 at 2.48.18 PMLos campistas internacionales que dan el valiente paso de pasar el verano en un campamento de verano estadounidense no se arrepentirán por su experiencia. Ellos se sienten incluidos desde el principio y el personal hará todo lo posible para asegurarse de que están pasando un buen momento y puedan participar todo lo que ellos quieren. Si la experiencia de acampar es un intento de aclimatarlos a la cultura estadounidense antes de que se muden aquí de manera permanente, no existe mejor manera de hacerlo. Ponerlos en un ambiente donde todo el mundo es nuevo, cada persona es diferente y todo el mundo se ajusta a una nueva forma de vida, se igualan las condiciones en el campo de juego y la transición se hace mucho más fácil.

Todo el mundo se beneficia cuando los campistas internacionales vienen al campamento. Es una experiencia de aprendizaje y una manera en que los niños hacen amigos con gente que probablemente nunca habrían conocido si no hubieran pasado el verano en el campamento.

Sailing at Summer Camp

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Screen Shot 2015-03-27 at 2.48.18 PMWhen you think about summer, most of the images that race through your mind include two things: sun and water. Whether it’s laying out by the pool, running through the sprinklers, or zipping through the waves on a boat or jet ski, or contemplating life’s mysteries while casting a line out to fish, the summer is meant to be spent heating up in the sun and cooling down in the water. This is why so many campers enjoy learning to sail when they spend the summer at America’s Finest Summer Camps.

Sailing is an exciting water activity that allows campers to work as a team to reach a common goal. It is a great way to spend the afternoon soaking up the sun, and creates a bond between sailors that can’t be created anywhere else.

Campers who learn to sail aren’t just learning how to maneuver a large vessel through the water (however that is a big accomplishment!) Everything about learning to sail is a learning opportunity. Math and science are weaved into the fun and challenging sport of sailing. Sailors will learn about the importance of aerodynamics when it comes to the position of the sale. They will learn to read a compass and become confident navigating their way to and from a destination without the help of the GPS on their smartphones. They will learn to solve problems quickly, to be observant of their surroundings, and will find a new appreciation for Mother Nature. Campers who try sailing leave with a “boat load” of useful skills and practical information that will help them for the rest of their lives.

Even if they never have to deal with air pressure or thinking about the curvature of a sail, they will learn to work as a team, follow directions and appreciate the quietness. Sometimes young kids and teenagers have a hard time dealing with quiet, or feel anxious when they don’t have something to entertain them at every second. Sailing is good practice for just sitting back and enjoying nature, and is a great way for campers to learn to be comfortable in their own silence. All of the sailing adventures are guided and supervised by certified instructors, so everyone is kept safe while they are having fun.

The beauty of the lakes surrounding America’s Finest Summer Camps is a reason all on their own to take up sailing. The view from the sailboat can’t be put into words, and campers write home how much they loved spending their afternoons out on the lake.

Campers have hundreds of opportunities to try new things while they spend their summers at camp, and learning to sail is another great way to expose them to things they may never have a chance to try at home. It also gives them a sense of accomplishment that they can succeed at anything they put their mind to.

Living with Peers at Summer Camp

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Few Days 1It can be emotional to think about, but one day we will have to help our babies pack up their stuff and move them into a dorm, apartment or house of their own. We have to send them off with the hope that all we did to teach them how to be productive, respectful and kind human beings will stick with them as they venture into the real world. Along with being honest and responsible, we cross our fingers that we taught them how to be a good roommate. Did we instill the importance of keeping their stuff picked up, being quiet when other people are sleeping, doing their own dishes? Did we teach them how to take care of their dirty laundry? Did we bluntly teach them to use deodorant so other people near by don’t have to? Our goal is to raise someone who is easy and fun to live with. Nobody wants to have the kid who is known for leaving his or her sweaty socks by the front door, or who never EVER takes initiative and takes out the trash. By sending them to camp, you give them the opportunity to learn what it is like to live with other people other than their immediate family, and prepares them for opportunities in the future (college, marriage, etc) where they will be sharing the same space with other people. Being a good roommate is an important quality to have, and learning how to deal with other people who aren’t the world’s best roommates is also an important life skill.

weeq where 2At camp, each cabin has 8-12 campers and 2-3 counselors. Campers sleep in single beds. There is a bathroom, with two showers, two toilets, and two sinks. They have cubbies for storage and outlets to plug in clocks etc. Campers are expected to respect each other’s space and personal belongings. Everyone is responsible for keeping the cabins picked up and clean. Although uncommon, sometimes campers have a hard time adjusting to sharing a space with others, and this can cause frustration and conflict with other campers. Counselors are trained on how to deal with such conflict, and use it as a learning opportunity for all of the campers. Counselors show campers how to address someone who has invaded their space and how to communicate their feelings about how another’s actions are affecting them. Being able to effectively communicate an issue or problem you have with someone you are living with is a valuable life skill campers will learn by living with their peers.

Part of being a good roommate is respecting the rules of quiet time, and allowing others to sleep in a space that is quiet and peaceful. Nobody likes living with someone who is up half the night talking and making noise, so it is important that campers learn this type of respect at camp. Many campers plan to move away to college, where they will be living in a dorm or apartment with other students. If they have the experience of living with others at camp, it will prepare them for the kind of roommate they want (and don’t want) to be. Having counselors in the cabins also helps to ensure all campers feel safe and respected, and that the rules are followed closely.

Kids who don’t attend sleep away camps may go straight from living in their home, with their siblings and parents, to being thrown into an environment in college where all of the sudden they have to learn a whole new set of rules, expectations and courtesy. Sending your kids to America’s Finest Summer Camps gives them a big head start in the rule of sharing their space.

And this will make them one heck of a roommate when it’s time for them to be on their own.

The Staff at America’s Finest Summer Camps

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What Now 1Everyone has that one teacher, babysitter, neighbor, family friend or other adult influence that has made a lasting impression on their lives; a person they credit with shaping and molding the person they’ve become. When you become a camp counselor, you become this and so much more to hundreds of children every year. A camp counselor does so much in the life of a child, but not many people realize how working on staff at one of America’s Finest Summer Camp changes and shapes the camp counselors as well.

Camp counselors become experts at time management. They learn how long it takes to get from one place to another, how long clean up, set up and break down takes, and how to effectively manage their time so activities run smoothly camp-wide. They learn the importance of appreciating the time and schedules of others, and campers pick up on this valuable social skill.

Camp counselors become expert communicators. They have no choice but to constantly strive to be good listeners, as kids will remember people who they feel truly listen and hear them, and those who write them off. Counselors learn to speak confidently, while always keeping in mind the effects their words can have on those around them. They learn how to express their concerns and articulate their opinions and expectations without hurting the feelings of others. The ability to successfully communicate with individuals and large groups is a vital and life changing skill that comes naturally from being a counselor.

Problem solving, conflict management and the ability to maintain a positive attitude in even the most stressful circumstances are all things counselors learn while spending their summers at America’s Finest Summer Camps. All of these skills are exactly what employers are looking for in the people they hire, and a summer (or two!) as a counselor really sets you up to be the “dream employee” so many jobs are looking for.

Being a camp counselor changes who you are, in a good way of course. Watching hundreds of campers learn more about themselves, create lasting memories and try new and exciting things because they knew YOU believed in them will change your life. You will experience a sense of purpose as you build relationships with campers that you can’t get anywhere else. Being a camp counselor makes you a better friend, family member, student, employee and most importantly, it makes you a better YOU.

 

Camp Leaders

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Never StaffConfident leaders aren’t born, they’re made. And great leaders come from spending time at America’s Finest Summer Camps. Campers and counselors alike leave camp with a better understanding of how to serve others and act as positive role models for those around them.

From the first day they arrive, campers are thrown in a group setting that, for most of them, is very different from what they are used to. They eat with their peers, spend the entire day doing activities with their peers, and share their mornings and nights side by side with them as well. This is the perfect situation for campers to build upon their leadership skills, as it encourages them to quickly determine whether they’re going to follow the crowd or stand out on their own. Campers have countless opportunities on a daily basis to make good decisions to positively affect their stay, as well as the experiences of those around them.

Their involvement in sports helps to foster strong leadership traits, such as being a team player, being fair and winning (and losing) with grace. Team sports like soccer lacrosse, and baseball encourage campers to step up and be leaders of their team, and to be a positive example for their teammates. Campers who participate in other activities like archery, gymnastics and dance have the chance to be leaders when they choose to make responsible choices regarding their involvement and commitment to the activity that they chose. Arriving on time, respecting their competition and their counselors, and doing their best every day are all great ways campers can act as leaders at camp.

A good leader is someone who can serve others well. Campers have plenty of opportunities each and every day to be helpful and kind to their peers. They are encouraged to stand up for each other, support each other, communicate with each other and be an honest and loyal friend. Even if they aren’t aware of it, the building of these characteristics is also building a leader in every camper.

Screen Shot 2015-02-10 at 4.32.07 PMCampers aren’t the only ones who leave camp as stronger and more confident leaders. Camp counselors who spend the summer at America’s Finest Summer Camps also learn valuable leadership skills in a much more obvious and intentional way. They are trained thoroughly on what it means to be a leader and positive role model for the younger campers. They are very aware that there are always young and impressionable eyes watching everything they say and do. Counselors learn very quickly that being a counselor doesn’t just mean making sure all of the kids follow the rules. They become teachers, big brothers/sisters, role models and friends. Camp counselors also get an opportunity to improve their time management, problem solving, and multitasking skills. The training and education required to be a camp counselor prepares them for managing groups of children in a confident, patient and trusted way.

Whether they come to camp as a camper or a counselor, everyone leaves camp as a more confident leader. This confidence transfers over to their attitudes towards their siblings, friends, coworkers and teammates in the real world. The world is a better place with leaders like the ones developed in America’s Finest Summer Camps in it.

Benefits of High Ropes Course Activities at Camp

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10259963_10152452477091419_8354753469986799683_nAs you already know, summer camp is filled with fun-filled activities through which your kids can learn numerous skills and experiences.  The high ropes course at camp is no different either, as it keeps your child in great shape, and provides several benefits from both physical and mental aspects.

Physical Benefits

The most noticeable benefits are physical as climbing is an intense sport that requires strength, flexibility and proper coordination. Since the activity involves kids, summer camps keep the challenges to a manageable level and even though it may not seem as intense as gymnastics or running, it definitely keeps the body and muscles healthy. Additionally, climbing also effectively complements other sports, which means you can expect to see a massive improvement in the kids’ performance while they play their favorite sports.

Mental Benefits

Since high ropes course activities require intense focus and effective strategies to make it to the top, campers who have problems concentrating can enhance their concentration. However, that’s not all, as the problems they encounter along the way, and plans they make to overcome them, build planning and problem solving abilities in your child. Not to worry though, counselors and camp staff are always around to look after them.

Other Benefits

Screen Shot 2015-03-02 at 9.55.13 AMApart from these two benefits, high ropes is not competitive. It’s important to understand that not every child feels comfortable when it comes to being competitive at any sport. High ropes can provide a good opportunity for campers to reap the benefits the sport has to offer. Though there is no competition involved, there are several other kids participating, thus you can expect an improvement in your child’s social skills.

There are several benefits your child can gain by participating in high ropes activities at camp. Hopefully, you will find this information useful as it aims to convince parents to encourage campers to take part in this highly adventurous activity.

Gymnastics at Camp

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Screen Shot 2015-01-26 at 12.52.02 PMWhile having fun learning interesting cartwheels and handstands during gymnastics activities at camp, your child also benefits in development areas that will help them become a better person and student. To know more about how your child can benefit from gymnastic activities at camp, read on.

Healthy Lifestyle

The number of obese children in the US is increasing at an alarming state. This increases the need for parents to teach and encourage children to lead an active life, which is exactly what participation in gymnastic activities can do for your child. They get to enjoy physical activity at camp and are also encouraged to be active when they return home. So, don’t be surprised if you see your child engaging more in physical activities instead of sitting on the couch with their iPads.

Social Skills

Your child has the perfect opportunity to build social skills. During gymnastic activities, there will be loads of other campers and experienced coaches whom your child will work with, due to which they learn how be respectful, taking turns, following directions, thinking and working as a team, as well as enquiring when they have difficulty in understanding the way a certain exercise is done.

Overcoming Fears

If your child has never done something like gymnastics before, it could be a little scary for them, which is why the camp management set attainable goals, so that campers can overcome their fears. This in turn, helps your child develop confidence that there is absolutely nothing they cannot do or achieve.

Self- Confidence & Self-Esteem

Learning gymnastic skills can be challenging and since they are taught through progression, your child gains confidence with each step they take. This enhanced self-confidence transfers to other areas and aspects of your child’s life, including school.

Flexibility

Flexibility is an extremely important aspect, vital for injury prevention as well as to prevent the daily pains and aches one can face from tiredness or exertion. If you didn’t know, there isn’t any other activity that boosts flexibility quite like gymnastics. This improved flexibility not only proves to be effective in gymnastics, but it also helps in the development of several other sports that interest your child.

As you can see, gymnastic activities at camp can prove to be extremely useful for your child. Hopefully, you will find this article insightful and helpful as it highlights all the major benefits your child can gain from gymnastics at camp.