Weequahic is one of the best sleepaway camps in Pennsylvania, we offer a traditional co-ed summer camp experience, soccer, roller hockey, theater, etc–others are learning how to clear a ramp with their boards in the new skate park that made its debut in the summer of 2011 and instantly became one of the most popular programs at the camp.  At Camp Laurel South in Maine, campers are learning the great watersport of Crew on Crescent Lakes.  Camp Laurel is bringing campers together as part of a Rock Band while Camp Starlight is introducing them to world of giving back through its new Community Service program.

Everyone knows about the traditional fun stuff that summer camp offers—but more and more, non traditional activities are gaining popularity with campers. No doubt, summer camp is a world steeped in tradition, but it’s also a world of innovation, offering children a chance to think outside the box and reach beyond the everyday through their imaginations.  At summer camp, children can be rock stars, magicians, skate aficionados, ga-ga pros, robot enthusiasts, rocket makers and aspiring chefs.  The setting of summer camp no doubt contributes to the ability of campers to try new activities.  After all, part of the “spirit” of summer camp, as reported by the American Camp Association, is “play”.  Camp is the perfect place for children to place themselves in new situations without feeling threatened or judged.  Thus, they’re relaxed being on a skateboard for the first time or being the drummer in a band.  Maybe this is why so many campers have reported first trying an activity that eventually became a passion at summer camp.

The fact that summer camps have the resources to offer new, exciting activities to children that their parents may not otherwise be able to let them experience is also worthy of mentioning.  Constructing a skate park, a ga-ga pit, or a recording studio in the backyard can be costly.  But at summer camp, such programs provide many children with the benefit of being able to explore new areas.  So next July give your children the opportunity to try something new on a Tuesday afternoon.