So You’ve Got a Golden Ticket…Ready, Set, Go Part 1

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So you’ve gotten a great job at a summer camp and are wondering what to do while you impatiently wait for June to get here…

First things first.  You found this blog, so we’re assuming you want to know as much as you can before you leave.  You’ve come to the right place! We’ve got a few suggestions for you…Actually, a lot.  In fact, since we understand that you’ve come to this site to read a blog, not War and Peace, we’re going to have to divide this into a few different parts.  But we figure that’s okay because they do it with movies all of the time, right?  So without any further delay…

Have you started checking out your camp’s blog as well as this one?   Many camps now maintain regular blogs and they frequently post blogs (like this one) intended specifically for staff members.

Check out the camp’s website, if you haven’t about a thousand times already.   Even if you visit the website everyday and spend hours staring dreamily at the photos as you imagine images of you having the perfect summer showing up on the site this time next year, dig a little deeper.  A camp’s website can also tell you a lot about the very special world that you will be part of this summer.  Many camps  have FAQ pages for staff members or special staff areas.  They give you ideas about what to bring and what to leave at home.  Some post sample daily schedules, which are a great way to familiarize yourself with how you will be spending your days.  If there are videos on the site (or if the camp sent you one), watch them.  Not only will you be ready to leave the same day, but it’s a great way to get to know the camp.

If the camp has Facebook or Twitter pages, join them.  They’re another way to keep up to date on what’s happening and, as summer inches closer, the anticipation that builds is infectious.  Many camps also post helpful information or instructions for staff members as summer nears.  Facebook and Twitter are great ways to connect with other staff members before you get to camp.  Not to worry, though.  You’ll make PLENTY of new friends during your Orientation, even if you show up knowing no one!

Prepare to work hard.  We won’t lie.  Camp is one of the hardest jobs you’ll ever have.  It’s also one that you’ll probably love the most.  Every second of every day, SOMETHING is happening at camp.  It’s all a lot to take in at first, but the chances of you making it through the last day at camp without shedding a single tear and hugging hundreds of people are pretty much nil-to-none.  And you’ll probably be making plans to come back next summer before this one’s even over.

Well, like we said, we’re well aware that if you were looking for a novel, you’d be downloading the latest best seller for you Kindle right now.  So we’ll call it a day for this blog.  Be sure to tune in next time for advice about what to pack (and not) and some tips for orientation.

Access all of our blog archives here

Camp Adventure Programs Help Campers Soar High

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Anyone would feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment after scaling a forty foot wall and then whizzing down a zip line or perhaps, while attached to a harness of course, taking a giant leap of faith off a perch with a great view.   But when the person is under the age of sixteen,  the feeling is unmatched.  This is the sense of elation that camp adventure programs bring to campers every summer.  Adventure is one of the most popular  programs at camp.   But what’s the point of all that climbing, jumping, and zipping around you ask?

For starters, high and low ropes courses have been used for some time now as team building event, probably the most commonly known reason for their usage.  In the case of a high ropes course, which is often at least thirty feet above ground and is sometimes as high as fifty, courage is one of the first words that comes to mind.  Quite simply put, it takes a lot of courage to shimmy up a ladder or patiently work your way trial and error up a climbing wall and then attempt to maneuver across  beams or rope of miniscule width with the ground looming below, even if one is safely secured to a harness and cables and spotted by trained professionals.  Trust is really what high ropes courses are all about.  A high ropes course challenges campers’ comfort levels and forces them to put trust in their fellow campers and camp staff, who also share in the inevitable sense of pride after successfully finishing a challenge.

Low ropes courses, on the other hand, encourage team building.  They feature such elements as webbed rope nets, trust falls and activities that challenge participants to get their entire team between platforms by building a bridge, or to move from wide cables to narrow ones.  More specifically, at camp, low ropes provide a great way for campers to bond with one another and encourage cabins to work together as a unit.

Nature programs  also often compliment outdoor programs by helping campers reconnect with nature and understand the importance of preserving the environment.  Fishing is another part of many outdoor adventure programs.  While fishing is a perfect relaxing social opportunity, it’s also a great way of increasing children’s patience level.

So it’s no wonder that these outdoor adventure programs are not popular merely for the lofty challenges that they provide, but  for the thrill and sense of pride campers feel for having had the courage to accept and achieve them.

Because of Camp…

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AFSC would like to thank Dagni Christian of Camp Laurel for the following blog…

We could talk about the benefits of camp from now ’till the end of the summer. But this month we’ll let the American Camp Association (ACA) do it for us.

Recently the ACA – an organization that educates leaders, ensures camp safety and accredits over 2,400 camps – created a short video. It ran in movie theaters across the country. Watch the video below:

In it, a number of celebrities highlighted their own camp experiences. Movie-goers learned that, because of camp…
  • Emma Roberts made lasting friendships with people she still keeps in touch with.
  • Hill Harper learned about self-esteem.
  • Lisa Loeb plays guitar.
  • Ashlan Gorse developed a personality. (Hey, that’s what she said.)
  • Lisa Raye turned out just fine.
  • And because of camp, actor Justin Chambers is sending his own kids to camp this summer.

For over a century, millions of other people have also been positively impacted by camp. For some, camp helped unearth a skill they never knew they had. Or fired a passion that is now their life’s work.

Because of Camp

For others, camp built a lifetime of memories. Or introduced them to one lifelong friend.

Camp is many things to many people. It is what you make it – and what young peers and caring adults help you to be.

Because of camp, I am who I am today. And because of camp, I welcome you to join me in a summer experience that lasts forever.

Because of Camp - Dagni

Can’t wait to see you this summer.

Dagni Christian
Camp Laurel

“Sunwise” at Camp

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One of the biggest challenges of summer camp is also one of its greatest aspects, spending lots of time in the sunny outdoors.  Indeed, time in the sun is an important aspect of maintaining good health.  The sun is a source of vitamin D, which has been linked to happiness.  However, over-exposure to the sun’s rays can be harmful, as nearly everyone knows.  So taking appropriate measures to reduce risks is essential.

Summer camp professionals are extremely aware that proper sun care goes beyond the frequent application of sunscreen.  Many of them are parents themselves whose first priority is the safety of their campers, and they work very hard to incorporate sun-care tips, such as those offered by Sunwise, an organization established by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2000 to help those who work with children, into their daily routines.

Staff and campers are instructed to apply sunscreen frequently.  Almost all camps either supply sunscreen or require campers to bring it with them and encourage re-application between activities throughout the day.  Many camps place large containers of sunscreen throughout campus, so that it can be easily accessed and reapplied throughout the day.  The staff is required to insure that both themselves and their campers regularly use sunscreen.

Camps take measure to insure that children wear proper clothing.  Campers receive proper dress instructions daily.  Counselors supervise to make sure each child dresses appropriately for the day’s weather and activities.  Daily weather-appropriate instructions such as reminders about sunscreen application and instructions to drink plenty of water are also typically given during a camp’s morning announcements.

Camp programs naturally incorporate a mix of outdoor and indoor activities in order to balance the amount of time one spends in the sun with time in the shade.  While summer camp is about reconnecting with nature and a natural environment, campers also spend ample amount of time indoors so as not to be overexposed or at risk.

Extra precautionary measures are also taken when necessary.  With an increasing emphasis on helping campers develop lifelong healthy habits, camps are increasingly choosing to train their staffs in proper suncare.  

Vitamin D intake is optimized through diet.  Camp menus are carefully planned to optimize nutritional value for campers.  Health and fitness have risen to the forefront of the camping industry in recent years.  Naturally rich in vitamin D foods such as milk, eggs, yogurt, and oatmeal daily are typically available daily at breakfast.  Other foods high in Vitamin D, such as tuna and mushrooms, are also offered on lunch and dinner salad bars.

Teaching children and the people who take care of them proper measures for protecting oneself against overexposure to the sun is a critical element in the promotion of good health that many camps now embrace.  It not only helps protect children at camp but could help them for life.  A study by the American Camp Association established that habits formed at summer camp are continued by more than 60% of campers once they return home.

For more information about proper suncare, you can visit the Sunwise website at www.epa.gov/sunwise/index.html.

Une Expérience Internationale du Camping

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Dans un précédent blog, nous avons évoqué la façon d’évaluer si votre enfant est prêt à faire du camping. Nous avons indiqué que tout dépend de l’enfant et de sa maturité. Une maman, Christine, l’explique de cette façon : « chaque enfant est différent… chaque maman est différente… Je ne peux donc pas vraiment donner de conseil universel… ». Toutefois, le fils de Christine, âgé de 12 ans, était prêt à partir en camping, à tel point que l’été dernier, il s’est rendu au Camp Weequahic en provenance de Suisse et sans même connaître les autres participants !

Nicolas avait principalement fréquenté une école internationale et étudié l’anglais en Suisse, ses capacités de communication étaient donc bien développées et il n’avait aucune appréhension à l’idée de s’adapter à une nouvelle culture. Il s’était aussi déjà rendu aux États-Unis. Après l’avoir inscrit à une école suisse l’année dernière, sa mère souhaitait qu’il conserve son niveau d’anglais, qu’il découvre la culture américaine à la source et se fasse des amis américains. Christine précise que plusieurs sites de camping américains font la publicité de leurs programmes en Suisse mais qu’elle s’en est méfiée car elle « ne voulait pas envoyer Nicolas aux États-Unis pour qu’il se retrouve avec d’autres Français ! ».

Christine a donc décidé de rechercher un « authentique camp américain » sur Internet et a passé beaucoup de temps à chercher et comparer les possibilités. Sa décision a été influencée par le fait que le site Web du Camp Weequahic comportait des clips vidéo ; elle a tout de suite été attirée par l’esprit de famille évident qui régnait dans le camp. Après tout, elle allait envoyer son enfant très loin pour qu’il teste différentes choses et fasse de nouvelles expériences ! Et puisque Nicolas venait d’Europe, la session de trois semaines semblait idéale : deux semaines, cela paraissait trop court et quatre semaines, un peu trop long pour une première expérience de camping outre-Atlantique.

Nicolas s’est rendu sur le camp avec sa mère puis il est rentré seul en Europe, le personnel de Weequahic l’ayant accompagné jusqu’à l’avion à l’aéroport de Newark. Les deux nièces de Christine ont vécu une merveilleuse expérience en camping aux États-Unis mais Christine imaginait que Nicolas serait plus apte à se faire des amis et à connaître les enfants américains s’il partait seul. Et toutes les mères savent que chaque enfant est différent ! Nicolas était parfaitement d’accord pour se rendre sur le camp par lui-même. Et puisqu’il connaissait un peu la culture américaine et qu’il parlait anglais, tout a bien fonctionné pour lui.

À Genève, Nicolas s’est lié d’amitié avec des élèves du monde entier ; ainsi, la volonté de sa mère à élever un enfant dans la connaissance du monde se concrétisait. Mais le fait de se rendre aux États-Unis a fait progresser d’un cran sa sensibilisation interculturelle. Ainsi, dans le sein du camp, Nicolas a pu approfondir ses relations avec des Américains de son âge et élargir ses connaissances du jeu et des traditions du baseball. Il a également découvert des aspects culturels qui auraient tout à fait pu passer inaperçus pour un touriste. Nicolas a tellement aimé le Camp Weequahic qu’il veut y retourner et qu’il rêve d’y aller en tant que CIT (conseiller en formation). Son frère cadet a également attrapé le virus et veut lui aussi devenir campeur !

Quel que soit le nombre de kilomètres qu’un campeur doit parcourir, l’aventure permet de se développer à plusieurs niveaux et contribue à un épanouissement personnel mesurable. Les campeurs reviennent transformés, à la fois par leur voyage et par leur parcours personnel ; Nicolas a même progressé en anglais des États-Unis !

Christine et Nicolas, merci beaucoup de nous avoir fait partager votre histoire !

Una esperienza di campeggio internazionale

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In un blog recente abbiamo discusso sul come ritenere se i vostri figli siano pronti o meno all’esperienza del campeggio, sottolineando come ciò, in effetti, dipenda dal loro carattere individuale e livello di maturità. Una mamma, Christine, la vede in questo modo: “Ogni bambino è diverso, come pure lo è ogni madre… non penso quindi di essere in grado di dare un consiglio valido per tutti”.  Tuttavia, il figlio di Christine (che ha 12 anni) era pronto ad affrontare l’esperienza del campeggio, così pronto che la scorsa estate è arrivato dalla Svizzera al  Camp Weequahic senza alcuna esperienza di campeggio pregressa!   

Nicholas aveva frequentato una scuola internazionale e studiato l’inglese in Svizzera e, in tal modo, ha potuto sviluppare le sue doti comunicative, con il risultato che si è sentito a suo agio quando si è trattato di adeguarsi ad una nuova cultura. Inoltre, egli si era già recato negli Stati Uniti e, dopo aver cambiato scuola lo scorso anno        -frequentandone una svizzera-, sua madre ha voluto che preservasse la sua capacità di esprimersi correttamente in inglese, apprendendo di persona gli aspetti della cultura americana e conoscendo nuovi amici negli USA. Christine ci riferisce che in America ci sono delle strutture di campeggio che promuovono i loro programmi in Svizzera, ma di non averle prese in considerazione, in quanto “non voleva mandare Nicholas negli Stati Uniti solo per incontrare altri ragazzini francesi!!!”     

Invece, Christine ha deciso di andare alla ricerca su Internet di un vero e proprio “American camp”, impiegando in questa sua ricerca un sacco di tempo e mettendo a confronto le varie opzioni. Ciò che ha determinato la sua scelta finale è stato il sito di Camp Weequahic che, con le videoclip di presentazione, l’anno convinta sull’atmosfera familiare che caratterizza questa struttura di campeggio. In fin dei conti Christine stava per mandare suo figlio in un luogo lontano, dove avrebbe provato cose diverse e vissuto nuove esperienze! Dato che Nicholas sarebbe giunto dall’Europa, un programma di tre settimane sembrava quello ideale; due settimane sarebbero state troppe poche, mentre quattro un periodo di tempo troppo lungo per la prima esperienza di campeggio nell’altra sponda dell’Atlantico.         

Al Weequahic camp Nicholas è arrivato assieme a sua madre, mentre il viaggio di ritorno in Europa lo ha fatto da solo, dopo essere stato accompagnato al Newark Airport dal personale di Weequahic, il quale ha provveduto al suo imbarco. Pure le nipoti di Christine hanno vissuto una esperienza di campeggio entusiasmante negli Stati Uniti, ma Christine era del parere che Nicholas sarebbe stato più portato a farsi nuovi amici e a conoscere ragazzi americani se si fosse avventurato da solo -e ogni madre comprende il fatto che ogni bambino è diverso!. Nicholas era pienamente d’accordo sul fatto di partecipare al programma di campeggio da solo e, poiché parla l’inglese e ha un po’ di confidenza con la cultura americana, non ha avuto problemi.    

A Ginevra, Nicholas ha coltivato rapporti di amicizia con studenti di tutto il mondo e sua madre era già convinta di voler crescere suo figlio in modo che fosse in “sintonia con il mondo”. Tuttavia, l’esperienza negli Stati Uniti avrebbe rappresentato un nuovo livello di consapevolezza interculturale. Per esempio: il periodo del campeggio ha offerto a Nicholas la possibilità di sviluppare ulteriormente l’amicizia con ragazzini americani della sua età e di approfondire la sua conoscenza sul gioco e le tradizioni del baseball. Inoltre, egli ha potuto sperimentare i dettagli della cultura americana, una cosa che a un turista potrebbe sfuggire. A Nicholas il Camp Weequahic è talmente piaciuto che ci vuole tornare un’altra volta e ora sta sognando di partecipare come CIT (Counsellor in Training). Il suo fratellino minore si è fatto coinvolgere dalla “febbre da campeggio” e ora vuole partecipare al programma anche lui!          

Non ha importanza quanto lontano bisogna andare per vivere un’esperienza di campeggio, l’avventura si può vivere in svariati modi e contribuisce ad una adeguata formazione del carattere personale. Grazie alle esperienze vissute, coloro che partecipano ai programmi di campeggio ne escono più maturi e, nel caso di Nicholas, con una migliore conoscenza della lingua inglese!

 Un grazie di cuore a Christine e Nicholas per aver condiviso la loro esperienza!

Radio Reminiscing

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The other day as I was listening to the radio while driving down the road, in the blink of an eye, I was back in the Dining Room of Camp Starlight, surrounded by the voices, noises, and even the smells. I love it when those moments happen. Something as simple as one song can transform your mood, surroundings, and energy. Not only do we come across unexpected moments that return us to our summer home away from home, but those moments create excitement, buzz, and energy that I know I can’t shake. When times like that happen, I’ll find myself on the phone or computer reconnected to a long lost camp friend.

More importantly, those quick, unexpected instances make me want to return to camp as soon as I possibly can. I am reminded each time those moments happen why I fell in love with Camp Starlight, its campers, and staff twelve years ago.  I feel I am one of the fortunate; I have had the opportunity to experience camp, and I look forward to the next time I hear a song on the radio that sends me back.

What brings you back?

–Thanks to guest blogger Qynn, Camp Starlight Staff Member

Put on Your Bathing Suits, Goggles, and Sunblock–It’s Time to Swim!

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Almost every camper will name his or her waterfront area as one of the best parts of camp.  Many camps are built on lakes and their waterfronts play a crucial role during the summer, not only as a place for swimming but as a gathering place and the perfect backdrop for outdoor evening activities.  Learning to swim at summer camp is a rite of passage.  But learning to swim not only provides a great foundation for building camp memories of sunny days spent at the waterfront, it has lifelong benefits as well.  

Of course, there are the much acclaimed physical and mental benefits of learning to swim that we all know.  It’s a great low impact exercise that is suitable for almost everyone, which makes it an ideal part of a regular fitness regime.  It’s also not age restrictive.  Rather, it’s an activity that can be enjoyed for a lifetime.  The fact that muscle strength is also greatly improved as a result of pushing oneself through the water goes without saying.

Swimming also improves coordination, emotional well being, concentration, and social skills.   In fact, it’s the largely social aspect of camping that likely makes it such a positive and popular part of the camping experience.  The relaxing atmosphere of a pool or waterfront area provides the perfect setting for children to let down their guards and enjoy the type of casual conversation that builds and strengthens friendships.  When combined with the sheer fun of the activity, it’s the perfect setting for building memories.

Camp waterfront locations are extremely active and full of almost endless possibilities for campers experiences.  There are often several activities taking place at once, which is why camp Waterfront areas are typically generously staffed with well trained, fully certified lifeguards who complete an extensive and rigorous training program prior to the start of camp.

The pool area is not merely a place for swim instruction at summer camp but fun activities such as  synchronized swimming competitions in which campers have fun using creativity and teamwork to choreograph a musical number that combines dancing and swimming.  Pool parties are popular evening activities at camp, complete with music and plenty of opportunity to socialize.    

Even more adventure can be found on larger lake areas that, in addition to swimming beaches, also often have water toys, such as trampolines, rock-its, and climbing rocks for campers to enjoy.   Since these areas require campers to pass a swim test prior to being able to use them, they provide fun and attainable goals for campers: first, to pass the test that allows them to swim to these special areas, then the challenge of climbing the wall or walking the plank.  Camps also incorporate their waterfront areas into their special event planning.  Water games and pirate themed treasure hunts are just a couple of ways that water play is used creatively in camp programs.

Swimming at camp takes on a new level of excitement when included in camp activities–such as decathlons, apache relays, and Olympics or Color Wars–that give campers the opportunity to use their swimming skills to rise to a challenge.  Many camps also compete in swim meets through their inter camp leagues.   Whether racing against other campers or a time clock, being able to apply their swimming instruction in an engaging way and seeing firsthand how they’ve improved has been a moment of pride for many a camper.

So the next time your child regales you with tales of the waterfront at his or her summer camp, remember that it’s not just summer memories that they’re gaining from their swimming experiences, but lifelong skills.

The History of Camp

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In today’s hyper-fast, multi-tasking world, one of the great attractions of camp is tradition. Each camp passes down its own stories and lore. Campers appreciate that they’re enjoying some of the same activities, in the same way, as campers before them have done for generations.

But few people realize just how much history the camp industry embodies.

The Gunnery CampThe first camp – called the Gunnery – was founded in 1861 in Washington, Connecticut. That’s right — camping is as old as the Civil War, and this year celebrates its 150th anniversary. Early campers enjoyed boating, fishing and trapping. It’s pretty impressive that two of those activities survive at camps, a century and a half later.

An 1876 camp was created to take “weakly boys” into the woods. We wouldn’t use those terms today – but camps still serve all kinds of children, in all kinds of ways. And we’re still in the woods.

Dinning Hall - Camp AgawamThe first YMCA camp was Dudley, in 1885. It’s still around – the longest continually operating camp in the United States. Scores of other camps date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

With over 100 camps – some dating back 100 years, welcoming scores of camping “generations” – Maine has long been one of camping’s most popular states.

Boasting crystal-clear lakes, pine forests, mountains and (don’t worry) moose, Maine is (like camping itself), “easy to get to, but very difficult to leave.”

Camping boomed nationally in the 1950s and 60s – along with much of post-war America. In 1948 the American Camping Association adopted Standards – the basis for ACA camp accreditation. There are currently 300 Standards for health, safety and programs. They’re recognized by courts and government regulators – a seal of approval for any camp to which parents entrust their most precious possessions.

Waterfront

The ACA was a pioneer in anti-discrimination resolutions. The first was adopted in 1950. Since then, the industry has continued to emphasize youth development. Camp directors constantly study research in areas like child and adolescent development, and risk prevention. They understand that positive experiences, strong relationships, challenging opportunities and solid personal values are vital to helping young people grow into healthy, caring and responsible adults.

Sailing

Frederick W. Gunn and his wife Abigail might not have used terms like those 150 years ago, when they founded The Gunnery Camp. But they intuitively understood the many benefits that camping provided. All of us in this important industry proudly honor the traditions of the past.

My colleagues and I will not be here 150 years from now to carry them on.

But we’re confident our successors – and our camps – will.

Sincerely,
Jeffrey
Guest Blogger and former Maine camper and counselor

*Historical photos courtesy of the American Camp Association – www.acacamps.org

Sparking Creativity through Campfire

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One of the most endearing and sacred parts of summer camp is the campfire.  More than just wood lit with a match, it’s an intimate part of the camping experience that goes far beyond simply sitting around a fire.  Each camp has a set of traditions uniquely connected to the campfire experience and, to campers, each tradition is significant, demanding reverence.  The campfire is the very place where many children recall the moment when their camp transformed from “a camp” to “their camp”, where fellow campers and counselors become family while singing songs, roasting s’mores, and engaging in campfire activities.   So intricate is the campfire to the summer camp experience that even former Disney CEO Michael Eisner has reflected on its importance in making him who he is:

“Simply consider the lessons I was taught by the campfire…every time the rich
reward was the same as we simply sat and enjoyed our consuming creation. And, there
was one aspect in particular that never failed to intrigue me, and that was the process of seeing the single small flame of the match spread to the kindling and then the twigs and then the smaller branches and finally the larger logs. It didn’t dawn on me until years later, but this was the perfect metaphor for the creative process…Years later, I found myself running a network television division and then a movie studio and now an entire entertainment company. But, much of the success I’ve achieved can be traced to the direct and metaphorical lessons I learned in building those campfires.”

To some, to assign such significance to fire may seem a bit of a stretch.  But to anyone who has attended camp, it’s not only believable but apt.  Beyond Eisner’s metaphor, the campfire is symbolic of camp, and represents the bonding between campers and nature.  Campfires instantly evoke feelings of togetherness and promote an atmosphere of being together in an intimate setting that is unique to the people who are present.  Many camps hold opening and closing campfires to welcome campers and immerse them in the camping experience and to help them say goodbye at the end of the summer.  At the beginning of the summer, the flames represent the birth of a new summer.  Opening campfires often include some sort of ritual that introduces an idea or process that can be re-visited throughout the summer, such as setting goals for the summer or some sort of introduction and bonding activity with camp “siblings”.  The meaning of the flames, however, transforms at the end of the summer. The burning of a closing campfire represents the end of the season.  It’s a way to give the summer a proper and respectful send off.  Campfires held throughout the summer supplement overnight camping trips and special events.

To say that the campfire breeds creativity is not only accurate, but understated.  The various representations and meanings that the actual fire itself takes on helps campers learn to look at the same thing from different angles, a crucial aspect of honing creative thought and learning to think “outside the box”, which is essential to developing good problem solving skills.  When considered from this perspective, it’s not at all difficult to imagine a CEO of one of the world’s largest companies crediting much of his success to his camp experiences, specifically to the campfire.  In fact, it provides insight about the significance of camp and how the lessons learned there can be carried throughout life.