What is your definition of “CAMP?” For adults who grew up going to traditional summer camp, they think of bunks, woods, campfires, songs and, of course, their lasting friendships. For others they really don’t have a set definition of camp. In 2011, camp can still be a full summer living in cabins, s’mores around the fire and swimming in the lake; but it can also be two weeks of dormitory style living with a combination of academic enrichment classes and sports or hobbies. It can be creative or performing arts with a performance for parents at the end. It can be computer programming and design, or a several week wilderness adventure sleeping in tents and exploring different regions of the US or abroad. It can be in Maine, California, Europe, Tanzania or anywhere in between! As families have evolved, so has camping. Camp has become almost a generic name for any appropriate summer program that fits your child’s interests, meets them where they are and stretches them a little further.
Archives for February 2011
The Benefits of Winter for Summer
Right about now, amidst the second onslaught of frigid weather, some of you are probably wondering what the redeeming qualities of winter are – especially those of you who don’t ski!
Good news in two words…”WINTER SALES!”
It is the perfect time to take advantage of the winter sales and start thinking about your child’s summer program. Time to grab those sweatshirts and sweatpants for chilly camp mornings; fleece and long sleeve shirts for evening summer activities; socks because you always need socks as the ones that leave for summer never come home! Don’t forget rain boots for that run of wet weather in July or hiking boots for the trek up Mt. Hood. For those going on summer trips with a winter theme – skiing/snowboarding- now is the perfect time to replace ski pants, under armor and thermals! Flannels are a must to keep nighttime warm and cozy. Check the outdoor adventure stores for equipment. Academic program? Look for discounted office supplies in local flyers.
Don’t forget the basics. Always check the clearance section for extra towels or a shower caddy. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER walk by batteries on sale. You can never have enough. Look for your favorite regular size shampoo and liquid body wash(liquid easier, less mess than bar soap and jumbo doesn’t fit in cubbies and is too heavy for back pack). Snail mail is still appreciated so keep your eye out for reduced cards and stationery.
Considering I single handedly supported sports stores when my own boys went off on their great summer adventures, I would suggest considering borrowing from friends. Think about it before you invest in equipment that may be only a passing fancy or, at best , a seasonal interest at camp, Some families’ garages are an endless pit of new and used equipment. Think green and recycle!
Winter isn’t that bad after all. Besides, who doesn’t love a bargain?
A camper at heart, Ann Kramer Fuchs has been a consultant with Tips on Trips and Camps in Westchester County, NY for the past ten years. She has been involved in the camping industry for 40 years.
IMAGINE……
Imagine a place where a blackberry is actually a berry that is black.
Imagine a place where text means the words that kids hand write in letters to mom and dad.
Imagine a place where social networking means telling stories around a campfire.
Imagine a place where telephone is a game played while sitting in a circle.
Imagine a place where alcohol is something the nurse uses to clean cuts and scrapes.
Imagine a place where when the lights go out, kids immediately fall asleep….
…..and when reveille blows they eagerly pop out of bed.
Imagine a place where kindle means lighting a campfire, and nook is your little corner of the bunk.
Imagine a place where a laptop is the place a young child sits when being comforted by his counselor.
Imagine a place where a screen is only used to keep the bugs out.
Imagine a place where a tweet is the sound a real bird makes.
Imagine a place where friending someone means a physical connection;
and a wall is something kids don’t write on (or at least aren’t supposed to).
Imagine a place where a BBM only happens when someone uses the bathroom!
IMAGINE CAMP……..
Everlasting Memories of Camp
As a former Camp Director, Athletic Director, Wilderness Trip Leader and Counselor, I have gotten to witness all the reasons why you send your children to sleep away camps , teen programs and wilderness trips. Here are some of my favorite moments .
I have seen your children:
…walk arm in arm with a friend.
…stand on their chair (safely of course) screaming their favorite song or cheer.
…laugh uncontrollably.
…dress up for MTV night.
I have seen your children:
…sneak into the canteen when they thought no one was looking.
…console a friend.
…hit in the winning run.
…cry at the end of color war – win or lose .
I have seen your children:
…climb the climbing wall ONLY because their friends were cheering them on, when they were full of fear and self doubt.
…walk hand in hand with a counselor.
…get up on skis for the first time with a smile and sense of accomplishment.
…,sing and dance ‘til they drop.
…make it to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back up to the top..on foot!
I have seen your children:
…covered in clay while they chat with a friend and maneuver the pottery wheel.
…use their minds as they try to solve hatchet hunt clues.
…own up to hurting someone’s feelings and make it right.
…discover that guitar and oil painting are not just for musicians and artists.
I have seen your children:
…learn how to work as a team (that includes cleaning the bunk – don’t let them tell you they can’t sweep, make their bed or fold laundry!)
…LEARN THAT FUN AND SILLINESS HAVE NO AGE LIMIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
…sing the alma mater with tears in their eyes.
…look straight at lost and found and not recognize their own clothes…..that have their name tag in it!
…after lights out and heard their whispers and giggles.
…try new things, fail and try again.
…open a letter from home, smile and run to share news or a picture with a friend or counselor.
…say good bye, hug and cry with such intensity and passion that time stands still ……. the only comfort being that the best camp is just 364 days away……..
