Today I was given the task of writing a blog about summer camp… a blog! In this day and age this should not be such a daunting undertaking but, for me, PANIC! I know the definition of a blog (I did watch Julie and Julia) but I am from the age where articles are graded and critiqued. Where do I start? What do I say and how do I say it? Who am I writing to? Then I had my “ah ha” moment. Perhaps this is what parents feel like when they are looking for a summer program for their child. Do you call a referral agent? Friend? Search the web for “best overnight camp” or “best teen travel program in Europe”?

For over a decade I have helped countless families find the right teen program or overnight summer camp. For over 40 years Tips on Trips and Camps has helped families through the process (without a blog) by asking specific questions and giving parents the information they need to make an informed decision. I have always told parents that summer programming allows children to try new things and have new and challenging experiences. It provides the foundation for growth.

That is exactly what this blog is doing to me. It is forcing me to step outside my comfort zone and try something new. It feels good. This is the same benefit one gets from a summer experience.  It does not matter if it is hiking, canoeing, doing theater, service, or an internship……..it feels good to try. It feels good to stretch one’s limits. It feels good to know you can do things for yourself. It feels good to try to write a blog.