Ann - Tips on Trips and Camps

How Can You Determine the Quality of Instruction at an Overnight Camp?

December 21, 2012 by Ann Leave a Comment

As parents call camp after camp or travel from one summer camp to another making mental notes of all the differences, similarities, strengths and weaknesses, one question that parents often ask is “ How good is the instruction?” Unfortunately, not until the camper is engaged in camp or relays feedback is the answer known.

There are, however, some questions you can ask when speaking with a director or things to observe if you are on a whirlwind camp tour.

What is the camper/instructor ratio? Are there long lines and wait time for a turn or use of equipment or supplies?
What is the instructor’s background – Is this a hobby or have they been professionally trained in the specialty and presently teaching during the year?
Returning staff or new to camp?
Is the teacher speaking with confidence and clarity? Do the campers seem engaged, attentive and motivated? Who has control of class – campers or instructor?
Are groups divided by age or skill level? Are teens with younger campers?
Is there a written curriculum? Is it a continuum in which the skills taught build upon each other to reach a goal or desired level of execution?
What is the condition of equipment, supplies and specialty area? Clean, new, old, safe, cluttered, weeds, cracked courts? Are there enough to go around?
Do you hear any positive reinforcement? Any constructive criticism?
Are there examples of work displayed? Cookie cutter or creative?
If outside, who is facing the sun- camper or staff? (Should be staff if giving instruction!
Are campers having fun???????????

Enjoy your conversations and tours, and know that you can ask questions that might help you differentiate summer programs. Happy Camping!

Perspective From A Camp Director

December 9, 2012 by Ann Leave a Comment

Ninety Nine per cent of our end of the year reviews of summer camps and teen programs are excellent. Occasionally, we do hear concerns regarding the summer camp director or teen program director.

This past summer, I had the privilege of being Director of Camp Erin New York City, an overnight, bereavement camp for children who have lost a parent, sibling or a loved one.

I would like to share my thoughts as I wear my director’s cap. We DO care about each and every child- as we are in possession of your precious children. You may even click for more information on what we’re training them to be. Each specific concern while a program is in session, is ultimately our responsibility – a travel complication, bunk request, medical dilemma, equipment snafu, lost clothing, missed medication, food allergy, schedule change, clogged bathrooms – the list is endless. You are a psychologist, safety monitor, problem solver, nutritionist, teacher, mentor, motivator and peacemaker. The reality, however, is that you are only as good as your staff and those around you who are hopefully executing the policies, procedures and guidelines you have set in place. Parents need to have trust and faith in the director to hire and train the most qualified staff to take care of their children. When not directly working with children or staff, a director is constantly monitoring the pulse of the program. Ultimately, at the end of the day, the director is held accountable for the success or failure of a program.

Every camp director’s goal is to succeed and offer a happy and SAFE environment in which kids can learn, participate, live together and share amazing summer experiences and memories. Once in a while, things may fall through a floorboard, as there are so many things to juggle and be on top of. It is not okay, and no one is more disappointed and disheartened than a summer camp director or summer teen program director if something goes awry. Our sleepless nights and hours of prep attest to that. What parents don’t see and what we feel is our hearts and souls as they travel with each camper and teen as they dance, climb, draw and explore.

Finished With Camp? The Next Step.

February 27, 2012 by Ann 2 Comments

When both camper and parent realize that the camp experience is no longer challenging, the question is what’s next and what is it’s value?

There are quite a few options to explore: academic studies on a college campus, teen tours, wilderness adventures, sailing, language immersion, internships and more. Although different in purpose and content, all the experiences share some common characteristics exploring different levels of independence and challenging a child’s decision-making skills.

Your child now becomes part of the decision-making process when taking part in group decisions – it may not go their way.

They have an opportunity to make personal choices – do I go here or there, do this or that, or do I go with my friends.

Keeping track of personal belongings, especially if they are traveling, is a challenge. No one is picking up after them.

Learning the tricks of doing laundry is eye opening. For many, this is the first time they may realize that clothes don’t come out of the machine folded!

Keeping a budget for the duration of the trip often initiates the question, “ Do I really need that? Will I have money left for……”

Confronting social dilemmas if they arise, and deciding on behavioral choices that may or may not be popular is a huge challenge. The social decision making component is often a life changer. Sometimes mistakes are made and consequences follow. In other situations, teens learn about themselves and their convictions carving out their personality and molding their values.

Whatever the experience, whether glitz and glam or rugged to the bone, all situations offer the opportunity for your child to take on responsibility and challenge their decision making skills….. all while having a great time!

Never Underestimate the Power of a Camp Director

February 14, 2012 by Ann 4 Comments

“I had such a great summer at camp! I love my bunk! Best time ever! Please, please, please drive me to the reunion ? I just have to go- EVERYONE will be there.”

Which turns into, ” I have to go back- EVERYONE is going back. I will do anything. I know you have to pay for my CIT year.”

Followed by, ”This is the last year I can go back before I need to start work!”

Summer searches start out innocently by trying to find that perfect summer program for your child. What you may not realize or project is that the summer environment has the potential to have life long influences.

The culture of any summer environment, regardless of its location (camp, on a mountain top or college campus), is dictated by the values and style of the director. It trickles from the top down: from director to staff to support staff to the children. The experience just doesn’t happen. Any program takes months and years to get it right. To massage it and fine tweak it, takes, time, energy, passion and commitment.

I have lived by the values of my camp director. I am privileged to have had wonderful parents with great ethics – he was just a bonus with tremendous impact! He taught us how to communicate with children differently – not through commands, but through reason and discussion. “That towel is making it difficult to walk through the bunk – someone may trip and get hurt.” As opposed to” Pick up the @#*_ towel! ” He taught us how to be open to learning and self-growth. He taught us that there are second chances when you own up to mistakes and are humble. He taught us that kindness and positive energy go a lot farther than negativity and being inconsiderate. . Our motto- Values =choices=consequences. I could go on, but my point is that the culture and expectations he created for staff, was in turn, created for the children . YOUR children, who take those values home, to school. to college, to work and to their families.

Take the time to speak with the camp director of the program you are considering. Know what they represent. Make your own connection and don’t rely on the opinion or hearsay of others.

This March I will travel to celebrate my director’s 70^th birthday. I value his wisdom and friendship, my choice, is to attend his celebration, and the consequence will be a great time with my camp family.

Ann Kramer Fuchs – A camper at heart, Ann has been a consultant with Tips on Trips and Camps in Westchester County, NY for the past eleven years. She has been involved in the camping industry for 41 years as a Camp Director, Athletic Director, Wilderness Trip Leader and counselor.

The Benefits of Winter for Summer

February 21, 2011 by Ann Leave a Comment

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.

Everlasting Memories of Camp

February 8, 2011 by Ann Leave a Comment

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……..

Experts on Overnight Camps & Trips for Kids and Teens

A Free Advisory Service

How Can You Determine the Quality of Instruction at an Overnight Camp?

Perspective From A Camp Director

Finished With Camp? The Next Step.

Never Underestimate the Power of a Camp Director

The Benefits of Winter for Summer

Everlasting Memories of Camp

Experts On Overnight Camps & Trips For Ages 7-18+

The Scoop On Exceptional Summer Experiences!