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Looking back on 2021…What are Your Highlights?

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Just when we thought nothing could be worse than 2020, along came 2021!  There were many days (weeks?) this year that felt just as challenging as some of the dark times of 2020, as we navigated the constantly-changing landscape of the pandemic. We continued to worry about its impact on ourselves, and more acutely, on our kids.  Did their social lives suffer?  How far behind are they academically?  What happened to my carefree, worry-free child?  I have had all these same concerns over the last year.

However, when I look back on 2021 and to the times when my kids really thrived, my mind immediately goes to their summer experiences and some images I will not soon forget:

  • Dropping my 14-year old off at Newark Airport to fly to Portland, Oregon for the start of a three-week teen backpacking trip – I could sense her feelings of freedom, independence, and anticipation.
  • Seeing the pure joy on her face when we saw a post from the summit of Mount Saint Helens – the pride of accomplishment, personal growth, overcoming physical and mental challenges on the way to the top – all were evident.
  • Photos of her with friends from around the country – kids being kids without the pressures of social media.
  • Camp drop-off on a hot day in July – watching as they reunited with friends not seen since 2019, as if no time had passed at all.
  • My 11 year old’s first letter home from sleep away camp in which she declared she was having “the best time EVER”, had already waterskied, jumped off the tower, and hoped the weeks would never end.
  • Camp pick-up and the drive home – the kids chattering away in the back seat, singing camp songs, and looking healthy and happy from weeks spent outdoors.

I frequently think back to those images from Summer 2021. They are a reminder that through summer camp and summer teen trips we can still fill our kids’ lives with adventure, laughter, and joy even in difficult times.

What should you expect from your teen’s summer experience?

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Reach for your dreams

Reach for your dreams

This is the time of year, that parents are finalizing their teen’s summer tours/trips. We, as parents get so wrapped up in the details, that sometimes we forget about the big picture.

For instance, if your teen is going on a community service trip, it should be more about expanding their horizons, rather than logging in their required hours. Nothing can compare to visiting new places, meeting new people and gaining a better understanding of another culture.

A language immersion program is not only good for enhancing their language skills or prepping for the upcoming school year, but it builds confidence in your teen inherently by being in an atmosphere where they have to learn as they go along.

A precollege program can look good on a teen’s resume, but they also walk away with a new sense of responsibility and maybe even more appreciation for all you do at home.

A teen tour seems like all fun and games, but along the way, they learn how to get along with all types of teens, and can sometimes be put in a position where they need to resolve conflicts and learn the art of compromise.

To summarize, you should expect your teen to have fun, accomplish a goal, but most importantly build character and come home a better version of the teen they were when they left.

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

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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.

  1. What is the camper/instructor ratio?  Are there long lines and wait time for a turn or use of equipment or supplies?
  2. 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?
  3. Returning staff or new to camp?
  4. Is the teacher speaking with confidence and clarity? Do the campers seem engaged, attentive and motivated? Who has control of class – campers or instructor?
  5. Are groups divided by age or skill level? Are teens with younger campers?
  6. 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?
  7. What is the condition of equipment, supplies and specialty area? Clean, new, old, safe, cluttered, weeds, cracked courts? Are there enough to go around?
  8. Do you hear any positive reinforcement? Any constructive criticism?
  9. Are there examples of work displayed? Cookie cutter or creative?
  10. If outside, who is facing the sun- camper or staff? (Should be staff if giving instruction!
  11.  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!

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Tips on Trips and Camps has always been and continues to be committed to equality for all. The advice we give endorses inclusion, awareness, sensitivity to others, equality and support to families and their children including but not limited to individuals of varying abilities, cultures, genders, races and religions.