It’s summer. SUMMER! The season for extended play and fun. Kids do not need to go to computer camp, foreign language camp, or the “academic enrichment” camp du’jour. They have been living at a break-neck pace all school year and are ready for a break. It is, after all, why they call it summer break.
That said, if your children are old enough and finances allow, good old fashioned summer camp ROCKS. Hiking, fishing, and crafts akimbo. Nights by the campfire — telling stories and roasting marshmallows. Falling in and out of “love” with the cutie in Cabin 7. Bug bites and independence. Sharing secrets and making friends. Starting to figure out who they are outside the home, which is a crucial lesson.
Ahhhh, I can almost smell the cabin now. A mix of suntan lotion, dirty socks, cookies from home, and laughter. Priceless memories. I went to camp as a child, and later, went on to become a camp counselor. It was there that I met my career path. Yes, at summer camp.
So give camp some thought. If not this summer, maybe next. And don’t just take my word for it. Think back on your own memories or, listen to these words from some other former-campers you might recognize!
Need help finding a camp? The great folks at ACA have got you covered.
Now if you will excuse me, there is a s’more with my name on it.
See ya outside! – The Grass Stain Guru
I loved summer camp RT @balmeras OK, big kids, who else went to summer camp?! Can I get 3 cheers! http://digg.com/d1uWAk #playoutdoors #camp
Three Cheers for Summer Camp! (video) http://bit.ly/1Xrjv #playoutdoors #summercamp
RT @balmeras: Three Cheers for Summer Camp! (video) http://bit.ly/1Xrjv #playoutdoors #summercamp <– ABSOLUTELY http://bit.ly/YwpNx
I loved summer camp RT @balmeras OK, big kids, who else went to summer camp?! Can I get 3 cheers! http://digg.com/d1uWAk #playoutdoors #camp
LOVE @acacamps “Because of Camp” video: http://bit.ly/1Xrjv I owe a lot to #summercamp as a child.
LOVE @acacamps "Because of Camp" video: http://bit.ly/1Xrjv I owe a lot to #summercamp as a child.
Three Cheers for Summer Camp! (video) http://bit.ly/1Xrjv #playoutdoors #summercamp
RT @balmeras: Three Cheers for Summer Camp! (video) http://bit.ly/1Xrjv #playoutdoors #summercamp <– ABSOLUTELY http://bit.ly/YwpNx
LOVE @acacamps “Because of Camp” video: http://bit.ly/1Xrjv I owe a lot to #summercamp as a child.
LOVE @acacamps "Because of Camp" video: http://bit.ly/1Xrjv I owe a lot to #summercamp as a child.
LOVE @acacamps “Because of Camp” video: http://bit.ly/1Xrjv I owe a lot to #summercamp as a child.
For the night shift: Three Cheers for Summer Camp! (video) http://bit.ly/1Xrjv #playoutdoors #summercamp
RT @balmeras: For the night shift: Three Cheers for Summer Camp! (video) http://bit.ly/1Xrjv #playoutdoors #summercamp FANTASTIC POST!
@sanborncamps Well, you might just be a wee bit biased, my friend! ;o) But thanks! http://bit.ly/1Xrjv
RT @balmeras: For the night shift: Three Cheers for Summer Camp! (video) http://bit.ly/1Xrjv #playoutdoors #summercamp
Only a week into summer 2009 and you can already see the new-found confidence and growth in campers. The “quiet ones” are leading chants, the “leaders” are listening more, those who wake up thinking, “I can’t ride a horse” go to sleep with a smile and the desire to ride again tomorrow.
To live together in the outdoors, building a sense of self, a sense of community, a sense of the earth, and a sense of wonder through fun and adventure….that is the essence of summer camp, and I cannot thank Bethe enough for reminding us all to remember and to reconnect with the pace of place.
I am so blessed my place IS summer camp. Thank you again.
For the night shift: Three Cheers for Summer Camp! (video) http://bit.ly/1Xrjv #playoutdoors #summercamp
RT @balmeras: For the night shift: Three Cheers for Summer Camp! (video) http://bit.ly/1Xrjv #playoutdoors #summercamp FANTASTIC POST!
@sanborncamps Well, you might just be a wee bit biased, my friend! ;o) But thanks! http://bit.ly/1Xrjv
RT @balmeras: For the night shift: Three Cheers for Summer Camp! (video) http://bit.ly/1Xrjv #playoutdoors #summercamp
I never went to camp as a child but I wish I had the opportunity. A few years ago, we did. The whole family went to family camp at Camp Arrowhead for Boys in NC. We all had a blast and even the then 3 year old had a wonderful time exploring and trying new things. Here’s a post I did on our experience at Arrowhead http://fieldtripswithsue.blogspot.com/2009/05/family-camp-adventures.html. I know lots of other camps have family camp too. This spring we went to a house party for another camp and my youngest at 4 was a proud camp veteran, telling stories about his experiences lighting the camp fire and climbing the rock wall.
RT @balmeras More wisdom from The Grass Stain Guru! http://bit.ly/rlRFs
RT @balmeras More wisdom from The Grass Stain Guru! http://bit.ly/rlRFs