Summer Camp Magazine | Camp Magazine | Summer Camps 2017 | CampNavigator Magazine by CampNavigator

Vol. 6, Issue 1

T H E U LT I M AT E M A G A Z I N E F O R C A M P E R S , P A R E N T S & FA M I L I E S

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The sky is the limit when it comes to picking a

summer camp for your child 3 Reasons to choose the

YMCA for your summer camp experience Parenting Through

Uncertain Times TOP 10 Characteristics you should look for in a

Summer Sports Camp A CASE FOR

THEATER CAMPS

Reaching Full Potential! Summer Camp Provides Tremendous Benefits To Special Needs Youth

Top Ten Reasons to send Your Daughter to an

Overnight Summer Basketball Camp 7 Reasons Why Summer Camp is the

Greatest Gift to Give Your Child Top five reasons to enroll your special needs child in an outdoor

Summer Camp designed for children with special needs

North Star Camp For Boys WWW.CAMPNAVIGATOR.COM

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EDITOR’S LETTER

WELCOME! It’s hard to believe but spring is right around the corner. It’s time to start thinking about Camp again. Start asking ourselves some questions. Are you considering enrolling your child in a Spring or Summer Camp? Have you already secured your child’s spot for Camp? For those of you who have kids that are interested in spring & summer camp programs, now is the perfect time to start your search. Take a moment out of your busy day to sit down with your children and discuss the upcoming camp season, sessions, and activities that are most appealing to them. Create a search list, do some research, and contact your shortlisted camps. Have some fun with it and take advantage of early registration pricing in the process. In this issue we feature an amazing Boys Summer Camp that never loses sight of the fact every day at camp should be fun. We showcase a terrific Girls Summer Camp that offers an amazing Leadership Program. We feature a wonderful Adventure Summer Camp that teaches outdoor education and survival skills. We showcase a fantastic special needs camp that creates an environment that emphasizes the campers’ abilities and independence, as well as the development of their social skills and appreciation of the outdoors. We feature a truly unique Environmental Science Summer Camp that lets campers study environmental science from the mountains to the sea. We share some fantastic camp pictures, virtual tour links, and amazing camp videos, and provide much more information about camp. At CampNavigator, we give parents accurate, insightful and valuable information, empowering them to make informed decisions about summer camp. CampNavigator Magazine shares knowledge to enrich the lives of children, youth and adults through the camp experience. Make your 2017 Summer Camp experience the best yet. We hope you enjoy this issue of CampNavigator Magazine!

Jeffery Nadeau

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CampNavigator

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The entire contents of CampNavigator are copyright 2012 by CampNavigator. All rights are reserved. Reproduction in whole or part, or use without written permission of the publisher, of editorial, pictorial, or design content, including electronic retrieval system is prohibited in the United States & foreign countries. The trademark and tradename CampNavigator is owned by CampNavigator. The publisher does not assume responsibility for statements or work by advertisers. All submissions to CampNavigator are made on the basis of a license to publish the submission in CampNavigator. While every care is taken, neither CampNavigator nor its agents accept any liability for loss or damage. Our contributors offer a diversity of views; their opinions are their own and not necessarily shared by Wishesh Info Media.

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A Division of

Wow, your website looks excellent. Great work developing everything.

Keith

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Erica Thank you for the email today. I like your site. The set-up is much easier than the pay sites I am on, the layout is also as good if not better than the other pay sites.

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Thank you CampNavigator.com, you made the listing process very easy! I appreciate it.

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I just checked out the listing that you did for our camp and it looks great!

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Contents February 2017 07

NORTH STAR CAMP FOR BOYS

7 REASONS WHY SUMMER CAMP IS THE GREATEST GIFT TO GIVE YOUR CHILD

DISCOVER CLEARWATER CAMP FOR GIRLS

NEW MOON PRODUCTIONS

TOP 5 REASONS TO ENROLL YOUR SPECIAL NEEDS CHILD IN AN OUTDOOR SUMMER CAMP

TOP 10 CHARACTERISTICS YOU SHOULD LOOK FOR IN A SUMMER SPORTS CAMP

PARENTING THROUGH UNCERTAIN TIMES

REACHING FULL POTENTIAL! SUMMER CAMP PROVIDES TREMENDOUS BENEFITS TO SPECIAL NEEDS YOUTH

3 REASONS TO CHOOSE THE YMCA FOR YOUR SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE

TOP TEN REASONS TO SEND YOUR DAUGHTER TO AN OVERNIGHT SUMMER BASKETBALL CAMP

HISTORY MEETS SCIENCE AT CAMP INTREPID

MIDWEST MARINE MAMMALS

CAMP CATEGORIES

SUMMER CAMPS DIRECTORY

CAMP CATEGORIES

SUMMER CAMPS DIRECTORY

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North Star Camp For Boys

he sky is the limit when it comes to

up going to camp. Going to camp for the

picking a summer camp for your

first time is about trying new things. Kids

child. Long gone are the days when

will expand their boundaries and push

choosing a camp for means going with

themselves out of their comfort zone. Part

the closest option or sending them where

of these life experiences, whether you’re a

everyone else in the neighborhood sends

child or adult, is some fear of the unknown.

their kids. Camps are truly communities

You’re supposed to be a bit nervous! So if

that bring together kids from across not

your litmus test as to whether your child is

just the US, but the globe.

ready for camp is the absence of fear and no signs of potential homesickness, you’re

Finding the right camp can really be a

working with an unrealistic standard. If,

cumbersome process. When done correctly,

however, your child’s concerns are so

it won’t just mean the difference between

significant that it is actually keeping them

a good and a great summer. It may have

up at night, then it might be best to wait

a fundamental long term impact on your

a year. Parental nerves will never go away,

child. So off the bat, it’s important to realize

just make sure you’re not displacing those

that not all camps are the same and this is a

emotions on your son or daughter.

process that is well worth your time. The next step in the process may seem Before we talk about picking the actual

basic, but it’s one that many parents may

camp, you should judge if your kid is ready to

skip; asking themselves and their child what

go to camp. This is a question more geared

they’re goals are for the summer. What do

towards parents thinking about overnight

they want out of their camp experience?

camp and it’s a question that can keep

What do you want your child to take away

some up at night. In reality it’s a decision

from summer camp? These goals may be

that’s easier than you think. In talking

tangible hard skills, like improving in a

about camp with your son or daughter, is

sport or experiencing the outdoors. Beyond

he or she excited about the idea of going

that, however, are the soft skills that camp

to camp? Do they want to go and give it a

invariably instills. Goals in this area may

shot? If the answer to either of these is yes,

include deeper life skills like making friends

then they’re most likely ready.

or building self-confidence. A quality camp experience will give kids many things, but

If you are, however, going to wait to send

you need to figure out what you hope your

your kid to camp until he or she is totally

child gains.

anxiety free, most likely they’ll never end

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There are a few other key pitfalls to avoid in the process of choosing a camp: 1

You don’t need to send your child where all of their friends or family go to camp.

It’s very possible that where your son or daughter’s best friends go is the right fit for them. However often times, it’s not. Further, sending your child to a camp away from their good friends not only provides them the opportunity to make new friends, but it allows them the opportunity to experience new things and grow in ways that are often

hindrance than a help. If a camper only has a one week camp experience, they can grin and bear it for their short session. If they’re at camp for three or four weeks, however, they have a significant incentive to work through any issues that arise. When the session is judged in weeks and not days, campers are much more prone to conquer homesickness and other stuff and have a great session. There are lots of reasons to choose different session lengths, but the “starter session” doesn’t necessarily make going away to camp any easier.

constrained by dynamics from school, your community, and family. 2

The session myth. It’s easy to go into the process and think that since your

child is going away to camp for the first time, they need the shortest session possible. The concept of a starter camp with a quick session makes sense. But if your child is going to have some struggles adjusting to camp, that is going to happen regardless of the session length. Homesickness will happen whether you send your kid away for five days or six weeks. Sometimes that short session safety net is more of a 8

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Letting your kid choose. Make no mistake, your child should be a part

of the selection process. They need to be on board with where they are going to camp and excited about their upcoming experience. The decision, however, should be shared between parent and child.

So what should your decision be based on? Here are a few basics that should be a part of your search process. 1

What are the ratios of staff to campers? You may see as low as 1 staff to every ten

campers or as high as 1 staff to every three

campers. Make sure you’re comfortable

Are the challenge course and climbing wall

with the overall supervision, but more than

staff belay certified? Are outdoor wilderness

the staff to camper ratio, find out how many

trips led by staff with either Wilderness

counselors are in each group and for how

First Responder (WFR) or Wilderness First

many kids. If that number is only one, then

Aid (WFA) certification? Is there a registered

you run the risk of a counselor being spread

nurse or doctor on site and are others on

too thin or a lack of supervisor, especially if

staff CPR and First Aid certified? Beyond

that counselor is called away.

the certifications, however, find out how staff are trained. There is risk inherent with

Accreditation! Is the camp accredited

many of the activities that occur at camp,

by a certifying organization? For most

so make sure that the staff that are being

camps, this is American Camp Association

hired are adequately trained and certified

(ACA) accreditation. ACA accredited camps

to minimize those risks.

are visited every 3-5 years by a team of professionals, looking over their facilities, policies and paperwork, with more than 300 standards. Know that there are some

Beyond the basics, here are some other factors to help you pick camp like a seasoned pro!

fantastic camps that are not ACA accredited. If you’re considering a non-accredited

Part of your camp selection process

camp, find out why they’re not accredited

should include a conversation with a

and learn how they evaluate themselves in

camp director or assistant director. Many

place of an accreditation visit.

camp directors do home visits and will sit down with you and your child. If this isn’t an areas?

option, Skype of Facetime makes this type

Make sure that key activity areas are

of meeting very easy. The camp director

supervised by staff who have appropriate

is the person responsible for both the

training! Are all aquatics areas staffed by

physical and emotional safety of your child.

trained lifeguards (not just the swimming

They oversee the staff and really lead the

pool, but waterskiing, sailing, and so on)?

camp in every facet. What makes individual

Are

staff

certified

key

www.CampNavigator.com Vol. 6, Issue 1

camps different? Their director! Make sure

they’ll be appropriate counselors. Does

you meet him or her.

the camp re-interview returning staff to continually evaluate their effectiveness? Is

The first thing you need to get a sense

the camp using skype or other video chat

from the director is their goals for

methods to interview staff when a face-

camp and campers. What do they want

to-face interview isn’t an option? There is

each kid to take away from their summer

no one way to hire a staff, but you should

experience? Camps do have different

get a sense that the camp is putting in the

goals and philosophies, so get a sense of

energy to find the best folks to care for their

this from the director. Beyond the stated

campers.

goals, find out how they achieve them. Seek evidence that their mission is a work in progress and not just words on a piece of

You should also spend some time on the camp website’s staff section.

paper. In learning about the camp program

See what messages are conveyed to

and its elements, there should be clear

prospective staff. Working with kids for up

intentionality in its goals. As you talk to

to two months is not easy. Make sure that

others who send their kids to camp or you

the camp is striking a proper balance in

look through the camp’s promo material

what it is telling applicants. If the website

(website, video, brochure), is it clear that

only tells a story of the a fun in the sun job

the camp seeks to accomplish this mission

where you swim all day and get a good tan,

or is it just a sales pitch?

then you’re bound to have staff who are in for a rude awaking when kids do kid stuff.

When talking to the camp director,

You want a camp that sets high standards

find out who are they hiring and how

for its staff, and that standard should be

are they hiring? These are the people who

clear from the point where it recruits staff.

are going to be in the trenches, taking care of your son or daughter. Often times, staff

Further, does the camp set clear

come up through the ranks, having grown

policies for is staff? Camps should

up at that camp. College students often

trust the staff that work with their kids,

land camp jobs. Camps also often hire a

but often times, staff are teenagers or in

number of international staff who come

there low to mid 20’s. Does the camp have

over on cultural exchange visas. There are

a curfew (do you really want someone

many ways to recruit great staff, but it’s

belaying your kid on the climbing wall if

important to get a sense that camps put

they were up until 2am)? What do they do

a lot of energy and effort into hiring their

to enforce the drinking age? What about

staff. Even though someone grew up at a

drug testing? Setting and enforcing polices

camp, make sure that the camp puts them

is not about a lack of trust, it’s about setting

through an interview process to make sure

staff members up for success.

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While you think that you may just be looking for camp for this summer, that really may not be the case. In reality, you may be connecting your son or daughter with a truly special community that may become a part of their life. Excellent camps have tremendously high return rates.

Camps have had a fundamentally positive impact on millions of kids, so as you embark out to choose a summer camp for your child, realize that you may be choosing a community that is going to become a significant part of their life. Choose a camp that is worthy of having this type of impact.

Kids who have great experiences at a specific camp will often return their throughout the summers of their childhood. Campers return as staff, and people keep their camp friends for a lifetime. As you really get a sense for the camp, think about whether or not this is a camp that your child can grow with. Does it have the ability to meet your kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs as he or she gets older?

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SUMMER CAMP GIFT TO GIVE YOUR CHILD

REASONS WHY IS THE GREATEST

No matter the age, whenever a conversation about summer camp comes up, those who have “been to camp” talk passionately about their experience of an action-packed adventure filled with life-long friendships, a testing of their limits, unrestrained laughter, and the thrill of accomplishing new things. Summer camp provides a positive, encouraging environment where one can have fun without the peer pressure found in their day-to-day environment. If you’re pondering sending your child to summer camp this summer, consider the following reasons why we believe the camp life is one of the greatest gifts you’ll ever give your child.

Great Adventure in a Unique Environment

A Chance to Unplug

A camp environment is unlike anywhere

At many traditional camps, like Deer Run

else.

the

Camps in middle Tennessee, kids and

dynamics of the outdoors with a diversity of

teens can unplug and leave the distractions

kids, often in a small group — making this

of technology at home enabling them

unlike a classroom or other small group

to connect face-to-face for an extended

participation. The activities are designed

amount of time with other kids and young-

to challenge campers in an encouraging

adult role models. Being unplugged allows

environment

grow

them to strengthen their social skills and

exponentially in areas of self-confidence,

focus on relationships, physical activity,

independence, leadership, trust, friendship

and challenges while having plenty of fun.

Your

child

will

help

experience

them

skills, social comfort, values and decisionmaking. A lot of positive change can happen in a week or two at camp.

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The Development of Life-Long Friendships

There is a deep connection when sharing the same experience and accomplishments together. A week at camp often forges

sense of inclusion may not exist outside of camp. The camp experience offers not only a shared identity but also a way to discover and strengthen shared values or faith.”

friends made at camp are often those your

child would not meet otherwise because of

Campers are empowered by mature,

relationships that last a lifetime. And the

the various schools and communities the campers come from.

Mentorship

responsible, college-age counselors who care about kids and are excellent role models. This is not a summer “job” for

Finding a Sense of Inclusion

Camp traditions such as silly chants while walking from the lake to the climbing tower or skit night at overnight camp are all part of the camper experience which give kids a sense of belonging. “For some kids, that

them; they are counselors because they genuinely care about making a difference in a kid’s life. They encourage a camper in discovering their strengths and passions and what makes them uniquely “them.” Self-confidence found at camp can stay with a kid long after camp is over.

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A Safe Break from Family Life

Camp is a safe environment to experience life outside the home — or even the school environment. Campers often thrive when they can interact with other campers and young adults without oversight of a parent … including learning to make wise decisions on their own. When you stop to think about it, camp is also a great place for kids to be kids — jumping, climbing, playing and

The Bigger Picture. A Grand Design.

While at camp caring adults, counselors and mentors come alongside campers, helping them think through decisions and experiences in a way that will prepare them for their future. Many campers point back to a positive role model they met at camp as one who helped shape the direction of their lives.

spending most of the day participating in new adventures. But all the while, learning about oneself and growing in confidence and decision-making which are taking place in a variety of ways.

Consider Deer Run Camps for your child.

Deer Run is a premier camp located on 100

grades 5-8), age-graded overnight camps

scenic wooded acres just 10 miles south of

(completed grades 3-12) and a weeklong

historic downtown Franklin, Tenn. and a

family camp (ages 5 and up). Because of

45-minute drive from Nashville. Deer Run

the strategic location in middle Tennessee,

has won the Sizzle Award for the Best Camp

campers from Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky

in Williamson County (TN) for two years

and other southeast states come to Deer

plus the Best of Parenting Award for Best

Run each year! Make Deer Run your

Day Camp in Williamson County, Nashville

family’s camp of choice. It is a camp where

Parent magazine, for four years. Deer

relationships and life-change are deep and

Run has day camp (ages 5 to completed

hopefully a place that your family will also

grade 5), adventure day camp (completed

call “home” as many other families do.

Watch our camp video to see all the fun that takes place at Deer Run Camps! 14

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CampNavigator

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DISCOVER

CLEARWATER CAMP FOR GIRLS

- By Ellen King

There is not a parent out there that doesn’t want the best for their kids. After all, who knows them better? So if you’ve decided that an all-girls camp experience is the way to go, you are probably looking for a camp that can give your daughter the time of her life. If top qualities are for it to be safe and fun (that is a given, right?), then the camp must rise as a distinctive and special place for your daughter. Knowing this, consider Clearwater Camp for Girls located in the beautiful Northwood’s of Wisconsin. What makes Clearwater Camp for Girls unique? Clearwater is an extraordinary combination of people, place, and spirit, which makes the days each girl spends at camp more than memorable. We mix in our 83+ years of camping and collaborate with parents and their daughters in crafting their time at camp. Add in the following philosophies and you have a camp designed for an educational experience that provides dividends far into her future.

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CLEARWATER IS NONCOMPETITIVE. We value a girl’s best efforts rather than give awards.

Clearwater focuses on the

goals and accomplishments of each of our girls. Whether it be standing up on water skis or holding a mainsheet for the first time, each new effort gets recognized in the dining hall, and girls take pride in trying something new. Clearwater campers improve their skills with few external rewards, leaving each girl the now rare experience of doing something purely for the joy of improving her skill and a personal sense of accomplishment.

CLEARWATER IS FOCUSED ON COMMUNITY. Girls that experience a summer at Clearwater regularly call it their “second home” and our campers return with such consistency that many alumnae view Clearwater as a place where their core values were shaped. Campers are strategically placed in cabins of

four to six girls with similarly aged campers.

our oldest campers can go out for a trip as

The girls also find an identity based on their

long as 10 days and can choose from sea

age group as a Harbor, Cape, or Point girl.

kayaking, canoeing in the Boundary Waters,

We intentionally schedule cabin, unit, and

hiking in Isle Royale, and more.

mixed-age activities to encourage campers to bond in their cabin as well as with

OUR

campers of different ages. One such way

Clearwater is lucky to be located on

we build community is during meal times,

beautiful 3,400 acre Tomahawk Lake and

where campers of all ages are carefully

nestled into a 200-acre conservancy area.

placed together.

This provides miles of forest pathways for

WE VALUE OUR TRADITIONS.

LOCATION

AIN’T

BAD.

our horseback riding, mountain biking, and nature exploration classes. Clearwater also

While Clearwater Camp’s traditions have

has a 5-acre private island which divides the

evolved, Clearwater’s spirit, philosophy, and

waterfront into two bays. The southern bay

culture have not changed since 1933. The

is home to sailing, kayaking, and swimming

Clearwater culture encourages campers to

and the northern bay is home to water

try new things, advance in each activity, and

skiing, wake-boarding, and our historic

to make lifelong friendships. Founder Sarah

boathouse which houses canoeing and

Holiday Sprague originally conceptualized

arts and crafts. Cabin names have a sailing

camp during Christmastime, and to this

theme, where you can find Harbor cabins

day, Clearwater celebrates “Christmas”

spread along the mainland, our Cape

during the camp season to commemorate

cabins on the nearer side of the island, and

our beginning. Many of our traditions

our Point Cabins on the farther side of the

remain unchanged, which allows our

island.

current campers to feel connected to the Clearwater daughters who came before them.

OUR PROGRAMMING PROVIDES A UNIQUE BALANCE. We offer more than 25 program areas and every camper receives their own personalized schedule. Activities vary from archery, horseback riding, water skiing, canoeing, sailing, sketching, drama, and much more! Each camper is scheduled into these activities weekly. Additionally, each

Clearwater is a place where girls come to be themselves and experience life outside of societal pressures. Campers are exposed to challenges different from those faced at home (e.g. tripping, sharing a living space). A Clearwater girl is encouraged to believe that she can do anything from portaging canoes, to starting a campfire, and organizing events. Clearwater girls are destined to become leaders.

camper goes out on an overnight canoeing or hiking trip. Our youngest campers leave camp for a one day-one night trip, whereas

CAMP VIDEO

VIRTUAL TOUR

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CLEARWATER CAMP FOR GIRLS founded in 1933 We strive to foster confidence, courage, compassion, and community – four points on Clearwater’s compass – by providing a traditional sleep away camp experience for girls. Sessions available in 2 weeks, 3 1/2 weeks, and 7 weeks.

Minocqua, WI 1-800-399-5030

tch a W Pss tr! n e we r e! o uid e o h v

www.clearwatercamp.org

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1 W , a u q Minoc

www.CampNavigator.com Vol. 6, Issue 1

A CASE FOR THEATER CAMPS I never fully learned how to listen until

other the next. I want to stand up and say

I did an exercise in theater camp where I

“all right, none of us are really listening to each

wasn’t allowed to talk. I was ten years old

other. Everyone pick a partner and sit directly

and the exercise was called “Mirrors.” The

in front of each other; I have an exercise for

instructions were to sit directly in front

us to try.”

of a partner and be each other’s mirror reflection. One of my favorite parts of the

Those of us who had the good fortune to be

exercise, looking back, is that the teacher

a part of a summer theater camp already

didn’t assign one of us to be the person

know what I’m writing here. Theater is

and the other to be the reflection—it was

challenging and motivating, it inspires

up to us to be true. Without talking, without

actors and crew to work harder and reach

planning, without taking turns, we had to

higher, but it isn’t competitive the same

communicate with a complete stranger.

way that sports are. Everybody in a theater

There were no complaints from anyone

production wants—needs—everybody else

that their partner wasn’t doing what he was

in that production to succeed, or else they

“supposed” to. Nobody ever tried to take

all fail. Kids who struggle are not blamed

control. Everybody worked together.

or ostracized by those for whom it comes naturally. Instead, the kids who get it

I think back to that exercise when I sit in

become teachers for the kids who need help.

corporate meetings and listen to colleagues

It’s a wonderful moment to realize that the

bicker with each other, tuning each other

dynamic not only encourages teamwork

out one moment and talking over each

and group problem solving, but that it

www.CampNavigator.com Vol. 6, Issue 1

does incredible things for the confidence

people, they not only find themselves

and self-esteem of all the kids, the pupils

wholly

and the mentors. Even the teachers would

challenges that theater camp brings. And

happily tell you that every camp is a learning

along with scholastic development, the

experience for themselves as well.

theater experience helps children reduce

engaged

but

welcome

the

stress and improve self-control. They take Unfortunately,

school

resources

these skills back home with them, where

continue to be cut, theater programs are

they see their interpersonal skills improve.

cut as well. The administrators mean well;

Furthermore, their reduced stress and

they want to make sure that children get

increased confidence leads to better health

the resources they need in reading and

and focus in studies as well, creating a

writing and other basic academic skills.

self-fulfilling cycle of improvement forever

However, while basic lessons may instruct

upwards.

the students in vocabulary, spelling, and basic problem solving skills, many children

To be sure, participation in a theater camp

(and particularly those in poverty) do not

requires a certain degree of humility and

develop the cognitive and linguistic skills

discipline. It may be a jarring experience for

that they are capable of through schooling

some students to go from the rigid rules of

alone.

children

regular school into an atmosphere where

develop those skills in a way that is fun and

imagination and creativity are not only

rewarding.

encouraged, but necessary. But just as the

Theater

camps

help

impacts of a three-minute game of “Mirrors” In fact, in my experiences, it’s often the

that I experienced over two decades ago

students who dislike their reading and

are still with me today, the benefits of

writing classes, and all the rote process that

theater camps are long lasting—possibly

comes with it, who are most engaged in the

permanent—and

dramatic process. They may not have a real

every part of a child’s life.

permeate

appreciation for the skills they develop by reading passages and doing comprehension questions in class, but when faced with the much more challenging task of memorizing lines, understanding their characters, and really listening and responding to other

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Watch Video

throughout

The Benefits of Participation in a Theater Camp: Enhances self-esteem and self-confidence Enrich aesthetic sense and creativity Provides an outlet for expressing emotions Encourages group problem solving Celebration and encouragement of imagination and every studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s uniqueness Provides a safe and supportive environment to express emotions and thoughts Puts literary skills into practice through a language-based art form Makes learning a fun and exciting experience Increases ability to work collaboratively Appreciation of other cultures and ideas Fosters community - Robert Parker

Legal Intern for Oregon Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts Board Member, New Moon Productions Theater Company

New Moon Productions Theater Company! We provide innovative summer camps, winter & spring break camps, outreach theater programs, acting classes, and performance opportunities to youth actors of all ages. We are based in Portland, Oregon, but can provide programs for anywhere in the United States. Our innovative programs are designed to foster childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creativity, literacy skills, self-esteem, collaboration, and strong work ethic. Since our founding in 1994, New Moon has provided over 25,000 children with enriching theater experiences, both in the classroom and on stage, and presented engaging and memorable performances to over 65,000 audience members.

Contact info: 971-266-3102 | newmoontheatre@gmail.com www.CampNavigator.com Vol. 6, Issue 1

Top 5 reasons to ENROLL your SPECIAL NEEDS CHILD in an outdoor SUMMER CAMP Summer camps hold a special place in the hearts of those who attended. They create memories that last a lifetime and bring out a special side of a child who attended. Summer Camps can be specialized from sporting camps to art camps, from science camps to reading camps. Sometimes parents donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t realize that if your child has a physical or a mental limitation that there are summer camps out there especially for them. In fact there are hundreds, probably many in your backyard! If you have a child with special needs, there are specialized camps in the nation that employ highly trained staff who work to make a camp experience for your child safe, interactive and most of all fun! Read below to find out some reasons to consider when considering whether or not a sleep away camp for your child with special needs is right.

www.CampNavigator.com Vol. 6, Issue 1

Grow Socially

Often at camp you are away from home for the first time, in a new environment and away from your family. That can be a scary experience for a child! Through the experience of putting your child in a new social environment, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find that through the camp experience, your child will have many opportunities to be independent with support from highly trained staff to meet new friends and grow their confidence in their socialization skills. They will interact with others through fun and games and find themselves gaining socials skills they didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know they had!

2 Experience the outdoors unrestricted

For a child with physical limitations, nature sometimes can seem difficult or impossible to transverse.

When

attending a summer camp designed especially for a child with special needs, the camp takes special care to make every opportunity available to each child. Hikes are specially created to take care for a child in a wheelchair or for a child who cannot walk a long distance. Nature activities are designed for children of all skill levels to take part in to learn and have fun.

3 Educational experiences While at summer camp a child is exposed to many educational opportunities created just for their individual needs and interests. From learning about the fish that live in the river through reading and gaining literacy skills to then going on nature trips to see the same fish and working their physical skills, the skyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the limit! Through summer camp, learning opportunities are everywhere and a child can decide for themselves what they want to learn while being offered the opportunities and support to learn and try new activities and subjects.

Learn a new skill

Summer camp is an opportunity for a child to be exposed to many different outlets that they may otherwise not have the chance in school or during their summer break. From www.CampNavigator.com Vol. 6, Issue 1

experiencing the great outdoors with hikes and nature walks and talks, to bringing out their creativity with arts and craft classes, along with exposure to animals and horseback riding to stretching their physical skills with sports and recreation summer camp has it all! Before camp even begins, each activity is carefully thought out for maximum inclusion and maximum fun.

To relax and play

Summer camp certainly teaches children invaluable life lessons and skills. A child will have the fortune to learn and have new experiences that help shape their intellect and lives. Sending you child to summer camp will also give them the freedom to play and interact with nature and their peers. During their time at camp they can take part in a new activity such as interacting with animals and horseback riding, learning to fly fish or taking a dance class. They will create and learn as they breath in nature and enjoy their week during summer around the campfire with their new camp friends.

Of course these five reasons are only the start as to why itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beneficial for a child with special needs to attend a summer sleep away camp. Through camp a child learns valuable social skills along with stretching themselves out of their comfort level with various activities; all while being supported by highly trained staff and their peers. When a child leaves summer camp they not only leave with a lifetime of memories but with many new skills and great exposure to fun activities. If you want to send your child to camp, but find it to be unaffordable for your family budget, know that many camps offer partial or full scholarships which make sending your child to camp affordable. Make sure to check in with the camp for their options. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to remember as well that activities outside of school designed especially for children with special needs are not limited to just the summer. Many schools and respite programs offer activities after school and on the weekend may for little to no fee. Parents should take full advantage of the opportunities to expand their childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s horizons through new experiences. 26

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CAMP EASTERSEALS OREGON ENROLLING NOW! July 9 - 13, 2017 for ages 7 to 24

easterseals.com/Oregon camp@or.easterseals.com www.CampNavigator.com Vol. 6, Issue 1

TOP 10 CHARACTERISTICS YOU SHOULD LOOK FOR IN A

SUMMER SPORTS CAMP Written by Mitch Goldberg, Owner Beginners Edge Sports Training, LLC in Arizona.

Here in Arizona families try to escape the heat by traveling away. Honestly, I cannot blame them. The heat here is incredible! But what if you cannot afford to flee the sunshine and heat for 8-12 weeks? Most families canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t and you certainly do not want your kids to be sitting around all summer long. So, what do you do with your kids? What do they want to do all day? Where can they go that it is safe, fun, active, educational AND gives you peace of mind you are doing the right thing?

Answer: Summer Sports Camp!

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Below are my top 10 list of characteristics you should look for to find the BEST summer sports camp for your child. ALL-DAY ACTIVITY

MAKING FRIENDS

Where better can you send your child

Summer Sports Camp is a great place to

than to a Summer Sports Camp they will

make awesome new friends. Camps should

come home from exhausted? I was once

encourage kids to relax, make friends and

confronted by a parent accusing our Sports

play together. A camp should have the

Camp of exhausting their child to the point

ability to allow children to talk, play, chill,

of them falling asleep on the way home

eat, do crafts and do almost everything

and they would not wake up for dinner.

together.

True Story!

I took this accusation as a

compliment!

DIGITAL DISCONNECTING

UNSTRUCTURED PLAY

Kids at all ages are constantly connected

A Great Summer Sports Camp should

disconnects them and allows them to use

offer an opportunity for Unstructured and Structured play. Do not think this is the same thing as unsupervised a!

Unstructured

play allows children to make decisions on

to technology.

Summer Sports Camp

their mind and body to create, be expressive and get the much-needed exercise the digital world does not provide. Sports are real and active.

how they are able to enjoy themselves and interact and be socially and physically

SOCIAL SKILLS

active without the provided direction of the Coach.

Unlike school where most of your day is in a seat listening and learning with maybe one

EXPOSURE TO NEW SPORTS

period of active play with others, Summer

Multiple sports being taught/presented is

new kids and puts you in a constantly

always a good sign of a great Multi-Sport Summer Camp. Proper equipment and teaching techniques should always be used and when combined with great Coaches and a great weekly curriculum, you have the recipe for a very successful camp.

Sports Camps offer an opportunity to meet changing

and

adapting

environment.

Almost 100% of your day is being social, communicating with others to foster good teamwork, camaraderie and collaboration. Sports Camps build social skills as well as physical skills! www.CampNavigator.com Vol. 6, Issue 1

INDEPENDENCE

GAIN RESILIENCY

Children at a Sports Camp are typically

There are many firsts for sports camp

in group situations with Coaches and

campers.

Counselors. They are there to be guided

first time they are away from home, the

throughout the day to the different activities.

first time they need to share, first time

The young players throughout the day are

they are part of a team, first time they

not being told what to do but they are given

are going to be introduced to the concept

the options and opportunities to participate

of winning and losing and the first time

as independent young thinkers. Summer

they have to figure out how to overcome

Sports Camps should foster and encourage

challenges without their parent. In this

this independence.

Camp environment the players will try

For many children this is the

new, maybe a little intimidating new things

STRONG COACHES Coaches should be background checked, CPR/First aid certified and trained. This is where doing your homework is important. Coaches should not only be knowledgeable about sports, they should not only love to be around kids, they should be trained on how to work with these children that they will be with ALL DAY, all week or all summer! Find out what the training process is before you enroll.

FACILITY/SPACE SAFETY

BUT this is also a time to experience and be encouraged to keep trying to overcome these hurdles.

Summer Sports Camps

are a great opportunity to assist Campers overcome these challenges.

All in all, when making the decision for your Summer Sports Camp there are many things to consider. Not mentioned above are the # of participants, ratio of Coach to student, does the camp provide snacks, lunch etc. So just like we ask our kids to DO THEIR HOMEWORK, I will say the same thing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Do Your Homework, then decide what is best for you and your child! Have the BEST Summer everyone.

Many sports camps are being operated out of facilities that are being rented, some are owned and operated. Educating yourself on the space your child will be in all day will enable you to better understand the security measures that are in place insuring the safety of your child. Some facilities have public access the entire day, some will have secure locations that the camp is conducted in. This knowledge is very important. 30

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VIRTUAL TOUR

WATCH VIDEO

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Parenting Through Uncertain Times Isn’t it easy to be overwhelmed by the news these days? If it’s been a long six months for you, you’re not alone! A quick scan of headlines and Facebook conversations show everything from hope to haggling to heartache. A deeper look shows that very respectable people can see the world very differently from each other. The bigger picture is, how do we raise children who are resilient? Who rise above the haggling, and hang on to hope? Whose actions contribute to the betterment of our communities and environment? Who are prepared to make the future a little, or a lot brighter? Shared with permission, please read a letter written from a wise mother to teenage daughter last November.

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Dear Daughter, It’s hard to be a mom right now. To feel the enormity of racism, sexism, homophobia, xenophobia and misogyny upon us, and know I can’t hide it from you. Or distract you from it. You are too grown up for that. Of course, you know it’s nothing new. You’ve been “woke” for years and are well aware of social injustice and the ongoing work required to combat it. But now it is in our faces like it has never been before. I fear for human rights. I fear for the environment. I fear for anyone who does not fit the mold. And then I remind myself that our world is filled with many caring people, just like you, who stand for something. The world has built in checks and balances. I know we will suffer, sure. But we will get through this. Our family will continue to fight injustice, to stand up for those who are vulnerable, to show compassion - just like we did yesterday and the day before. We will continue to talk to people we disagree with. And while we are at it, we will make the world a little brighter. Education is an excellent weapon against hate and bigotry. So right now perhaps the best thing you can do is focus on your education. Learn about anything and everything that interests you. Let the world crash down around you. And then...get back to learning. And singing show tunes at the top of your lungs! Love, Mom

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Today we have a choice- we can let news feeds and comment sections weigh us down. Or we can let these powerful feelings inspire us to take action. What a beautiful time it is to be the solutions we seek!

Making the Invisible Visible

Perhaps the most effective way to parent children through uncertain times is to instill a sense of “ecoliteracy.” In Ecoliterate by Daniel Goleman, et al we are given five guideposts for raising emotionally, socially, and ecologically intelligent children. They are:

the greater good, and future generations?

Ask your teen to research the specific products bought, electricity used, and food eaten by your family. What are the impacts to our health, the environment, and distant communities? How do our choices affect Have a family meeting to present what they find and make goals to thrive while living in harmony with our environment.

Anticipating Unintended Consequences At

family

dinner,

discuss

current

Developing Empathy for All Forms of Life

events to identify ways we can live by the

As humans, we are members of a web of

new subdivision near a watershed, fertilizer

life and not separate from it. The quality of our relationships with all people, plants and animals determines our ability to thrive. As a family, volunteer at a local nature preserve’s workday.

As a parent, let us

teach our children to sit with the kid who is alone, stand up for the one who is different, and understand the one we disagree with

“Precautionary Principle.”

What are the

possible outcomes of offshore oil drilling, a and pesticides in industrial agriculture, etc? Are the benefits worth the risk? How dependent is our family on these things?

Understanding How Nature Sustains Life Nature is a model we can learn from. We prosper when we live in harmony with our

Embracing Sustainability as a Community Practice

environment. So go on that family camping trip. Enjoy a walk in the woods. Frolic in the ocean. Plant a garden.

Show our children that creating sustainable communities is a family priority.

Pickup

three pieces of trash at the park. Find ways to reduce our use of styrofoam and plastic. Raise a few hens in the back yard. Share fresh eggs with your neighbors. Show them that we are all in this together. 34

www.CampNavigator.com Vol. 6, Issue 1

And don’t forget to sing show tunes at the top of your lungs! Goleman, D., Bennett, L., & Barlow, Z. (2012). Ecoliterate: How Educators are Cultivating Emotional, Social, and Ecological Intelligence. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Summit to Sea Environmental Science !

it E V I t… L

i n r a e L

June 29 - July 19, 2017

Waterfalls Snorkeling Volcanoes Mt. Biking SurÞng

Ages 14-17

Sustainability Ecosystem Health Food Systems Climate Change Service Learning

www.HawaiiOutdoors.org www.CampNavigator.com Vol. 6, Issue 1

Reaching Full Potential! Summer Camp Provides Tremendous Benefits to Special Needs Youth By Travis Guida & Sarah Coumbe-Guida Camp Directors Camp of Champs, Park Rapids MN

Powerful traditions of adventure, swimming, and recreational activities have been built into the fabric of summer fun for millions of children. Until recently though, few opportunities have existed for children with ADHD, Learning Disabilities, and Autism. Thankfully, this is changing. BENEFITS…AND THEN SOME!

allows the camper to develop a stronger relationship with the counselor(s).

Peter Scales, Ph.D., is a senior fellow with the Search Institute in Minneapolis and says

Research supports the use of a summer

it best, “Camp is one of the few institutions

camp to improve social skills and character

where young people can experience and

traits.

satisfy their need for physical activity,

customize

creative expression and true participation

specific needs of the camper. For instance,

in a community environment. Most schools

if a camper is ADHD or one who struggles

don’t satisfy all these needs.”

with certain behaviors, the counseling staff

(Crosnoe, their

2010) program

Some

camps

around

the

at camp can take pro-active steps to work A camp for children with special needs can

on these objectives and build them into the

provide the experiences of a mainstream

activities as well as the facilitation.

summer camp with added benefit of increased supervision and individualized

A summer camp program is also critical

care, support & curriculum. The American

to help reduce the regression that can

Camp Association requires a camp in this

occur during summer break. Reinforcing

setting to maintain a camper to counselor

values, social skill awareness, peer conflict

ratio of 4:1. This ratio is beneficial not

resolution, and structure that students face

only from a safety standpoint, but it also

while in school is a great fit for many youth.

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WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?

commitment to following the highest industry standards for camper safety,

Specialty camps will allow your child to

program development, and staff training.

grow in unique ways. Campers will have

Per the ACA: Becoming an accredited camp

the opportunity to improve communication

takes time and commitment. The main

skills. Listening to others and knowing

purpose is to educate camp directors in

how to respond appropriately, are keys to

the administration of key aspects of camp

success in family, school, friendships and

operation.

beyond. Camp skills also include working on independent living and self-advocacy, learning to work together as a team,

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:

understanding the importance of empathy, developing leadership skills and many

THE EXPECTATIONS GAME

more. There is a misconception that all special A camp for your special needs child will come

needs

camps

are

for

in all shapes and sizes. Some have been

developmental

around a very long time while others are

physical impairments. While these camps

fairly new. It is still important to verify that

are available as well, there are times when

the camp is accredited with the American

a child may be on the “bubble”. Simply

Camp Association. This accreditation is

put, they may be self aware enough to

valuable as it demonstrates the camp’s

want to push out of their comfort zone but

delays

children or

with

significant

www.CampNavigator.com Vol. 6, Issue 1

his/her parents know there is a greater

While your child may struggle with ADHD,

need for security and supervision than a

other campers may have other challenges

mainstream camp can provide. Finding the

such as behavioral struggles, anxiety or

right camp for your child will only occur

depression. There are benefits of a diverse

through research. Try calling the camp and

camp experience as it helps to teach

discussing their program in detail. Write

empathy but you may feel your child needs

your questions out and schedule a time to

more of a program specialization.

meet or set up a phone conference with their Camp Director. By being pro-active,

IS YOUR CHILD ON BOARD?

your expectations can be matched with what the specialty camp can offer and

While there are times when parents have

deliver.

to make decisions in the best interest of their child, choosing IF summer camp is the

FOLLOW-UP MATERIALS

path to go as well as choosing the RIGHT summer camp are important questions to

Some camps provide follow-up literature

have the potential camper’s input as well.

and a program to assist with re-integration to the home routine. This is very helpful to

Camps for children with special needs are a

reduce negative behaviors when back at

vital component of future success. ”Camps

home. While there is still tremendous value

are the building blocks of self-esteem and

of a summer camp without this information,

belonging,

it is helpful for the child and parent to have

Camps offer unique opportunities for

some common points to discuss at home.

children to succeed in these three vital

learning,

and

contributing.

areas and even beyond home and school.” LENGTH OF CAMP

Michael Popkin, (Ph.D., Family Therapist and founder of Active Parenting). Whether

Some specialty camps can range up to

choosing a camp close to home, or investing

6-8 weeks in length. Due to cost and the

in one that seems to be the perfect fit

overall length, shorter options may be

nationwide, summer camp will help your

more suitable. Make sure to consult with

child to become their best and to reach

your potential camper to see what they are

their fullest potential, regardless of their

interested in. While encouraging them to

challenges.

step out of their comfort zone is important, forcing them in to a longer session may

REFERENCES:

cause more anxiety and reduce the

Crosnoe, R. (2010). Friendships in

effectiveness of the program.

childhood and adolescence: The life

OTHER CAMPERS

course and new directions. Social

OTHER CAMPERS

Psychology Quarterly, 63(4), 377-391. doi: 10.2307/2695847

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WATCH VIDEO

CAMPâ&#x20AC;&#x2039; ofChamps Family Foundations MN

Camp of Champs 2017 Dates Tuition June 10-23, 2017 : June 10-16, 2017 : August 13-25, 2017 : August 20-25, 2017 :

$1,925 $1,025 $1,775 $1,025

info@familyfoundationsmn.com 218-760-8442 www.familyfoundationsmn.com www.CampNavigator.com Vol. 6, Issue 1

3 REASONS TO CHOOSE THE YMCA FOR YOUR SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE

These three reasons will guarantee your camper has a positive experience at a YMCA camp! The YMCA offers camps that are rich with

time at camp, I have heard horror stories

tradition, that are also incredibly cutting

of unappetizing food, poorly trained staff,

edge when it comes to environmental

lackluster program activities, and sketchy

education, health and safety, and staff

safety procedures. By choosing a YMCA

training. For over 100 years, YMCA camps

camp, parents can rest assured that their

around the country have changed lives

campers will receive a minimum standard

by offering a productive and enjoyable

of care that is based on the highest industry

experience

standards and accreditations. The structure of each YMCA camp is based on core goals

Being in the camp world for many years, I

related to personal growth, unplugging

have heard of a wide spectrum of campersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

from technology and exploring nature, and

experiences at summer camp. Although

connecting to oneself and others.

most campers have a great and fulfilling

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REASON 1 The YMCA’s deep history, filled with thousands of successful camper experiences One of the main reasons for so many

All new hires undertake an extensive

successful camp experiences through the

screening and background check, and only

YMCA is that YMCA camps are employing

after passing this stringent process can one

tried and true methods gained from

earn a coveted position on a YMCA camp

over 125 years of successfully serving

staff! Many of these staff positions end up

populations

These

going to graduating campers that have gone

traditions include exciting programs such

through the ranks Counselors-In-Training

as archery, canoeing, and hiking, as well as

often after years and years attending as die

repeat-after-me songs and meaningful arts

hard campers. This is just one of the many

and crafts. These traditional programs are

ways the YMCA keeps it in the family!

youth

globally.

integrated into curriculum that includes contemporary and engaging STEM based

All staff members receive all-encompassing

activities, which regularly incorporate state-

training so that they can handle any

standardized science standards. This allows

situation. Some of these trainings include:

campers to experience many of the same rich “traditional camp” activities of past

First Aid, CPR, and emergency

generations while also being stimulated

preparedness

on a level that challenges their minds and

Proper techniques for facilitation of

engages their bodies.

programs Child Abuse Prevention

Another core tenant of the tried and true

Communication and interpersonal skills

methods of the YMCA is the thorough hiring

training

and training process the staff undergoes.

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REASON 2 The YMCA is community and family driven The core mission and purpose of the YMCA

YMCA camps have the ability to connect

as an organization is to provide services

campers over many summers, with many

related to youth development, healthy living

people that have made lifelong camp friends

and social responsibility. The YMCA camps

that will stand up for you through thick and

align with these core beliefs by promoting

thin (myself included!). This is one of the

community building at camp and beyond.

best parts of the YMCA family, the countless

YMCA camps often unite members of the

opportunities to connect and network with

community through their bond of attending

like-minded individuals that are a part of

camp as well as their shared interests in the

a global support web. YMCA camps often

outdoors. Campers of all ages and abilities

have many scholarships available for

meet at their local YMCA camps including

prospective campers, especially for those

youth, those with special needs, and even

already enrolled in YMCA youth programs.

adults!

REASON 3 Unplug from daily life, Explore Nature, Connect with self and others YMCA camps offer unique views and vistas,

The abundant opportunities to connect with

nature based programs, and opportunities

others in a safe and exciting environment

to engage with individuals from all walks of

truly set YMCA camps into a category of their

life. They are also a refuge from technology,

own. By choosing a YMCA camp, parents

with many YMCA camps far off the beaten

are able to take the guess work out of

path near mountains, forests, and beaches.

choosing a summer camp. There are many

YMCA camps offer the ability to unplug

diverse YMCA camps in different settings

from daily life by breathing in fresh air,

throughout the US, with different program

engaging with stimulating company in the

offerings to meet all of your needs!

woods, and putting life in perspective while learning about ecosystems and archery.

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UNPLUG EXPLORE CONNECT p m a C .L.K. E Where kids unplug, connect with themselves, others and the outdoors!

We teach 21st Century lifeskills to help campers become their best selves. Kids ages 8-14 build confidence & character.

Camp E.L.K. is an overnight camp located in the San Gabriel National Forest, just 1.5 hours from Orange County and Los Angeles. Enrollment limited to 80 kids per session July 10-16 July 17-23 July 24-30 July 31-Aug 6

Session 1 Session 2 Session 3 Session 4

$595 a week/$100 deposit *Additional siblings receive a 10% discount *Transportation included

YMCA OF ORANGE COUNTY For more information please contact Anne Jeffrey at ajeffrey@ymcaoc.org

facebook.com/campelk

campelk.org (760) 249-3822

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. USDA es un empleador y proveedor de oportunidades por igual.

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Top Ten Reasons to send Your Daughter to an Overnight SUMMER BASKETBALL CAMP ~ by Dee Dee Deeken, Camp Director 1 Just Get Better!! If you think practice is hard, try sitting on the bench…and that is why I LOVE summer!!

There are so many things to

love, right? Warm weather, sunshine, Dairy Queen, watermelon, the beach, staying up late, and sleeping in…those are just a few. But when I was a kid, one of my most favorite things was basketball camp. I loved the competition and knowing that I was actively doing something to improve my skills as a basketball player. The desire to be a better ballhandler and a smarter passer, to be able to score from anywhere on the court, to get quicker and stronger, to learn the nuances of the game, to be the best I could be -- fueled me…. and basketball camp provided the spark that launched me into the rest of the summer with renewed dedication and determination to JUST GET BETTER.

2 Girls need to feel empowered Young people today face challenges that didn’t even exist when I was growing up! And helping kids develop the skills to confidently deal with adversity is critical to 44

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their development and decision-making skills.

According to a United Nations

Report, girls who participate in sports are more likely to stay engaged in school, develop a sense of identity, and access new opportunities.

There is strong evidence

that participation in sports also creates more leadership roles for women; develops greater

tolerance

and

understanding

among individuals; improves self-esteem; and can challenge gender stereotypes and discriminatory practices.

Life is not all about sports ... Sports are all about life. • • • •

June 25 -

29, 2017

9:1 player/coach ratio Individual instruction Grouped by age/ability Emphasis on offensive & defensive skills

• • • •

Camper evaluation Team building activities Camp awards & prizes FREE camp T-shirt & Arrowood basketball

Arrowood Basketball Camp is located at the Chi-Rho Center on Lake Sylvia, 7 miles from Annandale, MN and approx. 60 miles west of Minneapolis. In addition to rustic cabins and dining hall, there is a sandy beach with twin docks, boating beach, canoes & paddleboats. We spend most of our day outdoors on the basketball courts!

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3 Life is not all about sports, but sports are all about life

personal hygiene, how to get along with others, what to eat (and not to eat), can be a very valuable experience for kids. They

Hopefully, if you find the right camp, your

might be more prepared to “spread their

daughter will learn a lot about basketball,

wings” when the time comes.

but also a little about herself, as well as some life lessons to take back in her gym bag! Sometimes athletes need help seeing how values such as hard work, honesty,

6 Unplug for a week and connect to people and/or nature

collaboration, and gratitude that are so

In our increasingly technological world, what

integral to sports-- and especially team

a perfect opportunity for your child to leave

sports-- can also apply to their every day

their cell-phone, iPad, TV, etc. in the rear

life.

view mirror (or at least in their dorm-room or bunk for most of the day) and actually

4 Girls can’t be what they don’t see Basketball camp is a great place to find positive role models for your female athlete. Counselors such as graduating high school

interact with people … AND depending on the camp, better yet, to connect with the environment! Outdoor basketball camps offer the best of both worlds in my opinion!

seniors or collegiate players are fabulous examples of people who have been exactly where your daughter is now or perhaps want to be --whether that be aspiring to make the 7th grade B team, the varsity high school team, or even playing in college. Making sure that your daughter interacts with individuals who can provide valuable expertise, tips, and advice is crucial. Young players can never have too many fans cheering them on in the game or in life!

7 Players get the chance to perform different roles on the court Often times a player gets “pigeon-holed” or “stuck”– maybe not intentionally-- in a particular role by a coach because that’s what she has “always” been or done. This can impact a player’s motivation to step-out of their “normal” role or to try to improve certain areas of her game. A different environment, such as camp, may provide an athlete with the new situations

5 A great place to foster independence Being away from parents, older siblings, and the rest of family can be an exciting thought for many kids and a very scary one for others. In both cases, however, spending a little time away from family and having to make decisions about bedtime, 46

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she needs to develop other skills that could help her be more well-rounded and a better teammate.

8 Make new friends Camp can be a great place for your daughter to meet new people and make new friends. Having friends outside of her school day

or regular sports teams can be liberating

boardrooms all look for quality leaders to

for some kids who may need a reset with

enhance their programs and advance their

social situations or who may just want to

businesses.

be exposed to different perspectives and experiences.

10 Learn how to set SMART goals Teaching kids how to set SMART goals

9 A chance to develop valuable

(Specific, Measureable, Attainable, Realistic,

leadership skills

and Time-based) is essential to success

As a coach, I always use to believe that

in many areas of life, not just sports.

our team was really only as good as our

Having kids set goals for a week at camp

leadership on the court.

When we had

is a great way to help them feel a sense of

strong leaders who knew how to effectively

accomplishment and gain confidence. On

communicate and knew how to bring the

the flip side, many times we can learn as

best out of their teammates, we seemed

much or more from our failures than our

inevitably more successful than when the

successes, so reflecting on why a goal did

leadership came only from me, the coach.

not get attained can also be a very beneficial

Colleges,

exercise for young people.

universities,

employers

and

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History Meets Science at Camp Intrepid An aircraft carrier may not be the first place

spaces of Intrepid create an informal

you’d think to send your child for camp, but

environment where children feel free to

Camp Intrepid will change that! The Intrepid

question, explore and investigate. Each

Sea, Air & Space Museum, centered on the

week of camp focuses on a specific theme

legendary aircraft carrier Intrepid, offers

that highlights history, science and service—

camps over the weeklong school breaks

part of the Museum’s mission to honor our

in February, March and April and over the

heroes, educate the public and inspire our

summer break in July and August.

youth. Intrepid, now a National Historic Landmark, served in World War II and the

Camp Intrepid integrates the Museum’s

Vietnam War and was a recovery vessel for

exhibits

hands-on

the Gemini and Mercury space missions.

exploration and activities. The exhibit

The Museum also features Enterprise, the

and

artifacts

into

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world’s first space shuttle; the submarine

Scientific themes related to sea, air and

Growler; 28 authentically restored aircraft,

space abound in camp. These themes are

including the world’s fastest military jet

grounded in the historical significance

and the British Airways Concorde; and the

of the Museum’s artifacts as well as

Exploreum, a hall of hands-on, climb-on

the stories of those who served aboard

exhibits focused on space, flight and life at

Intrepid, took to the skies or traveled into

sea.

space. An aviation-themed week of camp might include learning about the four

Camp Intrepid began twelve years ago. Originally offered to a small group one

children

month

forces of flight, visiting the flight deck to hear how planes used it

for

as a runway, climbing

during

into the cockpit of

the summer, it has

a helicopter to

expanded to three divisions:

examine

First

the

dashboard

Mates (ages 5–7),

and imagine

Jr. Officers (ages

what

8–10) and Lt.

like to be

Commanders

(ages

11–13).

exploring

In addition to

the science

the

innovative

programming delivered the

often

include

pilot,

engineering

staff,

it’s

b e h i n d

camps

aircraft

visits

and

creating their own

from special presenters

flying machines.

whose work relates to the week’s theme. Past presenters

During

weeks

focused

include Animal Embassy, The Museum of

life at sea, camps take advantage of the

Interesting Things, NASA astronauts, former

Museum’s location on the Hudson River to

crew members of Intrepid, and Museum

explore density and buoyancy, learn about

experts in conservation, historical research

the design and engineering of naval vessels

and aviation. Camps offer multiple entry

and investigate how submarines work.

points to learning—offering something for

Comparing salt and fresh water, campers

the more traditional student and the active

learn why and how Intrepid’s crew had

learner.

to “make” their own fresh water and how

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important this was to the running of the

technology and artifacts on the ship.

ship. A boat ride on the Circle Line’s BEAST

Campers investigate talk tubes, navigation

gets campers out on the river—a welcome excursion on a hot summer afternoon! Space-themed

weeks

incorporate

apparatus, tie-downs, catapults and signal flags. They try to discern their uses and their modern equivalents, discussing

Enterprise and look at Intrepid’s role as

how these devices may have evolved.

a recovery vessel for NASA missions.

During some programs, campers dive into

Campers learn about space exploration,

the computer coding and programming

celestial navigation and the solar system. The Museum’s portable planetarium and GeoDome introduce campers to planets, stars and constellations. Young campers create their own planets, and older campers design models with the assistance of 3D printers.

An important part of the camp experience is discovering and exploring the historic

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involved in design, communication and exploration today. At Camp Intrepid, students learn in an informal, collaborative way, guided by a team of dedicated staff selected specifically for this program. These staff members have extensive experience working with children. Many have master’s degrees and are eager to share their knowledge.

Returning counselors are often paired with

The goal of Camp Intrepid is to invite children

new ones, enhancing the program’s quality

into a world of wonder and excitement by

and creating a rich learning environment

engaging them in active learning, new ideas,

for all.

unique exhibits and hands-on testing of hypotheses. We create an atmosphere that

Our camps give children the green light

encourages new friendships and nurtures

to ask questions, test ideas and think

a love of history and science that we hope

of possibilities in a safe, nonjudgmental

continues to inspire them long after they

atmosphere. We have received emails

leave.

from teachers thanking us for connecting certain concepts taught in school to real-life applications, clarifying concepts that were once difficult for students to grasp. Teachers have also mentioned how students’ curiosity and interest have grown, thanks in part to the camp’s use of alternative teaching methods and small group interactions as reinforcement tools.

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MIDWEST MARINE MAMMALS OUR FACILITY. Oceans of Fun is located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and is the only marine mammal camp in the Midwest. We pride ourselves on providing excellent animal care while educating the public about marine life, conservation, and the environment. None of this would be possible without the help of some fantastic flippered friends: our seals and sea lions. Our camps provide the unique opportunity for children ages 7-13 to place themselves in the shoes of our animal care team. Each day, participants explore various topics related to marine mammals such as the differences between seals and sea lions, what adaptations these animals possess that allow them to successfully live both in the water and on land, and training.

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All of these themes are paired with handson learning and daily poolside interactions which brings our campers up close and personal with our animals.

JUNIOR TRAINERS We often refer to our participants as “junior trainers” because they are able to share the responsibilities of our trainers. They learn about how we maintain our seals and sea lions’ habitat, how to prepare diets, and of course, how we train.

This is one of

our most frequently asked questions and every junior trainer that participates in our summer camps could answer this question. This is largely thanks to our ability to not only discuss training and our training tools but to allow our campers to apply their

training knowledge hands-on.

They get

to try their hand at using a target pole (a training tool used to guide our animals in little steps through a behavior) and a clicker which lets our animals know they have done a good job. Just like our expert animal care team, they are also able to fade away the target and communicate with our seals and sea lions using their hands and voices. Whether waving, saluting, or sticking out their tongues alongside our animals, our camps create fun and positive experiences for all participants â&#x20AC;&#x201C; including those with flippers! We love being able to connect our participants with our animals in hopes they fall as deeply in love with them as our staff has and inspire campers to care for these magnificent marine mammals in the future.

POOLSIDE WITH PINNIPEDS. Some of our camps cover one of the most important reasons why we train which is something called husbandry care or voluntary medical work. This means that our seals and sea lions participate in their own health care.

Presenting their eyes,

ears, nose, mouths, flippers, and even their tails is part of every animalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daily routine. This is one of the interactions that we spend the whole week building up to because all of our work is based on building a trusting relationship. Every member of our animal care team has a very special bond with each of the twelve animals that call Oceans of Fun home. This plays a key role in our ability to do all of these husbandry behaviors completely restraint free and just

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as comfortable for our animals as it is for our animal care team and junior trainers. What makes this particularly special to our camp program is that our campers start building up a relationship with our animals so they are able to work poolside with our animals and assist in a husbandry session. They work collaboratively with staff and one of our animals to help with visual checks of their eyes, mouths, and body. Often times they are able to hold a flipper to feel the bones or even brush our animal’s teeth! Sometimes they can even use a stethoscope to listen to our seals’ or sea lions’ heart and lungs. This is definitely a camper favorite as it really gives them the opportunity to experience first-hand the role of a marine mammal veterinarian. They leave inspired by the importance of all these husbandry behaviors and their part in extending the lives of these animals in human care.

ANIMAL AMBASSADORS. In the wild, seals and sea lions are only living to be about 10-15 years old. The oldest sea lion at Oceans of Fun is currently a 30-yearold male named Slick. Our junior trainers come back year after year asking about him sporting their “Team Slick” t-shirts. They ask about Nalu, a three-year-old male rescue animal that stranded in 2013 and was deemed non-releasable and is now thriving with the rest of our population at Oceans of Fun. They ask about our seals, Scooter and Satara. Our campers fall so deeply in love with our animals that they know them by

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name and they try to see if they can tell them apart from the other animals. Interactive programs, like our summer camps, provide the best classroom because of all the handson work they get to do with our animals. By directly connecting our junior trainers to these animals, they start to care about these animalsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; natural habitat and how they can help seals and sea lions in the wild. Due to the hands-on training and ability to work through husbandry sessions, our junior trainers become ambassadors for not only these animals but for the environment as a whole. In turn, the seals and sea lions that call Oceans of Fun act as ambassadors for their wild counterparts and inspire conservation leadership in every one of our campers to help better protect these animals for generations to come.

For more information about our camps and other interactive programs please visit our website: www.oceansoffun.org/ programs

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CAMP CATEGORIES

Summer Camps SUMMER CAMPS PROVIDE ENRICHING PROGRAMS, CARE, AND ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS.

ADVENTURE CAMPS ADVENTURE CAMPS PROVIDE KIDS AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN ABOUT THE OUTDOORS AND BE INVOLVED IN ACTIVITIES LIKE CAMPING, CANOEING, HIKING,& BACKPACKING.

ARTS CAMPS ART CAMPS HELP CHILDREN SHOWCASE AND GROW THEIR HIDDEN TALENTS IN DANCE, FILMMAKING, PHOTOGRAPHY, PERFORMING ARTS, ETC.

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ACADEMIC CAMPS ACADEMIC CAMPS HELP CHILDREN BROADEN THEIR HORIZONS IN THEIR CHOICE OF STUDIES.

AFTER SCHOOL CAMPS AFTER SCHOOL CAMPS ARE GENERALLY HELD FOR ELEMENTARY & JUNIOR HIGH STUDENTS. THESE CAMPS PROVIDE QUALITY EDUCATION ACTIVITIES, AS WELL AS LOTS OF FUN.

FANTASY CAMPS SPORTS FANTASY CAMPS ARE A CROSS BETWEEN VACATION AND TRAINING CAMP. YOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE PAYING FOR THE PRIVILEGE TO SPEND A FEW DAYS HANGING OUT WITH YOUR IDOLS .

RELIGIOUS CAMPS

SPECIAL NEEDS CAMPS

RELIGIOUS CAMPS DEVELOP SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE, PHILANTHROPIC QUALITIES, AND A SENSE OF DEVOTION.

SPECIAL NEEDS CAMPS PROVIDE AN EMPHASIS ON HUMAN VALUES, A SENSE OF BELONGING AND COMMUNITY, AND HELP CHILDREN DEVELOP SELF CONFIDENCE AND SELF ESTEEM.

SPORTS CAMPS

STUDY ABROAD CAMPS

SPORTS CAMPS NURTURE THE ATHLETIC TALENTS IN CHILDREN AND BUILD CONFIDENCE AND SELF ESTEEM THROUGH TEAMWORK AND FRIENDLY COMPETITION.

TRADITIONAL CAMPS TRADITIONAL CAMP ACTIVITIES INCLUDE SWIMMING, CANOEING, ARCHERY, ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION, COOKOUTS, ARTS AND CRAFTS AND MORE.

STUDY ABROAD CAMPS PROMOTE THE RICHNESS AND DIVERSITY OF LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES AT UNIVERSITIES & PLACES OF HIGHER LEARNING ACROSS THE WORLD.

TEEN PROGRAM CAMPS THESE CAMPS TYPICALLY INCLUDE STUDY ABROAD, ACADEMIC & COLLEGE PREP, TOURS AND TRAVELS, OUTDOOR & ADVENTURE, AND VOLUNTEER & COMMUNITY, ETC.

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SUMMER CAMPS