Summer Camp Magazine | Camp Magazine | Summer Camps 2015 | CampNavigator Magazine by CampNavigator

Vol. 4, Issue 2

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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Summer Camp reinforces

essential life skills Nature is the ultimate

playground

TOP10

Reasons your child should

attend Theatre Camp this Summer (in no particular order...)

Why send your kid to music camp? Helping your child if your Child is

experiencing bullying

Time to leave the city

What to look for in a commuter day camp

Eleven “Top 10” Reasons Why Your Teen Should Attend Summer Camp

Why You Should Consider an Academic Camp this Summer

The Most Contagious Camp Bug—

Homesickness What Summer is best for

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EDITOR’S LETTER

WELCOME! Is everyone ready for Summer Camp? Hopefully by now you have successfully navigated through the Summer Camp & Summer Program possibilities for you and your family, and have secured your spot for a fun summer. If you haven’t already selected the ideal Camp or Summer Program, it’s time to start navigating with CampNavigator.com! In this issue we showcase an amazing baseball camp that provides a low player-coach ratio, and is the largest network of baseball camps. We feature a spectacular nature camp with programs that inspire an appreciation of the wonders of nature and explain what each of us can do to protect our environment. We showcase a wonderful theatre camp that is committed to using theater to transform lives beyond a performance on the stage, feature a great day camp that has provided meaningful and memorable summer experiences for campers and their families for more than 60 years, and much, much more. We share some amazing camp pictures, exciting camp videos, and provide much more information about summer camps and summer programs. At CampNavigator, we give parents accurate, insightful and valuable information, empowering them to make informed decisions about summer camps & summer programs. CampNavigator Magazine shares knowledge to enrich the lives of children, youth and adults through the camp & summer program experience. We hope that you and your family are able to find the right summer camp or summer program for your needs. Enjoy your search as you navigate with CampNavigator.com! …And we hope you enjoy this issue of CampNavigator Magazine!

Your CampNavigator Team.

Jeffery Nadeau

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CampNavigator

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Your rants and raves..

Jeffery Nadeau

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Vol. 4, Issue 2

Wishesh Digital Media

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

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

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Laurie Nichols, Tammy Love, Marc Tummineli, Nico Waller, Courtney Rae Forti, Mariola Doran, Felecia Dupzak, Char Miller, Josh Corpuel, Nathan Brant, Lauren Robbins, Gordon & Donna Felt

Summer Camp reinforces

essential life skills Nature is the ultimate

playground

TOP10

TO CONTRIBUTE / ADVERTISE

Reasons your child should attend Theatre Camp this Summer ( in no particular order...)

Time to leave the city

What to look for in a commuter day camp

Eleven “Top 10” Reasons Why Your Teen Should Attend Summer Camp

Why You Should Consider an Academic Camp this Summer

Jeffery Nadeau eMag@CampNavigator.com

BACK ISSUES & ENQUIRIES Jeffery Nadeau jeffn@CampNavigator.com

Why send your kid to music camp? Helping your child if your Child is

experiencing bullying

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The Most Contagious Camp Bug—

Homesickness What Summer is best for

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Contents June 2015

U.S. BASEBALL ACADEMY

GATE HILL DAY CAMP

12 12

SCHOOL OF ROCK

OLIVER HAZARD PERRY

DELPHI ACADEMY

NavigatorFullBLEED_Layout 1 12/23/14 3:41 PM Page 1

ARCC PROGRAMS

CORA HARTSHORN ARBORETUM

CAMP NORTHWOOD A nationally renowned co-ed summer sleep away camp for

CAMP NORTHWOOD

U.S. BASEBALL ACADEMY

STONYBROOK

BROADWAY WORKSHOP

GATE HILL DAY CAMP

HIDDEN VALLEY CAMP

ORANGE COUNTY BOY SCOUTS

SCHOOL OF ROCK

RANDOLPH MACON ACADEMY

PACER.ORG

OLIVER HAZARD PERRY

SEA CAMP

GIRL SCOUTS NORTHERN IL

DELPHI ACADEMY

CAMP WAYNE

SOUTH MOUNTAIN YMCA

ARCC PROGRAMS

AZ BROADWAY THEATRE

FCA CAMPS

SPORTS INTERNATIONAL

CORA HARTSHORN ARBORETUM

LAKE CHAMPLAIN MARITIME MUSEUM

CAMP NORTHWOOD

CIRC ESTEEM

INTERVIEWS

CAMP CATEGORIES

SUMMER CAMPS DIRECTORY

CAMP CATEGORIES

SUMMER CAMPS DIRECTORY

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FOUR BENEFITS OF SENDING YOUR CHILD TO A SUMMER BASEBALL CAMP By: Laurie Nichols, VP for Camp Administration and Public Relations, U.S. Baseball Academy

Camps, summer camps specifically, are a long held tradition in many families. Camps and clinics enhance player development and give players a chance to learn outside the everyday confines of practice or games. Whether it’s a sleep away camp for the whole summer or a week long day camp, the benefits of attending baseball camps are numerous. Here are four of many reasons that baseball camps are beneficial to young baseball players. 1) Eliminate “The summer brain drain”— Summer baseball camps fill kids time during the summer months when they are out of school. Rather than watch television or play with various devices, kids have the opportunity to be active in an environment that is new to them. In addition to exercising their minds, baseball camps also exercise their bodies and keep them in shape for the upcoming season or other sports.

3) Improve Social Skills—Since most kids will be going to a camp where they don’t know anyone, they will have ample opportunities to work on their social skills. Getting to know new people and interacting with players from different backgrounds helps players with important social skills they will need throughout their lives.

2) Improve Self Esteem—Summer baseball camps are generally educational or instruction intensive. Kids learn new skills and techniques or refine skills and techniques they may already have. These new skills improve their self-esteem and help them to feel confident when they return home and participate on their teams with their newly acquired knowledge. Since camp settings are educational, players can build confidence outside the normal, sometimes stressful, confines of a game or practice.

4) “Broaden your horizons”—Since most camp instructors are unknown to campers, players can broaden their horizons and learn from instructors they wouldn’t normally learn from. Every child is different, so learning something (even if they have learned it before) from a different coach may change how a player sees something and the skill or technique may “click” with them, when it hadn’t before. Forging new relationships with coaches outside of their daily routine can aid in their social development as well.

These are just a few of the reasons that baseball camps are beneficial to young players. For some families, cost is prohibitive. While sleep away camps are popular in the summer, many cities and areas have day camps that are just as beneficial to children. Check with your local YMCA, recreation department, or school district for listings of camps. Some camps offer scholarships or payment options that make sending your child to camp affordable. It’s important to remember that baseball camps are not exclusively in the summer. Many schools and colleges have started winter break camps or indoor camps during the colder months. Parents should take advantage of any opportunity to expand their child’s horizons through non-school related experiences, such as baseball camps or clinics. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SUMMER OR WINTER BASEBALL CAMPS, VISIT CAMPNAVIGATOR.COM

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Coming To

More Than 250 Locations Nationwide

See Website for Dates and Times in Your Area Advance registration required. See web site for deadline.

U.S. Baseball Academy’s Spring Training program is a unique concept providing young players with advanced hitting, pitching, fielding/baserunning, catching training programs and instruction by some of the area’s best coaches. Sessions for grades 1 through 12 include four days in our summer program, and four or six weeks of instruction in our spring program all for as low as $99. A national baseball training program operated locally by top coaches in your area. With a low player-coach ratio, each player gets plenty of individual attention in a small-group atmosphere. In addition to unbeatable instruction by the area’s best coaches, players get a preseason tune-up that helps them enter team practice in mid-season form. With numerous age-specific sessions, instruction is specially tailored for each ability level. Register now, pay later. What better way to get a jump on the upcoming season or stay ready for your current season than a complete Spring Training experience, featuring instruction from some of the area’s best coaches?

For a complete description of the program and registration forms, visit

www.USBaseballAcademy.com If you do not have internet access, call our office at 866-622-4487 www.CampNavigator.com Vol. 4, Issue 2

NATURE IS THE UL

ature camps provide all the benefits of other summer camps – making friends, having fun, getting exercise, developing new skills, learning to cooperate with peers and listening to counselors. The nature camp experience doesn’t stop there; nature camps feature hands-on, down and dirty opportunities promoting a lifelong love of the outdoors, learning, and healthy habits! Nature is essential for life. We need it for health, happiness, and prosperity. A walk in a park can do a world of good. Spending time in nature reduces stress, increases health, promotes creativity and concentration, and makes us happier. While this is true for all humans, it is most important for children while they are growing and forming habits. The recent movement to get kids outside is based on evidence highlighting the benefits of nature. As adults, one of the best things we can do with (for?) our kids is to get them hooked on nature. Part of this happens directly, in the activities we do with our children, like a weekend walk, a vacation trip to the beach, or looking up that bird you saw on your way to the grocery store. Another part of this happens indirectly; through the activities we bring our children to like after-school programs, clubs, scouts and summer camps. Outdoor time is important and kids benefit tremendously. Nature-based camps offer nature immersion, outside-all-day programs, and a chance for kids to get dirty, shout out loud, run around, poke at things, and generally make nature their ultimate playground. No matter if a child is ‘all about nature’ or a little timid around insects, the nature camp environment offers opportunity for growth. Nature Camp encourages each camper to experience something outside their comfort level, whether that may be touching a fish, walking in the rain, or playing a cooperative game. The experiences at a nature camp can benefit kids by helping them know more about the world around them and about their abilities. Hiking all day and trying new things may translate directly into greater self-confidence and contentment for campers! Getting kids in touch with nature can also benefit our environment. Those of us in the environmental education field know that people only protect what they love, and they only love what they know. This

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is the powerful inspiration of nature camp staff. Nature camps provide nature experiences for all types of children, from urbanites to rural kids – from indoor kids to outside-every-afternoon types. At nature camp, those backgrounds are respected as staff encourages each child to explore beyond his or her current ‘habitat.’ There is magic that happens when a camper comes to camp saying ‘I’m afraid of bugs’ and leaves camp having caught and studied his own bug buddy! Contact with nature fosters creativity, increases attention span, and makes kids healthier. The exercise, fresh air, and sunshine that nature campers experience promote healthy bodies and minds. A week at nature camp may be just what you and your child are looking for. Explore, Discover, and Connect with nature and the outdoors this summer at your local nature camp this summer!

- by Tammy Love, Camp Director

LTIMATE PLAYGROUND

Critters and Crayfish and Frogs... OH MY!

Video Link Virtual Tour Website

Explore. Discover. Connect.

Summer Day Camp - Pre-K through Age 16

thewatershed.org

Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association 31 Titus Mill Road Pennington, NJ 08534 â&#x20AC;˘ (609) 737-7592 www.CampNavigator.com Vol. 4, Issue 2

Top10

REASONS YOUR CHILD SHOULD ATTEND THEATRE CAMP THIS SUMMER (IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER…)

1. SELF CONFIDENCE – Children and teens involved in theatre camps often are able to express themselves in ways that other children have a hard time tapping into. Being part of a theatre camp either sleep away or week long intensives help give students gain a better foundation of who they are and how to show the world.

2. FRIENDSHIPS – In a world that tends to really support sport related activities, theatre kids can sometimes feel like an outsider. Giving students the opportunity to foster friendships with other students who share the same love of performing is truly life changing. These are friendships that will last forever.

3. TRAINING – The right program should inspire young performers to work to their greatest potential. Performing in the theatre as a career is incredibly competitive and by having young theatre artists experience high level training they will have skills they can take into an audition or in a future performance.

4. PERFORMANCES – Most camps or intensives end in some sort of finale, show or student showcase. Getting on stage and applying what they have learned is paramount in building on a students skill set. And it’s fun for the parents to get a glimpse of what their child has been working on during the program. 5. FIELD TRIPS – Many theatre camps in NYC take their students to see a Broadway Show as part of the camp experience. It is truly incredible to see theatre kids in the middle of what they want to be a part of!

6. CONNECTIONS – They say in the business of theatre, TV and film it’s “who you know”. That is pretty much true! Many students who start out as performers end up as casting directors, directors, producers, writers etc. The kids involved in theater camps don’t even realize they are in the room with the next generation of theatre artists and they are part of that!

7. AUDIENCES – By giving your child the opportunity to immerse themselves in theatre you are helping create the generation of audiences who will go to theatre, subscribe to theatre and keep theatre alive.

8. STEPPING OUT OF THE BOX – If you have a child who loves theatre or performing and might be fearful to give it a try, summer camps are the BEST possible way to get the ball rolling. By spending a week or longer with a group of people, a student will get comfortable and try things they might never have without a camp experience.

9. SPECIAL GUESTS – Many theatre camps will bring in major Broadway stars or guest teachers to work with students. Working one on one with someone a student admires is an opportunity students will never forget.

10. FUN – I can’t think of a better way to spend a day than in the middle of something you love to do. Being part of acting, singing and dance classes can be challenging but when you love it, it’s the most fun you can have during your summer break.

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- by Marc Tumminelli Owner and Director of Broadway Workshop in NYC.

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TIME TO LEAVE THE CITY:

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A COMMUTER DAY CAMP Summer in the city can feel close and convenient, but programs are limited, and don’t have the fresh air and freedom of good commuter day camps. Are you ready to look outside the city for the next tier of camp experiences? Here are some important factors to consider when looking for a camp to fit your family for the next several years. SETTING AND FACILITY Summer camp is at its best when campers are taking safe risks and trying new things. So it’s no surprise that the number 1 reason for leaving the city this summer is the spectrum of different outdoor experiences commuter camps provide. Even the best city programs just cannot compete with state of the art facilities on 30+ acre private properties. Day camps up the ante with features like zip lines, archery ranges, farm programs and even lakes for water sports. Be wary of tired looking buildings and grounds. A manicured facility is a great indication of a camp that pays attention to the details. SWIM PROGRAM Savvy city parents know commuter camps offer the best learn to swim programs, and will seek out the camps that combine small groups, and space to learn. Ask how many campers are in each swim group, and how many senior instructors with WSI (Water Safety Instructor) qualifications are on staff. Some camps even provide regular progress updates communicated home to keep you involved. Swim teaching is a vital life skill and camp is the perfect place to learn to embrace your inner fish. TRANSPORTATION Commuter camps may feel far away on a map, but in many instances the travel time will be equivalent to getting to a class or program on the other side of the city. Look for camps that consider the time on the bus part of camp, with a counselor and activities while in

transit. The best day camps will have separate bus activity programs with fun games and themes, and travel toys to keep campers engaged. From a safety and convenience perspective, find out what happens if a bus (or you) hits a delay. Is the camp itself the dispatch, or are they leaving you on hold while they try to contact a 3rd party bus company. The best camps will keep you up to date with phone calls or emails when there are changes to the schedule. EXPERIENCED, ACCESSIBLE LEADERSHIP When choosing a camp for their family, many parents rightly insist on one on one time with the Owners and Directors of the camp. Before entrusting your child to a camp, take the time to meet the Directors and listen to how they plan to treat you and your family. Exemplary camps will have experienced directors that make themselves available for their community of families. Most importantly, if you pick up the phone in the middle of the summer, are you going to be able to speak to them about your concerns? ACCREDITED One of the easiest ways to start your search into the exciting world of commuter day camps is by excluding all camps that don’t meet the standards of the American Camp Association. The ACA runs a stringent accreditation service that requires high standards of care from summer camps to be included. The standards cover everything from program quality to health and safety, and provide an easy way for families to trust that a camp is managed responsibly.

- by Nico Waller 12

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HIDDEN VALLEY CAMP

Be Yourself at HVC

LIVE INDEPENDENTLY IN AN AMAZING PLACE

ELEVEN “TOP 10” REASONS WHY YOUR TEEN SHOULD ATTEND SUMMER CAMP Complicated social lives, school demands, and personal identity issues are just a few of the challenges faced by teens and their parents. Among the infinite philosophies and opportunities available as families confront the tumult of Teen-hood, a simple and enjoyable tool to consider is Summer Camp. Believe it or not, camp is the perfect accompaniment to this exciting phase of growth and transition. Here‘s why:

Tech Break. With the lives of youth becoming more and more technologically entangled, taking a “Tech Vacation” provides health benefits and encourages positive social and psychological developments. Furthermore, campers are grateful for the break; without the constant stimulation of social networking, children find themselves able to truly immerse in their friendships.

Staying Engaged. Soccer, Sculpting, or Ninja Training: Camp provides a variety of physical, creative, and intellectual opportunities for teens. In addition to keeping teens active and engaged, camp can help them learn a new skill or further develop a passion.

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Exposure to New Things. A change of environment and supportive exposure to people, places, and experiences they may not encounter anywhere else, expands the minds of teens, teaching them adaptability and a greater awareness of possibilities.

Meaningful Friendships- Relationships forged at camp have a special vitality and depth. Living in a close-knit community and sharing common experiences builds the foundations of mutual trust, respect, and openness which is why we find camp friendships still paramount and thriving decades down the line.

Great Role Models. Camp staffers are uniquely passionate people with big hearts who typically have no qualms about being themselves and having fun. Seeing young adults demonstrate such responsibility and confidence is refreshing and inspiring for many Teens.

Leadership and Responsibility. Camp relationships and activities strongly encourage the development of personal responsibility and conscientious leadership. Living in a group of peers requires that everyone contribute, not only with chores or shared tasks, but also with their opinions and observations as valued individuals.

Gaining Independence. Immersion in an entirely new environment causes one to become more self-aware and self-reliant. Camp gives individuals the opportunity to make more choices and take more responsibility. Teens thus find themselves more experienced and confident in their independence.

Cultivating a Healthy Relationship with Authority. Authority figures at camp look and act different than those in everyday life. With the main objective of camp being safe and inclusive fun, authority figures are silly and outgoing community members not just rule enforcers and mediators. This kind of accessibility allows Teens to cultivate respect for people in authoritative roles while also feeling comfortable questioning those in charge.

The Perfect Prep for College. In addition to the aforementioned perks, there are other ways that camp is a college microcosm (sans homework and fraternities!) Learning to live away from home in a group of peers can be a shock and camp gives teens a preview of the experience. They also learn to respectfully and comfortably share living space with new people, how to organize their day independently, and, in the rare case that they havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t experienced it before, what eating in a noisy dining hall is like.

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Participating as a Member of a Supportive Community. Sharing similar experiences, space, and objectives with those that you live with allows Teens to feel a part of something. From daily routines to spontaneous activities, campers play a role in creating their environment with fellow community members, leaving them feeling accomplished, capable, and supported.

Overcoming Self-Consciousness and Finding Oneself. The most overarching and undeniable of all the reasons is perhaps this one. The challenges and successes of the camp experience shed layers of self-doubt and allow true identity to more fully emerge. This is especially powerful for teenagers; camp provides them with the insight and outlets to explore and discover who they are.

Watch Video

- by Courtney Rae Forti

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SCHOEPE SCOUT RESERVATION AT LOST VALLEY is a property owned and operated by the Orange County Council, Boy Scouts of America Since 1964, Schoepe Scout Reservation at Lost Valley (SSRLV or Lost Valley) has provided a premier wilderness experience for thousands of Scouts and Scouters. Located in north San Diego County, approximately an hour south of Temecula, Lost Valley sprawls across 1,400 breathtaking acres of chaparral, oak, and pine to border the Cleveland National Forest and the Anza Borrego Desert State Park. Lost Valley summer camp programs offer a full range of Scouting experiences from shotgun and rifle ranges to boating programs on a newly reformed lake and a new, state-of-the-art high ropes course. For more traditional skills, Lost Valley staffs a full Scout Skills center, which provides expert instruction in knot tying, fire building, first aid certification, and other core Scouting competencies, along with more advanced skills such as cooking, geocaching, and search and rescue training.

Scouts can attend camp in one of Lost Valley’s more than twenty campsites with their Troop or they can attend as a solo camper through the camp’s Individual Camper Program, camping under the care and guidance of Lost Valley staff. All Lost Valley staff members undergo an intensive training program to ensure they are fully capable of providing a top quality program to their guests. For over fifty years, Schoepe Scout Reservation at Lost Valley has been proud to serve as Orange County’s flagship summer camping facility, and looks forward to welcoming your unit through its gates this summer and into the finest summer camping program in southern California.

Top

#1 18

Reasons why your son should build his adventure at Schoepe Scout Reservation at Lost Valley:

Astounding amenities The camp facilities include 22 cabins; two swimming pools; a twoacre seasonal lake; rifle, archery, and shotgun ranges; horse stables; mountain bike center; observatory; two handicraft centers; an Indian Village; a nature center, a technology center, and a newly renovated camp store; and tent camping space for over 800. Additionally, there are two dining halls, Beckman Hall and Casey Lodge, which provide Scouts with meal service. Lost Valley camping programs provide time-tested leadership and character development opportunities for the individual Scout, Patrol, and whole Troop.

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BUILD YOUR SCOUTING SUMMER ADVENTURE AT LOST VALLEY

Adventure awaits! Lost valley has one of the greatest high adventure programs in southern California. Being set in a valley with natural rock climbing features, it offers Scouts the opportunities to climb on its indoor climbing wall as well as its natural granite faces. The new high ropes course gives Scouts a chance to challenge themselves while being safely supervised. When hiking through the surrounding areas, the desert landscape opens up on to an oasis of waterfalls and caves making Lost Valley a destination for anyone looking to test their outdoor skills and restore their appreciation for the great outdoors!

Amazing staff leaders Confidence, responsibility, and leadership are just a few of the things staff members gain from working at Lost Valley. “Being a staff member has made me the person I am today, and has allowed me to be able to remain true to following the Scout Oath and Scout Law in my daily life. Camp helped me come out of my shell; taught me to conduct myself in a mature, respectful manner; and gave me the confidence to talk to new people, try new things, and push myself to accomplish my best.” Jennifer Blevins, Camp Director “The staff exemplified high-caliber diversification of skills from teaching multifunctional Scout skills to the specifics of lifesaving first aid skills. Lost Valley staff members executed a well taught class that enabled young Scouts to feel comfortable and confident in being prepared to master and apply the skills they learned. Finally, the staff was a team and truly a ‘family away from family.’” Ingvar Corona, seasonal staffer

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Activities galore! Two thirds of Scouting is Outing. Lost Valley offers one of the most extensive summer camp programs in the country, with opportunities for everyone. Aiming to shoot shotguns, rifles, or archery? We’ve got that, thanks to our NRA-certified shooting ranges. Looking to rappel, climb, and swing down zip lines? We’ve got you covered, with a full high adventure program, two rock walls, and a new high ropes course. Want to learn to ride horseback? Our stables and wrangler staff are looking forward to teaching you all the basics, and then getting you out for a trail ride. First time camper? Try our Trail to First Class program where you can go on a mock campout. Want to make your own souvenir? Test your creative side at our handicraft center. Are you into the latest and greatest technology? Learn to film a movie or shoot rockets at our Tech Center. Think you’ve seen everything summer camp has to offer? Let us show you the other side, with Camp Borrego, our older Scout program where you can dive into everything from backpacking to search and rescue.

Advance and grow your Scouting skills Schoepe Scout Reservation at Lost Valley is a great camp for Newer and Older Scouts offering Merit Badges that most camps don’t offer like Welding, Moviemaking, Space Exploration, Search and Rescue, and Eagle Scout required Merit Badges like Cooking. Lost Valley is one out of very few camps you can actually complete the full Archeology Merit Badge in a week up at summer camp because it contains an actual archeological dig site. Love history? With the Indian Lore Merit badge you can learn about the Native American Tribe that once lived in the location of the camp called the Cupeño Indians. At various times throughout the year, the camp offers weekend Merit Badge opportunities. Lost Valley offers over 40 Merit Badges, staffs ten program areas, and provides program opportunities for every Scout and every Troop.

For more information on

SCHOEPE SCOUT RESERVATION AT LOST VALLEY

Contact

JENNIFER BLEVINS CAMP DIRECTOR 714-546-8558 X 131 JENNIFERB@OCBSA.ORG 20

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You can’t Google the thrill of this adventure. #BuildAnAdventure Get out and Scout!

“A week of camp life is worth six months of theoretical teaching in the meeting room.” ― Robert Baden-Powell, Founder of Scouting

ssrlv.org | 714-546-8558 x131 www.CampNavigator.com Vol. 4, Issue 2

WHY SEND YOUR KID TO MUSIC CAMP? NEW OPPORTUNITIES

SUMMER CAMPS 2015 BLUES CAMP July 13-17 / August 10-14 SONGWRITING June 22 - 26 / July 27-31

DIVAS ONLY BUILDS CONFIDENCE June 15-19 / July 20-24 ROCK AND ROLL BOOTCAMP

July 6 - 10 / Augustkids 3 - 7 to Music camps are built to encourage embrace themselves and to be proud of what they can accomplish. taking kids through the CALL US NOW!By (847) 864 7525 beginning evanston@schoolofrock.com steps of what it takes to put a song together all the way through to the finished product, instructors can instill a strong sense of confidence and pride in kids. This is great opportunity to give your kids something that will stay with them throughout their lives.

Who doesn’t want a chance to work with active, working musicians? Music camps allow kids of all ages to literally and metaphorically get their hands dirty as they dabble in the wonderful world of music! Not only do kids get to work with brilliant and talented minds, they get a chance to work with equipment they otherwise wouldn’t have access to on a daily basis.

FOCUS Music camps take place in set amounts of time. This allows instructors the opportunity to spend a dedicated amount of time with their kids and to focus on both the strengths and shortcomings of each child. This ensures that kids get the kind of focus and attention they need to really grow throughout the time they spend at camp.

BUILDING BONDS Where better else to find young, likeminded individuals? At music camp, kids will get the chance to meet others who share their interests and passions. Any musician will tell you, while it can be fun to jam with strangers, it’s always better to rock out with friends!

IT’S FUN!

TEACHES PERSEVERANCE

Time and time again, studies have proven that the best way to learn new things is when you’re having fun. Music camps guarantee a wellrounded experience that combines good, old fashioned hard work with a lot of fun!

Making art is hard; ask any artist. Music camp will allow your kids an excellent opportunity to learn about seeing a task through to the end. Whether they are songwriting or learning about the history of rock and roll, music camp teaches kids the valuable lesson of sticking with a project and seeing it through. This is a useful skill regardless of the task at hand!

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SUMMER CAMPS 2015 BLUES CAMP July 13-17 / August 10-14 SONGWRITING June 22 - 26 / July 27-31

DIVAS ONLY June 15-19 / July 20-24 ROCK AND ROLL BOOTCAMP July 6 - 10 / August 3 - 7

CALL US NOW! (847) 864 7525 evanston@schoolofrock.com www.CampNavigator.com Vol. 4, Issue 2

WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER AN ACADEMIC CAMP THIS SUMMER Website

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With so many choices available to help your child explore interests and develop natural talents, it might be easy to dismiss the idea of an academic camp. However, we think that an academic camp is a key component to a well-rounded summer. Here’s why:

YOUR CHILD WILL PROBABLY READ MORE. It would be nice to think our children are at home learning by reading books and exploring current events on the internet, but let’s face it: they’re probably not. Joseph Addison coined the phrase, “Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.” An academic camp ensures the brain gets some exercise over the summer.

USE IT OR LOSE IT. Talk to any teacher and you’ll hear the same thing: Every fall teachers have to spend weeks going over what was learned the year before. Because the students didn’t apply what they learned over the summer, they forgot it. An academic camp keeps the mind sharp.

CHECKS… The Bible doesn’t say that money is evil (as many people mistakenly believe), it says “the love of money is the root of all evil.” The same principle applies here. Electronics—smart phones, tablets, video game systems—are not evil. Recreational use of them can be a good stress reliever, there are many educational uses, and they are good communication tools. However, it is easy to allow those devices to absorb your entire day, especially if you have nothing else on the docket.

…AND BALANCE. An academic camp provides balance among academics, organized fun (i.e., swimming, sports, cook-outs, etc.), and individual free time.

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FRIENDSHIPS. Not to sound cliché, but the friendships you make at any summer camp are special. You share a time and experience that no one but your fellow campers can relate to as you can. That’s true of an academic summer camp as well.

LEARN TO LOVE LEARNING. In most academic camps, such as Randolph-Macon Academy’s, the classes are for enrichment purposes—they don’t count for any kind of credit. Because of this, the students can focus on learning instead of worry about their grades. For many, it becomes the first time they enjoy learning, and they go home with a new attitude towards school.

AWESOME FUN. An academic camp is designed to spark students’ interest and creativity, not have them memorize facts. The curriculum is unlike what you get during the school year, because teachers are free to take the class in almost any direction they want. That means they come up with some amazing projects, and when a class shows extreme interest in a topic, it’s okay to pause the lesson plans and delve deeper into the material.

MARIOLA DORAN Randolph-Macon Academy Middle School Vice Principal and Academic Summer Camp Director

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HELPING YOUR CHILD IF YOUR CHILD IS EXPERIENCING BULLYING WHEN YOU DISCOVER YOUR CHILD IS BEING BULLIED, YOU MAY FEEL A VARIETY OF EMOTIONS FROM ANGER TO FEAR TO SADNESS. THESE REACTIONS AND EMOTIONAL RESPONSES ARE NATURAL FOR PARENTS WHO WANT THEIR CHILD TO FEEL VALUED, PROTECTED, AND LOVED. TO BECOME AN EFFECTIVE ADVOCATE FOR YOUR CHILD, IT IS IMPORTANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR EMOTIONS AND THEN FOCUS ON DEVELOPING AN ACTION PLAN TO HELP YOUR CHILD. READ MORE … 26

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IN THINKING THROUGH YOUR ACTION PLAN, STEPS TO CONSIDER MIGHT INCLUDE:

TALK WITH YOUR CHILD.

When you first talk with your child about bullying, be prepared to listen without judgment, and provide a safe and supportive place where your child can work out his or her feelings. Children may not be ready to open up right away as they, too, are dealing with the emotional effects of bullying and may be feeling insecure, frightened, vulnerable, angry, or sad. When your child begins to tell their story, just listen and avoid making judgmental comments. It’s important to learn as much as possible about the situation, such as how long the behavior has been happening, who has been involved, and what steps have been taken. Encourage your child to talk, and let them know they are not alone and you are there to help.

SUPPORT AND EMPOWER YOUR CHILD.

After hearing your child’s story, empower them to create an action plan to help stop the bullying. Talk with your child about ways you can support them as well as intervention strategies they can use, such as working with the school or advocating on their own. Creating a plan that works with your child’s strengths and abilities can help build self-confidence and resilience. Make sure to share these agreed-upon strategies with those involved in your child’s life, such as teachers, coaches, and other adults who interact with your child on a daily basis.

LEARN YOUR RIGHTS.

Check your state’s legislation on bullying. Each state has different laws and policies on bullying, along with requirements on how schools should respond. Visit StopBullying. gov to find out the laws your state has put into place. Also, check your state’s Department of Education website for a state Safe Schools office, which can be a great local resource to learn more about your state and school’s policy. Another option is to look up your school’s policy on bullying.

THINK THROUGH WHO ELSE SHOULD BE INVOLVED.

In addition to being supportive and empowering your child to write down a plan, it can be very helpful to document the steps that you plan to take or have already implemented. Written records provide a history, which can be very helpful. You can also think through your strategy about how to involve others that can help your child. This might include determining who you will contact at school, what you plan to ask them, and how you will be involved. Other options include contacting a guidance counselor or other health professionals for advice. If the situation doesn’t change, your plan might include steps to contact local law enforcement or legal counsel.

GET INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY.

Bullying touches many lives and it might be happening to others in your child’s school or community. You can help by raising awareness through community events, attending workshops or trainings in your community, or sharing information with others. www.CampNavigator.com Vol. 4, Issue 2

RESOURCES TO HELP CREATE AN ACTION PLAN FOR YOUR CHILD AND FAMILY Notifying the School About Bullying – Using a Template Letter Parents should contact school staff each time their child informs them that he or she has been bullied. PACER Center has created template letters that parents may use as a guide for writing a letter to their child’s school. These letters contain standard language and “fill in the blank” spaces so the letter can be customized for your child, including letters customized for children with disabilities. Student Action Plan Against Bullying The student action plan is an opportunity for students to develop a strategy to change their current bullying situation. This can be done on their own or with the help a parent or teachers. Cyberbullying: What Parents Can Do to Protect Their Children The internet has become a place for children to post mean and inappropriate comments about their peers. This 8-page booklet has information for parents on how to address cyberbullying with their child and what steps to take if their child is being bullied online. Drama: Is It Happening to You? It’s important for students to know that bullying is never their fault. They have the right to make it stop, but they never have to do it own their own. This resource gives teens three steps to handle a bullying situation at school.

Elementary School Students - If You Are a Target (Of Bullying) This is a visually friendly, age appropriate handout for early learners, or for parents to use when talking with their child that includes tips about handling a bullying situation. Safety in the Online Community: A conversation with your 13-year-old about Facebook and Instagram This guide helps parents talk with their teens about using the popular social networking sites Facebook and Instagram. It covers setting up a new account, safety tips, and commonly asked questions. This guide is accompanied by discussion points for talking with your child and steps for responding to harassing content. Talk to Your Child About Bullying This resource helps parents prepare themselves to talk with their child about bullying and includes tips on how to respond to their child’s questions and emotions. Steps To Take If Your Child Is Being Bullied At School This guide contains three helpful steps parents can take if their child is being bullied at school, including work with your child, work with the school, and work with district administration.

PARENTS OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS:

PARENTS OF MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS:

Visit PACER’s Kids Against Bullying website with your child and check out the following pages:

If your teen is experiencing bullying, encourage them to visit PACER’s Teens Against Bullying website and check out the following pages:

Targets of Bullying – What Can They Do? This handout provides tips for elementary school students who are being bullied. Parents can use this resource when talking with their child about bullying experiences.

Are You Being Bullied? Quiz Bullying can happen to anyone and it’s not always easy to recognize. This quiz helps teens recognize what bullying is and if it might be happening to them.

How Bullying Feels (video) Bullying brings up many emotions, such as anger, confusion and sadness. This video shows elementary school students that they are not alone.

Reasons Teens Don’t Tell This page provides reasons why teens may not tell a parent or an adult about a bullying situation.

Advice Gone Wrong When talking about bullying, it’s important for parents to give good advice and provide solutions that work. This page shares the advice that adults should avoid giving to teens.

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Cyberbullying This page gives tips on what teens can do if they are being cyberbullied.

One of every three students is bullied. Chances are this could happen to someone you know and care about. Bullying, an intentional behavior that hurts or harms someone, either physically or emotionally, is a serious issue that directly impacts thousands of students every day. As damaging as bullying is, there is hope, because bullying is an issue that can be prevented. When students, parents, educators, and others unite it means one less student being bullied, one more person speaking out, or another young person knowing that they are not alone.

How does PACER help? Inspires

PACER engages communities to recognize that bullying is a behavior that has affected too many for too long. Preventing bullying begins with creating social change with bullying being recognized as a serious issue that impacts educational performance, physical and emotional health, and student’s safety and well-being.

Educates

PACER provides free, innovative web-based information, ideas and actions that can shared in communities across the nation to address bullying. Resources include engaging websites designed just for students, literature for parents to help their children through bullying situations, classroom toolkits for educators and much more.

Involves

PACER activates individuals to take action—on both a personal and community level. Everyone can participate in signing a petition, sharing their own story, or contributing a message to “I care because”. They can also coordinate and participate in high profiles events such as National Bullying Prevention Month in October, Unity Day, or a Run, Walk, Roll Against Bullying. ABOUT US Founded in 2006, PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center actively leads social change so that bullying is no longer considered an accepted childhood rite of passage. PACER provides innovative resources for students, parents, educators, and others, and recognizes bullying as a serious community issue that impacts education, physical and emotional health, and the safety and well-being of students.

PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center® The End of Bullying Begins With You

8161 Normandale Blvd, Minneapolis, MN 55437 952.838.9000 | PACER@PACER.org | bullying411@PACER.org PACER.org/Bullying | PACERKidsAgainstBullying.org | PACERTeensAgainstBullying.org October is National Bullying Prevention Month, founded by PACER in 2006 www.CampNavigator.com Vol. 4, Issue 2

LEARNING TO LIVE TOGETHER AT SEA A summer aboard America’s newest Tall Ship

A blur of pink flashed into the fish swirling under the floodlight. “Look, look!” “There it is again!” “Has it grabbed the jig yet?” “Keep bobbing the line! Slowly… ”“Wah! It grabbed! I got it! What do I do?” “Pull the rod up!” Up went the rod, a bit too fast, and the squid shot out of the water to about deck height and greeted the young sailors with a shock of ink. They shrieked with laughter, first wiping the black off their arms and caprail, then after being told that it was entirely non-toxic and even edible (the Italians use it to color

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rice), started smearing it on their faces like warpaint. The crew member shook her head smiling, the ink that got her no worse a stain than the pine tar and engine grease already on her work clothes. After the dissection, the young trainees would have a little more to clean up off the deck, but that wasn’t a big deal; at this point in the week, they had fully integrated the sense of responsibility and ownership that living and working on a ship requires.

Oliver Hazard Perry is a Sailing School Vessel, a self-contained floating world that is structured by teamwork and a shared sense of responsibility. She is a new, full-rigged ship, with three masts and square sails on each mast. Oliver Hazard Perry Rhode Island, the non-profit that operates the ship, designed and built her because a Tall Ship is a perfect environment for a person to experience themselves as part of a greater community. With that experience comes increased self-confidence and happy camaraderie, especially valuable to young people discovering themselves and

developing their virtues. Oliver Hazard Perry welcomes each trainee aboard as voyage crew, joining the professional crew in the ship’s company.

For a sail-powered vessel, navigation as simple as changing direction is entirely contingent on wind direction and force. Doing so demands the coordination and cooperation of each member of the ship’s company. On a Sailing School Vessel like Oliver Hazard Perry, trainees participate fully in the sail evolutions – bracing the yards, laying aloft to unfurl or stow sails, and adjusting the sails – and every other aspect of the ship, as a way of learning responsibility, teamwork, diligence, and good old-fashioned seamanship.

and encouraging curiosity in classes and commitment in work.

Trainees stepping onto the ship are at first overwhelmed by the seeming tangle of sticks, strings, and huge handkerchiefs, each with its own name; after all, the full-rigged ship was the zenith of humanity’s technological advancement during the nineteenth century. Each trainee is assigned to a watch and rotates with crew through the deckhand’s responsibilities in navigating, operating, and maintaining the ship, learning knots, stars, weather patterns, and even sea shanties. They spend their watch standing look-out on the bow, checking the ship’s internal systems like the engine room and bilges, steering at the helm, and completing ship’s projects. A ship’s cook prepares the communal meal, but like everything else, everyone is responsible for clean-up. In addition to hands-on learning in the rig, Oliver Hazard Perry is outfitted with fully-equipped classroom spaces below decks (including a historically-inspired Great Cabin!) so schools can use her as a seafaring campus. During the summer, Oliver Hazard Perry runs her own camps, sailing to ports along the Atlantic Seaboard

The silhouette of a Tall Ship captures the imagination, yet no mast, spar, line, and sail is for decoration. Each has a distinct purpose and a proper use, coordinating to propel the ship. These devices and simple machines don’t operate themselves; they must be animated by a quick and committed crew.

Soon enough, the language of the ship becomes familiar, and its confusing array becomes the mechanism that the ship’s company operate together in order to sail to adventure – and on the way, maybe jig for a few squid. With a clear goal and exciting voyage, the tasks required of everyone for the whole to succeed become second nature. And with such esprit de corps, our inked trainees grabbed deck brushes, swabbed the deck and caprail, and even cleaned up themselves by the time dinner was served in the mess. Ship Specifications Flag USA Rig Full-Rigged Ship Homeport

Newport, RI

Sparred Length

207’

Length on Deck

128’

Length on the Waterline

117’

Draft 13’ Gross Tonnage

471 tons

Beam 30’ 6’ Rig Height

130’

Sail Area

14, 000 sq ft

Power

Twin Caterpillar Diesel

Hull Steel Berths

49 (17 crew, 32 trainees)

Normal Cruising Waters

Worldwide

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Sea Camp Does your child have a love of the ocean? Do you often find your

child digging through the sand searching for crabs and other critters rather than building a castle? Is Shark Week playing constantly on your television every year? Then maybe Summer Sea Camp with the Center for Aquatic Sciences at Adventure Aquarium is just what you’ve been looking for to encourage your future marine biologist! Each summer, the Center for Aquatic Sciences brings the marine world to life for children ages 6 – 16 through our Summer Sea Camp program. Summer Sea Camp is dedicated to nurturing a child’s interest in science and the aquatic world. Summer Camp also prepares children to excel by weaving STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) concepts through fun programs and activities. Our professional educators deliver hands-on science activities, interactive learning, and up close experiences with animals that your child will remember forever. This year, children will have the opportunity to become marine reptile paleontologists while exploring Adventure Aquarium’s Dinosaurs of the Deep exhibit. From giant sea turtles to fierce swimming lizards, we will explore the animals that shared our ancient oceans with sharks and whales, vying to rule as the top predator.

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The first two weeks are devoted to our younger scientists ages 6 -12. New Jersey is fortunate to have so many habitats to explore, and each week includes two field trips to one of these amazing places. We get wet and muddy while exploring different aquatic habitats and the animals that call them home. Trips vary every year, but can include seine fishing at the beach, searching for fossil shark teeth while wading through a stream, or visiting a nature center and exploring life in a pond. The other three days are spent exploring Adventure Aquarium. Each day we discover a different section of the aquarium. Behind the scenes tours show campers how we care for the variety of animals that call the aquarium home. Interactions with live animals, crafts, and handson science occur in one of our classrooms. We even find time for icebreakers and games that help children learn difficult science topics. Our Junior Marine Biologist program is designed for children ages 13 – 16 who have a love of science. Weekly activities include dissections, animal observations, career studies, and more hands-on science. Five field trips occur during the 2-week camp, and range from digging into the mud at the salt marsh, to hiking through the New Jersey Pinelands, to pulling a seine net through the bay and observing the fish and invertebrates that we catch, to a trip on a whale watch. Lab activities, visits to animal exhibits, animal care, and interactive lessons occur during days campers are at the Aquarium. There’s no better way to learn about the ocean than to explore it. There’s no better way to appreciate the animals that live there than to know them. There’s no better way to protect the world’s oceans than to love them. And there’s no better way to learn to love the oceans than to be a Sea Camper!

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The Most Contagious Camp Bug— Homesickness

ith ever-growing access to instant communication, the tried-and-true concept of “no news is good news” has been forgotten. Most camps rightly institute a “no technology” policy for campers to promote independence and confidence in their ability to try new things on their own. This confidence can be used to advance social skills, such as making new friends and trying fresh experiences with an open mind. Because parents and campers experience a lack of instant communication (snail mail communication is still highly encouraged), many campers experience homesickness. Homesickness can be one of the most influential developmental experiences a camper can have at camp. If handled properly, a camper can develop a higher level of independence by realizing it is perfectly normal to miss home. Missing home means the camper is cherished and has an interest in returning to their loved ones. Homesickness most commonly develops during down times, such as rest hour or bedtime. Very rarely does this emotional episode rear its ugly head while campers are enjoying fun and adventurous activities. Homesickness also comes in many forms. Some

campers have an emotional response and begin to cry or shut down, not wanting to participate in any activities. Other campers act out with hopes of being sent home for bad behavior. Many parents are concerned their camper will experience a bout of homesickness while in the care of camp staff. Rest assured, most camps prepare their staff to combat the contagious “illness.” Even if your camper went to camp last summer without experiencing homesickness, there is a possibility of being exposed to someone else missing home and therefore catching the homesickness “bug.” Good news! Homesickness is a completely natural feeling! It can be resolved, so your camper isn’t sent home early during their session. Some campers need to talk with a camp counselor about what they are missing at home. Others need to focus on the fun they are having at camp and the adventures ahead. Some campers feel the need to work through the feelings on their own. No matter how homesickness is handled, a camper should know they are not the only one missing home. Their counselor could be experiencing the same feelings but are having such a great time at camp, it doesn’t show.

Here are some suggestions as you prepare to send your camper off for another great summer of fun: Talk with your camper about the possibility of missing home while at camp. Let them know it is natural to experience these feelings. Missing home means they are loved and want to return to familiarity. Develop a strategy for dealing with homesickness. Do not promise they can come home as soon as they start to feel homesick. Become familiar with your camp’s homesickness policy. Most likely, the camp staff will work with your camper to overcome the feelings of missing home before calling home. Very rarely will a camp send a camper home due to severe homesickness. Sending a camper home is typically a last resort tactic. Discuss your concerns with camp staff so they are more fully prepared to handle your particular camper’s situation. Share the homesickness strategy you developed with your camper. During this conversation with camp staff, you’ll also learn what has been successful for that counselor in dealing with homesickness. As mentioned before, staff has been trained and are experienced in dealing with homesickness. Most likely, your camper is not the first camper they have worked with on this issue.

Send your camper with a keepsake that reminds them of home and their familiar routine. For younger campers, this may mean their favorite stuffed animal. These keepsakes give campers something to focus on and a sense of responsibility because they need to keep this item safe while at camp. This does not mean to send your camper to camp with an irreplaceable family heirloom! Consult your camp’s communication methods and policies. If you are able to send letters or emails, make sure they are upbeat and focusing on the all the fun your camper should be experiencing at camp. Do not tell your camper the family goldfish passed away or that you are all having a great time at Disney World without them. If campers are able to send mail home, prepare your camper for mail success. Make sure to provide addresses (postal or email) and envelopes with proper postage.

Felecia Dupczak has over 10 years of experience as a camp staff member and is currently a Girl Experience Specialist/Camp Director for Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois.

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- by Felecia Dupczak

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WHAT SUMMER IS BEST FOR -

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There are many different reasons reported on how summer break came about. Some believe it stems from agrarian times (children had to stay home to help plant and harvest the fields). Others say that teachers needed time off to train and the summer months gave them this opportunity. Still others feel its the best time to vacation with their families because the weather makes it easier to travel around this country or to visit other countries. And then there’s the simple fact that a place without air conditioning during the summer months makes it uncomfortable and it’s harder to pay attention when trying to learn. Probably all of the above was true at some point, but for whatever reason, schools still take a summer break, and parents have to find the best filler for this time off.

one can loose momentum when away from a certain task. And just like any skill, if you don’t continue to use it, that specific area tends to weaken. I’ve seen many children after taking the summer off, loose not only their momentum, but also loose some of their gains from the past school year. This can be avoided by finding the right summer camp. Summer Camp - the term itself generates pictures of outdoors, water and sunshine. One advantage of summer is the great weather we do have here in the Chicago area. And we all know that spending time outdoors is essential for good health in general, so by taking part in activities outside, you are helping boost your physical needs as well. Even if you do not choose a summer camp and decide to have them stay home this year, it is important to get your child out every day so that they can extrovert - the benefits far exceed the time it will take you to maintain this one activity daily. To sum up and answer “What summer is best for -”, we’d have to capture both of our goals to continue education and enjoy the outdoors. The ideal summer balance would be a camp with a mixture of academics and fun outdoor activities. That way, your child does not loose momentum and can keep learning all summer long while also enjoying being outside having fun.

While it’s important to take some time away, a few weeks is usually enough downtime to rejuvenate and be ready for the next term. Try not to extend this downtime too long as

References: 1. Timothy Taylor at conversableeconomist.blogspot.com 2. Rachael Stark at infoplease.com

So when looking for the perfect match for you and your family, look for a camp that does both - has an academic portion as well as fun with outdoor activities. That’s what summer is best for - continuing your child’s educational program, and enjoying the outdoor weather.

CHAR MILLER Delphi Academy www.CampNavigator.com Vol. 4, Issue 2

Summer Camp 2015 More than a Summer Camp SUMMER CALENDAR

Summer is one of the best times to experience Delphi Academy. Not only do we offer fun camp activities, such as swimming, hiking, arts and crafts and field trips, but we offer academic enrichment programs as well.

Nine Weeks of Fun & Academics

June 8 – August 7 Our summer program is designed to beat the heat with swimming twice per week! And… Be prepared to hit the outdoors for one of our weekly field trips:         

Climbing Wall Fishing at a local pond Hiking Horseback riding Playing at a local splash pad Miniature golf Picnic Talent show Ice Cream Social

Academic Enrichment Academic enrichment is done daily for one hour.

Camp is a great place for children to sharpen skills, advance in existing studies or explore new interests. Young students will also take advantage of our early PRESCHOOL PROGRAM reading program. In fact, some of our campers will learn to read for the very first time! On-campus preschool program features fun activities, academics and lots of outdoor play. Program available all 9 weeks.

Pre-school will remain on-campus, i.e. no field trips.

(Activity schedule subject to change.)

DELPHI ACADEMY™ • 241 E. Roosevelt Road • Lombard, IL 60148 www.delphichicago.org • (T) 630-620-8950 • (F) 630-620-8920  2015 Delphi Academy of Chicago. All Rights Reserved. Delphi Academy of Chicago is licensed to use Applied Scholastics™ educational services and materials. Applied Scholastics and the Applied Scholastics open book design are trademarks and service marks owned by Association for Better Living and Education International and are used with its permission. Delphi Academy of Chicago admits students of any race, color, nationality or ethnic origin and is a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation.

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CAMP RATES Camp Hours Full Day: Half Day:

9 AM to 4 PM 9 AM to 12 Noon

Weekly Tuition

Daily Rate

$150/week $100/week

$35/day $25day

Drop-off between 8 - 9 AM daily Pick-up at 12 noon for half days Pick-up between 4 - 5 PM for full days

Registration and Tuition Policies Camp fee includes tuition, materials and field trips. Parents provide snacks and lunch. To register, please submit a completed application form and a non-refundable one-time application fee of $60 and a non-refundable deposit of $100 by April 17, 2015. No application fee is required for returning campers. A tuition paid-in-full 10% discount will be given if payment is received by April 17, 2015. The balance of the full camp tuition must be paid on or before May 29, 2015. There will be no camp tuition refunds after May 29, 2015. Please make all checks payable to Delphi Academy. DELPHI ACADEMY™ • 241 E. Roosevelt Road • Lombard, IL 60148 www.delphichicago.org • (T) 630-620-8950 • (F) 630-620-8920  2015 Delphi Academy of Chicago. All Rights Reserved. Delphi Academy of Chicago is licensed to use Applied Scholastics™ educational services and materials. Applied Scholastics and the Applied Scholastics open book design are trademarks and service marks owned by Association for Better Living and Education International and are used with its permission. Delphi Academy of Chicago admits students of any race, color, nationality or ethnic origin and is a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation.

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WHY YOU SHOULD ENROLL YOUR CHILD IN A BROTHER/SISTER CAMP

hoosing between a single sex, co-ed or brother/ sister camp is one of the most important factors parents must take into account when considering camp for their child. A child who might thrive at a single sex camp could struggle at a co-ed camp or visa versa. After 95 years, I guess you could say that we’re a little biased about the brother/sister camp experience. We call it the best of both worlds.

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“WHY A BROTHER/SISTER CAMP?”

n simple terms, we encourage our “boys to be boys” and our “girls to be girls.” Most of our campers are in a co-ed environment during the school year so camp becomes a great opportunity for boys to focus on their male friendships and girls to focus on their female friendships. The bunk unit becomes the most important part of camp, with the development of teamwork and communication skills front and center.

n a typical brother/sister camp, daytime hours are all about playing, learning, exploring and bonding without the social pressures that most children experience each day in school. Evening activities are often the time when brother/sister camps come together. The frequency of these social activities will vary by age with the youngest campers having a handful of social events throughout the summer while the oldest campers (10th graders) might have socials several times a week.

brother-sister camp regulates the social pressures that boys and girls experience when sharing the same space. A boy might be more inclined to try climbing the wall if he wasn’t worried about what the girls would say if he didn’t make it to the top. A girl might be more excited about jumping on the water trampoline if she didn’t need to worry about how she looked in a bating suit. After an energizing day on the fields, lake, and trails campers get the best of evening activities, which include an age appropriate amount of regularly scheduled co-ed activities like discos, crazy games and simple hangout time.

nother important advantage of a brother/ sister camp that many parents looking at camps don’t consider relates to staff. The counselor staff at most resident camps is made up of male and female college students who have their own set of social pressures. If they’re separate during the day, counselors are better focused on their campers and not the cute tennis instructor on the next court. Just as campers have evening activities to social with the opposite sex, counselors have free time after “lights out” to socialize, not when they’re supposed to supervising the campers.

he camp experience is about lifelong friendships, character development, life skills, and an appreciation for nature. A brother/sister camp is the ideal environment for realizing these connections and skills. Today’s children are faced with so many day-to-day social pressures and constraints; for boys it’s frequently athletic prowess and for girls it’s all about appearance. At brother/sister camp, you don’t need to be a star or look like one to be successful.

- by Josh Corpuel

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WHY WHY TRY TRY A A TRADITIONAL TRADITIONAL Y Y SUMMER SUMMER CAMP CAMP THIS THIS YEAR? YEAR?

I believe in the power of summer camp. There, I said it. My name is Nathan Brant, CEO at the South Mountain YMCA Camps, and I am a summer camp believer. I may, however, be part of a dwindling number of believers. In an era of specialization, the value of the traditional summer camp experience with archery, canoeing, campfires, nature walks, horseback rides, rock climbing and swimming is increasingly difficult to explain to perspective families. Traditional Day and Resident Camps are like liberal arts colleges. We teach behavior before skill, we teach values before competition; we teach how to learn new skills and interact successfully in groups. More and more, society seems to turn away from the notion of liberal arts and the well-rounded individual. We are witnessing an unprecedented growth in technical or magnate schools at all levels, and the same thing is happening with our summer camps. Now everyone has gotten in on the “camp game.” Museums, churches, schools, universities, YMCAs, YWCAs, Scouts, community foundations and conservancy groups are all running camps. We have soccer camp, art camp, dance camp, eco-camp, swim camp, lacrosse camp, language camp and many, many more. Each of the programs teaches a specific skill. They teach kids to be a better soccer player, a more skilled dancer, a more competent linguist or a faster swimmer. Meanwhile, traditional summer camp programs continue with their less glamorous work – teaching kids how to be better people. In our summer camps, Bynden Wood Day Camp and YMCA Camp Conrad Weiser, we strive to help our

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campers develop the assets and life skills that will make them successful adults. Regardless of the camp activity, we teach our kids and teens the lessons of leadership. Whether on horseback, the archery range or the climbing tower, we intentionally work to improve a young person’s communication skills. We focus on the development of interpersonal trust. We provide opportunities for problem-solving. We promote personal independence and initiative. When a young person leaves our program, we know she or he is better prepared to serve as a leader, or be a responsible member of group being led. But all this talk of assets and skill development distracts us from the single most important reason to send a young person to summer camp: It is UNBELIEVABLY FUN! As a kid, there is no greater adventure than living away from your family for a few weeks each summer. Campers make new friends. They build things with their own two hands. They sing. They laugh. They learn new things about themselves. They dress up in costumes. They sneak out at night to raid the kitchen for ice-cream. They make memories that will be with them for their entire lives. As my father has always said, “moderation in all things.” Make time this summer for your child or teen to try a week at art camp or swim camp. Enroll them for a week in a quality soccer development program. But make time in their busy summer for a couple of weeks away at a traditional YMCA summer camp. Being a great soccer player, swimmer or lacrosse player may be important through high school or college. Being a great person, leader and learner are important for life.

YMCA Camp Conrad Weiser Making Memories Since 1948 Our Camps Include: Traditional Sleep-Away Riding Specialty Literary & Theme Teen Adventure Teen Leadership International Travel And More!

610.670.2267 or SMYMCA.ORG www.CampNavigator.com Vol. 4, Issue 2

ADVENTURES CROSS-COUNTRY Meaningful Service. Real Connections. True Adventure.

Since 1983, ARCC has been bringing teenagers to the most unique and compelling places in the world, giving them the opportunity to serve, explore and connect with the people, cultures and lands they visit.

Watch Video 44

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Visit website

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jessica had an absolutely INCREDIBLE time! The trip was jam packed with wonderful adventures and experiences. I can hear the absolute joy in her voice as she describes different adventures. You did a fantastic job and we appreciate your leadership very, very much!â&#x20AC;?

ARCC Parent, Sunnyvale, CA

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CampNavigator.com

ABT Academy Editorial

“The arts are an essential element of education, just like reading, writing and arithmetic…music, dance, painting and theater are all keys that unlock profound human understanding and accomplishment.” –William Bennett, Former US Secretary of Education

The value of integrating an arts education into a child’s life has been studied, reviewed and analyzed for years, but perhaps the most telling data that can be collected is seeing the face of a child on stage for the first time in front of family and friends, overcoming stage fright, self consciousness and fear while embracing creativity, imagination and confidence. That is the goal of Arizona Broadway Theatre’s Academy for Young Performers. Since it was founded in 2005, Arizona Broadway Theatre has made arts education part of its community-centric mission in the Phoenix-metro area. Its Academy For Young Performers program sees hundreds of kids come through each summer, all ranging in age and ability, as they join together with newfound friends who share the desire to be part of something grand. Taught by professional-level performing artists and teaching artists, ABT’s Academy hosts four summer programs in 2015, ranging from one week to three-week sessions, depending on the age of the participants. During their time at the professional theatre’s Peoria location, young performers are coached through rehearsal processes, learning new music, choreographing and blocking stage performances and even get an understanding of audition practices, directing and design methods for costumes and sets. At the end of every session, participants perform an age-appropriate musical on the ABT Mainstage to a house full of hundreds, showcasing all of their hard work and newly acquired knowledge of the performing arts world.

According to Arizona Broadway Theatre’s Associate Artistic Producer Kurtis W. Overby, each session is designed to enhance the varying likes and talents of Arizona’s youth.

“We want every child to leave the program having found a way to demonstrate their love for the arts,” Overby said. “So often children come to the Academy thinking they could never be part of the theatre world, and they leave realizing they can contribute as a designer, costume director, scenic artist, stage manager and so on. It’s not just about being the lead in the play. It takes hundreds of people to put on a show, and if we can nurture that understanding in the next generation, then we’ve accomplished something to make sure the arts live on.” With the decline of arts education continuing in schools across the country, the cutting of programs seems to be all too common. To give children the advantage, campers are taught their final showcase performances while incorporating valuable STEM to STEAM education techniques intended to help them long after summer camps are over. Whether for an intensive learning opportunity or an introduction to the performing arts, a summer experience with Arizona Broadway Theatre’s Academy for Young Performers is one-of-a-kind. It is more than learning steps and notes; it is about camaraderie, self-esteem and putting the ARTS back into education.

For more information on the upcoming 2015 Academy sessions, please contact the ABT Box Office at (623) 776-8400 or go online to

azbroadway.org.

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Exploring Creativity & Imagination

SUMMER CAMP 2015! ABT’s Academy for Young Performers provides children interested in the performing arts the opportunity to explore their creativity and expand their imagination.

Five sessions for ages 7 - 19: June 1 - Aug 1 Call for age, date and show information!

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!

MAY 22 - JUNE 21 623.776.8400 • AZBROADWAY.ORG 7701 W. PARADISE LN. • PEORIA, AZ 85382 www.CampNavigator.com Vol. 4, Issue 2

“How a Faith Based Sports Camp Benefits the ‘TOTAL THLETE’” By Lauren Robbins, FCA Southwest Regional Camp Coordinator Growing up as a competitive athlete, I understand the excitement of playing sports and the challenges that come along with it. Our student athletes are facing things like long afterschool practices, team drama, families stretched much too thin following games and practices. But when you begin to think about the emotional and spiritual challenges facing our young competitors – comparison to other athletes, pride, pressure from parents, fear of failure – it can be overwhelming. Our culture has always valued the world of athletics, but we are beginning to see that the messages that are sent through the venue of sports are not always positive. With all this in mind, how can we stand up to give our kids the right perspective? Of course we all want our kids to be the best athletes they can be! We as parents are their number one fans. We drive them to practice, wash those stinky uniforms, drive across the state to watch 40-second races (thanks Dad!), we hug them after the winning hit or the losing error. Because we believe in our kids the way we do, it is our responsibility to help them grow not only in their athletic abilities but in their character as well. As parents, let’s stand up and give our kids the best chance they have to succeed in sports, and in life. But how? The good news is, when selecting a summer camp for you child you do not have to sacrifice excellent athletic training or spiritual and character development. There are camps that truly focus on BOTH. Christian sports camp can provide a time of “inspiration and perspiration” where athletes learn to reach their full potential through comprehensive athletic, spiritual, character, and leadership training. In the world of sports ministry, camps are using the platform of sports to reach the “total athlete” giving kids the opportunity to improve athletically, grow relationally, and encounter Jesus Christ powerfully!

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Case Keenum of the St. Louis Rams and former University of Houston standout quarterback, says it was at a Christian sports camp as a high school athlete where he began to hear language like “Doing Sports God’s Way,” and playing for an “Audience of One.” It was in that environment where he says, “I was around amazing athletes from all across the country, but I was also being challenged to play with integrity, to have a great attitude, to be coachable and humble. I saw guys be fiercely competitive and aggressive on the field, and yet completely humble and give glory to God for their gifts. I believe it was that summer that set my life on a path to greatness. I will not play football forever, but the character that was instilled in me at that camp has shaped the rest of my life.” In my years of working at faith based sports camps I have consistently seen kids walk away from camp as well-rounded, hard working, motivated kids who live lives of integrity and character on and off the field of play. Integrating Christian principles into the world of sports is a powerful tool to connect with kids where they are. Taking the passion for sports that so many children have - research has shown over 21 million youth (age 6-18) participate in an organized sport in our nation each year – and connecting it with a positive message is a powerful tool to reach the next generation.

Top

5 reasons to choose a faith based sports camp:

The chance to improve athletically, connect relationally, encounter Jesus Christ powerfully Learn leadership skills for your athletic career and everyday life Hear inspiration from college and professional athletes Interact with other young people who are in the same walk of life Be challenged to play for an “Audience of One” – Jesus Christ!

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Founded in 1983, we are the best teaching football camp in the nation having graduated over 99,000 athletes, many currently playing at the college level. From 20112014, Sports International had 250 NFL players or NFL coaches attend our camps and clinics as instructors. No other organization in the nation can make this claim. If you are an experienced football player or just starting football, our football camps are an experience you will never forget!

“

The young athletes learn what football is really about from the pros and great coaches. There are a lot of coaching points that are given that will help the campers learn the game. – Richard Sherman, Seattle Seahawks

You will return home to your team a better football player! Campers learn from outstanding veteran college and high school coaches selected for their ability to coach and teach the game of football. The staff is complimented with many current and/or and former members of the NFL. Before the start of camp, each of our instructors attend an orientation session ensuring they adhere to the values and high level of coaching that is expected from the Sports International coaches.

I love how the players are attentive and enthusiastic about football. They get to learn the game at a young age and learn it the right way.

– Victor Cruz, New York Giants.

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We will teach you the same offensive and defensive techniques that are taught in the NFL! Campers are grouped by age, position, ability and experience to allow coaches to progressively teach basic and advanced techniques to best benefit each group. Campers are taught at an approximately 10:1 ratio. This ratio ensures that campers receive individual and team instruction on both offense and defense at camp. With each practice, you will receive in-depth instruction, lectures, and demonstrations from an experienced, knowledgeable coaching staff. At camp, players get all the football they could ever want. Campers receive up to 6 hours of instruction each day. Each camp is the right size to allow players to be matched up properly at each age level. This allows not only for a proper match up, but also for the campers to be challenged and provided with a better learning environment.

Football Technique is the key to success: There are no “tricks” when it comes to being a solid football player! We believe that proper technique make athletes better and good athletes great! The experienced instructors at Sports International concentrate on teaching the fundamentals and proper technique throughout the entire camp.

I liked the way the coaches were teaching the kids in a one on one setting. I felt the campers start to get a college feel.

- Darren Sproles, Philadelphia Eagles

Our coaching staff offers each player an enormous amount of encouragement with an enormous amount of enthusiasm. Our philosophy is to “let them have fun” while learning a lot of football! We promise each camper will go home a better football player. But players learn more than just football at camp. They are taught about teamwork, consideration of others, self-discipline, and how to attain their potential in sports and in life. Players also learn the importance of achieving good grades and selecting correct role models. We encourage them to go home a more positive, optimistic person. Safety is important at camp so all of the staff is subject to a background check. There are athletic trainers on duty at all times to attend to the campers needs. Send your son to the finest instructional and best supervised football camp in the USA!

Please visit our website, Are you in high school? Do you want to get recruited? Can you make our Gridiron Elite? The Gridiron Elite is an exclusive club made up of the top high school players that attend our programs. Each recipient will be hand-selected by the coaching staff at camp. Each member will have their information sent by Sports International to over 2,500 college coaches throughout the nation to aid in their recruiting efforts. Through our partnership with NCSA (National Collegiate Scouting Association), they will also send your information to an additional 5,000 coaches across the country.

www.footballcamps.com, (or) call us at 301-575-9400 if you have any questions, or just want to learn more about the best football camps in the USA!

Enrollment is limited, register today!

I liked the interaction with the players. I would recommend the camp to any player because of the great coaching and the chance to work with NFL athletes.

– Jared Allen, Chicago Bears

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Explore Nature at Cora Hartshorn Arboretum Did you know that spending time in nature can increase a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attention span, reduce stress, and develop social skills as well as fine and gross motor skills? Studies have found great benefits to childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mental and physical health when exposed to the outdoors. These are just a few of the benefits that children at our Nature Discovery Camp receive at the Cora Hartshorn Arboretum.

every day searching for and studying the native flora and fauna that thrives here. Inside, the children are surrounded by our live animal displays, artifacts, and various scientific tools that help them explore their findings! Last year, campers got to observe live animals to learn about adaptations, roll logs to learn about decomposition, and even build a wigwam while learning about the Lenni Lenape Native Americans!

Summer is the prime season to be outside exploring the bugs under rocks, catching small insects in the water, and working with peers to build the largest bird nest! The Nature Discovery Camp at Cora Hartshorn Arboretum offers programs for ages 3-11 years old that incite an appreciation for nature and excitement for science. Each day a science or nature related topic is explored through experimentation, exploration, arts and crafts, and play. Children spend time outside

Cora Hartshorn Arboretum is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote an understanding of the relationship between people and the environment through programs that integrate arts, science, and the humanities. We promote an understanding and appreciation of nature starting at a young age so that children can develop into lifelong stewards of the environment. Located in a quaint setting on 16 acres of managed woodlands, Cora Hartshorn Arboretum

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is rich in both biological diversity and local history. From the unique geological landforms formed long ago to the white pines planted this year, each component of this arboretum reflects a history of conservation and appreciation of nature. The land was given to Cora Hartshorn by her father, Stewart Hartshorn in 1923. Coraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission was to preserve the land for wildlife and in 1931 a Stone House was constructed from local rocks and wood. Today the Stone House still serves as the main building where teaching and activities are held. When Cora willed the property to Millburn Township upon her death, a non-profit was formed to ensure that her wishes of promoting environmental stewardship ensued. Today, programs run yearlong for school groups, scout groups, and local community members in addition to our popular summer camp.

The Nature Discovery Camp at Cora Hartshorn Arboretum provides a safe, fun, and friendly environment for all ages. It is accredited by the American Camp Association which ensures that the health and safety of campers are top priority. Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s innate curiosity and joy in learning will be sparked by hands-on discovery led by our staff of experienced teachers. The camp nurtures children by promoting a positive interest in nature and encouraging a protective attitude toward living things.

2015 NATURE DISCOVERY SUMMER CAMP! June 29- August 21 Attend any or all weeks! Turtle Tots (ages 3-5): 9:00am-12noon Explorers (1st-3rd grade): 9:00am-3:00pm Hawks (4th-6th Grade): 9:00am-3:00pm (select weeks only) Cora Hartshorn Arboretum 324 Forest Drive South Short Hills, NJ 07078

973-376-3587 www.HartshornArboretum.org

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Champlain Discovery - Lake Champlain Maritime Museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kayaking Adventure Camp

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Campers often describe their summer with Champlain Discovery as “the adventure of a lifetime.” Starting in mid-June, ten campers ages 13 to 16 meet daily at Vermont’s Lake Champlain Maritime Museum to build their own sea kayaks, and then embark on an 11-day voyage.

At the journey’s end, the campers arrive in Burlington physically fit, tanned, and self-assured – and newly prepared to meet the adventures and challenges coming their way as young adults.

For three weeks, each camper uses hand and power tools to measure, cut and assemble a 17’ Chesapeake Light Craft sea kayak, then paints it with his or her own design. Special workshops help campers learn “leave no trace” camping skills, paddling and water safety procedures, and basic first aid. There’s also time for rowing, soccer and swimming. The campers launch their kayaks at historic Whitehall, NY to transit Lock #12 of the Champlain Canal, experiencing firsthand the engineering that brought thousands of wooden canal boats from the Hudson River into Lake Champlain during the nineteenth century. The canal now brings pleasure boats – and recently, aquatic invasive species that are changing the lake’s ecology. Paddling by day and camping each night, Champlain Discovery campers challenge themselves in new and positive ways. “These kids are on the water, pushing their limits physically and emotionally,” said Nick Patch, who created the program. “They get up before sunrise to beat the afternoon heat, and paddle for miles, sometimes into strong headwinds or soaking rain.” Campers take turns as group leaders, presenting the route, weather considerations, camp spots, and the plan of action. The journey includes paddling, swimming, exploring natural and historical sites, and community service work, such as helping to maintain campsites along the Lake Champlain Paddlers Trail. Campers hike into the Split Rock Wilderness Area on the New York shore, “reading the landscape” for traces of nineteenth century iron mining activity. At Barn Rock, they view a shipwreck with an LCMM archaeologist using Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) technology. At Shelburne Farms, campers work in the organic community garden in exchange for fresh produce, then camp at a site with incredible views across Lake Champlain to the Adirondack Mountains. “It’s not exactly a day at the beach,” one camper fondly recalls. “Some days we would paddle nine miles, other days 17 miles. We were given maps and learned how to navigate. It was our job to find the next campsite, haul out our gear, set up camp, cook and clean up. The experience really takes you out of your element, and gives you a chance to see what you’re made of. I loved it!”

From the staff :

“

My goal is not to turn out boat builders, but to help these kids learn skills that will make them stronger, more self-assured people: leadership, teamwork, belief in their own abilities, and the often-overlooked skill of being able to cooperate with others who may have different opinions. – Nick Patch, Champlain Discovery founder

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From a parent : Champlain Discovery made a huge difference in my son’s life! Champlain Discovery helped my son: Learn about cooperation and team work Learn to keep on paddling! Be away from family Learn about Vermont history and environmental concerns

Develop woodworking skills and finish a project Make new friends Experience a great sense of accomplishment Feel confident about future endeavors

I felt that if he completed two days it would be a great accomplishment – and he now wants to be a marine biologist!

From the campers: Champlain Discovery is an incredibly welcoming and positive experience. Kids from all sorts of backgrounds and skill levels were able to work with each other. I felt that I grew so much, not only in physical and boat building abilities, but also I grew as a person. I didn’t have many friends before this, and now I have thirteen. I know how to make friends and talk to people now.

Building the kayak could be tedious, but every step counts just as much as the first step. It’s a real craft. You need to take the time to figure out what you want your boat to be. I grew up living on Lake Champlain and boating. But Champlain Discovery got me interested in outdoor leadership. I plan to someday work with people with disabilities – physical and mental – in the adventure education world.

From the staff: “This program goes way beyond building kayaks,” says former Champlain Discovery instructor Angela Gibbons. “It’s about building kids.”

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Champlain Discovery Teen re u t n e v d A Camp 6 1 3 1 s e ag

Champlain Discovery Kayak Adventure This Summer! June 22 - July 25

5-week kayak building & outdoor experiential camp for teens. Three weeks to build your kayak Two weeks paddling & camping on Lake Champlain Watch the video: www.lcmm.org Info & Registration: (802) 475-2022 nickp@lcmm.org Financial aid available

(802) 475-2022

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SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN DEVELOP SKILLS FOR SOCIAL AND PERSONAL SUCCESS AT SUMMER CAMP By Gordon & Donna Felt Special Needs Children Develop Skills for Directors, Camp Northwood

By Gordon & Donna Felt

Tools For Success Strategies Social and Personal Success at Summer Camp Supporting Successful Directors, Camp Northwood

Social skills are much like athletic, artistic or vocational skills that may influence one’s success or wTools ForinSuccess lack thereof adulthood. However, a superstar in any field is are not much able to understand socialordynamics or Socialwho skills like athletic, artistic vocational relate appropriately in the workplace environment skills that may influence one's success or lack thereof in will most likely havea superstar greater difficulty adulthood. However, in any fieldachieving who is nota able to understand social relate approprirewarding, successful life.dynamics Childrenorwho are socially ately in the workplace environment will mostor likely have immature and coping with learning autistic greater difficulty achieving rewarding, successful life. spectrum challenges mayabe at a disadvantage in with Children who are socially immature and coping social arenas — due in part to difficulty perceiving or learning or autistic maydifficulty be at a understanding socialspectrum cues andchallenges even greater — due in part to difficulty disadvantage in social arenas in ascertaining the correct behaviors for various social perceiving or understanding social cuessocially and even andworkplace situations. Interacting and greater difficulty in ascertaining the correct behaviors positively contributing to community requires a set of for various social and workplace situations. Interacting sosituation-specific social skills that need to be learned, cially and positively contributing to community requires reinforced and practiced before they are internalized a set of situation-specific social skills that need to be and become part of child’s toolbox for present and anda practiced before they are internallearned, reinforced future success. ized and become part of a child’s toolbox for present and future success.

The Mentor Relationship wThe Mentor The camp settingRelationship is one in which the intentional and focused instruction of social skills and is a The campapproach setting isto one in which the intentional priority. Key to learning social skills is the mentor focused approach to instruction of social skills is a priority. relationship between theiscamper andrelationship counselor. Key to learning social skills the mentor A well-established, accredited camp will between the camper and counselor.summer A well-established, employ a sufficient number of experienced personnel a sufficient number accredited summer camp will employ of experienced personnel so that the camper counselor so that the camper to counselor ratio istovery small, ratio is very small, allowing for personalized instruction allowing for personalized instruction and attention. and attention. Specially-trained and supervised staff Specially-trained and supervised camp staffcamp members members are equipped to provide andsocialmore are equipped to provide a pivotala pivotal and more social-specific mentoring the process of social specific mentoring role inrole thein process of social skills skills development. With the emphasis placed squarely development. With the emphasis placed squarely in in provide inthe social, social, recreational camp staff cancan the recreationalrealm, realm, camp staff provide struction in appropriate behaviors during activities that instruction in appropriate ehaviors during activities involve fun, creativity, learning, cooperation and teamthat involve fun, creativity, learning, cooperation work. This type of mentoring differs from that provided and teamwork. This type of mentoring differs from by teachers in busy classroom settings where the focus is that in busy classroomacademic settings oftenprovided primarilyby onteachers the teaching of mandated where the focus is often primarily on the teaching of curricula. mandated academic curricula. Socially immature children may experience feelings of low Socially immature children experience camp self-esteem, and will benefitmay significantly fromfeelings of low self-esteem, and will benefit significantly activities that are non-competitive and guidedfrom by camp activities that are non-competitive guided supportive mentors. When the onus on and winning is by supportive mentors. When the onus on winning removed, the camper is motivated to discover and exercise hisremoved, or her unique abilitiesisand potentials. As campers is the camper motivated to discover and participate and abilities social scenarios, counselors exercise hisinoractivities her unique and potentials. As are able to carry on a continuous dialogue, model campers participate in activitiessocial and social scenarios, appropriateare behaviors, andon reinforce the child’s counselors able to carry a continuous social and friendships. exploration of social interactions dialogue, model appropriate behaviors, and reinforce the child’s exploration of social interactions and friendships.

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Social skills cannot be learned effectively in a vacuum from a purely theoretical perspective. wSupporting Strategies There are fewSuccessful environments better suited to teachskills social skillsbe than residential summer camps! Social cannot learned eﬀectively in a vacuum Providing feedback to campers in real, relaxed, from a purely theoretical perspective. There are few enjoyable living andsuited learning situations essential environments better to teach socialisskills than residential summer camps! Providing feedback to campers to the development process. Critical to this process inisreal, living and learning situationsAll is therelaxed, act ofenjoyable identifying successful strategies. essential to the development process. Critical to this too often, well-intentioned adults focus solely on is the act of of identifying successful strategies. All process the correction negative behaviors. This method too often, well-intentioned adults focus solely on the of teaching tends to lead children to consider the correction negative Thisand method of teaching learning of process asbehaviors. humiliating punitive rather tends to lead children to consider the learning process as than as an exciting and fulfilling process of discovery humiliating and punitive rather than as an exciting and bolstering competence, success and independence. fulﬁlling process of discovery bolstering competence, When camp counselors highlight social cues success and independence. When camp counselors and support positive interactions— sensitively highlight social cues and support positive interactions — redirecting camperscampers if theirifchoices or actions are sensitively redirecting their choices or actions not appropriate — the experience is not negative for are not appropriate — the experience is not negative for the child, but instead one of insight and mastery. the child, but instead one of insight and mastery.

Practice, Practice, Practice! wPractice, Practice, Practice!

In a summer sleep away camp environment, every In a summer sleep away campcan environment, aspect aspect of the daily routine be treatedevery as a vehicle of the daily routine can be treated as a vehicle for for promoting social development. Patterns and promoting social development. Patterns and unwritten unwritten rules for socialization vary depending on rules for socialization vary depending on many factors. many factors. The size of a group, the age of participants The size of a group, the age of participants and coed vs. and coed sex, of are just a fewthat of the factors single sex, vs. aresingle just a few the factors determine that determine acceptable conduct in social settings. acceptable conduct in social settings. When teaching Whenskills, teaching social skills, thismust micro-specializing social this micro-specializing be taken into must be taken into consideration and opportunities consideration and opportunities to practice various skill to practice varioussetting skill sets inbe a supervised setting sets in a supervised must frequent. Sporting must be talent frequent. Sporting activities, talent shows, free swims, walks, dining together, activities, shows, free swims, walks, diningcreate together, dances and dances and group projects opportunities for group projects create opportunities campers of campers of varying ages to repeatedlyforpractice and demonstrate new skills. Practice essential to varying agesbeneﬁcial to repeatedly practice and is demonstrate making these skills ‘second nature. beneficial new skills. Practice is’ essential to making these skills ‘second nature.’

wThe Magic Of Camp The Magic Of Camp

Fostering the healthy development of a child with special Fostering the the healthy development of a child with needs requires intentional consideration of many special Academics, needs requires the intentional training and factors. socialization, vocationalconsideration of many factors. Academics,living socialization, preparation for independent are only avocational few areas training preparation independent are that needand to be addressed infor order to give the living child the best possible foundation for building a happy, meaningful only a few areas that need to be addressed in order life. Whenthe it comes thebest development age-approprito give child to the possible of foundation for ate social skills, giving a child the life. joyfulWhen magicitofcomes a quality building a happy, meaningful to summer camp experience can make a positive diﬀerence the development of age-appropriate social skills, the that willa be socially and personally giving child the joyful magic ofrewarding a quality over summer course of a lifetime. camp experience can make a positive difference that will be socially and personally rewarding over the course of a lifetime.

CAMP NORTHWOOD

A nationally renowned co-ed summer sleep away camp for socially immature, learning challenged children. Founded in 1976. u Over 30 non-competitive activities promoting independence and self-esteem (Traditional camping, academic support and social skills training) u Scenic Adirondack location on a 9-mile lake u 2 to 1 camper to counselor ratio (ages 8-18) u Qualified, experienced, compassionate staff

Gordon & Donna Felt, Directors 132 State Route 365 Remsen, NY 13438-5700

A fun-filled summer of enriching experiences and friendships can make a world of difference in your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life!

(315) 831-3621 www.nwood.com www.facebook.com/campnorthwood

Ask about The Northwood Center. This unique program provides young adults (ages 16-21) with opportunities to master independent living skills in a simulated apartment setting. www.CampNavigator.com Vol. 4, Issue 2

CircEsteem’s mission is to unite youth from diverse racial, cultural, and economic backgrounds and promote self-esteem through the practice of circus arts. What values are you looking for in your child’s summer camp? What kind of camp will you choose? The following is a list of 10 benefits of CircEsteem’s Summer Camp. What camp will you send your child to this summer? At CircEsteem’s summer circus camp, campers will gain:

1. Basic Circus Skills

Campers gain basic circus skills in their first week of summer camp. In subsequent weeks they can build on the skills they learn and go at their own pace.

3. Engagement

Campers are not easily bored at CircEsteem’s camp jamp-packed full of circus fun all through the day.

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2. Friends

Campers find an instant community at CircEsteem. We have a strict anti-bullying policy in which every child is made to feel welcome and a part of the circus family.

4. Pride

Once a camper can successfully spin a plate they’re proud enough to do it for an audience. Luckily all our campers have the opportunity to show off their new found skills at the end of each week at our camp-wide show-off.

5. Self-Esteem

CircEsteem encourages feelings of self-worth through simple accomplishments. CircEsteem staff hold campers hands through each new task carefully guiding them through the steps until they are able to do it on their own. CircEsteem believes that this paves the way for youth to overcome more difficult obstacles that lie ahead not just in circus but in school and life.

7. Bravery

We encourage campers to be themselves. Often being at ease and comfortable with oneself requires bravery to let down your guard. At CircEsteem we encourage our campers to clown around!

9. Self respect

Every camper makes an agreement to respect themselves and others. One component of this agreement is that we don’t allow selfdeprecating language. We teach respect for ourselves and promote that attitude to all things around us.

6. Adventure

Every day brings something unexpected and new. Every new skill learned is a new story and every new talent discovered is an adventure.

8. Belief in themselves

Our goal is for every camper to come away from a task that they never thought they could do with a new found attitude: “I can do it!” We encourage belief in themselves and want our campers to feel a sense of success and accomplishment.

10. Fun

More than anything else, we want our campers to have fun!

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Interviews CHELEY COLORADO CAMPS 3960 FISH CREEK ROAD, ESTES PARK, CO 80517

WWW.CHELEY.COM

Interview With

Jeff Cheley Camp Director for Cheley Colorado Camps Ph: (303)377-3616 mail: office@cheley.com

Q. How long has your camp been operational? A. Cheley Colorado Camps was founded in 1921 by Frank H Cheley. Since its founding, it has been operated by the Cheley family for 93 years. Jeff Cheley and Brooke Cheley Klebe, the fourth generation of the Cheley family, are the current directors.

Q. Where are you located? A. We are located in Estes Park, Colorado at the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park.

Q. What is your camp’s philosophy? A. The Cheley Mission states “We build the lasting character and resiliency of young people, creating unique life experiences in a challenging and nurturing natural envioronment.” We believe that every summer is an opportunity for children to grow. “Great things happen when youth and mountains meet.” Frank Cheley

Q. What does your camp specialize in?

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A. We specialize in youth development and building character. Our programs help children explore the outdoors and unplug.

Q. What activities do you offer? A. We offer hiking, horseback riding, backpacking, outcamping, technical climbing, mountain biking, rafting, sports, crafts, archery, riflery, and more.

Q. What are the typical session lengths and approximate pricing for your camp? A. The Cheley Experience is 4 weeks long. The tuition is $4850 for the 2013 season.

Q. How much staff do you have and how do you select your staff? A. We have over 200 staff. Each year about 55 to 65% are returning and another 5 to 10% are referred from campers and staff. We also have some staff that find us on the internet. Our staff arrive 9 days early for a comprehensive staff training.

Q. Why should parents send their kids to your Q. When does your camp enrollment start and finish? camp? A. Cheley has been impacting youth for over 90 years. The experience can change you. You become more independent and self-reliant. You face new challenges and form new relationships. You acquire confidence and initiate the lifelong process of self-discovery. The judgments and expectations that you bring from home start to drop away.

A. We open enrollment at the end of the summer and have a rolling admission until each unit is full. Some of our units may fill as early as December for the following summer.

Q. Is there anything else that would be helpful for parents to know about your camp? A. Our Denver office is 303-377-3616.

CAMPS KENWOOD AND EVERGREEN 114 EAGLE POND ROAD, WILMOT, NH 03287

WWW.KENWOOD-EVERGREEN.COM

Interview With

Jason Sebell Camp Director for Camps Kenwood and Evergreen Ph: (781) 793-0091 mail: jason@kenwood-evergreen.com

Q. How long has your camp been operational? A. Camps Kenwood & Evergreen in NH was founded in 1930. Or, more accurately, Camp Kenwood for boys was founded in 1930 by Ken Huberman. After 20 years of running a camp for boys his three daughters convinced him to start a summer camp for girls, and in 1950 Camp Evergreen for girls was founded. Since then we have been a brother-sister summer camp on the same property. A large percentage of our

campers have a sibling or cousin in the other camp, and we make sure that family members are able to see each other a few times each day.

Q. Where are you located? A. We are located in Wilmot, NH, which is about an hour and a half from Boston and 5 hours from NYC by car.

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Q. What is your campâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s philosophy? A. At Kenwood & Evergreen we play team sports, teach arts, swimming, waterskiing and rock climbing, have incredible adventures, and explore the natural world around us. But the learning that takes place at Kenwood & Evergreen in NH is so much more than that. Our community is based on one basic idea: to create the most developmentally impactful overnight camp experience for children. This shapes everything that we do, and it is how we produce such powerful outcomes. Camp should be a place where children learn life skills like leadership, resilience, creativity, independence and the ability to collaborate with others. We create these outcomes in a fun environment where children feel safe enough to really be themselves and secure enough to reach out and try new things. Our small overall size and the close relationships between our campers and counselors help to foster this atmosphere. Camp is also about friendship and learning to live with people who may be a little different from you. Our counselors help our campers through the challenges of life away from home by helping them develop better interpersonal skills and independence. As a result, our campers emerge with life-long friends and friendships.

Q. What activities do you offer? A. We offer so many! On weekdays, campers receive high-quality instruction in a wide variety of team and individual sports, including baseball, basketball, tennis, soccer, lacrosse, gymnastics, archery, rock climbing, golf, ropes course, football, gaga and volleyball.

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We also have a large visual and performing arts program, which includes individual studios for arts & crafts, ceramics, movie making, musical theater, wood working music and photography. In our Arts & Crafts and Ceramic Studios campers work on an array of creative projects throughout the summer, including pottery throwing, tie-dyeing, wood working, model rocketry, painting, drawing, leather craft, jewelry, sewing, candle making and much, much more! Our digital photography program introduces campers to the world of composition, lighting, and framing, and gives them hands-on instruction in software such as Photoshop and Iphoto. In the movie making studio campers have the opportunity to write, direct, act in and even edit their own short films. Campers receive instruction on using high-definition video cameras, lighting equipment, editing software, and even our newest edition: a green screen for creating special effects! Each summer the campers of Kenwood & Evergreen showcase their films in an incredible film festival! Performing arts are also a major focus at Kenwood & Evergreen. Each age group participates in a musical theater production, with campers involved in every aspect of the production, including costumes, scenery, lighting, and sound tech. Our music program is also available to boys and girls of any age who are interested in becoming a more accomplished musician, forming a band, or even just trying an instrument for the first time! One of the biggest events of each summer is Hollowpallooza, a music festival where campers can become true rock stars!

Kenwood & Evergreen are unique in how we schedule our activities. We call our daily schedule “Structured Choice”. Each age group of campers is given a limited, rotating set of choices each hour. Throughout the day we offer an ever-changing combination of team and individual sports, watersports, adventure and arts. Our goal is for each camper to have a well-balanced summer experience with exposure to the broad program choices that we offer.

Q. How much staff do you have and how do you select your staff? A. Last summer we had just over 200 staff for 330 campers. Thankfully, the vast majority of our bunk counselors are former campers. They grew up within our community and understand the outcomes we are trying to create each summer. But even former campers have to go through a rigorous application process that includes a formal interview, professional and character reference checks, and a full criminal background search. We spend the rest of our year traveling around the country and the world to find the best, most nurturing staff around. Thankfully, with such a high return rate for our staff we can spend weeks and even months looking for someone with the exact match of qualifications and personality that we need for each particular position.

Q. Why should parents send their kids to your camp? A. We go to great lengths to help our campers and parents prepare for their first summer. I meet personally with every camper and family considering Kenwood & Evergreen to make sure that their expectations match the experience that we offer. We also host new camper gatherings throughout the year,

so that the newest members of our community have the opportunity to meet their peers and counselors and begin to form strong relationships. Every 2 months we send our new campers care packages designed to address the questions that they have about their first experience away from home. We have found that at different times of year our new campers wonder about different aspects of life at Kenwood & Evergreen. Our care packages and new camper parties go a long way towards helping our anxious campers and parents feel really prepared for their first summer.

Q. When does your camp enrollment start and finish? A. In 2015 all campers will start on Saturday, June 27th. Visiting Day for parents will be on Sunday, July 26th. Our new campers have the option to return home after 4 weeks during their first summer, and they depart from Camp on Visiting Day. The end of our 7-week session will be on Saturday, August 16th.

Q. Is there anything else that would be helpful for parents to know about your camp? A. We’d love to meet you and your family! During the summer my wife and I offer tours 7-days a week starting on July 1st and running until the end of the summer. Private tours are offered at 10am, 2pm and 4pm, and typically last about an hour and a half. If you are unable to make it up to NH this summer please consider contacting me to schedule a home visit. I am more than happy to travel to you! And if you live on the West Coast or overseas we can easily bring the home visit experience to you via Skype or Facetime. I can be reached most weekdays at 781-793-0091 if you’d like to learn more about the Camps Kenwood & Evegreen community.

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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. YOU’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.

WINTER CAMPS THESE CAMPS PROVIDE CHILDREN WITH PROGRAMS SPECIFICALLY SUITED TO THIS TIME OF SEASON INCLUDING SNOWBOARDING, SKIING, ETC.

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