active kids

Life Lessons Learned at Camp

By Janeen Lewis

Ask anyone who has ever been to overnight camp about his or her experience, and you will hear endless tales of comradery, cabin mates and campfires. Many times campers will say overnight camp was the first time they rode a horse or shot a bow and arrow or flew down a zip line. It’s where they learned to make their beds and keep their belongings tidy in cramped quarters. With the perfect blend of adventure and responsibility, camp life teaches kids valuable lessons they can use for the rest of their lives. If you send your child to overnight camp, here are some life lessons they are likely to learn.

How to communicate face-to-face

Tom Rosenberg, President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Camp Association, says today’s youth spends so much time on technology, that learning to communicate face-to-face with peers is important.

He quotes a Pew Research Center study that says “Just 25 percent of teens spend time with friends in person outside of the school day on a regular basis.”

In light of that statistic, overnight camp is good place to get kids to socialize without technology.

“About 90 percent of camps don’t allow kids to have computers or cell phones,” says Rosenberg. “In general, camps are an oasis for human-powered socialization.”

How to be independent

For many children, camp is the first time they are away from parents and the familiarity of home.

While this may cause some homesickness, it also gives children an opportunity to overcome being homesick. And without parents there, children learn to pick up after themselves and keep up with their things.

Overnight camp can also prepare students for independence in their next steps in life, like trips abroad and college.

How to be a part of community living

Sometimes it’s hard to live with other people, especially if other people drape their clothes over your bed or hog the shower. And it’s not like kids can escape to their own room when they are at summer camp because everyone bunks together in one cabin. But kids can learn to work out differences they may As they grow up, kids have to learn to work in groups in their communities.

“That cabin group has community building at its core,” says Rosenberg.

How to embrace diversity

Children who go to camp meet other campers from all over the country. They meet kids from different socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.

In a study conducted by Philliber Research Associates and the American Camp Association, 94 percent of campers said “Camp helped me get to know other campers who were different from me.”

Rosenberg says this is important for kids in the 21st Century. “Making new friends is an essential skill kids are going to need to have.”

How to overcome fears

Going to camp takes kids out of their normal day-to-day setting and gives them a chance to try things they might not try when they are at home. In the Philliber study, 74 percent of the kids surveyed said “At camp I did things I was afraid to do at first.”

Children may feel more comfortable taking a risk around new acquaintances than they do under the watchful eye of parents, siblings or school peers. If they are trying an activity they have never tried before, they may feel encouraged by staff or counselors who are there to support and guide them.

How to become resilient

Camp life doesn’t always go as planned, and kids learn to adapt and move with what’s happening around them.

Camp goers also grow more resilient from trying again when they fail, according to Rosenberg.

“Part of growing up is learning that you are not always going to be successful.

Sometimes campers fail and counselors help them try again,” says Rosenberg. “Camp is a safe place to make mistakes.”

Going to overnight camp benefits kids in many ways. It provides a place where kids can get out of their daily setting and have new adventures, meet new people and learn new skills. And while they are doing all of those things, they will probably learn a few life lessons that will stay with them forever.

For kids entering 2nd grade thru 8th grade

DATES: JUNE 27 - JULY 8 TIME: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. SHOW: Fri, July 8, 7 p.m. WHERE: LHS Performing Arts Center (@ Lemont High School) COST: $300; each additional sibling $270

Help your kids discover all the joy, freedom and fun that summer has to offer — check out the options in this section and register for summer camp NOW!

NIU STEAM Camps

Join us for an in-person summer adventure. Day and residential camps for aspiring scientists, engineers and creators are back on the campuses of Northern Illinois University. Explore engineering, health sciences, video game design, drones, filmmaking, food science and other STEAM topics. Build friendships, work in teams and develop your creativity as you complete open-ended creative challenges. Day and residential camps for grades 2-12. www.go.niu.edu/STEAMCamps22, www. niusteam@niu.edu, 815-753-8554.

Camp Naper at Naper Settlement

https://napersettlement.org/166/Camp-Naper Calling all parents of adventurers in grades 1-8! Register your child for a summer full of learning and exploration at Naper Settlement’s Camp Naper this June-August. Utilizing Naper Settlement’s beautiful 13-acre museum campus as their learning laboratory, campers will go on adventures in history, art, science, and more! Whether learning the science behind their favorite magic trick or building their own box city with the help of a local construction firm, each of our 16 unique, themed day camps provide an immersive learning experience that will capture your child’s imagination, while strengthening their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. To learn more or register your child for one of our 3-, 4- or 5-day camps, please visit NaperSettlement.org/CampNaper.

The Forge: Lemont Quarries

Quarry Camps at The Forge: Lemont Quarries help young adventurers get outdoors and stay active while learning. Our one-week sessions foster personal growth with a variety of fun, safe, educational, recreational, and group activities - all outdoors! Kids will rock climb, traverse our ropes course, zipline, kayak, learn about conservation, learn through art & STEMbased activities, and so much more! Learn more at www.forgeparks.com/summer-camps

Rock ‘n’ Kids

Get on your feet! Rock ‘n’ Kids provides music, movement and imagination classes for 1-5 years at park districts in Chicagoland! Tot Rock and Kid Rock are interactive and educational, with each class including songs and rhymes, basic dance steps and movements, fine and gross motor skills, rhythm instruments and movement props, imaginative play, socialization and fun! We are also available for mobile music and dance parties! We have been singing, dancing, and playing for over 27 years! Get more information at www.rockitkids.com.

Under the Sun Camps

The Bensenville Park District’s Under the Sun summer camps provide hours of safe, supervised fun and promote development, teamwork, and socialization. During each exciting day, campers will participate in a wide variety of engaging games, projects, crafts, and of course, daily swim time at the water park. There’s even a before-and-aftercamp program! Register by May 6 and save $10 off each full 10-day session reserved for Adventure, Discovery and Teen Camps. For details, visit BvilleParks.org/Programs/Camps. (See our ad on p. 23.)

Good Times Summer Day Camp

Good Times Summer Day Camp offers campers an exciting and active program for children ages 4-14. Each week is filled with incredible field trips, many hours of swimming, various sports, exciting guests, challenging crafts, special events, and a theme based cookout. We accommodate parent’s busy schedules by offering extended hours from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at no extra charge. Schedules are flexible – come only the days you want. Convenient locations in Libertyville, Wheeling, Deerfield, & Glenview. Busing available in some areas. For more information, please call 847-680-4884 or visit www.goodtimesdaycamp.com. [See our ad on the Inside Front Cover.]

Great Lakes Volleyball Center

Looking for a summer volleyball camp for your son or daughter ages Pre-K through 12th grade? The Great Lakes Center is located at 579 N. Oakhurst Drive, Aurora, IL. 60502 will be running camps in late June through the first week of August. You do not want to miss our World Class Training with “America’s #1 Summer Volleyball Camp Program” Don’t forget to ask about our site camps where we come to you! For more information call 630898-6400 or visit www.greatlakescenter.com/ camps/ FB: Sports Performance Volleyball

Carthage College Soccer Camp.

Develop your soccer skills in a positive environment on the beautiful campus of Carthage College. Boys and Girls, from young players learning the game to elite recruits looking to play at college. 5-8 yrs Junior Kickers June 20-22; 7-12 yrs Day Camp June 20-22; 10-18 yrs Resident Camp July 22-24; 15-18 yrs Firebird ID Camp July 2224. Learn from college players and be seen by college coaches. Register online at www. carthagesoccercamp.com, Questions, call: 262-551-5930.

FACETS Film Camp

This summer, FACETS is offering 10 in-person and virtual film camps designed to help youth stay creative over break. With a variety of camp options, from the flagship Film 101 camp to the new Introduction to YouTube camp, young creatives of all types can find something fun and affordable at FACETS Film Camps (1517 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago). Three, four, and five-day camp options are available for ages 8-17 from June 27-August 19, 2022. Enrollment ranges from $225-$500. www.facets.org/education/film-camps

IC Catholic Prep

Join IC Catholic Prep this Summer for their 2022 Summer Camps! Enroll in numerous camps for all ages Kindergarten-8th grade. Camps include: Track & Field, Bowling, Dance, Wrestling, Soccer, Tennis, Baseball, Lacrosse, Cross Country, Softball, Basketball, Volleyball, Football. Located at 217 Cottage Hill Avenue in Elmhurst. Be a part of something bigger at IC Catholic Prep. Sign up and learn more online at iccatholicprep.org/summer-camp-2022

University of Illinois

University of Illinois, Division of Intercollegiate Athletics has committed itself to the development of well-rounded summer sport camps for boys and girls. Young athletes have the opportunity to learn more about their sport, improve their skills, create new friendships and have fun at the same time. Campers receive excellent coaching, experience campus life, and meet athletes from a variety of backgrounds. To learn more about specific camp offering go to fightingillini.com/camps

Little Mountain Community Theatre

Children entering grades 2-8 in the fall are invited to join us Mondays through Fridays, June 27 to July 8, for a two-week theatrical immersion while rehearsing for a production of The Music Man Kids. Participants will learn lessons in teamwork, responsibility, and selfconfidence. Singing, dancing, and acting will be an integral part of the program with a final performance in the Lemont High School Performing Arts Center. Space is limited. Visit www.littlemountaintheatre.org for details.

Camp jobs offer invaluable skillbuilding, leadership, training, and enrichment opportunities that can’t be found anywhere else!

Most camps require counselors to be 17 or 18 years old. However, some camp jobs may be available for 16-year-olds or younger (depending on hiring policy and state labor laws). Check the camp’s job application and hiring information for details.

A Camp Counselor is someone who guides and ensures the safety of children as they engage in camp activities. They assist with activity planning and receive special training to fully support kids’ needs during their stay at the camp.

Regardless of your college major, camp experiences allow you to learn and develop skills that will enhance your job marketability. The benefits go far beyond a paycheck.

Ready to make a difference in a child’s life? Find open positions, submit your resume, or post a job today at jobs. acacamps.org/

Sports Performance Volleyball BOYS YOUTH ACADEMY

GRADES 3–6th

• Learn volleyball from the best training coaches in the country on youth development. • Boys volleyball is the fastest growing sport for boys in the United States. • Boys volleyball is a very dynamic team sport and learning the proper techniques in Elementary school is important for long term success. • Almost every high school in the Chicagoland area offers boys volleyball as a high school sport. Getting started at an early age is important for success at the high school level.

Take part in our Summer Boys Youth Academy Clinics to see what our program is about! Only $30.00 per clinic

GLC BOYS YOUTH ACADEMY CLINIC Grades 3-6th July 9 9:00-11:00 am GLC BOYS YOUTH ACADEMY CLINIC Grades 3-6th July 10 1:00-3:00 pm GLC BOYS YOUTH ACADEMY CLINIC Grades 3-6th July 17 1:00-3:00 pm GLC BOYS YOUTH ACADEMY CLINIC Grades 3-6th July 23 9:00-11:00 am GLC BOYS YOUTH ACADEMY CLINIC Grades 3-6th July 30 9:00-11:00 am

REGISTER AT: WWW.GREATLAKESCENTER.COM

579 N. Oakhurst Drive

Aurora, IL 60502 630.898.6400

Stephen Hewitt

SPVB Boys Associate Director stephen@greatlakescenter.com

Saint Ignatius College Prep

Saint Ignatius College Prep offers a wide variety of athletic and academic programs for students. Our camps and courses are engaging, enjoyable, and challenging in the tradition of Saint Ignatius College Prep. Choose from “Summer with the Pack” athletic camp opportunities for students beginning in the 3rd grade, our “Taste of Ignatius” academic enrichment program for rising 7th and 8th grade students, and our High School academic offerings. 1076 W. Roosevelt Rd., Chicago, IL 60608. Visit www.ignatius.org/academics/ summer-school for details and registration.

Soccer Made in America

Soccer Made in America Training Camp is a high-quality program for players 4 - 14. The SMIA training program is designed to provide the most complete soccer training for both individual players and teams of all levels and abilities. Each camp is designed to teach players proper technical and tactical skills while enjoying playing the game of soccer. Aleks Mihailovic is recognized as one of the finest teachers of the game in the United States, specializing in technical and tactical elevation. The SMIA clinicians are well recognized for providing personal attention to every participant. Since 1984 thousands of children have kicked the ball for the first time in a SMIA training program. Many have gone to compete at collegiate, professional, Olympic and national team levels. Son and midfielder, Djordje Mihailovic, grew up playing in the SMIA training camp environment. A full US National Team and Olympic team player recognized as one of the top players in the MLS. He is being considered by some of the top clubs in Europe. Come experience a great week at a SMIA camp. For camp schedule go to www.smia.com or call 630-257-6900 for more information.

Your camp forms are filled out and you know where the bus drop-off point is. Now it’s time for the final step in getting your camper ready for camp – packing! It’s a good idea to know exactly what you need to bring to camp that might not otherwise be found there. For the most part, you should bring all the necessary hygiene essentials like toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, and other necessities. Things like googles for swimming, bedding, towels, and snacks might be worth asking about. #1 Print out and use the packing list your camp provides! #2 Have your camper do most of the work. #3 Label EVERYTHING. #4 Roll outfits or place in large zippered storage bags. #5 Include some extras items kids will enjoy.

If you start packing days before you need to leave for camp, you’re less likely to forget or remember that you didn’t pack something. The last thing you want to do is to be in a rush packing 30 minutes before leaving for camp, which will only increase your odds of forgetting something. Do yourself a favor and have everything you need to pack a day before. Also, do your future self a favor and create a packing list of everything that you packed.