Decisions, Decisions: Summer Camp 2012
Campparents.org said it best:
“The camp experience enriches lives and changes the world.”
Many of us have memories of summers spent learning new sports or skills, such as volleyball, gymnastics, water skiing, arts and crafts, etc. etc. etc. The greatest memory we probably all share is just that…the memories. The memories we have as campers often last well into our adult years and often play a part in shaping who we become. In some cases, those experiences may have even shaped our career paths.
Outcomes such as self-identity, self-worth, self-esteem, leadership, and self-respect often build personal competencies. Within the camp community, those personal competencies are often reflected in the Four C’s:
Compassion
Contribution
Commitment
Character
These are the qualities that will help build a successful nation and a civil society!
Summer camp is an ideal opportunity for children with specific emotional or behavioral needs to socialize with their peer group in a safe and structured but relaxed environment. Camps offer children who struggle with the pressures of academics a constructive and definitely educational atmosphere within they can acquire and practice learning skills like problem-solving and working as part of a team: skills your child can apply when he or she returns to school in the fall.
According to the American Camping Association, not only do summer camps provide kids with the chance to develop both independence (the ability to work effectively alone) and interdependence (the ability to work with others), camp experience can also build self-confidence and a sense of pride and accomplishment (through completing tasks, challenges and projects). Better yet, the opportunity to make new emotional and personal discoveries on a daily basis also helps kids generate a sense of self-control and, just as important, a sense of possibility.
The options are numerous and can be attended days, weeks or months at a time! Though it isn’t usually a stressful decision to make, there are lots of options that can leave parents’ heads spinning. Here’s a basic breakdown of some of the available options:
Academic Camps
Adventure Camps
Art Camps
Religious-Specific Camps
Special Needs
Sports Camps
Technology Camps
As you can see, options abound for kids who want to attend summer camps! Now is a great time to start (if you haven’t already) researching the possibilities and talking with your kids about how they might want to spend a few days of their upcoming summer!
If you would like information regarding Sun Country’s FunFest Summer Camps, visit us at:
Sun Country Sports Center FunFest Summer Camp or give us a call at 352.331.8773!!!
