Tag: America’s finest summer camps

Benefits of High Ropes Course Activities at Camp

February 23rd, 2015

As you already know, summer camp is filled with fun-filled activities through which your kids can learn numerous skills and experiences. The high ropes course at camp is no different either, as it keeps your child in great shape, and provides several benefits from both physical and mental aspects.

Physical Benefits

The most noticeable benefits are physical as climbing is an intense sport that requires strength, flexibility and proper coordination. Since the activity involves kids, summer camps keep the challenges to a manageable level and even though it may not seem as intense as gymnastics or running, it definitely keeps the body and muscles healthy. Additionally, climbing also effectively complements other sports, which means you can expect to see a massive improvement in the kids’ performance while they play their favorite sports.

Mental Benefits

Since high ropes course activities require intense focus and effective strategies to make it to the top, campers who have problems concentrating can enhance their concentration. However, that’s not all, as the problems they encounter along the way, and plans they make to overcome them, build planning and problem solving abilities in your child. Not to worry though, counselors and camp staff are always around to look after them.

Other Benefits

Apart from these two benefits, high ropes is not competitive. It’s important to understand that not every child feels comfortable when it comes to being competitive at any sport. High ropes can provide a good opportunity for campers to reap the benefits the sport has to offer. Though there is no competition involved, there are several other kids participating, thus you can expect an improvement in your child’s social skills.

There are several benefits your child can gain by participating in high ropes activities at camp. Hopefully, you will find this information useful as it aims to convince parents to encourage campers to take part in this highly adventurous activity.

Things Which Are Quintessentially Summer Camp

January 26th, 2015

Summer camp is a fun and exciting experience and time simply flies by. There are several things and activities to do, which makes it impossible not to miss some of them. However, it doesn’t matter how chaotic, busy, or crazy things get, there are a few things that will always remind you about camp:

1. Arts & Crafts

According to the American Camp Association (ACA), Arts and Crafts is amongst the five most popular activities at summer camp, and why wouldn’t it? Kids simply love spending a part of their day in a place filled with glitter, paint, scissors, beads, and other craft items. With arts and craft, the possibilities are endless, as the atmosphere not only gives campers the opportunity to relax, reflect, use their creative side and time to socialize with fellow campers and friends.

2. Campfires

A campfire is a mainstay at every camp. The activities, songs and traditions differ from camp to camp. However, one thing remains consistent and that’s the sacred relevance the campfire holds. The fire symbolizes camp life, and the odor of burning wood serves as a reminder of picturesque settings where camps are situated.

3. Sing Alongs

Karaoke may be a popular activity for a get-together, but, when it comes to summer camps, there is nothing more melodious than the whole camp singing tunes together. The sing-along are not just about singing songs together, it’s a way of bringing each and everyone together to celebrate the thing which has brought everybody together as one, and that thing is camp.

4. S’mores

A summer is incomplete without s’mores. And besides, it’s quite hard to resist the pleasure of melted marshmallows and chocolate sandwiched between two crackers. Just one bite is enough to bring instant memories of camp.

5. Bunks

Now, you might get thinking that what’s so special about bunks. Well, they are much more than places where counselors and campers sleep. It’s where everyone becomes families, memories are made and friendships are nurtured.

6. Bugle Calls

Bugle Calls guide campers through their day at camp. It doesn’t matter if they are bells or bugles only one sound is enough for campers to know what they have to do. Whether it’s showing up for waterskiing, tennis, or even closing the lights at nighttime, these sounds will let campers know about everything.

7. Crazy Wardrobe Preferences

Camp is perhaps the only place where you will get complemented for wearing bright colors, body paint, hats, wigs and other funny clothing to a camp function. Funny isn’t it? But, it’s an experience that will always bring back good memories.

Can Camp Prepare Your Child For College?

January 19th, 2015

As your child grows, the time for college comes closer, and when the moment finally comes by, there are several questions that begin to pour through a parent’s mind. Questions like will they make friends? Will they work hard? And, where are they going to be heading after this? The thing is that it’s natural to worry as a parent. However, these fears and doubts can be lessened, and all you need to do is send your child to camp. Believe it or not, a good summer camp can really prepare your child for college. Not convinced? Read on as we further elaborate.

The Challenges of Going to College

There are several challenges that going to college presents to your child, but there are three which stand out:

Academic rigor increases.
There is considerable uncertainty (will I be able to fit in socially? Can I adjust with this roommate?)
Being away from home, friends, and family.

How Camp Prepares Children for College?

Kids Learn New Skills

Undoubtedly, camp covers a little when it comes to the first challenge, but it does quite a lot in preparing your child for it. How? Well, your child learns a lot in camp. They develop different skills in the process, as it pushes them out of their comfort zone, so that they can try things they haven’t before. The scenario is pretty much the same in college. Coping up with the difficult studies, working hard to maintain it, can be difficult, but if your child has already been to camp, they will work hard and out of their comfort zone to achieve the results they desire.

Kids Learn Who They Really Are at Camp

Camp allows kids to try new and exciting activities, as well as meet new people. This can prove to be quite conductive for the growth of your child. They are given the opportunity to be comfortable in their own skin, which is essential in college.

Kids Learn to Face Competition

Competition is everywhere and same is the case when it comes to college. Kids learn to both succeed and fail at camp, which is a crucial part of their growth process. There is a lot at stake in college and fearing the competition can be harmful for the progress of your child. Sending your child to a good camp can help them to learn a healthy level of competition.

Kids Learn to Take Care of Themselves

In camp, there are no parents or family around to do stuff for them, and kids have more time to do things for themselves. They take care of their own things, make their own bed, and so on. This along the way helps them to learn to take care of themselves, and that too, in an extremely fun way. Since your child will be spending more time in college than at home, this is something that will certainly help them in college.

So, find a good camp and send your child to it now, as it would help them to develop the essential shock-absorbers for the bumps of college life.