Tag: camp activities

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.

The Anatomy of S’mores

February 2nd, 2015

At Camp Weequahic, everyone looks forward to getting in on the action and making s’mores. But what is it about s’mores that gets us asking for – you guessed it – some more?

The sticky, ooey, gooey, utterly delicious ingredients, that’s what!

People say there is a National S’mores Day celebrated on August 10 every year, but you don’t have to wait until then to eat s’mores. To make s’mores, you start when the sun goes down. Everyone gathers around the roaring camp fire hungry for an after dinner sweet treat. Bring along chocolate bars, graham crackers and marshmallows. It doesn’t matter if the chocolate is milk chocolate or dark chocolate – you pick. And don’t forget the skewers, unless you are planning to use twigs like the old days.

Very carefully, break the graham crackers and chocolate into squares. A half of a regular sized chocolate bar and two attached graham crackers will do nicely. Remember, you are kind of making a chocolate and marshmallow sandwich, so you will need two squares of graham crackers.

Now for the best part. Stick your skewer, or twig, right through the center of the marshmallow so it doesn’t fall off. Then roast the marshmallow over the fire until the outside is brown, not burnt, and the inside is really, really gooey. If the marshmallow does fall off into the fire, don’t worry! Just take another one and start over.

When the marshmallow is done, it is time to put together your s’mores. Use one piece of graham cracker as the base, then place the chocolate on top, and then put the hot marshmallow on top of that. Be careful not to burn your fingers! Then add the last layer, the other piece of graham cracker.

But the s’mores is not ready for eating yet!

Just wait a minute or two so the hot marshmallow melts the chocolate just a little bit. Now, take a bite and enjoy your sticky, ooey, gooey, oh so good chocolate marshmallow graham cracker treat!

A Parental View on Summer Camp

December 25th, 2014

Attending Camp Weequahic can be a wonderful experience for a child. Apart from being a fun place, camp teaches some important lessons of life. A child learns to do things on his own without realizing it. However, parents note healthy changes in the child as he/she learns to polish shoes, making their bed, and pack their school bag among others.

Summer Camp: An Experience of a Lifetime

It may sound over the top but children remember their summer camp experience for life. There are camps where senior alumni members come and share their camping experience. These occasions are nostalgic as senior members who attended the camp once or twice remember the virtues of life they learned there.

Children attending summer camp enjoy the unique, pleasant environment for multiple reasons. Making new friends is one benefit. It is not an understatement that children make friends at a camp, but since they share similar experiences and activities, they are likely to remain friends. There are cases where children from different schools and locations became friends, joined activities and shared routines throughout the camp. After the camp, they share contacts and remain in touch.

Don’t Over Caution Your Children

Worrying occurs naturally when your child is away for a day, let alone for three or six weeks. What parents must not do is to over-caution children. Parents must keep faith in the camp administration that they will take care of their child. Parents must not restrict the child neither must they emphasize them to follow the school schedule. It has been observed some parents also restrict their children to stay within the community or schoolmates. In some cases, acts of racism are also observed. It should be noted a summer camp is run by experienced professionals who know how to deal with children with odd behavior. Set the overcautious attitude aside and let your child enjoy the experience.

No Harm in Maintaining a Healthy Routine

It is all right to remind the child of his daily routine, such as brushing their teeth twice, washing hands before eating, and getting proper hydration. To protect skin, use sunscreens or lotions/creams to keep sunburns away. To keep bugs away, use skin lotion or spray insecticides, particularly when outside the camp at nighttime. Being away from home doesn’t mean children are free to do as they please. Ask them to sleep early as they do at home during school days. Maintaining a healthy routine is never a bad thing,

Summer camp can be a lasting experience for children and parents alike. Children overcome shyness and gain a great deal of self-confidence when they are away at a summer camp. Not to forget the happiness and the pleasant memories they are likely to cherish for life.