There is a multi-cultural aspect to summer camp that is a great benefit to campers who attend summer camps in America.
While standardized test scores dictate students’ admission into certain high schools, learning programs, and universities, summer camp is an esteemed diversion. That a student ventured to America and invested in an American tradition so revered as summer camp provides international campers an opportunity to advance English skills and immerse in American culture that is almost un-rivaled. The big picture in those countries in which learning is the gold ticket is to take in “all things English.” To experience summer camp is to give a student an advantage beyond any of his or her classmates. Four hours per week in school could never equate to those of several weeks spent at a summer camp experiencing traditions that are quintessentially American while forming friendships that last a lifetime. English is a language that is as much about experience as linguistics. It’s a complicated mix of culture with as many exceptions to rules as there are rules. The best way to understand English is quite literally to experience it. At camp, children can make friends, participate in activities and become a part of traditions that are more than camp: They live English. For those children seeking to become truly fluent in English and gain an advantage over their fellow students, summer camp is an essential investment.
Tag: camp weequahic
Music at Camp Weequahic
One of the great benefits of camp is learning new things. From building a rocket to getting up on water skis, the camp activities our campers explore open new worlds to enjoy. One of our more recent additions has been hugely popular – music!
At Camp Weequahic, children get to choose their activities and build the summer of their dreams. Often, when they arrive, their choices reflect their past experience and they start with activities they know a lot about. Most campers don’t know anything about playing a guitar or wailing on the drums, though both look like fun. With a little positive encouragement, we find more and more campers jumping in and learning to play.
A favorite story from last summer: Matthew, a rising 5th grader from Florida, is a great little athlete who had never picked up a guitar. During a rainy afternoon, he and his bunkmates got introductions to some of our indoor activities – rocketry, radio, robotics and music.
After learning three chords, he was hooked! Matthew changed his activities around so that he could get in more guitar and left after three weeks of camp knowing how to play 3 songs and with lots of love for a new, lifelong skill. This is the type of experience we want all of our campers to enjoy!
It’s not just guitar that we teach at Camp Weequahic. Parents love the fact that we have and teach drums at camp. Not many families enjoy the ‘learning process’ with drums in their own house, so we make it easy and keep them at camp. Our campers get to pound away and parents need hear none of it!
Not to be outdone, the keyboards and pianos also come into play at Weequahic. Many children who play at home spend time on the ivories while spending a great summer at camp in order to keep their skills sharp. In fact, campers will sometimes even use the piano to help with an evening activity like the Talent Shows or play in our Tribal or Olympic Games.
Want to rock and roll at summer camp? Come to Weequahic. We have all the instruments covered and can’t wait to introduce you to them!
While You’re Waiting Until June…
While You’re Waiting until June…
So, the summer of 2014 is still a L-O-N-G 8 months away. But here are a few things to keep you warm during the colder months of the year…
1.) Opening Day. Is there any better feeling than that moment the bus pulls up to camp, you step off and are immediately tackled by a herd of camp friends who have waited all year to see you?
2.) Campfires. Every camp has its own version. In fact, your camp’s campfire is a big part of what makes it your camp. You’re sure of two things: A) Your camp’s campfire is the best B) S’mores taste best when eaten at your camp’s campfire.
3.) Sing-alongs. It’s amazing how much singing silly songs arm-in-arm with your camp friends during the summer makes you feel. Admit it. You find yourself singing to yourself throughout the winter. Your school friends catch you. You want to explain. But they’ll never get it. “It’s a camp thing,” you say. You immediately send a Vine to all of your camp friends of you singing – and doing motions to –your favorite camp songs.
4.) Arts & Crafts. Seriously, you can tie-dye at home too…really.
5.) The official camp video, yearbook or seasonal newsletter. It should be showing up in your mailbox anytime now. Host
a party. Reminisce about this past summer. Know that next summer will be here before you know it. Set goals now. Next summer will be epic.
6.) Camp Shows. Thespians and camp go hand-in-hand. It’s no coincidence that a lot the biggest names in Hollywood are summer camp alumni. Summer camp is a breeding ground for creativity and the perfect environment for exploring your creative side. Admit it. You’re still humming the songs from your camp shows this past summer.
7.) Boats. Camp has lots of boats. Ski boats, sailboats, kayaks, canoes…Whichever is your choice, one fact: some of the best moments of the summer happen on the water.
8.) Trips. Are the movies at home ever as good as it is when you’re enjoying it with your camp friends? What about roller coasters? Didn’t think so.
9.) Camp food. Admit it. You live for S Day Breakfasts.
10.) Bunkmates. When you come home with something exciting to share during the winter, who do you share it with?
