Saturday, November 21, 2009

5 Reason to go to Summer Camp

By Lonnie Lorenz

Our country and the world for that matter needs leaders more than ever before. It's time for kids and young adults to get trained in leadership. Overnight Summer Camps tend to create children to be flexible problem solvers as well as learn to live with folks that are different. Summer Camps have long been known for their ability to promote skills that are life long. Included in these are: responsibility, independence, cooperation and teamwork, along with a willingness to try new things.

Since'96 we as the camp directors of Swift Nature Camp have intentionally been using our camps resources to promote positive personal growth and development . Our goal is to measure how campers and staff grow and developing as individuals during their stay at summer camp.

It is our work with campers and staff that ensures that they not only keep the children safe but they need to encourage and assist campers in their own personal development and growth. Every day we meet with staff to check in and see how each camper is doing with meeting their parents directives as well as meeting the camps goals. We envision ourselves as a part of the family in raising the children of our campers.

For our older teens we give them an opportunity to guide campers as well. This counselor in training program is designed to help older teen engage in leadership and decision-making within their camp groups and for the camp as a whole. Daily they have classes that teach leadership skills as well as child development. Then they get to get out and give it a whack and see it really works for them. For some of these teen they just want a continuation of their own camp days but for others they see how this will benefit them in the real world and help them become better leaders in the future.

For many the biggest difficulty is that being willing to give of themselves including the importance of being physically and emotionally present for campers. Enthusiastically participating in all activities creates a contagious atmosphere for all to enjoy. Leaders motivate and encourage others, these are all part of a great summer camp.

Role modeling and mentoring are 2 other skills that are important at camp. Everyone participates in this has this responsibility, for in a community as camp we all effect each other. For many, this is the first opportunity to engage with others and realize their people skills. The skills learned of group management, gaining respect and for teaching children are all skills these folk will cary with them for years.

Overnight Summer Camp provides a great time to be outside and playing but it is also a wonderful chance for campers, and staff to increase their own personal growth and development.

To learn more about finding the right Summer Camp, visit Summer Camp Advice a free website with loads of camp information.

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