Being Outside and Being Together: How We Play Matters
After watching this Nature Valley video with our Champions team [note: we remain indifferent to your granola bar of choice], I noticed three things. First, Kate Hutson (our director of New Families) cleared a tear from her eye. Second, Susie Ma’am smiled and reminisced. “We made forts just like she described when I was a girl.” Finally, Greg Golf (the boys director) commented that it made him so happy that he went to camp and that he can serve children through camp. We all agreed entirely. While clearly an advertisement, it hit a nerve with us.
Tags: Summer Camp, cell phones, social media, digital anxiety
In the previous video we discussed different strategies that parents can use to protect against the effects of Digital Anxiety.
Ultimately, we believe that there is one approach that provides a uniquely powerful solution.
Tags: Campers, success, 21st century skills, Summer Camp, cell phones, social media, digital anxiety
The first video in our Digital Anxiety series explored recent research about mental health trends that are related to how children use digital technology.
This second video discusses strategies that parents can use to help their children navigate these challenges.
Tags: Campers, success, 21st century skills, Summer Camp, cell phones, social media, digital anxiety
We have become aware of recent research that suggests that youth’s technology habits underlie massive negative mental trends for them. As partners in parenting, we feel compelled to share what we are learning with you.
Join us on our 3-part video series throughout the next week to learn more.
Tags: Campers, success, 21st century skills, Summer Camp, cell phones, social media, digital anxiety
When most people think about summer camp, they picture
s’mores, archery and perhaps canoeing a beautiful lake.
But they generally think of it as very American, like baseball, jazz and apple pie.
So most people are surprised to learn that summer camp is actually a global phenomenon.
In October, Susie and I attended the 11th International Camping Congress in Sochi, Russia. The Congress is held every three years. In 2014, it was in Turkey. In 2020, it will be in China.
The International Camping Fellowship has 4500 members from 95 countries. 1200 members and 30 countries were in attendance.
Tags: Campers, success, 21st century skills, Summer Camp
Summer camp is all about people: the staff, the campers, the parents, and more. So the best way to learn about various summer camps is to talk to people with experience at a given camp. If you know someone who’s attended camp, great! Chat with them and their kids about it. If not, try reaching out to camps via phone or email. Finally, you can also look up online, third-party reviews. Reviewers are people who vouch for the summer camp's reputation, and can give an honest account of their relationship with the camp and the experience that their children had there.
Tags: Parents, Summer Camp
Summer camp in Texas: Best resident camps in Austin (2016)
Overnight summer camp is not only a fun way for kids to get outside and play, but it’s also a powerful youth development experience. We know that finding the summer camp that best matches your family's needs is a time-consuming process that begins early and involves lots of research - in particular, talking to lots people with experience in sleepaway camp. After all, summer camp is a place that is all about people.
Tags: Parents, Summer Camp
Summer camp in Texas: Best resident camps in Houston (2016)
Houston has a many choices when it comes to summer camp plans. There are several organizations that run day camps within the city, but for an overnight camp experience, many parents and children start thinking about getting a little farther out of town. As an incredible learning and growth opportunity and a ton of fun, summer camp is a valuable part of many families’ lives.
Tags: Summer Camp
Coed vs Single Sex Camp: Advantages of a Single Sex Camp
Coed Vs Single Sex Camps: Advantages of a Single Sex Camp
Deciding whether to send your child to a single sex camp or a coed camp can be an important determining factor when choosing a summer camp. Remember, this is one of only many things to consider when selecting a summer camp.
Tags: Summer Camp