|
|
April 6, 2001/Nisan 13, 5761, Vol. 53, No.27
Summer camp can open new world for youngsters
KIM BIGGARD
Special to Jewish News
Recently I attended the American Camping Association's (ACA) National Conference in Orlando, Fla., at Disney World. There is nothing like being in a room with 1,500 camp directors from all over the world, learning about summer camp trends from Disney professionals. We sang, danced, shared ideas and talked about many of the pertinent issues in camping today.
It is mind-boggling to realize there are almost 10,000 children's summer camps in the United States alone. In addition, new programs are continually being added to try and meet the current camping trends. Right now, there is an increased emphasis on fine arts camps, plus new adventure camps, travel camps, competitive sports and specialty camps, including rocketry, science and youth in government. With so many choices, how can parents and campers choose the program that's right for them?
As a camp director, I think how the camper feels is as important as what the camper does. When choosing a program, it is important to look at the needs of both the parent and child and try to find an experience the whole family will enjoy. Moreover, it is important to ask about any concerns you might have such as: How will the program keep your camper from getting lost in the shuffle? How do they encourage a below-average athlete to feel comfortable working on skills at his or her own pace? How will they inspire a sense of pride in trying new things? And what do they do to provide a safe "home" for the summer?
The most beneficial aspects of sending your child to camp are helping the camper enhance his or her self-esteem, foster friendships and build positive interaction with peers and adults. In fact, a great summer camp experience is a long-term investment that will affect many other areas of your child's life.
ACA has a wonderful vision statement that underscores much of what I have learned as a camp professional, "Camp gives kids a world of good." One of my favorite parts of camp is the first week. I love watching each camper take the first step into new adventures. There may be a kindergartner who has never dribbled a basketball, or the fourth-grade boy who is a little unsure of dance class, or the seventh-grader who thought that she was a little too old for camp. Camping promotes an environment that schools often can't ensure. Camp is a child's time to explore the unknown, tackle new challenges, make new friends and learn from role models.
Later as the summer winds down and I look back at eight amazing weeks, I see the incredible transformations. Now the kindergartner is making free throws and having a blast. The fourth-grade boy stars in a grand dance performance on parent's night. And the seventh-grader is holding hands with her friends, promising to keep in touch over the year and already counting down the days until camp starts next summer. Yes, they've done a lot, but you can't beat the feeling. And that is the true magic of camping.
Kim Biggard is the director of youth and camping services at the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center in Scottsdale.
|
