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Hi Everyone:

It has been awhile since I had the opportunity to add to the Happy Camper blog. For that I apologize. However, I must say that what has kept me from blogging has been my two wonderful kids. Since becoming a parent, I have come to realize even more so that camp is a very important part of a child's life.

Camp Diamond strives to provide girls with the opportunity to become strong and confident young women who are self-aware and who know their place in the world. Our kids come from a wide variety of backgrounds from major cities to rural neighbourhoods. Each one bringing different experiences to share.  Camp for my kids has been a life altering experience especially since they are so young. I have noticed that they adapt better to new situations, are able to converse with different age groups, including adults, and become curious about learning new things.

Parents often write to me during the year and tell me that their daughters changed over the course of the summer. Some have even told me that they have worked hard on a lemonade stand, or are babysitting more in order to raise enough funds to attend camp the following summer. These are lessons that are beneficial not only to the girl herself but for society as well. Not only do the lessons learned aid the individual directly, but enables them to pass on the lessons to others.

Give your girl the opportunity of a lifetime. Send them to Camp Diamond for a week and see what changes are ahead!

Busy as a Bee

Sorry I haven't written in awhile, but camp is in session. We've had so many fun things happening over the past 4 weeks including Superhero Day, Safari Day, archery, sailing, swimming, canoeing, paddle boat races, Capture the Flag, Monk Lunch, campfires, camping trips, thunderstorms, 40*C days, arts & crafts, wacky feet, banquets and more.  It is so difficult to keep track of days at camp let alone time of day.

In a few short weeks, I'll be back to blogging once a week. I'm working on some fabulous topics and hope to be around soon.

Any of the above information sound fun to you? Check out www.campdiamond.ca for more details!

Bringing about awareness of education in summer camp

Today as I drove back to the city from Camp Diamond, I listened to Michael Eisner's book "Camp", a story about his childhood experiences at Camp Keewaydin for boys in Vermont.  Though I am not a huge fan of listening to stories about my line of work, I found this book to be extremely uplifting and moving. One of the first comments he makes is about a time when he was speaking at a local university and a student asked him the question "Which educational institution was the most important to you and your life?"  His answer - Summer Camp.  This statement, I feel outlines to us all that there is a very important education component to summer camp - especially overnight camp.

Kids, adults and especially politicians need to understand and accept that summer camp must be a part of a child's education experience.  Over the past decade, studies have shown that more and more politicians feel that the school year should be extended to meet the demands of the global community. Japanese children are in school for 243 days out of a year, and the world's average school hours is 200.  Children in the USA and Canada only attend school for approximately 150 days based on holidays, PA days and summer holidays.  However, these hours are extended for kids who attend summer camp.  Imagine what your child could learn in only 7 days at an overnight camp.

Let's think about the experience in terms of a typical school day.  A child will wake up at 7 am, gets ready for school, some will have breakfast while others will not. Some will jump into their parents car, others onto the school bus. Some will arrive on time, others will be late. Two to three periods will the national anthem and then lunch. Again some kids will eat a nutritious meal, while others will not because there was not enough time to pack it, or because there is a lack of funds to purchase it.  Two to three more periods will occur before the kids head home. Some met by interested family members, some not.  In a typical day kids will learn mathematics, science, language and reading. Some schools have music time, others do not.  Does this sound familiar to anyone?  As a former teacher at a private school, I witnessed this large gap in learning, social hour and home time, and wished that these kids had more opportunities to attend camps and even out the scale.

Camp of any type adds meaning and education to kids lives, but for this instance I speak only about overnight camp. At overnight camp, it doesn't matter who picks you up, where you live, what you eat and whether you have access to Rogers On Demand or not.  What matters is the type of person you are and whether you try or not.  

Let's think about a typical day at camp:  Wake up is about 7 am, just like in a school day. The difference being everyone wakes up together (or at least tries to) and everyone eats breakfast in the dining hall.  Two to three periods of activities that interest you are there to keep you company. You don't have to sit nailed to a chair & desk with a teacher telling you to stay seated for 2 hours. You are up, moving about and learning at your own speed.  Learning at camp? What a concept!  After morning periods, kids come together and eat the same thing together in a family type atmosphere in a dining hall. Afternoon periods follow after a rest hour (which I believe everyone needs regardless of age).  Learning continues, followed by free time, dinner and evening program. Then everyone heads off to their rustic cabin for a pleasant filled sleep.   Bottom line - even playing field.

So let's get back to the learning at camp. If we think about learning in terms of academic classes, it might help to see that overnight camp is actually an educational institution rather than a tourist attraction.  A few examples of such academics are as follows:

Science–  Hikes – Identify various species (trees, frogs, birds, plants, insects and more); Water studies: pH & turbidity recording, scientific method, rain cycle; Chemistry: learning to make stalagmites, salt crystals, making rain; Astronomy – learning locations & names of stars & constellations; Sustainability: Ecology of surrounding environment, recycling, composting, using materials over again for arts & crafts or campouts; Conservation: recycling, Leave No Trace camping

Geography: Orienteering- parts of a compass, directions, map reading; history of environment and topography of area; learning how to get to one place to another in the shortest amount of time

Language Arts:  Learning to write a letter; Penmanship; Addressing an envelope; Script & story writing; Journaling; Reading a book either as a cabin or individual; book club discussions; Campfire wishes; Performing & writing skits for campfire

Mathematics: Science classes ie: pH, turbidity; Tuck Fund Account – How much do I have left?; Evening Programs – Let’s make a deal, Jeopardy; Keeping score at a soccer game; cabin clean up scores; Campfire songs and music night

Music – campfire vocals, talent nights, cabin songs

 Physical Education – walking, running, cabin clean up, swimming lessons, hiking, biking, canoeing, aerobics, cheerleading, sports, archery

Healthy Eating – Menus based on the Canada Food Guide, Limited junk food, selection of fruit, 3 meals per day, encouragement to drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep hydrated

Psychology – problem solving, group dynamics, success, failure, personal challenges, communication, learning to stand for what you believe in,

Home Economics – making a bed, taking garbage out, cooking, sweeping/dust pan, cleaning bathroom, folding clothes, sorting dry and wet clothes on the clothesline, brushing hair, spot cleaning clothes, writing letters, addressing envelopes, personal hygiene (responsible for showering, brushing teeth on own – no one to remind you (until it’s too late of course), washing face), placing clothes in laundry bags

Art – arts & crafts – painting, bracelets, sculpture, clay, chalk

Drama – drama classes, group work, fairy tales, acting, evening program (dress up counsellor, give them name and history, campfire skits)

History – Campfire stories, Name that Tune (music history), Jeopardy quizzes – evening program, area history

As you can see there is so much more to summer camp then just fun. Of course, learning should be enjoyable and the best learning happens when kids do not realize they are. What more could a child ask for then to expand their knowledge to include independence and self-awareness. Encourage politicians to include camp in the academic curriculum and promote such programs, rather than sell it as a "tourist attraction."

Camp as Part of an Education

I know it has been awhile since I wrote on my blog, but it has been a crazy few months getting ready for camp, moving houses and so many other bits of life getting in the way. Plus, why write when I have nothing to say.  Now I have a moment, and something to say, so enjoy.


Camps and associations related to camps, are struggling with education boards deciding that extending the school year would be a bonus to all. However, not only is this helping to prevent students from obtaining summer employment, pulling business away from seasonal businesses, but also taking away the freedom of children to explore other opportunities.

Camp whether it be day or residential, should be a mandatory part of the education system. The opportunity to be away from your family, especially in an overnight setting, allows the kids to "find" themselves. Most camps encourage kids to try new things, make new friends and explore activities that they would not normally have a chance to do. Other benefits to the overnight experience, is that there is not a parent or older sibling to solve your problems or make choices for you.  Of course, counsellors and staff are around for support but most decisions, including what to wear, are made by the individual. You might be surprised to know how few kids know how to do basic life/home skills - such as make a bed, sweep & use the dustpan, clean a bathroom, take out the garbage, or sort recycling. What about social skills such as making new friends, entering an awkward situation such as being the new kid in a cabin, solving a problem with a friend or coming to a mutual decision at the end of an argument?. What about physical skills like pitching a tent, building a fire, telling direction without a compass, reading a map?  Did you know more than 58% of US kids know how to play a computer game but only 20% know how to swim or ride a bike?  These are not skills that you can learn in an indoor classroom. These skills are learned at camp.


Some people may say that this is all well and good but "it's too expensive" to send my child. Yes, there are camp may seem expensive on the surface but many offer programs for those needing scholarships and/or subsidy. Many camps offer "camperships", discounts for referrals, payment plans and reduced rates. Do not give up on the idea of sending your child, just because it appears on paper (or on the screen) to unaffordable. Call and speak to the Director/Owner and see what they can do for you.

Don't let the education system be the only education you give your child. Give the gift of camp!

Power in Numbers

People ask me why I belong to the Ontario Camps Association and I say because not only are they a great resource, as a whole we do have pull with the government. Thanks to Howie Grossinger and Dave Graham for helping us to stop Transport Canada from making us register our fleets of canoes.

 

Please see the letter below.

 

Dear OCA Members,

  

On Thursday, March 17, in Calgary, OCA Board Member and CCA/ACC Ontario representative Dave Graham and I attended a private meeting with The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. 

  

We were then joined by Alberta Camping Association President Laureen Wray and CCA/ACC Alberta representative Kathy Koehler at a press conference to announce the immediate suspension of registration requirements for canoes & kayaks. 

  

This announcement came as a result of the efforts of a great many of our members who wrote letters of concern to their Members of Parliament. These letters resulted in Transport Canada contacting the OCA which allowed us the opportunity to voice our concerns not only on behalf of camping in Ontario but across the country.  

  

At yesterday's press conference the Minister announced the following: "Owners of human-powered vessels, such as canoes, kayaks and small sailing vessels, as well as small vessels with motors less than 7.5 kilowatts (10 horsepower) will not have to register their craft with Transport Canada".  The Minister went on to say that the voice of camping was important and influential in this policy change because he felt that "Camping Associations in Canada set the standard for boating safety in Canada". To view the media release click here.  

  

To view the statements made by Transport Canada Minister Chuck Strahl and on our behalf, Laureen Wray, President, Alberta Camping Association click here.   

  

I would once again like to thank all of you for your assistance in gaining the resolution we were all seeking.This is a great example of the positive influence the OCA can have when we work together. 

  

On behalf of Heather, myself and the Board of Directors,

  

Thank you

  

  

Here is the statement issued at the press conference.

Thank you to Minister Strahl and his office for inviting us here today.

Canadian camping impacts the lives of hundreds of thousands of children each summer and is as Canadian as the canoe itself.

The Canadian Camping Association/Association des Camps du Canada is a federation of 9 provincial camp associations representing over 700 children's summer camps across our country, including over 100 in Alberta alone. Summer camps in Canada deliver services to children of all abilities, ethnic origin and financial capability. They include day and overnight experiences, municipal and religiously affiliated programs as well as agency and privately-owned camps.

Accredited camps in each province dedicate themselves to high standards of operation in the areas of risk management, health and safety, and program delivery. These standards have been developed by provincial camps associations in conjunction with federal, provincial and municipal governments and have made the safety record of Canadian camps the envy of the world.

For generations, Canadians have learned to canoe and kayak at summer camp.  The Canada Shipping Act, 2001 had the potential to seriously impact the ability of our members to provide the high quality programs that they are known worldwide for by unnecessarily over regulating camp operators and burdening them with the red tape associated with an extensive registration process for their canoe and kayak fleets.

We are grateful to the Minister and Transport Canada for listening and responding to the concerns of the camp industry. This announcement today will allow accredited summer camps in Canada to continue to concentrate on the issues that matter most to Canadian parents who send their children to summer camp; skill development, the enhancement of self-esteem, community building and appreciation of the outdoors.

Self-Esteem & Body Image

As a youth, I always struggled with positive body image and poor self-esteem. It may have been due to rapid vertical growth and not enough horizontal growth or it could have been due to been a victim of bullying throughout grade school. Whatever caused it, I did not seem my self as attractive until university. My confidence in my abilities grew and how I saw myself in the mirror grew too. My parents always stood by me and helped me to see myself in a brighter light but to get out from under my childhood comfort zone is what really did it.

As a Camp Director, I see many girls come in through the gate as timid, shy, nervous wrecks, some with diagnosed eating disorders, some with disordered eating practices, and some with media pressured eating concerns.  Body image today is focused on by many professionals but unfortunately the media does nothing to help. Every take a critical look at a magazine - say Vogue? What do you see? Gaunt, skinny, pale models with nothing but a skeleton holding onto the clothes on their back. Is this what we want for our kids? Girls and boys? Are we crazy to keep buying these rags? Of course we are, but some how that market still wins.

Nedic, National Eating Disorder Information Center, is hosting its body image conference this year in Toronto, Ontario. If you know of anyone who is suffering from a problem or you hold a position of authority at a youth or adult organization, I recommend that you attend this wonderful program.  I truly believe that the more people who are educated, the better off we will all be.  Along with Nedic, Dove Self-Esteem Fund is helping to sponsor this two day conference. I currently use the Dove Self-Esteem Fund program to educate my staff and campers on body image issues that arise. No matter who I am teaching whether it is 22 year old staff or 9 year old campers, at least one person will admit to having a low self-esteem and/or disordered eating. It never fails, year after year I find myself sitting in my cabin having a dietary and confidence talk with at least one member of our community.  When they leave camp, though their disorder is never fully cured, they have a realization that they do have the ability to try new things and that people come in a range of shapes and sizes.

Help us help others by avoiding the purchase of fashion magazines and supporting the designers who choose to use skinny, gaunt models. Encourage these designers and models to promote healthy lifestyles.

The Benefits of Camp

You think to yourself, why camp? It's nothing but a bunch of kids roaming around the outdoors supposedly having fun. Or perhaps you had a terrible experience at camp as a child and you do not want your child to feel the way you did.

Remember there are many different reasons parents balk at the idea of sending their kids away to an overnight program. However, you cannot get around one very important aspect - Camp helps encourage independence and self-awareness.  As a parent and a former teacher, I see every day how kids are affected by new experiences.  The kids that were in my classes who attended camp were far more outgoing than the kids who did not. They were more put together, had better cooperative and communication skills and were not afraid of getting down and dirty with science, nature and the outdoors.

Camp not only helps the internal voice of youth today but it encourages them to have confidence in their choices and thus to make positive efforts in their education and lives.

Check out this video put together by the American Camps Association.  You too will see what camp has done for those in Hollywood and beyond.