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!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Monday, May 16, 2011
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."
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
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!
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!
Friday, March 18, 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
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.
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.
Monday, March 14, 2011
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.
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.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Hooked on Life
Just this evening my husband and I watched "Hook" directed by Steven Spielberg, music by John Williams made in 1991 starring Dustin Hoffman and Robin Williams. This marks the 50th time (I'm guessing) I have seen the movie and the first for my husband. What a joy it is. I have to say that as a new mom of a toddler, I have a different perspective of the film than when I first watched it in the theatres in '91.
To give you a synopsis of the movie, it stars Mr. Williams as a workaholic with no sense of freedom or fun left in his life. He is father to Jack and Maggie and husband to Moira, Wendy's granddaughter. Mr. Williams must revisit his "childhood" when Jack and Maggie are kidnapped by JAS Hook. He returns to Neverland to find out who he really is. For those of you who have not seen this movie, I thoroughly recommend it. Here's the trailer.
I am not an avid movie watcher, nor do I have the time to watch these 3 hour long movies we have today. However, I do enjoy watching a good story. Hook is approximately 2 hours long and is filled with sentimental values, tear jerking moments and quirky Robin comments. It is great for all ages.
As for its relationship with camp....well it's all said in - "We have a kid in all of us." Camp gives everyone of all ages a chance to get back to our innocence. As an adult we have a tendency to lose our imaginations, sense of creativity and willingness to get crazy. Camp gives us this chance to remind kids that their childhoods and memories are of utmost importance.
In today's world, with all the media exposure, kids are forced to grow up too fast. In my experience, most 13 year olds don't play with toys or dolls, don't run around the forest and make up stories or explore their surroundings....that is until they come to camp. Camp is where anything can happen. Camp is Neverland!
Take time to let your kids explore their youth and opportunities where they learn but don't have to grow up. They don't have to make difficult choices or worry about failure, they can just be.
To give you a synopsis of the movie, it stars Mr. Williams as a workaholic with no sense of freedom or fun left in his life. He is father to Jack and Maggie and husband to Moira, Wendy's granddaughter. Mr. Williams must revisit his "childhood" when Jack and Maggie are kidnapped by JAS Hook. He returns to Neverland to find out who he really is. For those of you who have not seen this movie, I thoroughly recommend it. Here's the trailer.
I am not an avid movie watcher, nor do I have the time to watch these 3 hour long movies we have today. However, I do enjoy watching a good story. Hook is approximately 2 hours long and is filled with sentimental values, tear jerking moments and quirky Robin comments. It is great for all ages.
As for its relationship with camp....well it's all said in - "We have a kid in all of us." Camp gives everyone of all ages a chance to get back to our innocence. As an adult we have a tendency to lose our imaginations, sense of creativity and willingness to get crazy. Camp gives us this chance to remind kids that their childhoods and memories are of utmost importance.
In today's world, with all the media exposure, kids are forced to grow up too fast. In my experience, most 13 year olds don't play with toys or dolls, don't run around the forest and make up stories or explore their surroundings....that is until they come to camp. Camp is where anything can happen. Camp is Neverland!
Take time to let your kids explore their youth and opportunities where they learn but don't have to grow up. They don't have to make difficult choices or worry about failure, they can just be.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Bullying can occur in many places - schools, activity groups, friend circles, camps and more. It is how we prepare our kids to handle the situations that arise.
More and more research has come out about bullying, zero tolerance policies, and protection acts. It is important for kids to know that though bullying is not a good act, it is one that most of us must endure at some point during out lives. Funny enough there is more research about bullying in kids lives, but little about bullying in the lives of adults. This is not just a childhood act but can continue long into adulthood if the issue is not solved.
Camp is one of the best ways to teach children about bullying, ways to spot it, prevent it and work towards independence and confidence. Many children attend camp between elementary and high school years when children are most at risk for bullying and being bullied. The complicated and unique social interactions of a camp environment make way for a perfect lesson time.
Children attending camp are susceptible to a number of potential bullying situations where it be in a new cabin, activities or in the dining hall. Bullying episodes may consist of exclusion by cabin mates, the creation of rumors about a fellow camper, taunting during a sports game, sexual harassment during shower time, or physical tormenting during periods such as “free time.” In our time of technology, it can occur even before camp begins or after camp has ended for the day or summer. Campers communicate by instant messaging, e-mail, social networking sites, and cell phone, discussing bunk or group selections and devising plans to create cliques or leave others out. Children may gossip about new campers, spread rumors about a campmate, or post inappropriate and hurtful content about a camper or counselor on the Internet.
This being said, a good camp is one that creates a positive and caring community, and one with staff who are trained to handle and work to prevent such situations from occurring. A successful camp community is one where the tone of staff emulates what we want from campers, positivity, encouragement and enthusiasm for new things, new relationships and diversity. Clear expectations and rules for behaviour, along with an anti-bully policy increases the chances of teaching kids to change their behaviour and engage in more positive interactions with others - this is the key to preventing bullying in any situation - especially camp.
At Camp Diamond, our staff are trained during a 10 day pre-camp to identify bullying and immediately work with the bully & victim(s) to enable them to solve issues at hand and improve their relationship. Not only do we train staff to identify these issues but others including homesickness, risk management and much more.
Staff meet weekly, at a minimum, with Senior Staff to report and discuss issues and solutions to problems that have arisen in the days previously. Pertinent or emergency situations are reported immediately.
Staff work with the campers in numerous ways to educate them on what they can do to solve problems or stick up for their fellow cabin mate. Leadership challenges and group dynamics are worked on in each cabin and throughout communal activities.
In the event, that a situation arises with a camper that cannot be solved, the bully is sent home but this is our last resort. It is important in our current days, that individuals are given training on how to handle themselves in these difficult situations. Counselors are not encouraged to solve a child's problem, but to work with them and to enable them to use skills to solve their own. Of course we are supportive but we are not saviors.
More and more research has come out about bullying, zero tolerance policies, and protection acts. It is important for kids to know that though bullying is not a good act, it is one that most of us must endure at some point during out lives. Funny enough there is more research about bullying in kids lives, but little about bullying in the lives of adults. This is not just a childhood act but can continue long into adulthood if the issue is not solved.
Camp is one of the best ways to teach children about bullying, ways to spot it, prevent it and work towards independence and confidence. Many children attend camp between elementary and high school years when children are most at risk for bullying and being bullied. The complicated and unique social interactions of a camp environment make way for a perfect lesson time.
Children attending camp are susceptible to a number of potential bullying situations where it be in a new cabin, activities or in the dining hall. Bullying episodes may consist of exclusion by cabin mates, the creation of rumors about a fellow camper, taunting during a sports game, sexual harassment during shower time, or physical tormenting during periods such as “free time.” In our time of technology, it can occur even before camp begins or after camp has ended for the day or summer. Campers communicate by instant messaging, e-mail, social networking sites, and cell phone, discussing bunk or group selections and devising plans to create cliques or leave others out. Children may gossip about new campers, spread rumors about a campmate, or post inappropriate and hurtful content about a camper or counselor on the Internet.
This being said, a good camp is one that creates a positive and caring community, and one with staff who are trained to handle and work to prevent such situations from occurring. A successful camp community is one where the tone of staff emulates what we want from campers, positivity, encouragement and enthusiasm for new things, new relationships and diversity. Clear expectations and rules for behaviour, along with an anti-bully policy increases the chances of teaching kids to change their behaviour and engage in more positive interactions with others - this is the key to preventing bullying in any situation - especially camp.
At Camp Diamond, our staff are trained during a 10 day pre-camp to identify bullying and immediately work with the bully & victim(s) to enable them to solve issues at hand and improve their relationship. Not only do we train staff to identify these issues but others including homesickness, risk management and much more.
Staff meet weekly, at a minimum, with Senior Staff to report and discuss issues and solutions to problems that have arisen in the days previously. Pertinent or emergency situations are reported immediately.
Staff work with the campers in numerous ways to educate them on what they can do to solve problems or stick up for their fellow cabin mate. Leadership challenges and group dynamics are worked on in each cabin and throughout communal activities.
In the event, that a situation arises with a camper that cannot be solved, the bully is sent home but this is our last resort. It is important in our current days, that individuals are given training on how to handle themselves in these difficult situations. Counselors are not encouraged to solve a child's problem, but to work with them and to enable them to use skills to solve their own. Of course we are supportive but we are not saviors.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Risk Taking
I was sent an email this morning by a friend of mine that I thought was very interesting and is especially important to remember these days:
To all of you who were born between 1930-1980:
First, we survived being born to mothers
Who smoked and/or drank while they were pregnant.
They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing,
Tuna from a can and didn't get tested for diabetes.
Then after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs covered with bright colored lead-base paints.
We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles,
Locks on doors or cabinets and when we rode
Our bikes, we had baseball caps not helmets on our heads.
As infants & children,
We would ride in cars with no car seats,
No booster seats, no seat belts, no air bags, bald tires and sometimes no brakes.
Riding in the back of a pick-up truck on a warm day
Was always a special treat.
We drank water from the garden hose and not from a bottle..
We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and no one actually died from this.
We ate cupcakes, white bread, real butter and bacon.
We drank Kool-Aid made with real white sugar.
And, we weren't overweight.
WHY?
Because we were
Always outside playing...that's why!
We would leave home in the morning and play all day,
As long as we were back when the
Streetlights came on.
No one was able
To reach us all day. And, we were O.K.
We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps
And then ride them down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem.
We did not have Playstations, Nintendo's and X-boxes.
There were no video games, no 150 channels on cable, no video movies or DVD's, no surround-sound or CD's,
No cell phones, no personal computers, no Internet and no chat rooms.
WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!
We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth
And there were no lawsuits from these accidents.
We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever.
We made up games with sticks and tennis balls and,
Although we were told it would happen,
We did not put out very many eyes..
We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just
Walked in and talked to them..
Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team.
Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment.
Imagine that!!
The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of.
They actually sided with the law!
These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever.
The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas.
We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned how to deal with it all.
----
As a parent, I understand the need and desire to protect our children, but truly we are not doing them justice by protecting them from every little failure, or from getting dirty. A friend of mine teaches kindergarten art class, and tells me daily about the kids that won't get messy. She tells me that her students say "Mommy says messy is bad." Why not let our kids get a little dirty? It washes off, we have water to wash clothes, faces, floors etc. Let them explore - they will be better kids for doing it!
To all of you who were born between 1930-1980:
First, we survived being born to mothers
Who smoked and/or drank while they were pregnant.
They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing,
Tuna from a can and didn't get tested for diabetes.
Then after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs covered with bright colored lead-base paints.
We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles,
Locks on doors or cabinets and when we rode
Our bikes, we had baseball caps not helmets on our heads.
As infants & children,
We would ride in cars with no car seats,
No booster seats, no seat belts, no air bags, bald tires and sometimes no brakes.
Riding in the back of a pick-up truck on a warm day
Was always a special treat.
We drank water from the garden hose and not from a bottle..
We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and no one actually died from this.
We ate cupcakes, white bread, real butter and bacon.
We drank Kool-Aid made with real white sugar.
And, we weren't overweight.
WHY?
Because we were
Always outside playing...that's why!
We would leave home in the morning and play all day,
As long as we were back when the
Streetlights came on.
No one was able
To reach us all day. And, we were O.K.
We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps
And then ride them down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem.
We did not have Playstations, Nintendo's and X-boxes.
There were no video games, no 150 channels on cable, no video movies or DVD's, no surround-sound or CD's,
No cell phones, no personal computers, no Internet and no chat rooms.
WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!
We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth
And there were no lawsuits from these accidents.
We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever.
We made up games with sticks and tennis balls and,
Although we were told it would happen,
We did not put out very many eyes..
We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just
Walked in and talked to them..
Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team.
Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment.
Imagine that!!
The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of.
They actually sided with the law!
These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever.
The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas.
We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned how to deal with it all.
----
As a parent, I understand the need and desire to protect our children, but truly we are not doing them justice by protecting them from every little failure, or from getting dirty. A friend of mine teaches kindergarten art class, and tells me daily about the kids that won't get messy. She tells me that her students say "Mommy says messy is bad." Why not let our kids get a little dirty? It washes off, we have water to wash clothes, faces, floors etc. Let them explore - they will be better kids for doing it!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
How to find the right camp
So many people say that their child attended summer camp once and did not like it so they will never return. But have you ever considered the fact that many kids do not attend the right camp for them? Ask many questions, when considering a program whether it be day camp, overnight or a family program.
Consider these:
1) How many kids are in camp at one time? If your child will be at camp for the first time, it's a great idea to choose a small camp and one that is geared for first timers. If your child wishes to attend camp alone, or does not have friends that can attend with him/her, a smaller camp will help with transition and allow them to get to know many around them.
2) What type of sports do they have? Is there something that interests or challenges your child? If the camp has activities that challenges or interests your child, the more likely they will be to stay active. If your child only likes computers, but does not enjoy sitting at a desk for long periods - computer camp is probably not for them. If your child likes the outdoors and has never seen the stars - perhaps a camp up north is where she would like to be. Sit down and chat with your son or daughter about what they enjoy the most!
3) Are the counselors trained in how to deal with homesickness? Homesickness is a guarantee if your child has never left your side. This is not a bad thing - actually something all of us have had at one time or another. As a camp professional, I have found that the younger the camper, the easy the transition because of re-direction. It is much more difficult to be 17 and leaving home for the first time to head off to college, then be 8 years old and heading to camp for a week. Ask the Director, if the staff are trained in homesickness management during orientation. He/she should be able to give you an idea of how they work with their staff and campers to work on managing it. Anyone who says that homesickness does not happen at camp, is dreaming.
4) Are campers permitted to call home? This can be a good or bad thing depending on your child. I have been to camps where it is forced, and everyday kids call home. For some it's a great reconnection, but for most it means that the counsellor will be up all night with a cabin full of crying kids. At Camp Diamond, we do not permit campers to call home, but parents are encouraged to keep in touch via email or letter mail. You can always call us in the office and we will report back on your camper. Some children find it very difficult to reconnect with parents while having fun on their own. Some feel guilty that they are having fun without you and others just miss their routine. Respect your child and know what they can or cannot handle.
5) Do you have visitor's day? For kids that are at camp for longer than 2 weeks, a visit in the middle of the session can be invigorating. For kids at camp for 2 weeks or less, not such a great idea. If your camp has a visitor's day, make sure you attend if at all possible. Kids can feel left out if all their cabin mates have their parents, family or friends and they do not. Consider this of utmost importance.
6) How much free time is there in a day? A few hours of free time is important to kids - 2 hours to 3 hours is encouraged but more than that can lead to mischief or feelings of loneliness.
7) Is swimming mandatory? What a big question this turns out to be especially for the child who is not a strong swimmer. Many camps have mandatory swimming whatever the weather. Make sure your child is happy with this arrangement. At Camp Diamond, we have free swim every day and swim instruction sign up but under no circumstances is swimming mandatory but it is encouraged.
Consider these:
1) How many kids are in camp at one time? If your child will be at camp for the first time, it's a great idea to choose a small camp and one that is geared for first timers. If your child wishes to attend camp alone, or does not have friends that can attend with him/her, a smaller camp will help with transition and allow them to get to know many around them.
2) What type of sports do they have? Is there something that interests or challenges your child? If the camp has activities that challenges or interests your child, the more likely they will be to stay active. If your child only likes computers, but does not enjoy sitting at a desk for long periods - computer camp is probably not for them. If your child likes the outdoors and has never seen the stars - perhaps a camp up north is where she would like to be. Sit down and chat with your son or daughter about what they enjoy the most!
3) Are the counselors trained in how to deal with homesickness? Homesickness is a guarantee if your child has never left your side. This is not a bad thing - actually something all of us have had at one time or another. As a camp professional, I have found that the younger the camper, the easy the transition because of re-direction. It is much more difficult to be 17 and leaving home for the first time to head off to college, then be 8 years old and heading to camp for a week. Ask the Director, if the staff are trained in homesickness management during orientation. He/she should be able to give you an idea of how they work with their staff and campers to work on managing it. Anyone who says that homesickness does not happen at camp, is dreaming.
4) Are campers permitted to call home? This can be a good or bad thing depending on your child. I have been to camps where it is forced, and everyday kids call home. For some it's a great reconnection, but for most it means that the counsellor will be up all night with a cabin full of crying kids. At Camp Diamond, we do not permit campers to call home, but parents are encouraged to keep in touch via email or letter mail. You can always call us in the office and we will report back on your camper. Some children find it very difficult to reconnect with parents while having fun on their own. Some feel guilty that they are having fun without you and others just miss their routine. Respect your child and know what they can or cannot handle.
5) Do you have visitor's day? For kids that are at camp for longer than 2 weeks, a visit in the middle of the session can be invigorating. For kids at camp for 2 weeks or less, not such a great idea. If your camp has a visitor's day, make sure you attend if at all possible. Kids can feel left out if all their cabin mates have their parents, family or friends and they do not. Consider this of utmost importance.
6) How much free time is there in a day? A few hours of free time is important to kids - 2 hours to 3 hours is encouraged but more than that can lead to mischief or feelings of loneliness.
7) Is swimming mandatory? What a big question this turns out to be especially for the child who is not a strong swimmer. Many camps have mandatory swimming whatever the weather. Make sure your child is happy with this arrangement. At Camp Diamond, we have free swim every day and swim instruction sign up but under no circumstances is swimming mandatory but it is encouraged.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Working at Camp?
I loved going to summer camp as a kid, but can I afford to go back as a counselor? This is a question that has been pondered by many individuals when they are looking for a summer job. As a teenager, I remember loving camp but never knew if I could afford to “play” all summer. However, when you take into account your expenses that comes with city job such as rent, food, entertainment, and transportation (bus/subway pass or the $1.00+/L gasoline), you realize that the camp job allows you to save money while having little to no expenses.
At summer camp your rent is paid, there is no need for daily transportation, meals/snacks are provided along with the majority of your entertainment. Except for a few trips (if you so choose) into town on your day off (which can be split with fellow counsellors), you have zero expenses.
Also consider the opportunity to explore another part of the country, province, or perhaps you wish to travel to an international camp, do you have this opportunity to travel when you are working at that desk job downtown? Probably not. Why not choose to spend your days outdoors, laughing, making memories and gaining valuable skills all the while seeing a different part of the land?
If you are applying for college/university, they look for your ability to interact with others and your motivation for new experiences. If you are applying for jobs associated with business, education, recreation and others, the skills that you obtain as a camp counsellor look fantastic on your resume. Think of the benefits when you can say that you supervised a group of adults/children, were responsible for their overall well-being including monitoring meals, conflict management, and teaching them new skills.
Not only are there skills and experience that you can show off on your resume, but you also have the ability to meet people from all over the country and internationally. Build your network, be a role model for your campers, make memories and experience the great outdoors. There is nothing better than sitting on the dock at night watching the shooting stars burst across the sky, or listening to the crickets chirp through the evening. Listening to the laughter of campers in their cabins, or performing a lip sync during evening program, these memories will stay with you forever.
I will never forget my first experience as a camp counsellor and the joy I had to know that I made a difference for my 10 campers ages 9 and 10. What a rush to know that gave them life skills and increased my confidence in just one summer. No wonder I went onto to several other camps, touching the lives of several youth and eventually becoming a camp director. There is no other place I’d rather be.
- Suzanne V. Slater –
- Director, Camp Diamond
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