May
22
Tuesday
Overnight Girls Camps are the Embodiment of Simple Living in the out of Doors |
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| News - Parenting |
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When it's time to take a break from reading, writing and arithmetic for the summer, it might be time to think about another type of school for your daughter - an overnight summer camp in the great outdoors.
Fernwood Cove Most of the lessons to be learned at summer camps are fairly obvious - skills in hiking, horseback riding, swimming and other physical activities. However, there are additional, less tangible benefits: Learning new skills in social interaction Building self-esteem Becoming more self-sufficient The advantages of friends working together There is a wide variety of camp experiences available nationwide, from sports-centric to theatre arts to technology; but if your young camper is happiest simply taking advantage of outdoor activities with her friends, then the classic program is her ticket to a wonderful summer filled with physical activity, time in nature and long lasting friendships. Sleep-over summer camps for girls typically run two to eight week sessions, though programs can be as short as one week and as long as the entire summer. While each camp sets its own age criteria, girls aged seven to seventeen come together in an instant community of young women who play together in team sports such as baseball or soccer, and individual sports like tennis, swimming or hiking. Depending on the facility, there may even be culinary arts instruction more sophisticated than putting together s'mores or roasting marshmallows. Quiet times often include arts and crafts - and let's keep in mind the traditional campfire in which the whole camp often gathers in the evenings for activities and story telling. Studying eco-responsibility is a huge part of most camp activities as well. The dilemma of whether it is a good idea for best friends to attend the same camp or even bunk together deserves honest discussion. A camp that fits one girl might not be a good fit for her best friend. Administrators of sleepover summer camps for girls tend to make bunk assignments based on age and grade level in school. When it comes time to set up activity groups, camp advisors frequently sort girls by their ability levels. The goal is to provide a supportive and enjoyable environment for all, and to mix up the girls so they get to know more kids during their limited time. Most camps will cater to requests to keep good friends or siblings together, if this arrangement also works well for other girls and counselors. Part of the growth process is to discover ways to interact socially with the opposite gender. One way to allow for this in a safe and structured setting is to attend a camp with a brother/sister relationship with a boys' camp nearby. The two groups can enjoy each others' company under adult supervision at dances, campfires or other coed activities. Another factor to consider in choosing a summer camp is the degree of structure in the program. If your daughter responds well to days jam-packed with scheduled activities, then a more laid-back camp featuring lots of leisure time might not be a good choice for her. Here is where some give and take between parent and daughter is a good idea in order to make a good placement decision. The majority of camps offer a mix of both structured and free time, which seems to work best for most young ladies. They even allow the girls to choose what their structured time activities will be. All in all, an over-night summer camp can be a marvelous time of learning, friendship and self-discovery. It is not uncommon for girls to want to return to the same camp every year as the memories and friendships made there can last a lifetime. Reproduction permitted only if all active links are maintained and byline is preserved, and/or your byline is omitted. 2011 All Rights Reserved. About the Author: Frank Cole If you are a parent, looking for one of the top overnight summer camps for girls in the U.S, author Stephen Daniels recommends Fernwood Cove. Located in Harrison, Maine, this ACA-accredited summer camp promotes participation, exploration, growth and self-discovery through outdoor activities and community building, and has received very good reviews from parents and campers alike. |
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