Look before you Leap to a New Summer Camp

by Linda D. Pratt

Since summer camps began, debates have been waged between parent and child about the rewards or limitations of attending the same camp every year. The child wants to return to the same, beloved camp they’ve been to for a year or two (or three…); the parent wonders if the child should expand his/her horizons a little bit and test the waters—figuratively, and perhaps, literally—of another summer program. As camp registrations approach, the following insights from summer program directors might help you come to a decision that works for you and your child.

Familiar Faces and Places

Don Wood, executive director of the American Camping Association (southeastern section), states that “repeat campers develop and nurture close-knit friendships, which grow stronger and deeper through the years. They are bound together by shared experiences and camp traditions. Camp traditions are similar year after year and become a big part of the memories,” Wood continues, “and fond memories sustain the kids and preserve bonds in friendship.”

Wendy Low, Director of Community Education for Writers and Books, adds, “In our case, participants get a type of program that is hard to find elsewhere, so the avid writers come back for more. The staff become familiar with the child, and take pride in his or her growth and accomplishments. A child feels freer to confide in a familiar person.”

The relationships repeat campers form with staff members are just as important as those they form with peers. According to Wood, returning campers often develop mentor relationships with returning counselors and staff. Staff members serve as positive role members for the campers as examples of respected responsibility and authority. In many cases, camps attract campers and staff with shared interests. In this respect, staff members also model how these common interests play out in adult life.

Often, repeat campers graduate into positions of leadership, from camper to counselor-in-training to counselor to, in some cases, camp staff member. This has been the case with Summerwrite programs at Writers and Books. Several former participants have become junior counselors or college interns, and now a few are writing instructors themselves.

A New Twist to an Old Favorite

As a parent, you are more than likely to be worried that your child will become bored, or missing out on great experiences in other programs with its own challenges, rewards, and friendships. If that’s the case, consider giving the directors of your child’s old camp a call. Ask them what new activities are being offered this summer. For example, at the YMCA of Greater Rochester new activities and expanded existing activities are offered so each camper can try something new and learn something new each summer. There are also a variety of specialty camps within the camp programs, including Sports Camps, Gymnastics Camps, Adventure Based Camps, Teen Camps and Community Service Volunteerism camps.

Most camps run what are called progressive programs. This allows a child to return year after year, progressing through the various age groups and advancing in the programs and activities that are offered. This gives campers a sense of accomplishment as they complete each level and allows them to build skills in areas of their own interest. States Dave Zygaj, Rochester Rhinos summer program coordinator, “summer soccer camp programs cater to specific age groups and try to offer drills/programs that address the specific age of the player. The Rhinos soccer players are our coaches/instructors and because we tend to have new players each year we have the ability to mix in new instructors with the seasoned veterans. Plus,” he adds, “there are new giveaways each year for the kids.” Parents should consider if their child’s skills match those of his age-peer group, and discuss options with the camp director what options are available if they do not.

Time for a Change

According to Linda Nettles, program director of the Youth Programs division of Duke University's Continuing Education and Summer Session, it is possible for a child who didn't want to attend a particular camp to have a positive experience, but it's not always the case.

"Some of the kids who are the most miserable are the ones whose parents chose a program that meets what they want for their child and not what their child needs in terms of supervision, level of activity, social interaction, and so on." Nettles urges parents to discuss camp options with their children; if the children voice a number of concerns or respond negatively, she says, it is possible that this is not the right time or simply not the right program. A child may have expectations of being with a best buddy from last year, only to find out that s/he is in a different age or skill group.

There may be specific circumstances where you and/or the camp counselor may consider having a child attend a different camp. “The program might not be well-organized or may not challenge your child enough. Discuss with your child what he/she would really enjoy in a camp, and look for a good match,” says Chris Vito Feck, Senior Program Director, Northwest Family YMCA. Of course, if you have any experiences where a camp does not adequately provide for your child’s safety, that is a strong indication that you should be looking for a new camp.

The Best of Both Worlds

If you’re still worried about your child’s horizons being expanded, you may want to consider sending them to more than one program. Many camps and programs offer a variety of flexible options including part-time, full-day and overnight experiences of different interests and activities. It may be just enough variety to create a summer your child will never forget.

©Linda D. Pratt, 2003
All rights reserved.

Linda D. Pratt, MA/CCC-SLP, Sp.Ed. is owner of Learning by Heart, offering educational consulting services to early childhood centers. Additional information courtesy of Fournier Learning Strategies, Child Care Options, Inc and Carolina Parent. This article originally appeared in Genesee Valley Parent in 2003.