The New Camp Grenada
By Michelle Martin
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Summer camp for kids has come a long way since Alan Sherman's well-known tune “Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh (A Letter from Camp)” played on the radio. As bemoaned in the song's lyrics about Camp Grenada, junior campers in the “good old days” expected and endured such conditions as mosquitoes and bad food while earning independence and gaining new friendships as they learned how to swim, went on hikes and assembled any number of craft projects. While these activities are still mainstays in some of today's summer-camp offerings, the truly adventurous youngsters have many more options than were available back in the day. The online directory of camps and summer adventures called Kids Camps (www.kidscamps.com) lists 24,000 programs for children including 43 types of sports, 18 types of academic programs and 21 special-needs categories. Other types of camps focus on fine and performing arts, religion, nature and adventure.

So Many Choices
For certain, the plethora of camps with their differing styles is staggering to the novice parent. For many, choosing and getting into the “best” summer camp these days has become nearly as anxiety provoking as getting into Yale or Harvard, and many searches begin in the winter months. While the mantra, “My child shall not be bored,” is muttered by most parents, the underlying concern for being “left behind” is also paramount. Often this fear is fueled by practical needs and the possible guilt of two working parents searching to cover child-care needs during the summer weeks.

A good camp offers many positive and rewarding experiences. While having fun in a healthy and relaxing setting, self-esteem, character, courage, resourcefulness and cooperation are developed. Camp programs are designed to help children develop interpersonal skills through activity-oriented lessons that provide the opportunity to develop the emotional and social skills they will need to grow into strong, considerate, competent adults who are responsible and independent.

Because a camp experience can have a significant impact on a child's life, it is important for parents to learn how to make an informed decision when choosing the one right for their child. Established in 1983, the National Camp Association (NCA) (www.nationalcampassociation.org) is dedicated to helping parents find the right camp for their children. NCA's no-charge, summer-camp referral service provides extensive information. All NCA camps are accredited and meet strict standards in health, safety and quality programming; all are evaluated by NCA staff. This helpful service offers personalized guidance and referrals to camps worldwide.

The American Camp Association (ACA) (www.acacamps.org) also serves as a tremendous free referral source. Established almost 100 years ago, it has 6,700 member camps and 2,300 accredited member camps. ACA believes that each of us plays an important role in the stewardship of our environment – both natural and manmade – and it proposes to teach children to appreciate, respect and care for the world so that they will grow into committed, responsible citizens.

Factors to Consider
When selecting camps, the first consideration is usually day versus overnight. Parents ask themselves, “Can my child benefit from sleeping over or would it be too stressful for him/her?” If an overnight option is favored, the distance factor comes into play. It is crucial in terms of security and practicality. From the child's point of view, being close to home can be a very important factor and can make or break the adjustment, especially in the first years when a change of heart may require a quick exit.

Parents also should consider the camp's activities and how the day is structured. Although most professionals encourage children to broaden their areas of interest, some children have intensely focused interests. Children who dive into an activity with a ferocious appetite may really need the experience it offers. In addition, some children need structure and schedules while other children benefit more from having freedom and making choices. Often parents overlook this. Many children prefer and actually need “down time” rather than having every moment scheduled.

To Camp or Not to Camp: That is the Question
Going to camp can provide balance, but this often can be achieved in a non-camp summer setting. Planning family activities that take advantage of local and neighborhood adventures can satisfy the needs and interests of all family members and be in tune with the true art of happiness in summer.

In our modern times filled with fast and furious multi-tasking and societal tendencies that push children into growing up, holistic professionals encourage parents to allow a child the freedom to just be a kid. At camp a shy child can build independence and an independent child can build on his/her nurturing qualities. For some young people the more important need is to achieve a balance that allows them to find that peaceful place inside so they can just be happy. Camp or no camp, this could be the biggest gift of summer.

With 20 years experience, Michelle Martin, ED.S., is the director of the Insight Learning & Wellness Center and a licensed school psychologist providing services for children, adolescents and families. The Insight Learning & Wellness Center offers educational and holistic services for children and adults, including a one-week mind-body day camp called CAMP SKIP (Spiritual Kids in Progress) from July 10-14 for ages 6-8 and July 17-21 for ages 9-12. Activities include art, music, movement, Reiki, meditation and working with crystals. For more information, call Michelle Martin or Tamar Geri, Reiki Master, Camp Director, at (216) 765-4470 (ext 1).