Gaining independence

I was just on the phone with a parent who is looking for a camp for her children, as well as other relatives. It will be a group of 5 kids. There are always interesting conversations with parents who are sending their child with a friend, sibling or relatives. Often the campers are not so nervous attending overnight camp if they have a friend or sibling. But, as a camp director, we have found that campers often do better coming to camp on their own. That way, there are no expectations among friends and campers can find their own place at camp. We always talk about camp being a place where kids can gain independence and grow. I'm more than comfortable having frank conversations with parents about why we recommend that campers take most of their activities separately so that they can integrate better into the camp community. Chris Thurber talks about camps that can help their campers grow are ones that stick to their mission and have an intentionality so that camp policies fit the underlying mission. Also quoting Chris from the Summer Camp Handbook (a must for parents), is a statement from a camper who clearly went to camp on his own:

One of the best parts about my camp experience was the opportunity to establish myself among peers with a clean slate. None of the kids who knew me from school were there, and the authority figures had no history with me. I felt very free to be myself, and not to be part of an ingrained social order.

I feel that talking with parents, expressing the goals of the camp, and trying to come up with a game plan for multiple campers, can work. On the other hand, we have had parents (and their children) more interested in being with a friend than taking the steps to get to know other campers. Sometimes those families choose another camp and that is ok - they have made an informed decision.

Good camping!

Rick Mades
owner of Camp Finders & MySummers
owner/director of Maine Arts Camp

personal growth

Overnight camp provides a wonderful place for children to grow, gain independence, learn to work through problems without the help of a parent and become part of a community. Often campers come back from camp more confident and willing to try new things. Children can also discover new interests, meet interesting young adults (the staff) as well as re-define themselves at their second home. As a side benefit, when former campers go to college, they have already worked through feelings of homesickness as a camper and are more likely to adjust to being away from home. Camp also creates a different learning environment than school, one where there is pressure from grades and other obligations children have at home. Children can also connect with nature and the outdoors, learn in more active ways than they do in school, and create lifetime bonds with their new friends. For a great article about children growing at camp (and having fun!), read what Chris Thurber, an academic psychologist with years at camp has to say. I have sat in on many workshops run by Chris. He is knowledgeable, has hands on experience at camp, and a great sense of humor. I highly recommend Chris' book, the Summer Camp Handbook.

Rick Mades
owner of Camp Finders and MySummers
owner/director of Maine Arts Camp