The Benefits of Eating Together

The Benefits of Eating Together

Families today have their plates full (no pun intended). Our schedules are packed with homework, sports practice, games, rehearsals, long commutes and work. It’s a wonder we can ever gather around the family table for a meal. But as challenging as it may be…it may be worth the effort. Studies show that the family meal is an important part of healthy living. Family meals help to teach good manners, promote healthy eating, and improve social skills. But most importantly, family meals strengthen the family unit, creating closeness, and a sense of belonging. Conversations at the table connect us and open up lines of communication and sharing.

According to Becky Hand, a registered and licensed dietician, research shows that frequent family dinners (5 or more a week) are associated with lower rates of smoking, drinking and

illegal drug use in pre-teens and teenagers when compared to families that eat together two or fewer times per week. She also notes that children do better in school when they eat more meals with their parents and family. Additional research shows that teenagers who eat dinner four or more times per week with their families have higher academic performance compared to teenagers who eat with their families two or fewer times per week. Nutrition.wsu.edu cites that researchers at the University of Illinois found that children ages 7 to 11 who did well on school achievement tests spent a large amount of time eating meals and snacks with their family. They also cite a Harvard study where family dinners were most influential in fostering healthy child development, over play, story time and other family events.

Although typical family meals may be on pause while at camp, we keep the benefits of eating together going strong with our “camp family”. Meal time at camp is one of our favorite moments throughout the day. We gather together 3 times a day, to eat, share, laugh, learn and be with family. It’s about food and nourishing our bodies, but it is so much more. It is a spirited time to catch up on the day’s events with our friends, siblings and camp family. The constant singing and chanting of some very special camp

songs brings us together and deepens the bonding that is already happening at camp. Our use of round tables allows each camp family member to be a part of the experience, and to feel part of a terrific community.

Eating together, at both home and camp, is beneficial for everyone. No need to make it gourmet…just grab your plates and your family and enjoy the time together.

Have an Amazing Summer....Work at Camp

Have an Amazing Summer…Work at Camp

The groundhog may have predicted six more weeks of winter (if you can call these temperatures winter), but it is the perfect season for college students to think about their summer work plans. A job at summer camp means a summer filled with fun, friendship, and hands-on experience that employers look for. A summer camp job provides students with transferable skills useful for any career path. Students have the opportunity to work in the great outdoors while building skills of leadership, problem solving, conflict resolution, communication, teamwork, and responsibility. And not just in theory, but in real life day to day interactions. Here at camp, we spend the better part of the year looking for

qualified staff to become a part of the Iroquois Springs family. Our goal is to hire staff that have a genuine interest in working with children, and who can bring something to the table.

Some thoughts from our camp staffing coordinator, Gary Ross:

“I look for individuals who are already making a difference in college. Students who are involved in extra-curricular activities show good character. They are hard workers and tend to have good time management skills. These attributes are very useful in a camp environment where the work is hands-on and requires a degree of selflessness. For seasoned staff as well as those who may have less experience coming into camp, it’s amazing to watch the personal growth that takes place from the first day of camp to the last. We see staff develop their character and personality and build a skill set they can bring with them to any employment”;

And, Associate Director, Brian “Bubba” Cohen:

“Working at summer camp is an incredible social experience. Students have the opportunity to work together, under one roof, with hundreds of people from all over the country, as well as international staff, in a fun and rewarding environment. You are working in an environment filled with great learning opportunities while developing friendships that will last for years to come. Being a camp counselor is a huge commitment, but the more you put into it, the more you will get out of it. This year, we are focusing on hiring staff that can not only teach the traditional camp activities, but also for people who can bring something unique and new to our elective program, by bringing their interests to camp. It may be knowing how to juggle, or being a musician who can start a rock band. We are looking forward to seeing what new talents our staff can teach us”.

It takes a very special person to work with children and make a difference in their lives. To teach, guide, manage and most importantly help children develop greater confidence. Our staff members use the pre-camp training they receive to become leaders, mentors, motivators and friends, all resulting in rewarding and more memorable summers than ever imagined. Summer camp is an opportunity to do what you love and get paid for it, all while having a wonderful summer being a leader to children of all ages. The experience and skills you gain will aid you in finding the perfect job upon graduation and beyond.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine’s Day!!!

I don’t know about you, but I loved celebrating Valentine’s Day as a kid. I couldn’t wait to receive a big red heart filled with assorted chocolates from my parents, and filling out those teeny tiny cards for all of my classmates at the school Valentine’s Day party. We ate candy hearts with messages written on them andwaited with anticipation while the teacher distributed the many envelopes with our name on them. We collected our cards, all feeling very loved and special.

Fast forward many years, and I get to experience the excitement of Valentine’s Day all over again, this time through the eyes of my children. Their focus is mostly on decorating the house and wondering how many candy treats they will get, but as always I try to use the day as a teachable moment. To be thankful and appreciative for the loving people in their lives, and to reinforce the importance of being caring toward one another, their friends and people they meet along the way. I’m sure they just really want the candy, but I’m hopeful that some of what I say sinks in. So celebrate Valentine’s Day and let the people close to you know how much you love and care about them.

Here are some ways to connect with the people you love….

- Pick up the phone, email, or text a camp friend to let them know you are thinking of them.

- Show your creative side. Take out some construction paper, scissors, glue and whatever supplies you have and design personalized cards together.

- Read a Valentine’s Day themed story or watch a romantic comedy.

- Create a Valentine Coupon book, offering anything from extra hugs, to things like a special trip for a kid, or help around the house for a parent.

- Throw a Valentine’s Day party.

- Make a recipe that uses Valentine’s Day themes. Make a batch of heart shaped pancakes or a dinner of all red foods.

Enjoy the day, show love, accept love and take a moment to appreciate the wonderful people in your life.

“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt”. Charles M. Schulz

Building a Healthy Self Esteem and the Summer Camp Experience

Building a Healthy Self Esteem and The Summer Camp Experience.

Ask any parent what they want for their children and they will most likely mention having a healthy self esteem. Self esteem is the beliefs and perceptions we have about ourselves and our abilities. Self esteem strongly influences how we take on life's challenges and cope with new experiences. The goal of every parent is to have their children feel good about themselves, to take on the world with a “can do” attitude and trust themselves and their abilities.

When children have a “product”, either something to show for their efforts or a feeling of accomplishment, they develop a healthy and positive sense of who they are. There are so many settings and opportunities for young people today to shine and feel good about their efforts and successes. Be it at school, on the sports field, through community service, having responsibilities at home, and of course at summer camp.

In addition to the endless fun summer camp provides, it is also an excellent setting to foster a healthy self esteem and offers numerous opportunities to develop and nurture a positive sense of self by:

Allowing a Greater Sense of Independence:

The feeling of independence starts with getting on the camp bus, and is evident in the simple tasks campers take on each day. It's being responsible for picking out their clothes, cleaning up their

living area, and having a say in the electives they choose. Children who often have things done for them at home, take on many new responsibilities with great competence. Knowing one is capable and being a part of the decision making process builds confidence and feelings of empowerment.

Being Surrounded by Positive Role Models:

Summer camps work very hard to interview and hire mature, skilled and well trained staff who all share a strong desire to work with children and be a part of their successes. Camp staff create a safe and loving environment that encourages taking chances. When children feel safe they are more likely to take on new challenges and feel a sense of accomplishment.

Providing Team Building Activities:

Outdoor adventure and team building experiences are an important part of the summer camp experience. In addition to individual successes, team experiences allow campers to work together for the better of the group. Campers develop strategies for success by working through obstacles, contributing their ideas, and not giving up. Feeling a part of something creates feelings of self worth will carry over to other life situations.

Attempting New Challenges:

Summer camp provides endless opportunities to try new activities. From wake up to lights out, the camp day is filled with adventure and fun. Performing in the theater production, trying horseback riding for the first time, perfecting one's serve on the tennis court, getting up on water-skis, creating fine arts, cooking up a new recipe, color war and tribal competitions, and even being part of a community project. All adding up to a great sense of accomplishment.

Developing Social Skills and Lifetime Friendships:

Let's not forget what is at the heart of the summer camp experience and the development of a positive self esteem. Friendships and the sense of belonging. It's a home away from home, a camp family, a place to form lifetime friendships that are like no other. By living together, campers learn to get along, resolve conflicts, work together and of course laugh and have the time of their lives.

If your family is already part of the summer camp experience, you have probably witnessed first hand the way your children have blossomed and grown each summer. If you are just starting your summer camp journey...watch and see. You will be amazed by what your children take away from being a part of a camp experience, with new found confidence and self esteem.