Great Time To Be Outdoors

It’s the perfect time of year to be outdoors.   To get outside and take a walk, a hike, a bike ride, or just explore nature.  A strong body of research confirms that direct contact with nature leads to better psychological well being, improved cognitive functioning, and fewer physical ailments.   The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children get at least one hour of outdoor play every day.  However, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average child spends about 7.5 hours – outside of school- indoors using electronic devices.  With more demands on our time and an increase in technology, it can be a challenge to find the time to connect with nature.  Richard Louv, author of “Lost Child in the Woods”, coined the term “nature-deficit disorder”.  Louv says that children growing up today are deprived from the many healing elements found within nature. 

One area that is trying to increase the time children spend in nature is the Chicago Wilderness Alliance.  Every year they celebrate June as “Leave No Child Inside” month.  Chicago Wilderness and its member organizations plan large collaborative events and family-friendly programs – like bird watching, catch and release fishing, and playing in the mud- designed to nurture a child’s sense of wonder and discovery.

Rachel and Stephen Kaplan, environmental psychologists from the University of Michigan, would most certainly support the efforts of the Chicago Wilderness Alliance.  These psychologists are known for their extensive research on the effects of nature on people’s relationships and health, and have discovered that one remedy for mental fatigue and increased stress is exposure to nature. 

Here are some of the benefits of more time in nature for children: 

1.      Children have better social relationships:  Research has found that children who play in nature have more positive feelings about each other, and can even reduce or eliminate bullying.

2.     Physical health is improved:  Being outside strengthens immunity and improves motor fitness, coordination, balance, and agility.

3.     Better cognitive development:  Spending time in natural environments helps improve focus, concentration, reasoning and observational skills.

4.     Improved imagination:  Studies show that children are more likely to use their imagination and creativity outdoors.

5.     Reduces stress:  Nature has a calming element and cushions the impact of life stressors and helps children better deal with adversity.

In addition, children who spend time outdoors are more likely to appreciate, love, and protect the environment.  We see firsthand the benefits of spending time in nature every summer at camp.  Our campers connect with nature by having fun at the waterfront, helping out in the vegetable garden, mountain biking, horseback riding around the lake, and going on an overnight camping trip.  It is truly amazing how calming the outdoors at camp can be and how it connects us to one another. 

“Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature.  It will never fail you”, Frank Lloyd Wright.

“One touch of nature makes the whole world kin”, William Shakespeare.

Tours and Explorer Camp - 2014

Summer 2014 may seem a long way off, but if you are thinking about sending your child to camp next summer, than it’s never too early to start considering your options.  Choosing an overnight camp is an important decision, and finding the right fit for your child takes time and research.  Many families have already started to gather camp materials, and spoken to friends and neighbors whose children currently attend overnight camp, both great ways to start the search.  But a super great way to narrow down the list of possible camps is to take a camp TOUR.  Touring camp is a fantastic way to learn firsthand all about a camp’s program and values.  A tour allows you to see a camp in action, meet with the director and key staff, learn more about the activities campers are involved in, and see the facilities.  In addition, you get a feel for the tradition, spirit and philosophy of camp….all very important parts of camp life and deciding if it meets your child’s needs and your family values.

A camp tour also allows you to ask questions and get answers to any concerns your family may have.  Camp directors want to answer your questions and present a full picture of what their camp is all about.  Many families say that they did not even realize to ask about certain things until they came to camp and were exposed to everything from the daily schedule of camper activities, to bunking and meal times. 

In addition to touring, many camps offer a day or overnight experience for future campers to get a feel for what an actual camp experience is all about.  Here at Iroquois Springs, we offer the Explorers program for future campers entering 2^nd through 5^th grades.  In this two-day unique, well rounded program, Explorers get a chance to experience what an Iroquois Springs camper enjoys each day throughout the summer and discover what camp is all about.  By touring with us, or having your child participate in our Explorers program, you see firsthand that we will nurture and take care of your child while providing them more fun, more activity and more growth than they can imagine.  Our goal is to help your child build confidence, develop lifetime friendships, and challenge themselves both mentally and physically. 

If you are interested in visiting us this summer, just give our office a call (845.434.6500) to schedule a tour or enroll your child in our Explorers program.  We can’t wait to get to know your family, show you around camp, and have you see what Iroquois Springs is all about.  See you soon!

New Family Orientation

We have officially moved up to camp and are busy getting ready for another amazing summer at Camp Iroquois Springs.    It’s hard to believe that camp is only six weeks away.  We can’t wait to welcome home our returning campers and counselors, and welcome in our new camp family, that will forever be a part of our camp memories.  But before opening day, we will be meeting many of our new campers at the May 19^th NEW FAMILY ORIENTATION.  We are so excited to welcome our new families and introduce them to camp, our program, staff, philosophy, and to one another. 

We start our day with a delicious BBQ and a staff led tour of camp to introduce (or reacquaint) everyone to the beautiful camp grounds and facilities that make up Iroquois Springs.  Families will view everything from camper bunks, sports fields, and our scenic waterfront, to kitchen stadium, outdoor adventure elements and our new fine arts facility.  Parents will then have the opportunity to meet with our administrative team, who will discuss our camp philosophy and mission, while campers get a chance to meet with their division leaders and get to know one another.  We love that camp friendships will start forming before camp even begins. 

New Family Orientation allows our families to become familiar with camp, and also helps us learn more about our new families.  We want to hear your questions and concerns, and hope to help you prepare your child and yourself for the exciting venture into the world of overnight camp.  Parents may want to know how many campers live in a bunk? (typically 12-14, with 2-3 counselors), what happens if campers don’t feel well? (we maintain a full medical team of nurses and doctors), or when parents should start sending letters to camp (first letters should be send at least four days before camp begins).  These and all questions will be answered, along with a checklist of reminders for the days leading up to camp (like making sure all clothing is labeled, and packing a light snack for the ride to camp).  Our goal is to help everyone feel comfortable and secure with camp procedures, and excited about starting the camp season.  We are looking forward to a great day and meeting all of our wonderful new camp families.  See you soon!

Fostering Independence ......It's a camp thing!

It’s May and that means crunch time for getting those camp forms completed and sent in before camp begins.   Parents are busy filling out health papers, consent forms, questionnaires, and helping us get an overall picture of their camper’s specific needs and interests.  We also learn a bit more about what parents want from their child’s camp experience.  In addition to making friends and being a part of the camp community, one very important outcome parents want from their child’s camp experience is greater independence.  Gaining independence is an integral part of a child’s growth process, and the decision to send a child to overnight camp is a great start in building independence.  Being given the opportunity to live and play outside of the family circle is an incredibly empowering experience, and one that will lay a foundation of independence and self –reliance for a lifetime.  Camp is an ideal environment to build the independence parents hope their children will gain.  The camp environment gives children the setting to make choices, take healthy risks, challenge themselves, learn from mistakes and receive the support and encouragement to succeed in so many areas of life. 

Camp allows children to take care of their basic needs and personal belongings.  Each day, campers pick out their clothing, get themselves dressed, brush their teeth and hair, shower and put their personal belongings away.  From 7:30am wake up to 9:30pm lights out, they are taking on responsibilities that make them feel capable.  The tasks we often do for children at home are being done by them independently.  These basic accomplishments often lead to taking on bigger responsibilities at camp as well as when they return home.  We often hear parents say how much their child has matured over the summer in terms of taking care of their responsibilities at home.

Camp allows for making choices.  Campers decide what to wear, what to eat, the friendships they develop and some camp electives they want to participate in.  Even with the structure of the camp day, campers have the opportunity to make choices and gain a sense of control over their environment.  Decision making creates self determination.  This ability to express choices, identify preferences and have a sense of independence about their own lives will build their self-esteem and carry them through many life situations. With the guidance and support of counselors, campers are still being empowered to make healthy decisions. 

Camp allows children to make mistakes and learn from them.  As parents, it’s difficult to see our children struggle, so we often come to “the rescue” too quickly and rob them of coming up with solutions on their own.  Allowing children to make mistakes and come up with solutions allows them to learn, grow and trust in themselves, all leading to greater independence.  Being able to correct mistakes and come up with a solution is a definite confidence booster. 

Camp gives children the opportunity to work out conflicts.  Just as we should not try to fix their mistakes too quickly, it is also important to let children work out their differences on their own.  It is amazing how campers living together learn to express ideas and feeling and ultimately work things through on their own.  They learn to resolve conflicts as a group and gain a better understanding of one another.  Without stepping in and resolving it for them, counselors are there to brainstorm ideas on how to best work things out if needed, and campers are learning how to resolve future conflicts. 

Camp lets children play, explore, and create.  With so many amazing activities and events being offered, camp helps children discover and master new interests, all leading to a sense of competence and self confidence.   In addition to the fabulous fine and performing arts programs already in place, we have some incredible additions this summer – like “u-build-it”, wearable art, and film making – that will allow campers to create and explore their imagination.  Creativity stretches the mind, helps us learn and think, and gives us a sense of freedom – all leading to greater independence. 

So as you complete camp forms, pack up camp trunks and prepare your child for their camp journey, know that you are giving your child the gift of a summer filled with fun, friendship, discovery and an independence that will take them through the years.

The Importance of "Free Play"

One of the most amazing parts of summer camp is the abundance of activities campers participate in.  Campers receive exceptional instruction from specialists and coaches in land and water sports, fine and performing arts, outdoor adventure, culinary arts, horseback riding, and so much more.  Campers benefit from structured activities that teach new skills, build self confidence, and challenge them to take healthy risks.  But camp also allows for another very important part of childhood that campers benefit from…free play.  Free play is any kind of unstructured activity that encourages children to use their imagination, and is critical for becoming socially adept, coping with stress and building cognitive skills. Free unstructured play helps children build a wide range of skills necessary for success in school, developing friendships, problem solving, creative thinking and practicing self-control.  Free play allows kids a chance to improvise, make up their own rules and work together. 

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, free play is important for children to reach significant social, emotional and intellectual milestones.   Peter Gray, an expert on the evolution of childhood play, says “playing with other children is how children learn to make their own decisions, control their emotions and impulses, see from others’ perspectives, negotiate differences with others and make friends”.  We live in a time of passive play, where children spend a lot of time sitting in front of a video game, computer or television (usually indoors), with very little time to be imaginative or creative outdoors. 

So in addition to the fun and excitement that surrounds the daily structured activities at camp, there is also time to unwind and just play.  Rest hour at camp, time at the canteen and the occasional free time after dinner, allows campers to have this creative time outside of the structured instruction they receive throughout the day.  During rest hour, you can find campers shooting hoops on the basketball court, having an impromptu guitar jam, playing a game of cards, having a rally on the tennis court, or making up a new dance.  They organize the activity and make up the rules.  Whatever they decide to do, it is usually something that uses the imagination and creates a connection to one another.  This connection and working together builds self-awareness, cooperation and empathy.  Free play also gives campers a chance to discover new interests that they can enjoy at camp and throughout the year.  Free play allows campers to create, grow and stretch their imagination.