The Transition from School to Camp - Just 2 Weeks to Go!

“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end" as sang by the group Semisonic in their song, Closing Time.  This song comes to mind as we approach the end of the school year and get ready for the summer months.  June is filled with graduations, end of year celebrations, sports playoffs and dance recitals, and there is a definite buzz in the air.  School year routines are coming to an end and the transition to overnight camp and summer adventure begins.  This transition from school life to camp life is exciting, but can also be filled with mixed emotions.  Though students may be cheering about no more homework and test taking, they do form attachments to teachers, classmates and routines, and may feel a sense of sadness as their familiar routines come to an end.  There is also the transition they will be making from the comforts of home (including loved ones) to new surroundings, counselors and friends.  And though most campers are thrilled about going to camp and can’t wait for the summer to begin, it is natural for some to experience nervousness about their new or returning journey.    So if you have a child that is beginning to feel the upcoming changes in the air, and have some concerns about their transition to camp life, here are some last minute tips to make the transition period a bit easier. 

Pack some comforts of home like a favorite pillow, stuffed animal, family photos, and stationary to keep in touch with friends and loved ones.   To make camp a bit more familiar, review camp materials and the exciting special events that will take place all summer.  Plan a special day together between school and camp for family time.  Having the week off gives families the perfect opportunity to spend time together and enjoy each other’s company.  Be a great listener.  If your child verbalizes any concerns about camp, listen with an empathic ear and let them know their concerns are normal and natural.  Maybe share a similar experience you had during your childhood, and how you got through it.  Let them know you understand.   And most importantly, empower your child to let them know you believe in them and that they will have an amazing summer at camp.  Accentuate the positive and remind them of all the wonderful opportunities they will have and the friends they will make.  The confidence that you have in them will become the confidence they have in themselves.

Our staff is here at camp preparing for an unforgettable summer and we can’t wait for your arrival.  Enjoy the remainder of the school year.  Celebrate all the graduations and accomplishments of the year, enjoy some family time, and get ready for a summer that will be truly amazing. We know that transitions can be challenging but we also know that coming to camp is one transition that will be wonderful.  See you soon!!!!

Camp Memories!

I have to share a wonderful story….a story of the power of camp and the memories that truly last a lifetime.  This past Memorial Day weekend, I got together with two friends that I have known most of my life.  We all grew up in the same town, but the initial meetings were all camp related.  I met my friend Jodi at day camp in the summer of 1974, and Jodi met our friend Stefanie at sleep away camp the following summer.  Their camp ties were always a part of our growing up, and they always spoke of camp in a positive light.  They spoke of camp so often that I had a familiarity with their camp friends and the adventures that took place.  

So fast forward to Memorial Day weekend 2013… We are gathered together with our families to catch up on all that has been happening since we have last seen each another.  As we talked about summer plans and kids and jobs, it was amazing to hear my friends continue to bring up camp stories like it was yesterday.  Every so often one of them would get a big smile on their face and ask the other “Do you remember the time at camp when…”?  These memories took place 38 years ago, but they were fresh in their minds and you could tell that they would be repeating them for years to come.  As I listened to stories of camp, I was amazed at how wonderful it made them feel and especially how fascinated all the kids were to hear about camp “back in the day”.  They talked about the nicknames they had…the friends they made….the summer as pioneers living in the woods…and the overall joy of their summers spent at camp. 

I asked my two dear friends what their camp experience meant to them.  They talked about feeling homesick but never wanting to leave, how much they matured at camp, their first camp boyfriend, the fun of color war, how squishy the bottom of the lake felt, and most importantly how they wouldn’t change any of it for the world.   And then the conversation turned to our own children and the hope they too will have the same positive camp experience and one day sit around with friends reminiscing about their camp days. It may not be the 70’s anymore, but the heart of camp will always be the same.  Camp will always be a place to develop independence and confidence, and to take on personal challenges.  It will always be a place to form lasting friendships, to laugh, to enjoy nature, and to “just be”.  It was a great day spent with friends, and though I didn’t attend camp with them, I loved hearing how happy their camp memories made them feel and how they cherished their times at camp.  Lucky women!!!!