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.

Preventing Bullying

Preventing Bullying

Most people have experienced or been witness to some type of bullying in their life. Bullying hurts and the memories of being bullied can last a lifetime. Bullying is a widespread and serious problem that has moved beyond the school playground in the form of verbal, social and physical harm, and into cyberspace through the internet or other digital technologies, to threaten, harass or torture someone. Many behaviors that seem harmless, such as teasing or excluding, can escalate into bullying. Stopbullying.gov defines bullying as a form of emotional or physical abuse that is deliberate, repeated and power imbalanced.

According to Kidshealth.org, 25% of public schools report that bullying among kids occurs on a daily or weekly basis and that 1 in 5 high school students reported being bullied in the last year. Bullying has made national headlines, and our communities are taking a stance. On the Pacer Center’s Kids against Bullying website, celebrity Demi Lovato has written about her experience being bullied in middle school and how she is now a spokesperson to create a bullying prevention movement. Educators and parents are learning more than ever about identifying bullying and how to prevent it. The American Camp Association considers bullying prevention to be an issue of critical importance in promoting the health and safety of children at camp.

At camp Iroquois Springs, bullying is not tolerated. We have a No Bullying Policy that is strictly enforced, so that every camper and counselor feels safe and gets the most out of their summer camp experience. As part of our staff training, we hire an outside expert to conduct several workshops on bullying and ways to identify the different bullying behaviors of girls and boys. We provide our counselors the tools to identify the problem and then the skills to intervene appropriately. We know how important it is to set a tone that creates respect and accountability to one another. We create a positive and caring environment, with clear rules and expectations for behavior. Our goal is for every camper to feel at home, make friends, have fun, and not have to worry about incidents of bullying.

The value of being kind to one another is reinforced each and every day at camp. We are a community and learn from one another in everything we do. Rosie, our girls head counselor, ends each morning line up with “girls, don’t forget to be nice to each other today”. It’s a simple reminder that goes a long way. Bullying is less likely to occur when there are messages against it. And the messages don’t stop when the last bus pulls out of camp. We send our camp families the Iroquois Springs “Code of Conduct” on the Internet, for the safety and wellbeing of our campers beyond the camp’s gates. It’s our No Tolerance stance on cyberbullying behavior. Campers are expected to use good judgment when communicating on the internet or any other electronic device.

For anyone who has been bullied or witnessed someone else being bullied, here are some things you can do:

· Talk about it! You are not alone and, and no one deserves to be bullied.

· Talk to a trusted adult at home, school, or camp.

· Talk to a friend. They may have been through a similar experience.

· Develop Strategies for handling bullying.

· Stick up for yourself, and tell the bully to stop.

· Remain calm and walk away.

· Buddy up for safety. There is power in numbers, and the bully is less likely to approach a group.

· Gain Knowledge!

Find out about your school district’s policies and how they handle bullying situations. You don’t have to fight this battle on your own.

Let’s all work together to create schools, camps and neighborhoods that allow children to have fun, feel safe and enjoy life!

Preparing "First Time" Campers for Camp

Over the past 12 years, through my work at the American Camp Association - NY section and now at Camp Iroquois Springs, I have spoken to hundreds of parents interested in sending their children to summer camp. Parents who are new to the overnight camp experience, as well as those who were campers themselves. All with the same focus... to find the right summer camp to fit their child’s interests and needs, and to have their children experience all the wonderful and exciting things camp has to offer.

From reviewing camp materials, talking with camp directors, setting up home visits and tours, to speaking with other camp families... choosing a summer camp is a big decision. There are so many factors to consider. Where is it located? How many campers are there? Is it coed or brother / sister? What activities are offered? The list goes on. With so many incredible programs being offered, it’s a process that involves doing one’s homework. When you do find the right camp, it’s a great and exciting moment. It is also a moment when many families ask...”How do I best prepare my child (and myself) for their first overnight camp experience?”

Though it may seem early in the year to start thinking about preparing your child for camp, there are some things you can do now to help make the transition from home to camp an easier one.p home visits and tours, to speaking with other camp families… choosing a summer camp is a big decision. There are so many factors to consider. Where is it located? How many campers are there? Is it coed or brother/sister? What activities are offered? The list goes on. With so many incredible programs being offered, it’s a process that involves doing one’s homework. When you do find the right camp, it’s a great and exciting moment. It is also a moment when many families ask...”How do I best prepare my child (and myself) for their first overnight camp experience?”


Plan Sleepovers

If your child has not slept out of the house, now is the time to set up some sleepover dates. Have your child sleep at a friend or family’s house over the next few months to help them gain confidence in being away from home. A successful sleepover will help them feel more independent and may lessen any fears about being away from you and home when camp time rolls around.

Practice “Personal Care” Skills

Children attending overnight camp should be able to dress themselves, shower, brush their teeth and take care of their living space. In addition, they should be able to master simple skills around mealtime. Practice making good food choices, pouring milk on their cereal, or cutting a piece of chicken. For young campers, this may be the first time they are doing some of these things independently. Though help is always available from staff, preparing campers to be more independent will help them feel more confident in their ability to take care of themselves.

Meet Other Campers

Many camps offer new camper orientation prior to the start of camp (Iroquois Springs New Family Orientation is being held on May 20th!!!). These orientations are a great opportunity to meet other new camp families, some camp staff, and to see some familiar faces when getting on the camp bus. If your family is not able to attend these gatherings, it may be helpful to ask the camp about new camp families that live in your area, so you can arrange your own get together. It’s a great way to feel connected before even arriving at camp.

Listen

Though not every new camper is nervous about going to overnight camp, some children may express anxiety and trepidation about being away from you and home. Nervousness about going to camp for the first time is common and expected. What will the day be like? Will I make friends? What if I can’t fall asleep? Listen and acknowledge their concerns and let them know you understand what they are feeling. Then… be sure to let them know how proud and confident you are in them and how great they are going to do. Reassure them that there are people at camp who will help them with any problems they have and let them know who those people are.

Get Familiar with the Camp Routine

Watch the DVD and review all camp materials. Campers who are familiar with a typical day at camp will feel less anxious about the unknown. Talk about all the wonderful and exciting activities and events they will be doing, and all the incredible people they are going to meet.

Prepare Together

Go shopping together for camp clothing and supplies. Though you have a camp list to go by, get your child involved in some of the decision making and planning in what goes to camp. Have them choose a favorite stuffed animal to bring to camp along with photos of family and friends.

We hope this is an exciting time in your family’s life and one you will look back on with appreciation and pride. We are so excited for our new Iroquois Springs families to join us for summer 2012!!! Call us with any questions or concerns and enjoy your months leading up to camp!

Cooking at the "Kitchen Stadium"

Cooking at the “Kitchen Stadium”

Here at camp, we are constantly thinking of new ideas and activities

to add to our already wonderful schedule. Two summers ago, we hit the jackpot when we introduced “Kitchen Stadium”. Our cooking program has given campers the opportunity to be in the kitchen, participating in an activity that is fun, delicious, and teaches skills that will last a lifetime.

There are so many positives that come out of a cooking experience:

Cooking allows us to experiment and use our creativity. This past summer, we incorporated a “cook-off” style activity as part of color war. It was a lot of fun to see the creativity of the teams. Cooking also helps us learn about nutrition and healthy eating. With childhood obesity being at an all-time high in the United States, and the easy availability of processed foods, it's beneficial to introduce children to cooking with natural ingredients. Healthy eating habits children pick up at an early age will help them maintain a healthy lifestyle through the years. There is even a chance that they will try new foods they previously refused if they have a hand in the preparations. Elaine Magee, MPH, RD, and author of more than 25 books on nutrition and healthy cooking, says that “cooking with children can get them interested in trying healthy foods they might normally turn up their noses at”. At “Kitchen Stadium” we enjoy a good cookie or brownie, but our recipes go beyond the typical deserts kids love. We have made world class guacamole, quesadillas, and yogurt parfaits.

As parents, we can appre

ciate the valuable skills gained (without even realizing it) when in the kitchen, such as reading recipes, measuring ingredients, and following directions. It's great that something so fun can reinforce lessons in science, language, math and creativity. Children also feel a sense of accomplishment and boost in self-esteem when contributing to the family meal. Think back to when your kids were toddler

s and they served up culinary masterpieces from their toy kitchen, or brought you a mud-cake they created in the backyard. It felt good to provide you with something they made and hear how wonderful you thought it tasted.

Cooking together also builds a sense of family

and closeness. At camp with your friends, or at home with siblings, cooking involves working together as a team. It's a great time to bond and create memories that last a lifetime. There is nothing my kids love more than pulling their chairs up to the kitchen counter and helping make breakfast on the weekends. Everyone has a job to do, from measuring and mixing to cooking and serving. They seem to appreciate the finished product a whole lot more than when I pop frozen waffles in the toaster or pour a bowl of cereal during the school week. It may require a bit more patience and clean up, but it's a nice moment to have and one that I hope they continue when they are grown and have their own families.

We can't wait for Summer 2012 and getting back to Kitchen Stadium with new and exciting recipe ideas!!! We are also thinking of “kicking it up a notch” and creating our very own vegetable garden where we can grow and pick our own fresh vegetables and herbs to cook with – we will keep you posted on this as well.

“In the kitchen, we can be creative, and if the turnout isn't what we wanted, it's no big deal – it's only food and it might still taste great. It's the idea that you are cooking together and sharing with someone the result of your hard work and creativity. Every time I cook, I'm making new memories and learning valuable skills that will last a lifetime”. Rachael Ray (taken from the Yum-O! Organization web site).