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!!!!

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!