What are the benefits of overnight summer camps. How to choose the right camp for your child. What activities are typically offered at overnight camps. How to prepare your child for their first overnight camp experience.
The Allure of Overnight Summer Camps
Overnight summer camps have long been a cherished tradition for children and teenagers across the United States. These immersive experiences offer a unique blend of adventure, personal growth, and social interaction that can profoundly impact a young person’s development. But what exactly makes overnight camps so special?
Overnight camps provide a structured environment away from home where children can develop independence, build new friendships, and explore diverse activities. They offer a break from technology and daily routines, allowing campers to connect with nature and engage in hands-on experiences that may not be available in their everyday lives.
Key Benefits of Overnight Summer Camps
- Fostering independence and self-reliance
- Developing social skills and forming lasting friendships
- Exposure to new activities and interests
- Building confidence and self-esteem
- Encouraging physical activity and outdoor appreciation
- Enhancing problem-solving and decision-making skills
Are overnight camps suitable for all children? While many children thrive in the camp environment, it’s essential to consider your child’s individual needs, interests, and readiness for an extended stay away from home. Discussing the idea with your child and addressing any concerns they may have is crucial in determining if an overnight camp is the right choice.
Choosing the Perfect Overnight Camp: Factors to Consider
Selecting the ideal overnight camp for your child can be a daunting task, given the wide array of options available. To make an informed decision, it’s important to consider several key factors that can significantly impact your child’s camp experience.
Location and Duration
How far are you comfortable sending your child? Camps can range from nearby locations to those in different states or even countries. Consider the camp’s duration as well, which can vary from a few days to several weeks. For first-time campers, a shorter stay at a nearby camp might be a good starting point.
Camp Philosophy and Focus
Each camp has its own unique philosophy and focus. Some camps emphasize general activities and social interaction, while others specialize in specific areas such as sports, arts, or outdoor adventures. Understanding the camp’s core values and approach can help ensure it aligns with your family’s goals and your child’s interests.
Activities and Programs Offered
Review the range of activities and programs available at each camp. Does the camp offer a diverse selection that will keep your child engaged and excited throughout their stay? Look for camps that provide a balance of structured activities and free time for personal exploration.
Staff Qualifications and Camper-to-Staff Ratio
The quality and experience of the camp staff play a crucial role in ensuring a safe and enriching experience for campers. Inquire about staff qualifications, training, and the camper-to-staff ratio to gauge the level of supervision and individual attention your child can expect.
Facilities and Accommodations
Consider the camp’s facilities and living arrangements. Are the accommodations comfortable and well-maintained? What medical facilities are available on-site? Understanding the physical environment can help you and your child feel more comfortable with the camp choice.
Cost and Financial Considerations
Overnight camps can vary significantly in price. Factor in not only the base tuition but also any additional costs for specialized activities, equipment, or transportation. Many camps offer financial aid or payment plans, so be sure to inquire about these options if needed.
Popular Overnight Camp Types and Their Unique Offerings
Overnight camps come in various shapes and sizes, each catering to different interests and age groups. Understanding the different types of camps available can help you narrow down your options and find the perfect fit for your child.
Traditional Camps
Traditional camps offer a well-rounded experience with a mix of activities including sports, arts and crafts, water activities, and outdoor adventures. These camps focus on building social skills, independence, and trying new things in a supportive environment.
Specialty Camps
Specialty camps cater to specific interests or skills. These may include:
- Sports camps (e.g., soccer, basketball, tennis)
- Arts camps (e.g., music, theater, visual arts)
- Science and technology camps
- Adventure camps (e.g., wilderness survival, rock climbing)
- Academic camps (e.g., language immersion, STEM programs)
Is a specialty camp the right choice for your child? If your child has a strong passion or talent in a particular area, a specialty camp can provide focused instruction and like-minded peers. However, keep in mind that these camps may offer less variety in activities compared to traditional camps.
Faith-Based Camps
Faith-based camps combine traditional camp activities with religious education and spiritual growth. These camps can be an excellent option for families looking to reinforce their religious values in a fun and engaging setting.
Special Needs Camps
Camps designed for children with special needs provide tailored programs and support for campers with physical, emotional, or developmental challenges. These camps often have specialized staff and facilities to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all participants.
Preparing Your Child for Their First Overnight Camp Experience
Sending your child to overnight camp for the first time can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience for both parents and children. Proper preparation can help ease anxieties and set the stage for a positive camp experience.
Open Communication
Discuss the upcoming camp experience with your child openly and honestly. Address any concerns they may have and highlight the exciting aspects of camp life. Encourage questions and provide reassurance about their ability to handle new situations.
Practice Independence
In the weeks leading up to camp, help your child practice skills they’ll need at camp, such as making their bed, organizing their belongings, or writing letters home. This can boost their confidence and reduce anxiety about being away from home.
Packing Together
Involve your child in the packing process. Review the camp’s packing list together and let them choose some personal items to bring along. This can help them feel more in control and excited about the upcoming adventure.
Addressing Homesickness
Discuss the possibility of homesickness and strategies for coping with it. Remind your child that it’s normal to miss home and that the camp staff is there to support them. Consider packing a few comforting items from home, such as a favorite stuffed animal or family photo.
Setting Expectations
Help your child understand what to expect at camp, including daily routines, activities, and camp rules. Discuss the importance of trying new things and making new friends while respecting others and camp property.
Essential Packing Tips for Overnight Summer Camp
Proper packing is crucial for ensuring your child has everything they need for a comfortable and enjoyable camp experience. While specific packing lists may vary by camp, here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:
Clothing and Footwear
- Pack enough clothes for the duration of the camp, plus a few extra items
- Include clothes suitable for various activities and weather conditions
- Bring sturdy, comfortable shoes for outdoor activities
- Don’t forget swimwear, rain gear, and warm layers for cool evenings
Personal Care Items
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, etc.)
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Any necessary medications (to be given to camp staff)
- Towels and washcloths
Bedding and Sleep Essentials
- Sleeping bag or sheets and blankets (check camp requirements)
- Pillow
- Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries
Activity-Specific Gear
Depending on the camp’s focus and activities offered, you may need to pack additional items such as:
- Sports equipment
- Musical instruments
- Art supplies
- Hiking gear
Personal Items and Comfort Objects
- Books or journals
- Small games or playing cards
- A favorite stuffed animal or comfort item
- Disposable or digital camera
How can you ensure nothing important is forgotten? Create a comprehensive packing list well in advance and check items off as they’re packed. Consider labeling your child’s belongings to prevent loss or mix-ups at camp.
Safety and Health Considerations at Overnight Camps
Ensuring the safety and well-being of campers is a top priority for reputable overnight camps. As a parent, it’s important to understand the safety measures in place and how health concerns are addressed during your child’s stay.
Staff Training and Qualifications
Inquire about the camp’s staff training programs, particularly in areas such as first aid, CPR, and emergency procedures. Many camps require staff members to undergo background checks and have relevant experience working with children.
Medical Facilities and Staff
Most overnight camps have on-site medical facilities staffed by trained professionals. Ask about the camp’s medical protocols, including how medications are administered and how parents are notified in case of illness or injury.
Emergency Procedures
Familiarize yourself with the camp’s emergency procedures, including plans for natural disasters, severe weather, or other unexpected events. Ensure the camp has a clear communication plan to keep parents informed in case of emergencies.
Dietary Considerations
If your child has food allergies or special dietary needs, discuss these with the camp administration well in advance. Many camps can accommodate various dietary restrictions but may need advance notice to make necessary arrangements.
Activity Safety
Review the safety measures in place for various camp activities, especially those involving water or adventure sports. Ensure that appropriate safety equipment is provided and that activities are supervised by qualified staff members.
The Long-Term Impact of Overnight Summer Camp Experiences
The benefits of attending overnight summer camps often extend far beyond the immediate camp experience. Many campers and parents report significant positive impacts that continue to influence children’s lives long after they return home.
Enhanced Social Skills
The immersive social environment of overnight camps helps children develop crucial interpersonal skills. Campers learn to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and work collaboratively with peers from diverse backgrounds.
Increased Independence and Self-Reliance
Time away from home in a supportive environment encourages children to become more self-reliant. They learn to make decisions, solve problems, and take responsibility for their actions, fostering a sense of independence that carries over into their daily lives.
Improved Self-Confidence
Trying new activities and overcoming challenges at camp can significantly boost a child’s self-esteem. The sense of accomplishment gained from mastering new skills or conquering fears often translates into increased confidence in other areas of life.
Appreciation for Nature and the Outdoors
Many overnight camps emphasize outdoor activities and environmental education. This exposure can instill a lifelong appreciation for nature and promote environmental stewardship among campers.
Development of New Interests and Skills
The diverse range of activities offered at overnight camps allows children to discover new passions and talents. These newfound interests can shape future hobbies, academic pursuits, or even career paths.
Formation of Lasting Friendships
The intense bonding experience of overnight camp often results in deep, long-lasting friendships. Many campers maintain connections with their camp friends for years, sometimes even into adulthood.
Can the benefits of overnight camp experiences be quantified? While individual experiences vary, numerous studies have shown positive correlations between camp attendance and improved social-emotional skills, resilience, and overall well-being in children and adolescents.
Overnight Camp | Austin Family Magazine
Overnight Camp
Heart O’ the Hills Camp for Girls 6-16, is located on the Guadalupe River’s beautiful South Fork in Hunt, the heart of the beautiful Texas Hill Country. The camp was founded on eight pillars of virtue in 1953, and still today strives to nurture a…
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2015 is Camp Stewart‘s 91st exciting summer. It is located on the headwaters of the Guadalupe River in Hunt, TX. The facilities are spread over 500 acres, located on both sides of over a mile of Guadalupe River frontage. In addition to over 80 adventurous camping…
Overnight Camp
Camps Rio Vista for Boys and Sierra Vista for Girls are private, family owned and operated camps in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, about 2 hours west of Austin. At Camps Rio Vista and Camp Sierra Vista, our traditions, reputation, and experience set us apart.
Our…
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Hermann Sons Youth Camp, established in 1954, is available to members ages nine through thirteen, as of September 1. Becoming a member is as easy as purchasing a life insurance product through Hermann Sons. Camp applications are mailed to eligible members…
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Explore the world of animals by doing up-close, hands-on activities – while having a blast with other campers from across the U.S. and around the world. Campers at SeaWorld® San Antonio discover magnificent animals behind the scenes, while they come face to face…
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Camp Wilderness Ridge is an independent, non-denominational Christian summer camp and retreat center located in the heart of the Lost Pines of Central Texas. CWR is a member in good standing of Christian Camping and Conference Association. Our Mission Camp Wilderness.
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“Bonding Mothers & Daughters Through Horses” The Sugar and Spice Ranch is exclusively for Mothers and daughters who want to spend a week having the best bonding experience of a lifetime. Imagine bunking with other moms and daughters in a real…
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Rocky River Ranch is a rustic, residential camp for girls, aged 7 to 14 in Wimberley, the heart of the Texas Hill Country. Located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country in the quaint village of Wimberley, Rocky River Ranch has been operating as a private summer camp…
Day Camps, Overnight Camp
Nestled in the Texas Hill Country in New Braunfels, the Outback Adventure Camp offers an action packed, exciting week of fun and adventurous challenges! Rafting through the rapids, 50 foot swings, zip lines, a day at Schlitterbahn Waterpark, tubing on the river, an…
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Although we are nationally known for our excellence in fencing instruction, we are also known for our safe and fun learning environment! We strive to bring individual attention to each person that comes through our doors.
Camp – 2019
Our camp is perfect for ages 5-18. The week-long camp sessions are designed to create an interest in sports and promote an active lifestyle.
Camp – 2019
Marvelous Mind Academy is an educational cooperative for exploratory learning that uses the world as its classroom. Finally, a member based childcare program that allows parents to schedule care on their terms.
After School and Fall Fun Fair, Camp – 2019
Camp Tiger is a summer day-camp based on STEAM. Hosted at the Rochester Institute of Technology, Camp Tiger caters to enthusiastic learners in grades 3rd through 12th.
Camp – 2019, STEAM
Have fun with role playing, journaling, and artistic expression, while making new friends and building self confidence, developing leadership skills, letting go of being cool, becoming more assertive and more you!
Camp – 2019
Summer Program for Children Grades 1-5 at Bristol Mountain — Water Fun.
Exploring. Climbing. Arts & Crafts. Theme Parties. Friends. Come for a day, a week, or all nine weeks!
Camp – 2019
The largest summer camp provider in our region, the YMCA of Greater Rochester offers a wide range of experiences at various locations, in an active, safe, and nurturing environment.
Camp – 2019
Westside Theater presents Maury Yeston’s Titanic, The Musical. Rehearsals begin July 8, performances August 1-3. Camp runs Monday-Friday, 6-9:30pm. Contact for an audition and receive registration materials.
Camp – 2019
We are a Full-Service Modeling Agency with a Complete Training Program. Established in 1987, we specialize in providing professional training in the areas of modeling, pageantry, and self-development.
Camp – 2019
Webster Theatre Guild offers a summer theater program for children of all ages including elementary, middle and high school students. The Summer Youth Theater Experience (SYTE) focuses on the process of theater with educational sessions .
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Camp – 2019
ZooCamp at Seneca Park Zoo is for preschool through school-age kids who love animals and nature. 2019: Special needs camps.
Camp – 2019
Camp at Roseland Wake Park that includes ride time, rentals, coaching, supervision, camp t-shirt, wakeboarding, kneeboarding and stand up paddleboarding! Ages 7-13.
Camp – 2019, Sports/Athletics
Embrace the physical and mental challenges rock climbing provides while having a blast the whole time! Ages 6 to 14.
Camp – 2019
For ages 6-18, summer programs teach and promote and interest in yachts and yachting and the principles of seamanship and navigation.
Camp – 2019
Discover science as a fun and creative way to explore the wonders of our world with Summer Curiosity Camps for ages 2 to 15 with experienced educators at a museum filled with hundreds of interactive exhibits to explore.
Camp – 2019
RIT offers a wide variety of different summer camps to fit your child’s interest.
From medical camps to a summer full of STEAM, soccer camps as well as coding, we have it all! Our summer camps are an awesome opportunity for learning AND a ton of fun!
Camp – 2019
Summer camp for girls! Where fun, talent, and friends meet!
Camp – 2019
Terry Fyke’s Main Street Players is a performing arts school incorporating theater, dance and theatrical education. Main Street Players offers a solid foundation in the performing arts while providing performance opportunities throughout the year.
Camp – 2019
Summer programs run June 24 – August 17, with half-day and full-day camps. Gymnastics Training Center offers structured and progressive instruction for boys and girls, age preschool through teen, plus tumbling, custom field trips …
Camp – 2019
Community-based pleasure riding stables with the instruction of horseback riding. Instruction includes safety in the saddle and safety in the stables.
Riders also will learn about animal nutrition, grooming, nursing care, and bathing horses.
Camp – 2019
At Camp Midtown, kids enjoy a variety of games, crafts and themed activities all summer long at Rochester’s premier athletic club.
Camp – 2019
Where self-confidence, self-esteem, and leadership skills are developed. Master Kim’s Taekwondo has become a landmark of Rochester martial arts. Weekly camps June 25 – August 31 include Taekwondo classes, games, arts and crafts, and more!
Camp – 2019
A variety of summer camps for kids interested in learning more about animals and the animal welfare community. Make new friends, learn together, play games, and hang out with amazing animals. Fun for animal enthusiasts ages 4 to 11.
Camp – 2019
Summer fun and learning too! Exciting, creative activities designed for children entering grades 1-4 with a different theme each week.
Daily experiences include computer lab time and swimming! Enroll for the whole summer or week-by-week.
Camp – 2019
Kanack hosts multiple summer camps for ages 5 to 17 centered around piano, chamber music, vocal technique, musical theater, orchestra, and Suzuki.
Camp – 2019
Summers at Harley include Harley Day Camp for ages 4 to 12, Summer Nursery Program for 3-year-olds, and Summer Academy for all ages up to grade 12, including sessions in academics, art, dance and sports.
Camp – 2019
Hochstein has a wide range of summer offerings for all ages, including Arts in Action camps, musical theater vocals and dancing, and an array of instrumental instruction, including rock, jazz, percussion, and composition.
Camp – 2019
OFC Creations’ ROC Summer Theatre Experience is the largest theater summer camp program in upstate NY. The aggressive and impressive camp program will produce a total of 15 shows at three different locations, led by a team of 25 teaching artists.
Camp – 2019
Play-Learn-Discover during the Just 4 Kids summer camp for grades K-5, from July 8 through August 16 (7:30a – 5:30p). Your place for summer fun! You do not have to be a Greece resident to participate.
Camp – 2019
Summer camp for girls to explore leadership, build skills, and develop a deep appreciation for nature. Day and week-long camp options, with swimming, hiking, horseback riding, archery, and ropes course. Financial aid available.
Camp – 2019
Come to Camp EAGR August 11-17 and enjoy a week of swimming, horseback riding, rock wall climbing, canoeing, fishing and more. You’ll make new friends and will get to experience things you might not get to do anywhere else.
Camp – 2019
Spend a week at Eastman July 29 – August 2 making music with people just like you — who love playing, learning, and creating music, all in a supportive and fun environment. A full-day program for those in grades 5 to 9.
Camp – 2019, Family Favorites 2016
Draper Center Summer Programs offers something for everyone – whether your child is starting dance, would like to improve their abilities in a short time, or is training to become a professional dancer.
Camp – 2019
Summer camp for ages 5-18 with half-day and full-day options. Takes place July 8-12 in Pittsford and July 22-26 in Chili. This year’s focus is comedy. Full-day students will produce and perform their own original play.
Camp – 2019
Half-day or full-day camps July 8 – August 16. For ages 5-9: weekly themed camps / painting pottery and canvas, plus crafts and games. For ages 10-15: learn a variety of painting techniques on pottery, canvas, and wood.
Camp – 2019
The world’s largest glass museum invites you to see and experience glass making projects for all ages. Try hands-on activities, enjoy dozens of daily demonstrations, and even work with our skilled staff to make your own glass.
Camp – 2019
Summer fun in Penfield at The Charles Finney School! Learn the fundamentals or refine your skills in Volleyball, Basketball, Soccer, and/or Musical Theater. No prior experience required.
Camp – 2019
Camp Whitman’s week-long sleep-away camp programs help campers make friends, connect with nature, gain independence, and explore their faith in a warm, caring Christian community.
Camp – 2019
Summer adventures await at Rochester Community Centers, including field trips to local parks and cultural sites, arts and crafts, and STEAM activities and experiments. For ages 6-13.
Camp – 2019
More than 30 years of experience offering quality arts classes to the community. Summer sessions and private lessons in voice, guitar, piano, and percussion, plus the production of Lion King Jr. for ages 4-12.
Camp – 2019
Half-day and full-day camps for spring break and in summer.
As students develop their skills through music instruction, they can go any place their musical interests take them. Experiences include performing before audiences.
Camp – 2019
Innovative social clubs, sensory exploration classes, personal fitness, and recreation programs for individuals of all ages and abilities. Plus, Social Skills Summer Camp and the Summer Speech Boot Camp.
Camp – 2019
Each summer Alfred welcomes high school students from all over the country to participate in academics and sports, to learn more about their fields of interest, to sample life on a college campus, and to meet other students with similar interests …
Camp – 2019
Be in a show this summer – all experience levels and each session culminates in a full performance. STAGES is a non-profit theatre company, offering fun, high-quality community theatre to area youth.
Camp – 2019
Day Camp at the JCC is formative and fun for grades K-6, welcoming all campers into a safe community of respect and inclusion.
Activities include nature, sports, arts & crafts, music, swimming, and theater.
Camp – 2019
Located on Conesus Lake, Camp Stella Maris offers a variety of programs for campers ages 5-16. Our Overnight and Day camps are week-long sessions held throughout the summer. A home away from home for more than 90 years.
Camp – 2019, Family Favorites 2016
Great Kids, Great Care, Great Camp! Summer adventures for children ages 5 to 10 years!
Camp – 2019, Summer Camp
Top notch instruction. Friendly atmosphere. The New York State Ballet Training Academy offers certified professional dance instruction in a welcoming and nurturing environment.
Camp – 2019
10 most beautiful places where you can ride a bike from Berdsk
Cycling season is open! The Witness correspondent talked to experienced Berdsk cyclists and found out where you can go to enjoy the incredible beauty.
The VeloBerdsk VC community has 580 people. Every weekend, a small group of 15-20 activists set out on routes of varying difficulty and length.
– There are easy leisurely walks for 40-50 kilometers, there are long-distance routes, with an overnight stay, for 200-300 kilometers, says one of the organizers of the community Mikhail Titov.
– In our group there are participants of very different ages, from 16 to 60 years old, so everyone chooses a trip according to their abilities and interests. Sometimes we make a transfer by train, and then we ride bicycles. For example, one of the most favorite is the route around the Berdsky Bay. The main meeting is at Gorky Square, then we move along the highway towards Rechkunovka, we pass the village of Svetly, past Morozovo, Talmenka, then through Iskitim, Lebedevka, Agroles and return to Berdsk. The length is about 70 kilometers.
We often go to Akademgorodok through the Botanical Garden, to Koltsovo.
But we also have the so-called “moose” – athletes who like to participate in extreme races, when, for example, you need to drive 200 kilometers in 13.5 hours or even 1200 in 90.
Berdsk photographer Olga Shuldiner-Sivyakova does not part with the iron horse in the summer. She said that she found amazingly picturesque and secluded places near the city, which cannot be reached by car.
– The most favorite places in Berdsk are those where you want to take photos. First of all, the low shores of the Chaika beach, where there are few people even during the swimming season, small forest lakes nearby, which I found quite by accident a couple of years ago.
On one of these lakes there is a pier, and a ladder-bridge leads to it. There you can sit alone or go fishing.
Another favorite place is Khimzavodsky lakes. Around them there are beautiful glades of different colors, fields with rye.
I like cycling because you can get to places where a car cannot go.
I just love the bike: you pedal, and unnecessary thoughts turn off, your mood improves.
I like riding with VeloBerdsk, but I also like to ride all alone, somewhere far away. For me, this is valuable time alone. Last year, for example, I drove more than 100 kilometers through Sosnovka, Burmistrovo, Zavyalovo. When we go in a group, the route is planned in advance, when I go alone, then wherever my eyes look. That’s more interesting.
A typical weekend trip is 60-70 kilometers. Routes to Koltsovo, Iskitimsky marble quarry or Spoon and back fit into this distance.
Where to go?
The main places are marked on our interactive map.
Church of Vladimir the Equal-to-the-Apostles in Burmistrovo.
Chapel in Bystrovka.
Spoon.
Church of the Intercession of the Holy Mother of God at the Pokrovsky Zavyalovsky Monastery.
Biotechnopark building in Koltsovo.
Medvedsky waterfall.
Iskitim marble quarry.
Fields near Berdsk.
Chemical plant lake.
Near the beach “Seagull”.
Lake in the Chaika area.
Photo by Olga Schuldiner-Sivyakova and from the VeloBerdsk community archive
How the city camp is organized, inspired by the scouts
Still from the film “Kingdom of the Full Moon”, 2012
Long school holidays are praised then they curse: three summer months is not only freedom and the quintessence of a carefree childhood, but also pain for working parents who have to puzzle over where and how to place their child. Aaron Figursky, the founder of the Moscow summer school Moscow Speaks English, talks about the history and advantages of city camps – camps.
History and practice
The idea of organizing leisure activities for school groups outside the home originated in Switzerland a century and a half ago. The first ever children’s camp was created in 1876 in the Alps by pastor Brion. Children lived in nature, learned to build huts, fly kites, sang, played, and communicated.
The experience of the Alpine priest quickly spread throughout the world. In post-war France, the model of such camps – colonies de vacances – became part of the state educational program. In the USSR, pioneer camps were a mass phenomenon, beneficial both from a social and political point of view.
Saint-Egreve, France. One of the first colonie de vacances. Approximately 1900-1920 / Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Summer camps – summer camps – from the very beginning gained exceptional popularity in the USA and Canada. According to the actively functioning organization American Camp Association (ACA), in 1900 there were about 100 summer camps in the United States, and in 1918 there were already more than 1000. Today, the association unites 3765 camps, including children’s, teenage, youth, family affiliated with educational, religious, cultural, military organizations, independent, monogender, specialized, suburban and urban. The very existence of a body such as the ACA in the country already says a lot about the popularity of children’s camps in America.
Montreal, Canada. Children at a summer camp, July 1941 / Photo: Wikimedia Commons
In today’s Russia, most children’s camps combine the culture of Soviet pioneer camps with the traditions of Western summer camps. But there are also carriers of pure concepts, like Moscow Speaks English. Here they chose the model of American scout camps: their culture is instilled by counselors – native speakers who themselves went through this system in childhood.
Children’s city camp Moscow Speaks English
Camp like in the movies
Camps today are much more than organizing an exciting program for children. The pedagogical goal of the camp is to teach children to communicate in a team, develop leadership qualities, give them new knowledge and skills that will be useful for life in society. However, no one declares such tasks to children, but achieve them with the help of various leisure formats: horror stories with a flashlight, marshmallows on a fire, quests, search for “treasures”, totems and time capsules, elements of uniform, moments of complete freedom (jump in clothes in the pool is about it).
Still from the film “The Lost Camp”, 1994
For many children, the camp becomes the first true experience of independence. In order to provide such an experience to as many children as possible, charity events are held in the United States: “Send a child to camp” or “500 dollars [average price of a weekly camp stay] that will change someone’s life”, and the classic summer camp scheme is some organizational changes. Day camps are one such organizational flexibility.
Day or overnight
Sleepaway Camp is a camp where you spend the whole shift outside the house: you spend the night with other guys in a tent, hut, wigwam or hostel. Day Camp is a camp in which the child spends time from morning to evening, and returns home every night to sleep.
American Day Camp / Photo: Wikimedia Commons (MSchottlander1)
Directly abroad is not always better. Stories about children who spent two weeks at a summer camp in America and brought home only one obscene phrase in English, because there were many more Russian children, unfortunately, are not a myth.
Day camps were originally an attempt to decide where to put the kids on vacation when the parents were working full time. However, over the past decades, the demands of parents have increased greatly, and competition has had a significant impact not only on the diversity, but also on the quality of the services provided. What matters is the professionalism and experience of the staff, safety standards, diet, the uniqueness and value of the program.
As close as possible to the original
The practice of camping has gradually taken root successfully all over the world. Analogues exist in different countries, and thematic content varies from programming to farming. So in some camps you can not only make friends, but also learn a profession or learn a foreign language. At the same time, if camps for studying oriental languages — Arabic, Chinese, Korean — are gaining popularity in the United States, then in our country, preference is given to the classics — camps teaching English.
The Moscow Speaks English Camp is now in its third year and, according to the founders, is much more than a few lessons, lunch and games in English.
Children’s city camp Moscow Speaks English
If we talk about the classic version of the city summer camp according to its Western European or American model, then this is a full-fledged language environment with native speakers who help children learn the language in a natural way. Since the operational language in such a camp will be English, children can learn spoken language in the “habitat”. A bilingual counselor works with each group to help understand the rules of the games and the goals of the classes, choose the right phrases in English for self-expression, and also minimize possible misunderstandings.
City Children’s Camp Moscow Speaks English
Additionally, in such an environment, you can count not only on improving your speaking skills, but also on:
- Self-reliance. There will be no marches in formation and in pairs to the dining room.
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