Post by Ash on Dec 1, 2009 21:00:09 GMT -5
Dear Parents:
Google currently reports there are 4,080,000 hits right now on a specific search of how to choose the right camp. This wealth of information comes from a variety of sources ranging from therapists to camp databases, from other parents to support groups concerning this decision. I imagine there are even more printed sources. I found it strange that many camps are actually quite silent on this decision.
It’s an important decision, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Over the years, camps have grown more diverse to where there is going to be the perfect match out there, somewhere. While I hope your decision would be with us, what is more important is that your child has the best summer possible.
Below is some advice concerning this important decision. Please note that this advice does not reflect back on the Girl Scouts of Skyline Council, but rather some personal advice from the volunteer staff (that are former campers and/or have camper age children) that have put together this program.
1) Talk and listen to your child. Listen to what they are saying as well as to what they are not saying. The one who will know if the camp is a good match or not will be the camper themselves. They can tell you their likes, dislikes, and any concerns. They will let you know what they cannot live without. Watch their body language especially. There is a difference between a child who says "cool" while wearing their headphones after glancing at the website vs. the camper who immediately seems unable to sit still from excitement.
2) What is your camper’s excitement level? Signs of a good match are where the campers wish to talk about the camp. Signs of a great match are when they won’t stop talking about the camp. Signs of a match that makes my day is when I have parents emailing me asking if we could possibly have the camp earlier because every other word is Hogwarts. A child who doesn’t talk about a camp isn’t a disqualification, but it is worth further investigation of why. Is it due lack of interest (a disqualifier) or concerns about leaving home (something that can be worked through beforehand)?
3) What are your child’s expectations?
a. Do the activities and theme appeal to them? While a child who hates Harry Potter and fantasy will not be happy at a wizarding camp, they may love a technology camp.
b. Is there anything that they cannot live without? Some campers need their Internet while others need to be able to come home every single night.
c. How long do they feel comfortable spending away from home? With a younger child, consider showing them a calendar to give them the perspective of how much time it is. (Hogwarts is a 6 night camp. We do not allow day tripping).
d. Do they prefer a small camp (50 -100), medium size camp (100 – 1000) or a large camp (1000+)? Smaller camps mean a tighter knit family with individualize attention but larger camps have a greater opportunity to meet new people. (Our max enrollment is 80 campers with 33 staff members).
e. What kind of camp culture are they looking for? Do they prefer a competitive environment or a nurturing environment or something in between. (Hogwarts is located in between. The houses compete but in order to succeed, they have to work together).
4) What is your gut reaction? Instinct is something we are taught to ignore, but it means there something that is bothering us.
This is the most important advice we can offer besides talking with your camper.
5) Ask questions. Please. If your campers or you have any questions about our camp, please do not hesitate to contact me at anash@vt.edu . I am your main contact person for this reason so please do not be shy about contacting me. I enjoy meeting new people and adore talking about this pet project.
Best of luck!
Google currently reports there are 4,080,000 hits right now on a specific search of how to choose the right camp. This wealth of information comes from a variety of sources ranging from therapists to camp databases, from other parents to support groups concerning this decision. I imagine there are even more printed sources. I found it strange that many camps are actually quite silent on this decision.
It’s an important decision, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Over the years, camps have grown more diverse to where there is going to be the perfect match out there, somewhere. While I hope your decision would be with us, what is more important is that your child has the best summer possible.
Below is some advice concerning this important decision. Please note that this advice does not reflect back on the Girl Scouts of Skyline Council, but rather some personal advice from the volunteer staff (that are former campers and/or have camper age children) that have put together this program.
1) Talk and listen to your child. Listen to what they are saying as well as to what they are not saying. The one who will know if the camp is a good match or not will be the camper themselves. They can tell you their likes, dislikes, and any concerns. They will let you know what they cannot live without. Watch their body language especially. There is a difference between a child who says "cool" while wearing their headphones after glancing at the website vs. the camper who immediately seems unable to sit still from excitement.
2) What is your camper’s excitement level? Signs of a good match are where the campers wish to talk about the camp. Signs of a great match are when they won’t stop talking about the camp. Signs of a match that makes my day is when I have parents emailing me asking if we could possibly have the camp earlier because every other word is Hogwarts. A child who doesn’t talk about a camp isn’t a disqualification, but it is worth further investigation of why. Is it due lack of interest (a disqualifier) or concerns about leaving home (something that can be worked through beforehand)?
3) What are your child’s expectations?
a. Do the activities and theme appeal to them? While a child who hates Harry Potter and fantasy will not be happy at a wizarding camp, they may love a technology camp.
b. Is there anything that they cannot live without? Some campers need their Internet while others need to be able to come home every single night.
c. How long do they feel comfortable spending away from home? With a younger child, consider showing them a calendar to give them the perspective of how much time it is. (Hogwarts is a 6 night camp. We do not allow day tripping).
d. Do they prefer a small camp (50 -100), medium size camp (100 – 1000) or a large camp (1000+)? Smaller camps mean a tighter knit family with individualize attention but larger camps have a greater opportunity to meet new people. (Our max enrollment is 80 campers with 33 staff members).
e. What kind of camp culture are they looking for? Do they prefer a competitive environment or a nurturing environment or something in between. (Hogwarts is located in between. The houses compete but in order to succeed, they have to work together).
4) What is your gut reaction? Instinct is something we are taught to ignore, but it means there something that is bothering us.
This is the most important advice we can offer besides talking with your camper.
5) Ask questions. Please. If your campers or you have any questions about our camp, please do not hesitate to contact me at anash@vt.edu . I am your main contact person for this reason so please do not be shy about contacting me. I enjoy meeting new people and adore talking about this pet project.
Best of luck!
With warmest of regards,
Ash
Hogwarts: The Summer Session Camp Director
Ash
Hogwarts: The Summer Session Camp Director
