Home > Fayette.Talk > Archives > 2008 > February > 18 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USToo much summer camp?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Saturday’s Living section had two, nearly-filled pages, of summer camp advertisements.
I was mesmerized by all the possibilities.
There’s Debate Camp, Forensic Science Camp, Camp Biz Kids (for the child interested in finance), the Science of Food Camp, and the list goes on and on.
I don’t know about those who you who went to summer camp years ago, but in those days, camp was camp.
No specialty camps. Just a couple of weeks of organized art, swimming, eating and sitting around a campfire.
I’m not sure if it was so much for the kids as it was a break for parents. But I digress.
These days it seems there is so much offered to children during the summer months. And I for one think a good long break to just hang out is a healthy idea for a developing mind.
Don’t get me wrong. I think camps offer kids some great opportunities that they might not get otherwise.
And maybe a week is good, but not for weeks on end.
If my child was pestering me to go a particular camp and I could afford it, I’m sure I would do it.
But I couldn’t see trying to convince my kid, who wasn’t interested in going, to attend, just for the experience.
Trust me on that one. My parents did that to me and I couldn’t stand the camp.
So, even though the summer months are still a ways off, are you thinking about sending your child to camp? And would you consider sending your child to a camp that offers something very specific?
Permalink | Comments (9) | Categories: Abby Brunks
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By Jen
February 18, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this
Sure. I work until 5:30 every day. So does my husband. Our son is too young to stay at home alone and even if he were old enough I don’t think it would be good for him to do so.
Camp it is! All summer. Keeps him safe and busy.
However, he will be doing sports camps and he enjoys all the physical activity.
By DreamsMaterialize
February 18, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this
Camp it is for my son as well. I loved camp as a kid. I would go away for two months. We would hike mountains, canoe, learn archery, and participate in other traditional camp-related activities. I don’t see a problem with specialty camps if that’s what interests your child.
By red
February 18, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this
Hi. My husband and I both work therefore we are forced to use a Summer Camp program for our young children. The only concern that I have is with those that have these kids constantly on the go. Having them attend daily field trips to the Aquarium, Six Flags, White Waters, Bowling, Monkey Joes, Chucky Cheese, etc. They have to balance these trips with educational activities as well. Otherwise they will have a hard time adjusting to sitting in a classroom when school starts back.
By busybee
February 18, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
I’ve been going to the same summer camp since I was 8. I’m now 25, have been on staff for the past seven years and had camp friends in my wedding. It’s one of the best experiences any kid could have.
By Cammi317
February 18, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
This will be the first summer that my 10 y/o daughter goes away to camp. It is only for two weeks with the girl scouts, but I believe it is going to be more traumatic for me than it is for her. I am nervous as all get out, but trying not to show it. She is slightly nervous, but also excited. I did opt to pay extra for cabin living as opposed to her staying in a tent….LOL.
By Jon1964
February 18, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
I went to camp for 6 years as a kid… 2 months at a time. It was a great experience. This year about 40 of us reunited in Maine for a weekend and it was a hoot. Hadn’t seen many of those guys for 30 years. One of the most important steps in preparing a child for the extended stay is for that child to see his or her parents comfortable with the decision. If everyone is okay with it then I would send them. They’ll be thankful later.
By Doucheatron5000
February 18, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this
yep
By Mrs. Warren
February 18, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
I think Summer Camp is great. It keeps kids occupied and out of trouble. I went to an away camp for a week every summer and it was great!! I made some really good friends and lots of awesome memories. My last summer there I cried so hard knowing that all of those good times were over. I want to send our kids to that camp too. I think summer long camps are great if the child wants to go and enjoys them. They’ll probably have more fun there than sitting at home being bored all day.
By Camp4Life
February 18, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
As both a former camper and counselor, I can tell you that my experience at camp helped shape who I am today more than anything else in my childhood. It’s an opportunity to meet lifelong friends outside of your own neighborhoods and schools as well as an amazing chance to gain a sense of independence and fulfillment that I can’t imagine having found elsewhere. It’s both money and time well spent on both the part of the child and parent. I would strongly recommend sending your child to camp, even if only for one week per summer.