Wednesday 19 June 2013

Camp For The Homeschooler

By Lonnie Lorenz


Regardless, of no age, grade level or religious background. Home School Summer Camps provide a place where children can be self-reliant, which we all know is a major part of growing up. Councilors take the place of parent for a few short weeks, modeling perseverance, listening, teamwork and appreciation of differences. This helps children see the behavioral standards you try to teach are world norms and in turn brings their new found independence in line with your teachings.

There are many choices when choosing a summer camp, so how do you know you are picking the right camp for your homeschooler? Here are simple steps to assist parents sending their children to camp. Doing your work in advance will help ensure that your child has an enjoyable summer packed with wonderful memories and new experiences.

Benefits Of Summer Camps Sleepaway camp offers home schooled children something special. A wonderful opportunity to socialize with other children in a new and exciting environment. Summer Camp provides lasting friendships. Often kids make camp their summer home returning year after year. it is not unusual for a child to attend camp for 3,4 or 5 summers. Many continue past camper age and then become a Counselor in Training. After that they move on to counselor , being a leader for younger children .

Jeff Lorenz Director of Swift Nature Camp an Environmental Education Summer Camp in Wisconsin says "Summer Camp provides children the chance to be independent and assume leadership roles. Without parents or siblings around campers often show their responsibility thus improving self-confidence when they return back home".

Trying new things is what summer camp is all about. Traditional camps have many activities providing opportunities to try new things and discover new skills. From canoeing and Arts & Crafts to Swimming, Hiking and Horseback riding the list of activities available at different camps is endless. So try to pick a camp that has activities your child has done before as well as new activities to try.

Tips To Choosing the Right Summer Camp Look for a summer camp program that fits a child's comfort level. If the child has never been away from home and is 8 and under a day camp program may be more suitable. If he's used to overnights away from home a residential camp may be a better fit. Usually overnight camps start at around age 8. But do not be afraid to challenge your child by giving him or her new opportunities. We all know that often home schooled children are a bit more attached to their family members. This may mean that you need to work a little harder to get them ready for an overnight camp. But chances are it will be well worth the effort

There is comfort in the familiar so a traditional summer camp that provides opportunities in many different activity areas is a good choice. This gives a child comfort in some areas while giving them other activities that will challenge them to leave their zone of comfort.

Many summer camps offer an open house day early in the season that allows parents and children to come and visit for a day and tour the grounds. Some even offer work weekends, which are a great way to get to know the staff and the grounds. This is a perfect venue to put a child's fears at ease and make sure a camp is the right one.

References from past campers are wonderful tools in deciding if a camp is a good fit. These folks can even make your child feel more comfortable in their decision. Be sure to ask them about their feelings, activities and experiences. Older campers are very happy to share their family home with new campers and tell how camp has shaped their lives.

The American Camp Association accreditation is a vital step in choosing a summer camp. They have over 300 different areas which they look at to ensure a camp is safe both physically and mentally for children. Camps using their logo (ACA) are held to a set of standards far above other camps.

Talk to the Camp Directors, this is probably the most important. Forming a personal relationship helps ensure you are making the right decision. In this age of internet websites its easy to make a decision with out ever had personal contact with the directors or owner. If you are not confident in your decision after following all of these steps, the camp your looking at is probably not the right one for your child.

For more information onsee SummerCampAdvice.com, A free website giving parents information on finding that perfect summer camp for their child.




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