The wonderful experience of Summer Camp has been a way of life for generations of Americans. For many it is a time of increased independence. Sleeping away from home and making new friends. Others who did not get the opportunity to go to Childrens Summer Camp just don’t understand what it is all about.
In many a book and movie alike summer camp has been the back drop. The “Parent Trap” and “Indian Summer” just to name a few. Yet, most movies and books are not a realistic portrait of what camp is all about . The documentary Summercamp is one of the most realistic true stories about Summer Camp. It is filmed at Swift Nature Camp in Wisconsin. During the filming over 300 hours of film was used to make this charming 90 minute feature. It truly shows how the kids interact and what makes camp special. This is not a sugar coated feel good movie, it shows kids in real life with real problems.
These days parents heavily schedule their children making it more difficult to plan for summer camp. In addition, we parents, have given much more importance to technology than nature. After all the boogie man outside rarely comes in to harm your child. Thus making the world of mature unsafe. It is estimated that most children spend nearly 6 hours a day in front of some sort of screen.
Richard Louv, author of the ground breaking book Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder finds this an unfortunate development. He calls this phenomenon nature-deficit disorder and he links it to some of the most alarming trends for our kids. Including rises in obesity, attention disorders and depression.
Camp can be a place to teach all children independence and friendship, while getting up close and personal with the outdoors and nature – something that’s crucial if the next generation is to see a reason to preserve and protect mother earth. As parents, how do we make sure our children’s summer camp put Nature in its programs?
Ask yourself these questions before selecting your child’s summer Camp: What about technology? All electronics can take away from the true camp experience. Ipods and cell phones allow children to hide in their electronics rather than participate with the cabin. Louv says that tent mates with video games or text messaging can easily distract your child. At first most campers are not so keen on this idea but after a few days at camp they see a reason to take a break.
Where is the focus? Louv suggests many camps are trying to be all things to all people, they offer computers, sports and acting. Historically camps made the most of their natural settings, and encourage visitors to immerse themselves in the environment with play.
Is there independence for play ? Nature-deficit disorder is almost always due to the over-scheduling of children, Louv points out. Thus giving kids less time or energy to explore their world on their own. Quality camps have figured this out and set up planned and non-planned times for play. Much can be learned when kids just play on their own with out adults setting out the rules.
Does the camp have a nature program? Does the camp have actual class time where nature can be explored and discovered? These classes should be hands on and not classroom activities. Does this Nature theme run throughout all the programs? Is the camp aware of its environmental footprint and does it teach this to the children?
Camp Food? For years camps have had a less than stellar reputation for its food. Lately this has changed. With more vegetarians, camps have had to adapt. Be sure to ask about fried foods. How about a salad bar with fruits and yogurt? Don’t forget about catering to food allergies as well. Within all this, the meals must taste good and be kid friendly.
In Wisconsin there is a special palce, Swift Nature Camp. A coed camp for children 6-15 that places a very strong emphasis not only on developing a desire to know more about nature but also on acquiring a deep respect for it. The philosophy is to engage kids in fun-filled learning through hands on participation. It is natural curiosity and self-discovery that make this program work. This Environmental Camp is Not School.
Swift Nature Camp promotes hands on, experiential learning in our Nature Center. This combined with being in nature via canoe and backpack trips fosters an appreciation for the nature around us.
A wonderful community is born each summer when kids from all over the world come together to learn more and appreciate nature . This community helps a child mature by providing support and encouragement. SNC encourages campers to be more self-reliant and in-tune to others. Thus creating more sensitive and understanding children. Do you feel Earth might just need a little more understanding of its inhabitants while needing to understand and respect nature? Swift Nature Camp might be the place for your child this summer.
If you are just starting to look for the best summer camps please see Summer Camp Advice at www.summercampadvice.com
Swift Nature Camp a small non-competitive, traditional coed Overnight Summer Camp. Boys and Girls Ages 6-15 enjoy nature & animals along with traditional camping activities. This Science Camp specializes in programs for the first time camper as well as an Adventure Camp for teens.
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