The current economic downturn has many people wondering about how to make ends meet. They are trying to find ways to cut costs and get the most for the money they do spend. While they may want to send their children to summer camp they’re wondering if summer camp is a good financial choice for their family.

There are many things to consider when thinking about the cost of summer camp. Even though the cost may seem prohibitive, you may want to take these issues into consideration:

• Camp costs versus child care costs for parents. Summer camp is great for families where both parents work. These families can know their child is being taken care, is safe and having a good time while they wait for school to start. When you think about whether or not you can afford summer camp this year take into consideration how much child care will cost for the same amount of time. Summer camp provides feeds and provides child care as well as entertainment 24 hours a day, seven days a week for each week your child attends. If you paid a babysitter the current minimum wage rate of $7.25 per hour to babysit your child the same amount of time the cost would be $1,218 per week. When you compare the two choices paying $600 a week for summer camp is a much better deal than $1,218 a week for someone to keep your child. Now multiply that number by how many children you have. Does summer camp look more affordable?
• Is summer camp tuition tax deductible? The answer depends on your family. (*Please note, to get specific financial information please talk with a professional financial advisor. This website does not give financial advice nor is it licensed to do so.) There is a child care credit available to two-earner families or those with single parents. This credit – up to 20 percent – may be possible if sending your child to day camp would allow both parents and a single parent to continue working. Overnight camping would not be included.
• Investment in the future. Think of the benefits of allowing your child to attend summer camp. You could be investing in their future particularly if they attend an academic or technology summer camp. Attending these and other types of summer camp could provide them with opportunities to learn and network with people with similar interests. Depending upon their age and interests the friendships they make during summer camp can benefit them for years to come.

Parents often have to make tough choices when it comes to allowing their children to do certain things. Summer camp is one of those areas where parents may be tempted to cut back when money is tight. Check out www.SummerCamps.com to find a summer camp which will better fit your family’s financial situation and still allow your child to experience summer camp next year.

Summer camp can be such fun for children of all ages. Younger children normally start out going to day camps which are limited to a couple of hours away from home. As they get older, however, they may decide they want to go to an overnight camp. Is your child ready for overnight camp? How can you tell?

Children who have spent the night with friends are generally good candidates for overnight camp. They’ve already been able to spend time away from their parents and will be less likely to call home the day after camp begins to ask Mom or Dad to come pick them up. Of course, each child is an individual so you’ll want to take your child’s personality into consideration as well.

How long has your child spent the night away from home? Children who have spent two to three days with friends or family shouldn’t have any problems being gone that long for camp. And, since camp sessions range in length from one to eight weeks these days, you can choose a shorter camp session for a child who is new to overnight camping.

Christopher Thurber, clinical psychologist and author of The Summer Camp Handbook states, “Kids themselves are the best judge of when they are ready.” He continues, “When they show spontaneous interest in camp, that’s a good clue that the time is right.” In other words, if they bring up the topic of going to camp and mention they’d like to stay overnight, it’s a safe bet they’re up for the challenge.

Does your child have friends who attend overnight camp? Being able to spend time with friends they’re familiar with will also help your child be ready for staying overnight. They’ll want to be brave in front of their friends. Having people they’re familiar and comfortable with may make staying at overnight camp easier for their first year. After their first overnight camp experience, however, they may be willing and eager to try camp away from home and without friends.

Psychologists recommend telling your children it’s alright if they feel homesick when attending overnight camping for the first time. It is perfectly normal for children to think about home, wonder what’s going on without them and miss their family. The chances are that when they become involved in activities throughout the day they’ll be too busy to be homesick for long.

When it comes to knowing if your child is ready for overnight camp there are no hard and fast rules. Each child is an individual. A five year old who has spent the night with grandparents quite often might be able to attend an overnight camp for a week with no problem. The same isn’t necessarily the case for a twelve year old who hasn’t been away from their parents.

Talk to your child about going away to summer camp for a week or two and see how they react. You can look for the perfect overnight camp for your child by searching the www.SummerCamps.com website. They can help you find the right summer camp for your child’s first overnight camp experience.

Children who attended summer camp in the past did so knowing they would have a week or so full of fun activities. Generation Y children of all ages, however, may have difficulties if they are sent to summer camp. Many of these children are dependent upon technology and feel they simply can’t do without it.

Corey Solomon, Camp Director at Appel Farm Camp in Elmer, New Jersey said campers are encouraged to bring mp3 devices because they are an arts camp and music is very important. However, children and teens are asked not to bring devices which access the internet or they are asked to surrender the sim card from their device until they leave. This means campers will not be able to update their Facebook or MySpace accounts while they’re at camp.

“Half of the battle is getting parents to buy into leaving these devices at home. These parents are younger and are used to having immediate access to their children. We ask them to trust us to take care of their children and contact them if the need arises,” stated Solomon.

According to Solomon, “I just attended a conference with Camp Directors from across the country. The rule across the board is that cell phones are not allowed.” Why are hand-held devices discouraged during summer camp? Campers who have their cell phone or other hand-held device which connects to the internet don’t get the full benefit of the camp experience. They are distracted by texting their school friends or accessing the internet that they aren’t able to make new friends.

In the past it was the older campers who were dependent upon cell phones, iPods, iPhones and handheld gaming systems. Now children as young as ten bring these items to camp and can’t understand why they’re not allowed to use them. Solomon stated it is the junior high school students who have the most problem with the rules regarding technology devices. High school students understand the rules and now look forward to a time they can disconnect from the outside world.

Camps generally also discourage the use of the camp phone as much as possible. Part of the reason parents send their children to camp is to help them learn independence and self-confidence. Phone calls home are limited to emergencies so the campers will learn to lean on someone other than their parents. Not being able to call home for every problem encourages children to learn to solve their own problems and learn self-sufficiency. It also helps them turn to their camp counselors and build a trusting relationship with them.

If you’re interested in finding a summer camp for your child, no matter the age, there’s no better place to look than www.SummerCamps.com. They have tips and hints on everything related to summer camps. The website offers advice on what questions to ask a Camp Director when looking for a camp for your child. Don’t forget to ask about technology devices and whether they’re allowed when searching for the right summer camp for your child.

Camp memories last forever. We make sure they are unforgettable!

Shadow Ridge Equestrian Center Summer Camps offer so many exciting things for you to do. Our emphasis is on Fun, Safety and Friendship. Unlike other camp programs that include horses as a small part of their program, at Shadow Ridge Equestrian Center…horses ARE the program! We are 100% horse from the kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms decor to our awesome crafts.

Through their beauty, grace and personalities, horses help us accomplish many of our aspirations… self-confidence, leadership, honesty, respect, responsibility and compassion. Horses also evoke excitement, freedom, adventure and friendship. Girls want creativity, challenges and personal connections in their lives while at the same time having fun. Using horses as a wonderful vehicle and voice for education, our camps offer a tremendously engaging and effective arena for growth and learning.

Our residential camp program includes stable management, games, nature walks, swimming in our above-ground pool, crafts, trail ride, campfire evenings and other farm activities as well as enjoying the beauty of the country setting.

Imagine having your very own horse to spend time with. A best friend to love and take care of. Each camper is allocated and responsible for a horse for the week. Our riding program provides extensive riding and lesson time. Campers will learn how to take care of the horse, and the tack, as well as learning to ride. Every horse has their own saddle, bridle and brushes. Days are filled with horse related activities..

Mornings begin with taking care of the horses. Daily horse chores such as the morning feeding and rounding up of the horses increase the bond between each girl and horse, as they learn to work safely around them. It will provide memories to last a lifetime.

Each day will include a morning lesson in one of our fenced riding arenas (during hot weather they will ride earlier, when it is cooler out). This will develop their balance, coordination and self-confidence. The afternoon lesson will be fun riding – games on horseback, instructional videos or practical learning (braiding, bathing, etc.). Our hands on horsemanship program will help to improve their skills and confidence on and around horses. Campers will also have the opportunity to go for at least one trail ride, during the week. We will take the girls to the local convenience store once during their stay so that they can purchase “tuck” (candy etc.).

At Shadow Ridge we try to create a loving, caring family atmosphere for our campers. Accommodations are in “The Bunkhouse” (4 girls), the “Wranglers Roost” (4 girls), and “The Hideout” (2 girls) in our cozy 177 year old farm house. All meals are home cooked, offering delicious, nutritious and satisfying food for the hungry rider.

Our excellent crafts and activities create personalized memories of your child’s vacation. Each child will receive a camp t-shirt, and a personalized photo CD (usually 300-500 pictures) of their stay at camp. Memories they will cherish for a lifetime.

Our staff to camper ratio is 1:3 during riding lessons and all other camp activities. Campers staying for more than one week will take part in farm activities, area tours and special events on the weekends.

Residential Summer Riding Camps are offered during June, July and August 2005, for small groups of girls aged 10 – 16 years. Campers come not only from Canada but other parts of the world too. We have had campers from Japan, Hong Kong, France, Mexico and the USA. For first time campers or for those just wishing to experience the true camping spirit, these camps will fulfill their dreams and set parents’ minds at ease.

For more information and for testimonials from previous campers, please visit our website at: http://www.shadow-ridge.ca.

Ted and Marilyn Cheek
Shadow Ridge Equestrian Center
13259 Hwy 7, RR 1 Carleton Place, Ontario, K7C 3P1, Canada

This summer, the New York Film Academy will be running its annual Film and Acting For Film camps for teens between the ages of 13 to 17. Students will get a hands-on experience from writing, shooting, directing to editing their own short films. Acting students will get the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with the film students. Each year, the New York Film Academy attracts hundreds of campers from all around the world to its different locations namely New York City, New York; Universal Studios, California; Disney-MGM Studios, Florida; Harvard University, Massachusetts; Princeton University, New Jersey; King’s College, London; Florence, Italy and Paris, France. So, what makes the New York Film Academy so attractive to young teens? Many of our campers love the idea of getting the hands-on experience and meeting teens that share a passion for films and acting. Everyone in the film camp gets out making a film. Many use their films as a portfolio to get in different film schools or arts school when its time to apply for college.

Wing Yeong
New York Film Academy

I am asked this question often and some days its hard to reach a live person, much less sum up why they should send their son or daughter to an art camp in Detroit. But to be a part of a creative environment with 40-60 other students with a desire for a career in art, allows the exchange of ideas that simply taking classes does not foster. The student is eating, sleeping, and creating art of all mediums. They may come as students but they leave as artists.

Tara A. Kowalewski
Camp Portfolio/Summer Exploratory,The College for Creative Studies

There are so many good reasons to send a child to camp and I will make this piece short since the most important reasons are summed up quite easily.
by Mark Diamond, Camp Manitou

When children go to camp, they are on their own, sometimes for the very first time in their lives. They have to decide what to wear, what to eat, which activities to participate in. Of course counsellors are deciding this with them, but in essence the campers soon learn that they can make decisions on their own and as a result they develop self confidence and become self-reliant.

As self-esteem develops from learning to be on their own, children continue to try new activities and also engage in one’s that they are familiar. In school, children do not experience success in the same way and can often think of themselves in a lessor light. Camp can be a school without failure because just having fun makes you a success.

Often parents call to say that they can not believe how their child’s grades improved as a result of camp. Or how they now clear the table or help out more around the house. A well directed camp will focus on trying to make every camper experience a success and it is that feeling of success that translated into self-esteem.

Of course one of the greatest benefits of a camp experience is that children develop social skills. In a camp setting, a good counselor will make sure that every camper is included in the activity and that each child interacts with the others in a positive way. They learn the give and take of group living, they learn how to work and even depend on others and more importantly that others will depend on them. Something as simple as clean-up, is not only there to get the cabin clean, but to foster a team atmosphere of working together which in turn results in friendships.

The obvious benefit of camp is that Campers make long lasting friendships. These friendships can often be more unique and extra special because campers are living with each other and see the true personalities. Because campers and staff come from all over the world, or even from a different school, children learn to see others from a different perspective. Children tend to be accepted for who they are and do not have to be as concerned with what they wear or what they are good at, or how they look. This is because in a camp setting, respect and caring ultimately win out over materialistic or short-sited objectives.

And of course learning skills at each activity is a great benefit for campers. By being exposed to so many arts, sports and outdoor recreation programs campers have fun and develop self-esteem. They also learn skills that they can then pursue and enjoy for the rest of their lives. Because they have 30 different activities to chose from, each and every camper can feel special enjoying a craft, sport or outdoor activity. So as we tell our staff, yes camp does give children fun, friends and fulfillment.

Camp Director/Owner Camp Manitou
WWW.MANITOUCAMP.COM

Dear Camp Chatuga Counselors & Staff,

I never got to attend summer camp as a child. So when we had our family meeting last January about what we’d do this summer, I just couldn’t get why my kids would choose attending Camp Chatuga again over any kind of vacation package I dangled in front of them. With finances tight, we could either take a family vacation or they could attend camp. Without hesitation they chose camp. And until now I just couldn’t get it.

But “guys,” I said, “all those rules, the hot cabins, the bugs, sleeping on the ground, and all the classes and activities you’ve done so many times before. Aren’t you getting too old for camp?” But they held firm, using only their gut and heart to decide, and not any kind of logic.

I attended session 2 as a camp mom with my 14-year-old daughter. Each time I caught a glimpse of her with her table family, I saw something I rarely see at home as she passes through the early teens, a smile. And not just any smile, one of those ear to ear kind, that last a long time and almost splits your lip. Brought on by something Simon would say or do. And that’s when I started to get it. The relationship my daughter develops with the counselors remains in her heart forever, and is one of the things that makes her want to return to camp. So counselors, when you think you can’t go another day without privacy or a warm shower, when you think you can’t take another bug bite, and when that kid does “you won’t believe,” please never forget how important you are in the lives of the children you work with. They’ll never forget how you made them feel.

Well, my daughter stayed for session 3 and my son joined her as a service camper, but I went home after session 2. Home to all the luxuries: a stocked fridge, my soft bed, a warm shower. And that’s when I realized something else. Deprivation brings appreciation. And the more we appreciate something, the more we enjoy it. At home we are rarely deprived so we rarely appreciate what we have. At camp we are deprived, we wait in line, we wait our turn. But when we do get that warm water with pressure, that can of RC cola, that last piece of cornbread on the bar, oh how we appreciate it and oh how we enjoy it!

But why isn’t camp getting “old”? Why wouldn’t my kids opt for something they haven’t done before, perhaps try a different camp? As the scenery blurred by in my 12-hour drive home, I realized that so many things in kids’ lives are uncertain. Will there be another 9-11? Will a loved one beat cancer? Will dad lose his job? Will dad and mom get divorced? What teachers will I get next year? Will I pass algebra? Will I make the soccer team? Will that special someone notice me?

There is a great comfort in predictability. Knowing exactly what to expect makes you feel safe. And safe is good. That predictability and associated comfort must be why we treasure traditions, no matter how lame some are. Carving pumpkins, decorating trees, eating turkey. At camp you will wake up to a bugle, “good morning Camp Chatuga,” and “Nothing Could Be Finer.” Rick will risk his life on top of the bus for the sake of the camp photo. You will sing about a yodeling Austrian and see a skit about the world’s ugliest man. You will sleep on the ground, square dance, and throw an egg at someone. Cottage cheese will be applauded and you will eat as a “family” 3 times a day in a society where families rarely eat together. Camp is very predictable and loaded with traditions that instead of making my children tire of camp, become one of the factors that makes them long to return.

OK, so what about tolerating all those rules at camp? Well, maybe as my rebellious teenagers are screaming for freedom and independence, perhaps what they’re actually longing for are structure and guidelines. And that’s exactly what they get at camp.

So now I think I finally get it, even though I never got to attend camp as a child. Why my kids chose to return to Camp Chatuga this summer over all other options. Reasons that can’t be explained with words, that can only be felt. And felt all over as you fondly recall the sights, sounds and smells of Camp Chatuga months and years after returning home.

Much thanks to all the counselors and staff of Camp Chatuga for all that you do
Donna Donovan, summer 2003, camp mom for six summers at Camp Chatuga, Mountain Rest, SC www.campchatuga.com

Facility:

Look to see where the school is held. Proximity to your home is a consideration but not always the #1 priority. If the school is out of town determine how far of a drive it is to the school and is it near a major city. Most camps will pick up campers that fly in at a nearby airport. Most schools are held on school campuses, be it a college or a prep school. The better camps are held at schools that have a 9-hole golf course and driving range on campus. There are a couple of advantages to going to a school with a golf course and driving range at the facility. First of all, the students get much more practice time and time playing the golf course. The less time the campers have to be shuttled to the driving range and course, the more instruction time they receive. Secondly, if the camp has a golf course right there students can spend their free time practicing on their own. Spending an hour of free time chipping and putting with fellow campers is a great way to practice what they just learned. The second factor to consider is living arrangements. This factor obviously applies to overnight-campers, not day-campers. Check to see where the junior golfers will be staying and eating. Many schools have nice dorm facilities to stay in and nice dining halls to have meals, but check to be sure. This environment also gives the kids a good feeling of what it’s like to live at a prep school or college and hopefully prepare them for the future. The last thing to take into consideration is the other activities the facility offers. As much as a junior golfers loves the game, they will eventually need a break and do other activities. Most camps offer some options in the afternoon after the instruction is finished. Make sure the camp facility has the capability to offer options. A pool, tennis courts, basketball courts, fitness room are just a few things options that should be open to the campers during down time. Don’t forget to ask about indoor activity options as well – in case of rain.

Faculty:

First thing to look for is to see what the ratio is of staff to campers. For a golf camp, if the ratio is 5 to1, that’s very strong. With this ratio you’ll know that the juniors are getting good instruction and the teaching environment is safe. Next, look and see who makes up the faculty. What is the staff’s background? Do they have camp experience? Have they worked with kids in the past? Do they have junior golf experience? Are there PGA/LPGA Professionals running the program? Are the counselors college players? Quality camps will have people with a lot of junior golf experience doing the instruction. Lastly check the school curriculum. What is the program for instruction and does it work with each junior at his/her own level? Does the instructional program cover all aspects of the game and have a proven track record? Is there a specific program for college bound players?

Fun:

No matter how serious the golfer or school, you can’t forget the fun factor. Many junior golfers now go to camp for 2 and 4 weeks at a time and if it’s not fun, it can negatively impact their future desire to play the game. This goes back to the staff and facility. Is there a place in the program that the golfers can relax and let loose? Is there flexibility in the schedule for options that use the other aspect of the school’s facility? Many schools have weekend trips that visit local attractions. Trips to amusement parks and baseball games can break up the instruction and bring the juniors back to camp fresh.

Financials:

Overnight camps vary in cost based on length of stay and program offerings. The typical range is from $800 to $1,400 per week. The day-camper fee is lower by 30-50%

Future:

The better junior golf schools send their students away with a plan for the future. Ask to see what kind of take home package each junior receives. Are there things for each student to work on we he/she gets home and the instructors aren’t there? Make sure the school is going to be held the next summer, so students can come back and see the same instructors. Also make it point to get contact information from instructors so your junior golfers can keep in touch and get help with their game at home.

Keep these few tips in mind when choosing a junior golf camp and your junior golfer will find a school where they can not only learn a lot about the game of golf but even more importantly have a lot fun.

Article Prepared by Frank Mantua, Director of Golf

US Golf Camps – The Ultimate Junior Golf Camp Experience

info@USGolfCamps.com

brought to you by the The Summer Lady

When picking a summer camp or program, every family needs to consider its own personal needs and requirements.  Just like every child, every camp has its own personality.  The directors and the staff determine that personality.  The child’s interest, medical needs, allergies, dietary restrictions, family monetary concerns, co-ed or single sex, length of stay and distance from home are all some of the factors to be considered in determining the proper placement.  In addition to traditional camps, there are camps that specialize in individual sports, theater/art/music, education, science, computers, weight loss, outdoor adventure, language, community service and many more.  In order to help you make the right choice, here are some key questions you should ask when speaking to a camp director or visiting a camp in session:

1. How long have you owned the camp? If it is a short period of time, ask about prior experience in owning a camp or experience with children.
2. How do you handle homesickness? What is your phone call policy?
3. Is there a Doctor and/or nurse on site at all times? how close is the nearest hospital?
4. Where do most of the campers come from?
5. What are the age and experience requirements for the counselors?
6. How much selection is there is each camper’s schedule? My child loves a particular sport or activity, how often can he play it?
7. What is the level of competition? Can every child play on a team?
8. Are showers and bathrooms available in the bunks?
9. Are there religious services and, if yes, are they mandatory?
10. What additional charges are there?

There are many other questions that you may have.  Don’t be afraid to ask them.  Camp directors understand your concerns and will do their best to answer every question.