"I believe we are on an irreversible trend toward more freedom and democracy - but that could change."Dan Quayle
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Camping Tents - What the Tent Ratings Mean
Been shopping for a new camping tent? Wonder what 3-season or 4-season means? Confused about what a family tent or convertible tent classification means? Let’s try to cut through all the marketing lingo and get down to what you should really look for when ...
Recreational Camping!
Recreational Camping! Recreational camping is a favorite activity for millions of people! Just the word “camping” brings to mind star-lit nights, weenie roasts around the campfire. Up high in the mountains or across the plains, in the desert or by the ...
Sports and Camping Tents to Keep Warm and Dry
If you're planning on a trip to a colder climate to do some camping you're going to want to buy a tent for your cold camping nights that will keep you warm and dry. When you camp in colder climates you'll need to have tents that can withstand the ...
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Some kids hear the bugle at the crack of dawn during summer camp. But 16-year-old Amanda Shaw heard the roaring engines of NASCAR stock cars outside her bunk area at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. She was attending Race Camp, a summer camp designed for kids who want to become race-car drivers.
Amanda is one of the 9 million kids who attend one of America's 8,500 summer camps each year. Maybe your child is not into race cars. Have no fear--there is a summer camp for nearly every activity, condition, pursuit or theme imaginable!
Perhaps your child is an aspiring Bill Gates or has visions of playing on stage with Yo-Yo Ma. Computer camps and music camps are easy to find nation-wide. There is a myriad of camp options from gardening camps to leadership camps, and from academic camps to special needs camps (for kids with specific medical conditions). How do you know which camp is right for your child?
How can you be certain that a camp will be safe and that the kids will have a fun and rewarding experience? While there is no simple answer to those questions, many parents take comfort in American Camping Association (ACA) accreditation. About 2,200 of the 8,500 summer camps across the country pay to undergo certification by the ACA in 300 different categories, including: staff, health, safety and program quality.
The experience your child receives at camp depends on the camper, the camp and how they mesh. Some important questions to ask when exploring camp possibilities: What is the camp's philosophy? What is the camp director's background? What training do camp counselors receive?
What is the camper-to-counselor ratio? (It should be about 8-1 for residential camps) What are the counselors' ages? (At least 80% should be 18 or older) How many counselors are returning from last year? (It should be at least 40%) How are behavior problems handled? Is there a nurse on staff? How are homesickness and other adjustment issues handled? "Can you visit your child during the camp?"
The wonderful thing about summer camp is the fact that it gives kids a taste of independence--some for the first time. Although this can be frightening at first, such independence challenges kids to grow as individuals. Without the aid of mom or dad, camp kids are given an opportunity to make decisions for themselves. They are also exposed to the freedoms of summer camp which improves their social relationship skills.
Living, learning, playing, eating, and sleeping with other kids their own age gives them a chance to improve their communication and negotiation skills. From late night fireside chats to squabbles over the breakfast cereal, children are repeatedly challenged to look beyond themselves and improve their social skills.
Price? For a lifetime of memories you can expect to pay between $20 and $100 a day at a residential summer camp, not including transportation to and from the locale.
After talking to your child about the transition from home to camp, you might also want to make sure that YOU are ready for the separation. Some parents often have a more difficult time with summer camp than do the children.
Best wishes for a safe and exciting and a memorable and rewarding camping experience!
About the Author
Larry Denton is a retired history teacher having taught 33 years at Hobson High in Hobson, Montana. He is currently V.P. of Elfin Enterprises, Inc., an Internet business providing valuable information on a variety of topics. For a camp tent full of advice, resources and suggestions about summer camps, visit http://www.SummerCampHere.com
Written By: Larry Denton
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Phillips: Camping time nears, bringing back memories of youthYakima Herald-RepublicWith Memorial weekend looming just ahead, many of us start thinking about doing some camping. And to me, camping isn't camping unless you do so in a tent. I've owned a few different tents over the years. I've had some small tents and big tents, ... |
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Camping time just got easier in Pa.Allentown Morning CallMemorial Day Weekend is not only the traditional start of "summer," but the traditional start of camping season for outdoors enthusiasts. Pitching a tent, laying out the sleeping bags — and for some of us these days, we lay them out on top of ... |
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Camping gear available to rent at Pa. state parksThe Herald-MailFirst-time campers may borrow gear as part of a Pennsylvania program involving Caledonia State Park and 18 other parks. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is partnering with Gander Mountain to provide first-time campers ... |
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Costs blamed for backpacker camping problemsABC OnlineBy James Glenday and Michael Coggan A tourism consultant says illegal camping will become more common in the Northern Territory until cheaper accommodation is available. With the dry season comes the annual influx of backpackers to the Top End. Tourism ...and more » |
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Camping, cookouts and sportsAltoona MirrorBy Kellie Goodman Shaffer , The Altoona Mirror This weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, with special sales on barbecue grills and pool supplies, camping equipment and sunscreen. It's hard not to get excited about a three-day weekend when the ... |
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