Difference between revisions of "Summer camp" - New World Encyclopedia
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[[Image:BCCYMCA Waterfront.JPG|thumb|250 px|Campers and staff enjoying Rudd Pond]] | [[Image:BCCYMCA Waterfront.JPG|thumb|250 px|Campers and staff enjoying Rudd Pond]] | ||
− | '''Summer camp''' is a supervised program for children and teenagers conducted during the summer months in some countries. Children and adolescents who attend camp ("campers") participate in a variety of activities, many of which are unique to this non-school period. | + | '''Summer camp''' is a supervised program for children and teenagers conducted during the summer months in some countries. Children and [[adolescence|adolescents]] who attend camp ("campers") participate in a variety of activities, many of which are unique to this non-school period. The term "summer camp" derives from the tradition of holding these programs at [[campsite]]s. However, the traditional image of summer camp as a woodsy place with [[hiking]], [[canoe]]ing, and [[campfire]]s has evolved, with greater acceptance of newer summer camps that offer a wide variety of specialized activities. For example, there are camps for the [[performing arts]], [[rock music]], [[magic]], [[computer]]s, children with [[Learning disability|special needs]], and [[Dieting|weight loss]]. There are also [[religion|religious]] summer camps, such as those run by [[Jewish]] organizations and by [[Evangelical Christian]] groups. |
− | |||
− | The term | ||
==History== | ==History== | ||
[[Image:BCCYMCA 1920 camp.JPG|thumb|left|250 px|campers and staff of the Becket Chimney Corners YMCA in front of their tent, 1922]] | [[Image:BCCYMCA 1920 camp.JPG|thumb|left|250 px|campers and staff of the Becket Chimney Corners YMCA in front of their tent, 1922]] | ||
− | Summer camp is the continuation of a tradition since the mid-1800s. [[Frederick W. Gunn]] founded the first camp in 1861. Gunn and his wife Abigail operated a | + | Summer camp is the continuation of a tradition since the mid-1800s. [[Frederick W. Gunn]] founded the first camp in 1861. Gunn and his wife Abigail operated a small school for boys in Washington, [[Connecticut]], and took the school on a two-week hiking trip. The Gunns operated the Gunnery Camp for twelve more years. [[Camp Dudley]] was founded in 1885 and is the oldest continually running boys camp in America. |
==Organization== | ==Organization== | ||
− | In most camps, the adult supervisors are called counselors. Counselors are responsible for guiding the campers during activities and ensuring the safety of the campers. In many camps, counselors are assigned to smaller groups of campers, called "bunks," "huts," or "cabins," who participate in activities as a group. Counselors often share living accommodations with their bunk. Most counselors are in their late teens or early twenties, as it is an ideal job for [[high school]] or [[college]] students on summer break. Although counselor jobs | + | In most camps, the adult supervisors are called counselors. Counselors are responsible for guiding the campers during activities and ensuring the safety of the campers. In many camps, counselors are assigned to smaller groups of campers, called "bunks," "huts," or "cabins," who participate in activities as a group. Counselors often share living accommodations with their bunk. Most counselors are in their late teens or early twenties, as it is an ideal job for [[high school]] or [[college]] students on summer break. Although counselor jobs usually do not pay well (often [[minimum wage]]), counselors receive free room and board, and many take the job primarily for its enjoyable experience. |
− | Summer camp is also known as "sleepaway camp" (American usage) when campers spend their nights at camp. At some camps, all campers stay overnight, and at some camps, so called [[day camp]]s, the campers go home each night. Some other camps allow both day and overnight campers. Summer camp is often the first time that children spend an extended period of time away from home. Missing home is a frequent problem, but with | + | Summer camp is also known as "sleepaway camp" (American usage) when campers spend their nights at camp. At some camps, all campers stay overnight, and at some camps, so called [[day camp]]s, the campers go home each night. Some other camps allow both day and overnight campers. Summer camp is often the first time that children spend an extended period of time away from home. Missing home is a frequent problem, but with caring counselors most campers adjust fairly quickly and benefit from the chance to extend their social relationships. |
==Types of Camps== | ==Types of Camps== | ||
=== Educational camps === | === Educational camps === | ||
− | There are numerous models of camp with an | + | There are numerous models of camp with an [[education]]al focus that cater to students with differing ages and academic interest. Educational summer camps differ from [[summer school]]s, as the summer camps may not offer school credit, and often have a significant focus on non-academic activities. Students for these programs are often invited or recruited. |
− | '''College credit courses''' are very popular camps that typically offer students the opportunity to explore a pre-college experience. Typically, students entering grades 10 through 12 stay in the college dormitories and attend summer classes run by college faculty. At the successful completion of a summer program, course credits are awarded, which in turn are accepted by most tertiary institutions. Typically, colleges in the United States offer these programs as it serves as an excellent advertisement and introduction to students to entice them to attend the college as a full time student based upon a memorable summer experience. | + | '''College credit courses''' are very popular camps that typically offer students the opportunity to explore a pre-[[college]] experience. Typically, [[high school]] students entering grades 10 through 12 stay in the college dormitories and attend summer classes run by college faculty. At the successful completion of a summer program, course credits are awarded, which in turn are accepted by most tertiary institutions. Typically, colleges in the United States offer these programs as it serves as an excellent [[advertisement]] and introduction to students to entice them to attend the college as a full time student based upon a memorable summer experience. |
− | '''Non-college credit courses''' | + | '''Non-college credit courses''' are focused primarily on education or on educational-related activities, such as [[debate]], [[history]], or [[journalism]]. These camps are often run by colleges or universities, and are usually for children in junior or senior high school. |
− | '''SAT Preparation courses''' | + | '''SAT Preparation courses''' (preparing to take a standardized test for [[college]] admission in the United States) are also widely popular and offered in various camp programs as a mixture of academic learning with summer fun. Often the SAT preparation is offered as a full morning immersion while the afternoons and evenings are geared towards homework and recreational activities. These camp programs often outsource their SAT component to institutions like [http://www.princetonreview.com/testprep|Princeton Review SAT Prep] or [Kaplan SAT Prep|http://www.kaptest.com/sat] who provide the teachers and resources. |
− | '''Enrichment courses''' are programs that offer a wide range of classes that may have little or no scholastic overlap; however, are taught with the purpose of broadening the student's conception and interest in many otherwise unknown areas of study. Students could typically explore subjects like Photography, Community | + | '''Enrichment courses''' are programs that offer a wide range of classes that may have little or no scholastic overlap; however, they are taught with the purpose of broadening the student's conception and interest in many otherwise unknown areas of study. Students could typically explore subjects like [[Photography]], [[Community service]], [[Drama]], [[horseback riding]], [[Magic]], [[Scuba diving]], [[Yoga]], and so forth. |
− | === | + | === Arts camps === |
− | Other camps have become summer training grounds for a variety of arts. Famous examples are [ | + | Other camps have become summer training grounds for a variety of [[performing arts]]. Famous examples are [http://www.litchfieldjazzfest.com/jazzcamp_home.htm|Litchfield Jazz Camp], [http://www.bucksrockcamp.com/|Buck's Rock Performing and Creative Arts Camp] (founded 1942), [http://www.stanfordjazz.org|Stanford Jazz Workshop], [http://www.medolark.com|Camp Med-O-Lark], and [http://www.stagedoormanor.com|Stagedoor Manor]. |
=== Jewish Camps === | === Jewish Camps === | ||
− | Jewish summer camps enjoy a long history in the United States.<ref name="Sarna">{{cite book |last=Sarna |first=Jonathan D. |authorlink= | + | [[Jewish]] summer camps enjoy a long history in the [[United States]].<ref name="Sarna">{{cite book |last=Sarna |first=Jonathan D. |authorlink= |title=American Judaism: A History |url=http://yalepress.yale.edu/yupbooks/book.asp?isbn=0300109768 |year=2004 |publisher=Yale University Press |location=New Haven, Connecticut |isbn=0300109768 |pages=268, 285}}</ref> Many of them date to the decades surrounding [[World War II]], as American Jewish community leaders attempted to create a prototypically American setting in which Jewish youth could be immersed in, and learn about, Jewish activities, celebrations, and the [[Hebrew]] language.<ref name="Sarna"> </ref> |
Jewish educators and community leaders from across the spectrum began building and promoting Jewish summer camping during this era, most prominently the [[Conservative Judaism|Conservative movement]]'s [[Camp Ramah|Ramah]] camps and various camps begun under the auspices of the [[Reform Judaism|Reform]] movement.<ref name="Sarna"> </ref> Other Jewish groups, such as [[Bnei Akiva]] and [[Young Israel]] soon did the same. | Jewish educators and community leaders from across the spectrum began building and promoting Jewish summer camping during this era, most prominently the [[Conservative Judaism|Conservative movement]]'s [[Camp Ramah|Ramah]] camps and various camps begun under the auspices of the [[Reform Judaism|Reform]] movement.<ref name="Sarna"> </ref> Other Jewish groups, such as [[Bnei Akiva]] and [[Young Israel]] soon did the same. | ||
− | + | Jewish summer camps offer many of the same activities as regular summer camps (arts and crafts, ropes course, outdoor sports, singing, dancing, and so forth), but also typically include Jewish educational components such as [[Shabbat]], [[Havdallah]], and celebration of Jewish holidays. | |
=== Travel camps=== | === Travel camps=== | ||
− | Many camps also bring children of all ages around the world. Some camps are | + | Many camps also bring children of all ages around the world. Some camps are called "Adventure Camps"—often having a very specific theme. Many of these programs emphasize skill development and personal growth through the adventures offered. These themes can include [[scuba diving]], [[rock climbing]], [[sailing]], and the like. |
===Sports camps=== | ===Sports camps=== | ||
− | Summer camps can be found that offer intensive instruction in almost any sport imaginable, or that offer quality instruction and competition in a wide range of sports. Camps are split into groups of day camps and overnight camps. | + | Summer camps can be found that offer intensive instruction in almost any [[sport]] imaginable, or that offer quality instruction and competition in a wide range of sports. Camps are split into groups of day camps and overnight camps. |
− | Overnight sports camps fall into two groups. The more traditional of these offer boys and girls the chance to learn and play many sports. Sessions are typically | + | Overnight sports camps fall into two groups. The more traditional of these offer boys and girls the chance to learn and play many sports. Sessions are typically three to eight weeks long, and some camps have multiple sessions. While many strong athletes attend these camps, a traditional sports camp program also serves the needs of less proficient athletes. These camps generally focus, through the medium of team sports, on the development of the whole child—not just how they are as an athlete but also how they are as a person, a bunkmate, a teammate, and a friend. Many of these camps include a variety of non-sports programs as well for a more diverse experience. |
− | Many sports camps are of the second type, which focuses almost exclusively on one particular sport. These camps | + | Many sports camps are of the second type, which focuses almost exclusively on one particular sport. These camps are designed to help each camper acquire skills in that sport that help them gain confidence and improve their chances of making the team when they return to school. Indeed, some campers are helped to be nationally competitive by way of this kind of intensive summer training. Such camps generally run week-long sessions, and some campers may attend more than one even though the [[curriculum]] repeats each week. Some single-sport camps offer longer sessions (for example, a [[wrestling]] intensive program may last up to 28 days). Many of the instructors at these camps are coaches of local teams. |
− | Both multi-sport and single-sport camps | + | Both multi-sport and single-sport camps are run by experienced teachers and coaches (who typically have summers off from their school responsibilities). Cabin staff, instructors, and counselors are typically college athletes. The best sports camps succeed at challenging aspiring athletes both mentally and physically. This is possible in part because many of the counselors attended as campers, and thus there is a vibrant "camp culture" that welcomes new campers into an extended camp family and establishes the high standards that incoming campers are encouraged to achieve. |
===Scouting camps=== | ===Scouting camps=== | ||
[[Image:Scoutbugle.jpg|thumb|left|300 px|A Scout assembles his troop at a summer camp.]] | [[Image:Scoutbugle.jpg|thumb|left|300 px|A Scout assembles his troop at a summer camp.]] | ||
− | Another popular type of camp is scouting camp. These camps are for participants in the [[Boy | + | Another popular type of camp is scouting camp. These camps are for participants in the [[Boy Scout]] and [[Girl Scout]] programs. Scout camps are intended to be extensions and offer reinforcement of the values emphasized in the program itself, but giving the participants greater exposure to these values than they would receive in their regular meetings. Some of the values taught in the Boy Scout program, and therefore the Boy Scout camps, include [[self-reliance]], initiative, [[courage]], helpfulness, [[integrity]], and resourcefulness. |
===Weight loss camps=== | ===Weight loss camps=== | ||
− | Weight loss camps are for children and teens to learn about losing weight and | + | Weight loss camps are for children and teens to learn about losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight while having a summer camp experience. |
==Purpose== | ==Purpose== | ||
− | Aside from the various theme purposes of summer camps, the underlying principle in all is the chance for children to socialize in a structured environment during months off from school. This allows parents to not worry that their children are spending their summers sitting around idly, but are involved in some at least moderately | + | Aside from the various theme purposes of summer camps, the underlying principle in all is the chance for children to socialize in a structured environment during the summer months off from [[school]]. This allows parents to not worry that their children are spending their summers sitting around idly, but are involved in some at least moderately [[education]]al activity. Camps also offer parents a temporary reprieve from the often difficult task of [[parenting]] and child rearing. |
+ | Camps may also give children the opportunity to experience activities that would otherwise not be available to them. Thus, children from urban areas can have an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and nature, which may not be available in their everyday life. | ||
==Notes== | ==Notes== | ||
Line 74: | Line 73: | ||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
− | * The [http://www.acacamps.org American Camp Association] accredits camps which adhere to a set of national standards. | + | * The [http://www.acacamps.org American Camp Association] accredits camps which adhere to a set of national standards. Retrieved May 16, 2007. |
− | * The [http://www.ccamping.org/ Canadian Camping Association] is an association of camps across Canada. | + | * The [http://www.ccamping.org/ Canadian Camping Association] is an association of camps across Canada. Accreditation of camps in Canada happens at the provincial level. Retrieved May 16, 2007. |
− | + | * [http://www.mysummercamps.com/ MySummerCamps.com] The largest Summer Camps & Summer Programs directory. Retrieved May 16, 2007. | |
− | * [http://www.mysummercamps.com/ MySummerCamps.com] The largest Summer Camps & Summer Programs directory. | + | * [http://www.ultimatecampresource.com Camp Games, Camp Songs, and Other Activities] (UltimateCampResource.com). Retrieved May 16, 2007. |
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− | * [http://www.ultimatecampresource.com Camp Games, Camp Songs, and Other Activities] (UltimateCampResource.com). | ||
{{Credits|Summer_camp|126224439|}} | {{Credits|Summer_camp|126224439|}} |
Revision as of 23:30, 16 May 2007
Summer camp is a supervised program for children and teenagers conducted during the summer months in some countries. Children and adolescents who attend camp ("campers") participate in a variety of activities, many of which are unique to this non-school period. The term "summer camp" derives from the tradition of holding these programs at campsites. However, the traditional image of summer camp as a woodsy place with hiking, canoeing, and campfires has evolved, with greater acceptance of newer summer camps that offer a wide variety of specialized activities. For example, there are camps for the performing arts, rock music, magic, computers, children with special needs, and weight loss. There are also religious summer camps, such as those run by Jewish organizations and by Evangelical Christian groups.
History
Summer camp is the continuation of a tradition since the mid-1800s. Frederick W. Gunn founded the first camp in 1861. Gunn and his wife Abigail operated a small school for boys in Washington, Connecticut, and took the school on a two-week hiking trip. The Gunns operated the Gunnery Camp for twelve more years. Camp Dudley was founded in 1885 and is the oldest continually running boys camp in America.
Organization
In most camps, the adult supervisors are called counselors. Counselors are responsible for guiding the campers during activities and ensuring the safety of the campers. In many camps, counselors are assigned to smaller groups of campers, called "bunks," "huts," or "cabins," who participate in activities as a group. Counselors often share living accommodations with their bunk. Most counselors are in their late teens or early twenties, as it is an ideal job for high school or college students on summer break. Although counselor jobs usually do not pay well (often minimum wage), counselors receive free room and board, and many take the job primarily for its enjoyable experience.
Summer camp is also known as "sleepaway camp" (American usage) when campers spend their nights at camp. At some camps, all campers stay overnight, and at some camps, so called day camps, the campers go home each night. Some other camps allow both day and overnight campers. Summer camp is often the first time that children spend an extended period of time away from home. Missing home is a frequent problem, but with caring counselors most campers adjust fairly quickly and benefit from the chance to extend their social relationships.
Types of Camps
Educational camps
There are numerous models of camp with an educational focus that cater to students with differing ages and academic interest. Educational summer camps differ from summer schools, as the summer camps may not offer school credit, and often have a significant focus on non-academic activities. Students for these programs are often invited or recruited.
College credit courses are very popular camps that typically offer students the opportunity to explore a pre-college experience. Typically, high school students entering grades 10 through 12 stay in the college dormitories and attend summer classes run by college faculty. At the successful completion of a summer program, course credits are awarded, which in turn are accepted by most tertiary institutions. Typically, colleges in the United States offer these programs as it serves as an excellent advertisement and introduction to students to entice them to attend the college as a full time student based upon a memorable summer experience.
Non-college credit courses are focused primarily on education or on educational-related activities, such as debate, history, or journalism. These camps are often run by colleges or universities, and are usually for children in junior or senior high school.
SAT Preparation courses (preparing to take a standardized test for college admission in the United States) are also widely popular and offered in various camp programs as a mixture of academic learning with summer fun. Often the SAT preparation is offered as a full morning immersion while the afternoons and evenings are geared towards homework and recreational activities. These camp programs often outsource their SAT component to institutions like Review SAT Prep or [Kaplan SAT Prep|http://www.kaptest.com/sat] who provide the teachers and resources.
Enrichment courses are programs that offer a wide range of classes that may have little or no scholastic overlap; however, they are taught with the purpose of broadening the student's conception and interest in many otherwise unknown areas of study. Students could typically explore subjects like Photography, Community service, Drama, horseback riding, Magic, Scuba diving, Yoga, and so forth.
Arts camps
Other camps have become summer training grounds for a variety of performing arts. Famous examples are Jazz Camp, Rock Performing and Creative Arts Camp (founded 1942), Jazz Workshop, Med-O-Lark, and Manor.
Jewish Camps
Jewish summer camps enjoy a long history in the United States.[1] Many of them date to the decades surrounding World War II, as American Jewish community leaders attempted to create a prototypically American setting in which Jewish youth could be immersed in, and learn about, Jewish activities, celebrations, and the Hebrew language.[1]
Jewish educators and community leaders from across the spectrum began building and promoting Jewish summer camping during this era, most prominently the Conservative movement's Ramah camps and various camps begun under the auspices of the Reform movement.[1] Other Jewish groups, such as Bnei Akiva and Young Israel soon did the same.
Jewish summer camps offer many of the same activities as regular summer camps (arts and crafts, ropes course, outdoor sports, singing, dancing, and so forth), but also typically include Jewish educational components such as Shabbat, Havdallah, and celebration of Jewish holidays.
Travel camps
Many camps also bring children of all ages around the world. Some camps are called "Adventure Camps"—often having a very specific theme. Many of these programs emphasize skill development and personal growth through the adventures offered. These themes can include scuba diving, rock climbing, sailing, and the like.
Sports camps
Summer camps can be found that offer intensive instruction in almost any sport imaginable, or that offer quality instruction and competition in a wide range of sports. Camps are split into groups of day camps and overnight camps.
Overnight sports camps fall into two groups. The more traditional of these offer boys and girls the chance to learn and play many sports. Sessions are typically three to eight weeks long, and some camps have multiple sessions. While many strong athletes attend these camps, a traditional sports camp program also serves the needs of less proficient athletes. These camps generally focus, through the medium of team sports, on the development of the whole child—not just how they are as an athlete but also how they are as a person, a bunkmate, a teammate, and a friend. Many of these camps include a variety of non-sports programs as well for a more diverse experience.
Many sports camps are of the second type, which focuses almost exclusively on one particular sport. These camps are designed to help each camper acquire skills in that sport that help them gain confidence and improve their chances of making the team when they return to school. Indeed, some campers are helped to be nationally competitive by way of this kind of intensive summer training. Such camps generally run week-long sessions, and some campers may attend more than one even though the curriculum repeats each week. Some single-sport camps offer longer sessions (for example, a wrestling intensive program may last up to 28 days). Many of the instructors at these camps are coaches of local teams.
Both multi-sport and single-sport camps are run by experienced teachers and coaches (who typically have summers off from their school responsibilities). Cabin staff, instructors, and counselors are typically college athletes. The best sports camps succeed at challenging aspiring athletes both mentally and physically. This is possible in part because many of the counselors attended as campers, and thus there is a vibrant "camp culture" that welcomes new campers into an extended camp family and establishes the high standards that incoming campers are encouraged to achieve.
Scouting camps
Another popular type of camp is scouting camp. These camps are for participants in the Boy Scout and Girl Scout programs. Scout camps are intended to be extensions and offer reinforcement of the values emphasized in the program itself, but giving the participants greater exposure to these values than they would receive in their regular meetings. Some of the values taught in the Boy Scout program, and therefore the Boy Scout camps, include self-reliance, initiative, courage, helpfulness, integrity, and resourcefulness.
Weight loss camps
Weight loss camps are for children and teens to learn about losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight while having a summer camp experience.
Purpose
Aside from the various theme purposes of summer camps, the underlying principle in all is the chance for children to socialize in a structured environment during the summer months off from school. This allows parents to not worry that their children are spending their summers sitting around idly, but are involved in some at least moderately educational activity. Camps also offer parents a temporary reprieve from the often difficult task of parenting and child rearing.
Camps may also give children the opportunity to experience activities that would otherwise not be available to them. Thus, children from urban areas can have an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and nature, which may not be available in their everyday life.
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Sarna, Jonathan D. (2004). American Judaism: A History. New Haven, Connecticut: Yale University Press, 268, 285. ISBN 0300109768.
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- Ball, Armand. Basic Camp Management: An Introduction to Camp Administration. American Camp Association, 2004. ISBN 0876031882
- Coutellier, Connie. Camp Is for the Camper: A Counselor's Guide to Youth Development. American Camping Association, 2000. ISBN 0876031688
- Scofield, Rich. Summer Program Tips, Strategies and Activities. School Age 101 (2001). ISBN 0917505158
- Thurber, Christopher. The Summer Camp Handbook : Everything You Need to Find, Choose and Get Ready for Overnight Camp — and Skip the Homesickness. Perspective Publishing, 2000. ISBN 1930085001
External links
- The American Camp Association accredits camps which adhere to a set of national standards. Retrieved May 16, 2007.
- The Canadian Camping Association is an association of camps across Canada. Accreditation of camps in Canada happens at the provincial level. Retrieved May 16, 2007.
- MySummerCamps.com The largest Summer Camps & Summer Programs directory. Retrieved May 16, 2007.
- Camp Games, Camp Songs, and Other Activities (UltimateCampResource.com). Retrieved May 16, 2007.
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