Difference between revisions of "Summer camp" - New World Encyclopedia

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[[Image:BCCYMCA Waterfront.JPG|thumb|250 px|Students and fathers at "Dads' Weekend" at Camp Becket of the Becket Chimney Corners YMCA enjoying Rudd Pond]]
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A '''summer camp''' is a supervised program for children and teenagers conducted during the summer months. 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 [[Judaism|Jewish]] organizations and by Evangelical [[Christianity|Christian]] groups.
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'''Summer camp''' is a common destination for children and teenagers during the [[Summer vacation|summer months]] in some countries. Children and adolescents who attend camp ("campers") participate in a variety of activities, many of which wouldn't be possible or practical during the school year. Although the traditional image of summer camp is of a woodsy place with [[hiking]], [[canoeing]], and [[campfire]]s, today's summer camps offer a wide variety of specialized activities. For example, there are camps for the [[performing arts]], [[rock music]], [[magic (illusion)]], [[computer camp|computers]], children with [[Disability|special needs]], and [[Dieting|weight loss]]. Religious summer camps, especially those run by [[Jewish]] organizations like [[URJ]], [[Young Israel]] and also by [[Evangelical Christian]] organizations, are also very popular.
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{{toc}}
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Summer camps provide not only an [[education]]al and enjoyable experience for the young people who attend them as well as providing new opportunities for the development of social relationships in a supervised setting, all of which is helpful to their [[parent]]s, many of whom may be unable to spend sufficient time supervising their children during the whole summer due to their work schedules.  
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
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[[Image:BCCYMCA 1920 camp.JPG|thumb|right|250 px|Campers and staff of Camp Becket-in-the-Berkshires in front of their tent, 1922]]
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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 home 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 currently the oldest continually running boys camp in America.
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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 12 more years. [[Camp Dudley]] was founded in 1885 and is the oldest continually running boys camp in America.
  
 
==Organization==
 
==Organization==
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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.
  
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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 don't usually pay well (often [[minimum wage]] or less), counselors receive free room and board. Many take the job primarily for its enjoyable experience.
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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.  
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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 ("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 a caring counselor most campers adjust fairly quickly. Many homesick campers find solace in Care Packages sent from their families to comfort them.
 
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==Summer camp around the world==
 
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===United States===
 
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In the [[United States of America|US]], [[youth organization]]s, like the [[Boy Scouts of America|Boy Scouts]], [[4-H]], Relgious Groups, and the [[Young Men's Christian Association|YMCA]], are known for having lots of camps and integrating them with their own organization. According to recent statistics from American Camp Association (ACA), those three organizations operated more than 440 ACA-accredited camps in the US (which is about 20% of all ACA-accredited camps in the US). {{Fact|date=February 2007}}
 
  
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===Canada===
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==Types of Camps==
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=== Educational camps ===
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There are numerous models of camp with an [[education]]al focus that cater to students of differing ages and academic interests. 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.
  
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In [[Canada]], especially in [[Ontario]], summer camps are very popular. Similar to American camps about 70% of Canadian camps tend to be affiliated with organizations, the rest of Canadian camps would be private.
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'''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. Many colleges in the United States offer these programs as they serve as an excellent [[advertisement]] and introduction to students to encourage them to attend the college as a full time student based upon a memorable summer experience.
  
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In the Canadian Cadet Movement, cadets from air, sea and army elements can go on courses that range from 2-7 weeks at training centres all over Canada.
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'''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 years of high school.  
  
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Summer camp fairs are held throughout the United States and Canada (although mainly Ontario), usually during the winter months. Parents and children can meet camp directors and collect information about summer camps. Admission to these fairs is typically free.
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'''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 [http://www.kaptest.com/sat Kaplan SAT Prep] who provide the teachers and resources.
  
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===Russia===
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'''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 understanding 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.
  
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In the [[USSR]], the first summer camps were created shortly after its establishment and were called [[Young Pioneer camp]]s during the Soviet Union's existence. Their number grew throughout the history of the Soviet Union and they numbered more than forty thousand in 1973, with 9,300,000 children attending them during their vacation every year. After the breakup of the USSR, the number of Young Pioneer camps greatly declined. However, many of the major camps still exist.  
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=== Arts camps ===
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Some camps have become summer training grounds for a variety of [[performing arts]]. Famous examples are [http://litchfieldjazzfest.com/jazz-camp/ Litchfield Jazz Camp], [http://www.bucksrockcamp.com/ Buck's Rock Performing and Creative Arts Camp], [http://www.stanfordjazz.org Stanford Jazz Workshop], [http://www.medolark.com Camp Med-O-Lark], and [http://www.stagedoormanor.com Stagedoor Manor].
  
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===France===
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=== Religious Camps ===
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[[Judaism|Jewish]] summer camps enjoy a long history in the [[United States]].<ref name="Sarna">Jonathan D. Sarna, ''American Judaism: A History'' (New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2005, ISBN 978-0300109764), 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>
  
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They are also very common in [[France]], where they are called ''colonie de vacances'' or more more recently ''centre de vacances''. According to the French administration  [http://www.jeunesse-sports.gouv.fr/jeunesse_2/les-centres-vacances-centres-loisirs_229/presentation-centres-vacances-centres-loisirs_413/presentation-centres-vacances-centres-loisirs_825.html], more than 25% of French children attend this kind of "collective holiday" each year. This country is often said to have a hightly structured practice. For example, the [[BAFA]] (''Brevet d'Aptitude aux Fonctions d'Animateur de Centres de Vacances et Loisirs'') qualification is required for camp counselors.
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Jewish educators and community leaders 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, outdoor sports, singing, dancing, and so forth), but also typically include Jewish educational components such as [[Shabbat]], [[Havdallah]], and celebration of Jewish holidays.
  
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===India===
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[[Christianity|Christian]] summer camps are also very popular. In addition to the non-sectarian [[YMCA]] (Young Men's Christian Association) and [[YWCA]] (Young Women's Christian Association) camps, numerous churches also run summer camp programs for young people. Generally, their purpose is to provide campers with a place away from worldly things; a chance to study the scriptures and participate in activities with others holding common spiritual values. Campers enjoy activities such as singing, bible lessons, hiking, swimming, sports, crafts, and talent shows. Such camps offer young people a chance to enjoy healthy outdoor activities and to grow stronger in their faith. Some Christian camps are for boys only, some have sister camps for girls only; many are co-educational, with strict separation of accommodations for boys and girls.  
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Himalayas are one of the most beautiful and adventurous terrain in the world.[http://www.youreka.in Youreka] is an exciting 8-day outdoor learning program, specially designed for 9 to 15 year olds. Children acquire new skills, build on character traits and develop a confident personality. Engaging activities filled with fun and adventure, rich relationships and ‘I did it’ moments, combined with a safe environment, bring out new meaning for participants in Youreka.
 
  
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== Educational camps ==
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Some religious camps also serve as retreat centers. During the school year, they may offer team-building initiatives, spiritual retreats, environmental stewardship retreats, marriage retreats, and alternative spring break trips. Groups include family reunions, youth groups, school classes, ski groups, and others who may use the facilities throughout the year, helping to offset the cost of running the summer youth camps.
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{{section-stub}}
 
  
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There are numerous models of camp with an educational focus that cater to students with differing ages and academic interest.
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===Scouting camps===
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[[Image:Scoutbugle.jpg|thumb|left|250 px|A Scout assembles his troop at a summer camp]]
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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&mdash;and therefore the Boy Scout camps&mdash;include [[self-reliance]], initiative, [[courage]], helpfulness, [[integrity]], and resourcefulness.
  
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'''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.
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===Sports camps===
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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.
  
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'''Non-college credit courses''', such as [[CTY]], 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.  Educational summer camps are different than [[summer school]]s as the summer camps often are not offered for school credit, and often have a significant focus on non-academic activities. Students for these programs are often invited or recruited.
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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.
  
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'''SAT Preparation courses''', 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 emersion while the afternoons and evenings are geared towards homework and recreational activities. These camp programs often outsource their SAT component from institutions like [[Princeton Review SAT Prep]] or [[Kaplan SAT Prep]] who provide the teachers and resources.
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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.
  
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'''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 broadeding the student's conception and interest in many otherwise unknown areas of study. Students could typically explore subjects like Photography, Community Service, Drama, Magic, Scuba Diving, Video Production, Comic Book Design, Crime Scene Forensics, Cooking, Yoga et cetera.
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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.
  
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== Art camps ==
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=== Travel camps===
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{{section-stub}}
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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.
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Other camps have become summer training grounds for a variety of arts. Famous examples are [[Buck's Rock|Buck's Rock Performing and Creative Arts Camp]] (founded 1942), [[Stanford Jazz Workshop]], Camp Med-O-Lark and [[Stagedoor Manor]].
 
  
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== Jewish Camps ==
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===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.
  
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Across the [[United States]] and [[Canada]] are many Jewish Summer Camps.  Jewish summer camps offer many of the same activities as regular summer camps (arts and crafts, ropes course, outdoor sports, singing, dancing, etc.), but also include Jewish educational components, Shabbat, Havdallah, Israel education, and celebration of Jewish holidays.
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==Purpose==
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Aside from the various theme purposes, the underlying principle in all summer camps 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.  
  
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== Travel camps==
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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 they may not experience in their everyday life.
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Many camps also bring children of all ages around the world. Some camps are often called 'Adventure Camps' - often having a very specific theme. Examples of such camps include [http://www.actionquest.com ActionQuest worldwide sailing and scuba diving adventures for teens],  [http://www.gobroadreach.com Broadreach Summer Adventures],[http://www.academictreks.com Academic Treks],[http://www.adventurescrosscountry.com Adventures Cross-Country],  [http://www.adventuretreks.com Adventure Treks], [http://www.HulbertVoyageurs.org Hulbert Voyageurs](started in 1981), [http://www.wilderness-adventure.com Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing] (founded 1990) and [http://www.ancienttreasurehunters.com Ancient Treasure Hunters.]  Others are known as "teen tours."  Examples include [http://www.weissmantours.com/ Weissman Teen Tours], [http://www.westcoastconnection.com/ Westcoast Connection Tours],[http://www.reinteentours.com/ Rein Teen Tours], [http://www.americantrailswest.com/ American Trails West] and [http://www.summerfun.com/ Musiker Teen Tours].
 
  
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==Sports camps==
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==Notes==
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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.
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<references/>
  
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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 3 or 4 weeks long, and some campers attend both sessions. While many strong athletes attend these camps, a traditional sports camp program also serves the needs of less proficient athletes by having all campers compete on teams picked by ability - so all kids get a chance to contribute to their team's success in their daily competitions. Some of these camps (examples - [http://www.susquehannock.com Susquehannock] in PA founded in 1905, [http://dunmore.keewaydin.org/ Keewaydin Dunmore] in VT founded 1910) have been operating for around 100 years, and 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.
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==References==
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*Ball, Armand. ''Basic Camp Management: An Introduction to Camp Administration''. American Camp Association, 2004. ISBN 0876031882
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A number of traditional sports camps are focused on Jewish youth, and many of these are based in New York State's [[Catskill Mountains]] region, particularly [[Sullivan County]], which was home to many coed, Jewish sleepaway camps for most of the 20th century, including [[Camp Ma-Ho-Ge]], Kennybrook, Tagola, [[Kutsher's Camp Anawana]], [[Kutsher's Sports Academy]], Brookwood, [[Camp Diana-Dalmaqua]], Lakota, [[Camp Ranger]], [[Camp Chipinaw]], Lakonda, [[Camp Kewanee]], and Olympus. The Pocono Mountain region of Pennsylvania, particularly Wayne County (such as [[Tyler Hill Camp]], [[Camp Poyntelle]] and [[Camp Shohola]]), was another concentrated area of these sleepaway camps. Most people who went to these camps remember Inter-camp games, camp-outs, raids, Color War, and re-creations of some of the best Broadway shows. 
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*Coutellier, Connie. ''Camp is for the Camper: A Counselor's Guide to Youth Development''. American Camping Association, 2000. ISBN 0876031688
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*Sarna, Jonathan D. ''American Judaism: A History''. Yale University Press, 2005. ISBN 978-0300109764
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Many sports camps are of the second type, which focuses almost exclusively on one particular sport. These camps generally do a good job (some a great job) of helping 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. These 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, [[J Robinson Intensive Camps]] have a wrestling intensive program that last up to 28 days). Many of the instructors at these camps are coaches of local teams - and thus many athletes get valuable extra time with the coach they play for during the school year (or the coach they hope to play for during the upcoming school year).
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*Scofield, Rich. ''Summer Program Tips, Strategies and Activities''. School Age 101, 2001. ISBN 0917505158
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*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
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Both multi-sport and single-sport camps tend to be 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.  
 
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The best sports camps do much more than just improve a camper's soccer, tennis, lacrosse, or wrestling skills - they help each child become a more skillful athlete, a more gracious competitor, a more committed team player, and a more confident person.
 
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==Weight loss camps==
 
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Weight loss camps are for children and teens to learn about losing weight and keep it off while having a summer camp experience. Five such camps are [http://www.camplajolla.com/ Camp La Jolla], [http://newimagecamp.com/ New Image Camps], [http://www.campkingsmont.com/ Camp Kingsmont], [http://www.campshane.com/ Camp Shane] and [http://www.wellspringcamps.com/ Wellspring Camps].
 
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==Day camp==
 
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Day camps are more than just daycare.  Day camps foster children's emotional, social and physical and creative growth through a range of interactive activities and relationahips with role model counselors.  Day camps generally focus on young children typically ages 3 - 12 with the exception of specialized camps that aim to develop specific skill sets which attract campers up through adolesence. They are also less expensive, because they don't entail as many meals or as much supervised time each day as overnight camps. Sports-focused day camps are ideal for younger athletes whose enthusiasm for a particular sport seems endless, or for high-energy kids who just want to run around and play as much as possible.
 
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==See also==
 
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*[[Computer camp]]
 
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*[[Camping|Camping (recreational activity)]]
 
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*[[Outdoor education]]
 
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*[[List of summer camps]]
 
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*[[Fat camp]]
 
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
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<!-- ('''Note''': do not list individual camps here) —>
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All links retrieved February 26, 2023.
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*[http://www.acacamps.org American Camp Association] &ndash; Accredits camps which adhere to a set of national standards.  
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=== Associations ===
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*[http://www.ultimatecampresource.com Camp Games, Camp Songs, and Other Activities] &ndash; UltimateCampResource.com.  
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* The [http://www.acacamps.org American Camp Association] accredits camps which adhere to a set of national standards.
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*[http://www.ccamping.org/ Canadian Camping Association] &ndash; An association of camps across Canada. Accreditation of camps in Canada happens at the provincial level.  
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* 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.
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*[http://www.mysummercamps.com/ MySummerCamps.com] &ndash; Summer camps and summer programs directory.  
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* The [http://www.ccca-us.org/ccihome/default.asp Christian Camp and Conference Association] connects Christian camping professionals and associations around the world.
 
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* The [http://www.ontariocamps.ca/ Ontario Camping Association] accredits camps in Ontario, Canada
 
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* The [http://www.camps.qc.ca/ Quebec Camping Association] accredits camps in Quebec, Canada
 
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* The [http://www.campingfellowship.org/ International Camping Fellowship] connects camping professionals and associations around the world.
 
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=== Directories ===
 
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*[http://www.2summercamps.com/ CampChannel.com] specialized search engine for summer camps and camp jobs
 
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*[http://www.campresource.com/ CampResource.com Online Summer Camp Directory] Worldwide directory of overnight, day and travel summer camps and camp jobs for kids and teens.
 
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*[http://www.kidscamps.com/ KidsCamps.com] is the Internet's most comprehensive directory of summer camps, winter camps, and spring break camps, including traditional overnight camps, day camps, teen tours, study abroad programs, and a variety of specialized camps and programs for children and teenagers of all ages
 
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*[http://www.allensguide.com/ Allen's Guide to Summer Camps] provides a directory of summer camps throughout the world with detailed descriptions and photos.
 
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* [http://www.camppage.com CampPage] A directory of summer camps in the United States and Canada.
 
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*[http://www.2summercamps.com/ Summer Camps & Summer Programs - MySummerCamps.com] provides a comprehensive directory of summer camps for kids & teens.
 
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* [http://www.summer-daycamps.com/ Summer Day Camps] online directory of day camps throughout Canada and the US.
 
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* [http://www.summeroncampus.com/ Summer Camp Directory for New York State Colleges] Directory of Summer Camps and Summer Programs held on College Campuses throughout New York State - SummerOnCampus.com.
 
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* [http://www.camp-central.com/ Camp-Central] offers an online directory of camps throughout Canada and the US featuring Google Maps of the camps location.
 
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* [http://www.coedcamps.com/ Coed Camps] camp directory and job board for camp directors and staff. Also offers camps free directory listings with photos and a user rating system.
 
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=== Resources ===
 
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*[http://www.talkcamp.com Talk Camp] is a website for camp staff to talk about camp.
 
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*[http://www.ultimatecampresource.com Camp Games, Camp Songs, and Other Activities] (UltimateCampResource.com).
 
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*[http://www.insidecamps.com InsideCamps - Camp Reviews] is a resource for campers and parents to research camps and post reviews.
 
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*[http://roundthechuckbox.blogspot.com/ 'Round the Chuckbox] A resource for camp chefs and cooks.
 
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Latest revision as of 22:22, 26 February 2023

Students and fathers at "Dads' Weekend" at Camp Becket of the Becket Chimney Corners YMCA enjoying Rudd Pond

A summer camp is a supervised program for children and teenagers conducted during the summer months. 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.

Summer camps provide not only an educational and enjoyable experience for the young people who attend them as well as providing new opportunities for the development of social relationships in a supervised setting, all of which is helpful to their parents, many of whom may be unable to spend sufficient time supervising their children during the whole summer due to their work schedules.

History

Campers and staff of Camp Becket-in-the-Berkshires 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 small school for boys in Washington, Connecticut, and took the school on a two-week hiking trip. The Gunns operated the Gunnery Camp for 12 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 of differing ages and academic interests. 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.

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. Many colleges in the United States offer these programs as they serve as an excellent advertisement and introduction to students to encourage 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 years of 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 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 understanding 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

Some camps have become summer training grounds for a variety of performing arts. Famous examples are Litchfield Jazz Camp, Buck's Rock Performing and Creative Arts Camp, Stanford Jazz Workshop, Camp Med-O-Lark, and Stagedoor Manor.

Religious 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 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, outdoor sports, singing, dancing, and so forth), but also typically include Jewish educational components such as Shabbat, Havdallah, and celebration of Jewish holidays.

Christian summer camps are also very popular. In addition to the non-sectarian YMCA (Young Men's Christian Association) and YWCA (Young Women's Christian Association) camps, numerous churches also run summer camp programs for young people. Generally, their purpose is to provide campers with a place away from worldly things; a chance to study the scriptures and participate in activities with others holding common spiritual values. Campers enjoy activities such as singing, bible lessons, hiking, swimming, sports, crafts, and talent shows. Such camps offer young people a chance to enjoy healthy outdoor activities and to grow stronger in their faith. Some Christian camps are for boys only, some have sister camps for girls only; many are co-educational, with strict separation of accommodations for boys and girls.

Some religious camps also serve as retreat centers. During the school year, they may offer team-building initiatives, spiritual retreats, environmental stewardship retreats, marriage retreats, and alternative spring break trips. Groups include family reunions, youth groups, school classes, ski groups, and others who may use the facilities throughout the year, helping to offset the cost of running the summer youth camps.

Scouting camps

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 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.

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.

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.

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, the underlying principle in all summer camps 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 they may not experience in their everyday life.

Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Jonathan D. Sarna, American Judaism: A History (New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2005, ISBN 978-0300109764), 268, 285.

References
ISBN 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
  • Sarna, Jonathan D. American Judaism: A History. Yale University Press, 2005. ISBN 978-0300109764
  • 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

All links retrieved February 26, 2023.

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