Summer Camps - News and Articles

PE and After-School Programs Help Children and Teens Excel

Admin — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 21:32:46 +0000

Kids and Teens Still Aren’t Doing Nearly Enough Physical Activity

The USA Today article, Kids Need To Step Up Physical Activity, Report Says, argues that, despite prodding from their parents, teachers and doctors, American kids just aren’t getting enough physical exercise.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, only 29% of teens get the recommended 60 or more minutes a day of physical activity. Aside from staying physically fit, being physically active on a regular basis helps students perform better at their schoolwork.

Government’s Physical Activity Guidelines

The Committee for the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition has identified strategies to increase physical activity, especially among children. Suggestions include getting kids moving more in schools and giving preschool children lots of opportunities to be active. They also recommend improving walking and biking infrastructure, such as sidewalks, multiuse trails and bike lanes.

Sports or adventure summer camps can help develop your kids’ love of physical activity. Camppage offers a varied listing of sports summer camps throughout the United States and Canada. You’re sure to find one that’s right for your family.

Art and Music Help Children Develop

Admin — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 20:14:09 +0000

Learning Music Grows Kids’ Brains

According to the Huffington Post article, Music Lessons Early In Life Could Boost Brain Development, Study Suggests, children who receive music lessons early in life develop brain mass faster than those who don’t learn music.

The Journal of Neuroscience reports that musicians who began to playing a musical instrument before the age of seven have better auditory and visual motor skills than those who started later in life. Kids who begin taking music lessons before their seventh birthday tend to have more white matter in a part of the brain called the corpus callosum, the region of the brain that connects the right and left hemispheres of the brain.

Music Soothes the Soul

Developing a lifelong love of music promotes overall health, physical, emotional and cognitive functioning, interpersonal skills, personal development, and quality of life. “Musical performance is about skill, but it is also about communication, enthusiasm, style,” said Virginia Penhune, a psychology professor at Concordia University. Parents can help stimulate their kids’ interest in music.

Music and arts summer camps are a great way to introduce brain-building activities into children’s lives. Camppage lists music and arts summer camps in the United States and Canada. Camppage also features summer camp jobs in a wide variety of areas.

Keeping Kids Active

Karen — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 20:45:19 +0000

Keeping children active is an important goal in today’s world of cell phones, video games, iPads, computers and other technological devices and tools. According to a Time Magazine article titled “10 Tips To Get Your Kids Moving” by David Bjerklie “80% of parents of kids ages 6 to 11 feel they are responsible for their child’s weight and physical fitness.” Dr. David Katz, of Yale University’s School of Public Health says, “the key is to get the entire family to be more imaginative about what activity means.”

Use Your Common Sense as a Parent

The 10 tips shared in this article are useful and practical. Parents must use common sense when it comes to getting their children excited about exercise and motivated to spend time outdoors, play sports, play with friends, and enjoy being active. It doesn’t take pressure and fighting to inspire kids. It simply takes being willing to walk the walk yourself as a parent and be active personally, as well as having some imagination.

Sports Summer Camps Teach Kids to be Physically Active

Sports summer camps are a great way to get kids involved in physical activities they love and enjoy. Camppage lists sports summer camps from around the United States and Canada like basketball camps, adventure camps, baseball camps, soccer camps, swimming camp, and much more.

How the iPad Has Become a Tool for Helping Kids with Autism

Karen — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 20:29:36 +0000

A May 15, 2012 report from CNN titled “iPad gives voice to kids with autism” (http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/14/tech/gaming-gadgets/ipad-autism) written by Supraja Seshadri discusses the profound impact this technological tool is having on children with a variety of developmental and communication issues. The article begins by telling the story of Siddiqui and Ayza Sheikh from Maryland and their daughter Sharia. Sharia was diagnosed with autism at a young age and was provided speech, occupational and behavior therapies, but she still struggled with communication.

In 2010 the Apple’s iPad was released and not long after Sharia began to use the iPad. Siddiqui says, “before having the iPad, Sharia’s only way of communicating was crying. She was non-verbal and had no way of expressing what she wanted or how she was feeling. What the iPad has done has given her a sense of control that she never had before.” “She knows when you touch it, something is supposed to happen,” he continues, “she knows she doesn’t need to cry, she needs to point.”

Sharia has now been exposed to apps such as Proloquo2Go, First Words, ABCs and Me and Puzzle Me, and she has even been able to begin to form simple sentences.

iPad Apps for Kids with Autism

There are now hundreds of educational and therapeutic apps available for parents interested in using the iPad with their child. Parents can even create apps based on their child’s unique individual needs. The report continues with the story of Tricia Estrada of San Diego. Estrada has developed specific apps for her son Evan. She says, “the most appealing facet of the iPad is its mobility.” Now Evan can learn new concepts any time during any activity and in any location.

Summer Camps for Differently-Abled Children

Camppage is one of the oldest and most comprehensive resources for parents looking for summer camps for girls and boys throughout the United States and Canada. Camppage has special listings for summer camps for kids with disabilities. If you are searching for overnight camps or day camps for children with disabilities check out Camppage today!

Making Friends at Summer Camp that Will Last Throughout the Year

Karen — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 10:39:16 +0000

Kids learn so many things at summer camp. Some learn to swim, others learn a new craft and others improve their tennis game. These are all great but one of the best and most important parts of summercamp is making friends. According to Gary Forster, National Camping Consultant for the YMCA of the USA, the number one reason why kids go to camp is to make friends.

Finding Like-Minded Friends at Summer camp

Summer camp brings together kids from all walks of life, cultures and geographic regions. It exposes kids to diversity and gives them a chance to explore differences. It also allows kids to learn new hobbies and skills and find like-minded friends. For example, a child who plays the piano after school may not know anyone the same age who plays piano. At music camp, they discover lots of new friends who share the same interest.

Having Fun Together at Summer Camp Develops Deep Bonds

Summer camp is filled with fun and lends itself to developing deep relationships. From the sheer time spent with each other kids learn each others likes and dislikes and also learn to build trust and confidence. They have fun together and bond like nowhere else because they are encouraged to just be kids.

Technology Makes it Easy to Stay in Touch After Summer Camp

In this day and age of technology, it is important to give your children opportunities to develop face to face relationships. It’s so easy to turn on the computer, check Facebook, text and Skype. While this is true and kids (and adults) can spend way too much time inside, texting instead of writing, Facebooking rather than reading, technology is a great tool and makes it easier than ever to stay in touch after summer camp. When camp comes to a close, the tears start flowing, and promises to stay connected are made. During this age of technology kids can easily stay in touch with instant messaging, texting, emailing or Skyping.

Camppage is one of the nation’s premier online resources for summer camp information in the US and Canada. If you are looking for summer camps of any kind in the US or Canada visit the CampPage.com summer camp directory today.

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Summer Campers Make the Best Camp Counselors

Karen — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 20:10:00 +0000

Most campers have so much fun at summer camp and learn such valuable lessons they want to come back and do it all over as a camp counselor. Although being a counselor is a much different experience than being a camper, the summercamp experience teaches kids and teens alike how to become better leaders, more self confident and self aware, independent, and more caring and giving toward others. The rewards gained at summer camp are assets needed to be an effective summer camp counselor.

Summer camp counselors relate to campers
Just like recovering addicts relate better to other recovering addicts rather than to those who haven’t been there, so too do summer campers. When campers face a hard situation like a conflict with another camper or difficulty with a social situation or learning a new skill they want someone who can resonate with them and understand what they’re going through. Counselors have usually been in the exact situation and can offer a safe and nurturing environment.

Summer camp counselors know how to get along with others
Summer camp counselors don’t have to be best friends but to ensure things go smoothly, they need to get along. If not, campers will pick up on it. Counselors also need to learn to get along with all types of campers and treat them all the same; the ones they don’t “like” and the ones they do. Counselors most likely learned how to get along with others, how to work with different personalities and how to problem-solve at summer camp.

Summer camp counselors know how to make campers feel at ease
Camp counselors who have been summer campers know how to communicate effectively and know how to motivate others. They understand the importance of making campers feel at ease by learning each camper’s name and personality and spending one-on-one time with each one to make them feel accepted and important.

If you have a son or daughter who loves summer camp, encourage them to become a camp counselor. While it’s hard work, camp counseling is a rewarding and transformative experience.

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Image: digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Going Back to School Means Applying Skills Learned at Summer Camp

Karen — Sun, 30 Sep 2012 20:06:37 +0000

According to the American Camp Association (ACA), summer camp “provides a non-threatening environment for America’s youth to be active, to develop competence in life skills, to learn about and enhance their own abilities and to benefit from meaningful participation in a community designed just for them.” Kids can apply lessons they learn at summer camp to the challenges they face at school and in life.

Applying social skills learned at summer camp

“I learned to listen to what other people say.” (10-year-old male) (source: ACA)

Social skills help us get along with other people and help us negotiate conflict. They’re particularly important for children to learn as they grow and mature and navigate the world of friendships and relationships. That’s why summer camp is such a valuable experience. Since they spend 24 hours a day with each other in a structured environment, summer camp offers kids a great opportunity to interact with peers and mentors at a deep level and learn to work as a team, to live in community, to listen, make and sustain friendships, and to respect their own and others’ values.

Applying physical skills learned at summer camp

It may not seem like a direct correlation, but the physical engagement at summer camp has a positive affect on children’s grades. According to Dr. Mercola, “researchers have repeatedly found connections between fitness and brain health, which naturally impacts all areas of brain function, such as cognitive thinking skills and memory.” Rather than sit around all summer on their electronic devices, summer camp gives kids the physical activity they need and better prepares them for the academic challenges they’ll face.

Applying life skills learned at summer camp

“My experience helped me look at challenging situations differently and instead of giving up, finding a way around them.” (14-year-old female, Netimus) (source: ACA)

Summer camp inspires kids to try something new and step out of their comfort zone. It fosters independence and self-sufficiency. For example, if a child scrapes their arm and it bleeds, it’s painful and scary but they deal with it without their mom or dad. It also allows them to build self esteem, exercise autonomy, develop leadership skills and problem-solve. Just facing the challenge of being away from parents and dealing with homesickness is a feat in itself.

They learn discipline and perseverance. Challenging themselves to rock climb or kayak will stay with them when they challenge themselves to take an advanced course or have more homework than they think they can handle.

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Start Looking for Summer Camps Now

Karen — Sat, 15 Sep 2012 15:16:22 +0000

It’s important to start your summer camp search and evaluation process early. Many popular summer camps fill up fast and even start recruiting in September of the previous year. Early planning gives you a head start and relieves the pressure of the weeks before summer break. It also almost guarantees a slot at the summer camp your child chooses. Some things to think about:

Planning for Summer Camp Early Saves Money
Even though the school year just started and you’re most likely busy with car pooling, schedule coordination and after school activities, it’s smart planning to start looking for summer camps now. Not only will this allow you to feel confident your kids will go to a summer camp with quality programs, most camps offer considerable discounts for early applicants. Be sure to understand the camp’s cancellation policy before giving a deposit.

Planning for Summer Camp Early Allows for Time Together
Make the summer camp search a bonding experience by spending time together and involving your children in the process. Find out what their interests, strengths and weaknesses are and what’s important to them. Do they have a secret desire to play tennis or mountain bike? Ask them what they’d like to experience.

Planning for Summer Camp Early Gives you Time to Speak to Others and Visit the Camp
Referrals are always helpful. Speak to friends and neighbors about where they send their children. Then be sure to do your own research. If you belong to a forum with other parents search for reviews, recommendations or post your own question.

If you start planning a whole year before summer camp starts, plan a trip to go and check out the summer camp. It’s always best to see a summer camp in action. If that’s not possible, ask the camp to send as much information as possible and visit their website to find videos, testimonials, and other information.

To start looking for a summer camp that’s right for your child, visit our summer camp directory. Camppage is one of the nation’s premier online resources for summer camps in the US and Canada. We have listings of all types of camps:

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Image: digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

3 Ways Summer Sports Camps Nurture a Lifelong Enjoyment of Athletics

Karen — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 14:58:46 +0000

Summer is over and it’s back to school for kids and teens all over the world. For many, this means sitting behind a desk for most of the day with limited activity. Studies show that children need to move their bodies and stay active to be healthy. That’s where sports comes in. Sports provides the necessary activity and personal development kids need.

It can be a challenge to encourage a child to join a sport with all the work and time involved but summer sports camps are a great way to motivate them to get involved and continue to be active during the whole year. Here are some ways summer sports camps nurture a lifelong enjoyment of athletics:

Summer Sports Camps Offer High Quality Sports Education
Many sports summer camps employ coaches and staff who are professionals and dedicated to the sport. They have often played or coached the game professionally and provide all the experience, know-how, encouragement and skills to inspire kids and help them deepen their skills and become better at their sport. When kids get better at a sport they have more fun and want to play all the time.

Summer Sports Camps Teach Skill Enhancement
At sports summer camps, kids learn to improve their game, work hard and take their skills to the next level. They learn new techniques and become better players. This self confidence ignites a spark for a lifetime of physical activity and wellness. Sports skills are not the only thing kids learn at sports summer camp. They also learn teamwork, communication, relationship building, and leadership skills.

Summer Sports Camps Promote Self Confidence
There are lots of challenges that come with being involved in a sport. Kids need to learn how to problem solve and work out these challenges. Once they do, they gain self confidence and develop positive beliefs about themselves. And they make friends and have fun. There is nothing like working through a problem and learning how to work together that develops deep bonds of trust and friendship. Having good friends helps kids feel better about themselves and helps them weather the challenges they’ll face.

The CampPage.com Summer Camp Directory – A Safe Way to Search for Summer Camps with Your Kids

If you are searching for the best summer camp for your child in 2012 then CampPage.com is a great online directory of summer camps that let’s you search throughout the United States and Canada for a wide variety of summer camps. Search for sports summer camps, soccer summer camps, football summer camps, lacrosse summer camps, tennis summer camps, baseball summer camps and softball summer camps, cheerleading summer camps, and many more by simply reviewing and reading each summer camp listing and the individual summer camp websites. Find out everything you want to know about where to send your child this summer in a family friendly atmosphere quickly and easily online.

After Sports Summer Camp is Over; Keep the Momentum Going

Karen — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 16:24:23 +0000

It’s getting close to the end of the summer and school will soon be starting up again. Many parents and children are already talking about back to school shopping and getting prepared for the big first day of school. If your son or daughter attended sports summer camp and loved the sport they were immersed in, there are many ways to keep the momentum going and delve even deeper into what brought them so much satisfaction.

Encourage Your Child to Enroll in In-School Team Sports
The benefits of team sports are numerous but some of the most important ones are learning practice, patience and persistence, being around positive role models, and staying healthy. Sports is all about exercise, one thing children are lacking in this day and age of hand-held devices and technology. Exercise is proven to reduce fat, strengthen bones and muscle and improve flexibility and coordination. A healthy mind and body translates to doing well in school.

Team sports are social. In addition to the psychological and physical benefits, team sports provide kids a way to get social and connect with their friends and peers outside of school. They learn teamwork, communication, how to have fun and the value of hard work.

Show Your Child You Care And You Are Available
Help your child practice by spending time playing throw and catch, shooting hoops or playing tennis. Your child will appreciate your time and be more apt to develop healthy self esteem and the ability to stick with the game if they know they have your support. Be sure to drop them off and pick them up from practice on time or arrange for someone else to do so. It never fails that the little things in life are the building blocks of creating and maintaining healthy and trusting relationships with kids. All these things also tell your child you are available and they’ll be more apt to come to when they have a problem.

Book the Sports Summer Camp Early for Next Year
It’s amazing what having something to look forward to will do. Knowing they will see their friends and mentors at sports summer camp again the next year can do wonders for their attitude and outlook on life not to mention their performance in school. Support them to keep in touch with the friends s/he made at sports summer camp.

Now that your child has returned from sports summer camp, there are many things you can do to help sustain the spark. Try one or two of them. They will help your child’s self esteem, deepen his/her passion and skill and even help your parent-child relationship.

Camppage, a summer camp directory
Camppage is one of the nation’s premier online resources for summer camps in the US and Canada. We have listings of all types of camps including specific sports summer camps:

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Image: digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net