Articles

TO PACK OR NOT TO PACK THE CELL PHONES: The following article is by Stephen Fine Ph.D.

When packing the kids off to summer camp an increasingly common issue has become whether or not to include a cell phone along with the sunscreen, lifejacket and insect repellent. Cell phone use among children and adolescents is becoming widespread and the marketing trend is towards increasingly younger age groups. Kid’s cell phones make good sense for reasons of contact and security. But is it good sense to send a cell phone into camp with your child?

Camp directors have noted an increase of personal phones coming into camp. Although these devices can give parents a feeling of closer contact, control and peace of mind, are they necessary or indeed appropriate in a camp environment? The question a parent or guardian should ask themselves is what was the rational for giving their child a cell phone in the first place?

Cell phones have a real purpose in our fast paced lives. That purpose has much to do with security, the communication of ever changing schedules and the “comfort” to children and their parents or guardians of instant unimpeded contact anytime anywhere.

But what purpose is served by sending a cell phone into camp? Is it a concern with safety? Parents and guardians presumably select a camp with discretion and a confidence that the administration and staff will maintain their child’s safety on a 24 hour basis. Is it the need for instant communication? Camp is a place where time is slowed down to a walking pace. It is a place for personal development, interacting with cabin mates, and reflecting on the natural surroundings. Details of day to day life are best communicated with a good old fashioned postal letter. Letter writing is not mere nostalgia. Opposed to a hasty utterance into an electronic device, composing a letter allows for introspection and gives a young person the time needed to reflect on new surroundings and new experiences.

WHAT COULD HAPPEN

Let’s look at a two examples of campers who are packing cell phones.

Alicia is a first time camper. Although she is excited about camp she still has the normal pre-camp jitters. “What if I feel homesick and want to come home?” Her parents wisely point out to her how much fun she will have and talk about new friends and the exciting activities. However, as camp draws nearer her anxiety increases and so a deal is struck. Alicia will take a cell phone packed in the bottom of her suitcase. If she becomes really homesick she can just call home.

NOT THE BEST PLAN

This plan seems to do the trick and Alicia happily goes off to camp. However, the plan is flawed and has set Alicia up for potentially isolating herself from her peers and mentors. If in the first few days of camp she begins to experience normal separation anxiety she will in all likelihood turn first to the cell phone. She is less likely to turn to her counselors or cabin mates who would help her get over her temporary feelings while allowing her to develop the independence and interdependence that her parents supposedly sent her to camp to learn.

Many camps have a “wait and see policy” with regard to campers making phone calls home. A good call home is pre-arranged and made when the parent or guardian will be available to receive the call. Calls are never made at night but always during the excitement of the day’s events. They are also timed so that the camper will go off to a favorite activity immediately after talking and ideally the counselor should be available to speak with the parent or guardian and then spend some time with the camper after the call.

Wayne has gone to camp for the last five years. He and his buddies attend every summer and they quite literally spend their winter counting the days until the bus rolls off to camp. Wayne has the latest in cell phone technology – camera, Bluetooth, MP3 playback, gaming capability and even video. He is particularly taken with its gadgetry and displays the phone to everybody at camp. All around camp you can hear Wayne’s voice. “I’m not using it as a phone – it’s my camera!” “It’s not a phone it’s my MP3 player!” “Hey, Shawn brought a video game to camp – this is the same thing!”

MISSING IN ACTION

One day after lunch Wayne can’t find his phone. He is certain he had it at the ropes course and now he can’t find it. Wayne becomes frantic. Was it lost or stolen? The phone was very expensive; what is he going to tell his parents? If it’s lost that’s bad enough but what if somebody’s raking up phone bills? Although many offer to help Wayne in his search he has become suspicious of everyone.

The rest of Wayne’s camp days are spent in complete distraction from camp life. He is preoccupied with the whereabouts of his missing phone and doubts the sincerity of his cabin mates and counselors. He has lost not only his phone but also his standing with his friends, his involvement as a member of a community and the opportunity to have the benefit of a favorite summer pastime.

Many camp directors are emphatic that cell phones, video games and MP3 players have no place at camp. I believe what they are trying to convey is that a break from technology can offer the opportunity to experience daily life in a simpler and more basic fashion. Camp life offers this occasion through physical activity, face to face interaction and living close to nature – something that is becoming a rarity today’s world.

Dr. Stephen Fine is the Chair of Educational Research of the Ontario Camping Association.

Am I Ready?

What Parents Should Know About Overnight Camp

By: Alyson Gondek, Director, Camp Woodmont on Lookout Mtn.

Your child is ready for camp, but the big question is….are you, the parent, ready?

Many parents never attended summer camp as a child, so feeling a little emotional tug before taking your child to camp is fairly typical.

Remember overnight camp provides a rich environment full of new friends, songs, achievements and memorable activities. It provides supportive relationships, challenging opportunities, but most important it gives all children a level playing field from the start. Camp is an important rite of passage where kids can explore, discover and just be themselves among their friends — without Mom or Dad tagging along.

Here’s what you can do to prepare yourself for your child’s first sleep-away:

Find out if the camp is accredited. Safety is usually the number one concern among all parents. If the camp you’ve chosen is accredited by the American Camp Association, you can rest assured it exceeds the highest standards in the industry. Certified lifeguards and instructors in all activities, along with safety helmets, harnesses and life jackets are essentials in providing a safe camp experience.

Next, get to know the camp’s staff.
But what about your child’s emotional safety at camp? Parents tend to be concerned about their child fitting in at camp and being well adjusted. How do you know who’s going to encourage your child to eat well? Who will make sure those teeth get brushed and shorts gets changed? What happens if your child “has an accident” at night?

While nice facilities and activities are important, they should not be the main factor in selecting the right camp for your child. The most significant factor in camping is the quality and character of the individuals who work with your children. Does your camp provide a bio of each counselor on its website? Find out how the camp recruits its staff and how many counselors return each year. What’s the staff training like? Check into the directors’ background. Make sure the director is more than an “administrator of paper,” but someone who’s working directly with the counselors, the activities and the campers. Being comfortable with who’s working with the campers’ gives parents’ peace of mind.

Next, check out the camp’s “sense of community.” Does the camp provide a close, family-like atmosphere? This is where the comfort factor comes into play. Eating as a “cabin family” three times a day in a society where families rarely eat together is comforting to children.

While sometimes it seems like kids are screaming for freedom and independence, children actually thrive on schedules and boundaries. Therefore, they gain great comfort in predictability, and camp is predictable. Knowing exactly what to expect makes a child feel safe and secure. And safe is good. That predictability and associated comfort that comes along with it is why children treasure traditions. Waking up to the camp bugle. Singing “taps” at night. Cabin skits. The pudding eating contest. Sleeping under the stars. All these traditions give kids joy and comfort. And that’s how the camp’s sense of community is defined.

Get to know the camp’s schedule. You’ll relax if you know exactly what your child is doing and when. It helps to look at the camp’s website to find out how the day is structured so you’ll know what’s going on. Also, many camps, including Camp Woodmont, post daily pictures and newsletters to give parents a sneak peek into their children’s day at camp.

Finally, know that deprivation is good, and it leads to appreciation. Home equals luxuries. At home, kids are rarely deprived so they rarely appreciate what they have … a warm shower, television, cell phones, junk food, and video games. At camp, kids sleep in bunks, wait their turns, cook out and wait for warm water in the shower. And when they get back to reality, they tend to appreciate Mom and Dad more, along with those little extras at home.

Memories from Veteran Counselor Jennifer S

After finishing my 3^rd year as a counselor at Camp Woodmont in 2007, I look back and cherish all the moments I’ve experienced. I came to camp initially because it was a good escape for me! The 2^nd year was because I had fun the year before. I came the 3^rd year because I saw camp as my home away from home! I now understand why so many campers return year after year! I accepted the position as the high ropes course supervisor because, well honestly, it sounded like fun! But this past summer was more than just having fun at the climbing wall…it was also about being a leader to campers and counselors.

Each summer I make a scrapbook of camp memories: from campouts to hikes to night activities to singing camp songs to just laughing and hanging out! I enjoyed every moment with my fellow counselors, AND with all the campers! We made the best of the weather, the bumps and bruises and the occasional misunderstandings.

I learned a lot about myself just by watching the kids! It made me appreciate the environment and values that Mr. and Mrs. B established at Camp Woodmont. More importantly, I feel honored to have been a part of that tradition. We counselors usually walk away from camp the same way the campers do: happy to go home, but sad to leave our new “family.” This was the most awesome summer I’ve had…EVER!!!

Misconceptions About Summer Camp

By: Alyson Gondek, Co-Director of Camp Woodmont on Lookout Mountain

Whether it’s from Hollywood movies or a lack of experience, don’t let misconceptions about summer camp prevent your children from going and experiencing the time of their lives! To clear up the air, we asked Alyson Gondek of Camp Woodmont in NW Georgia, to address some common false impressions about overnight camp.

My child is too young or is not ready for camp.
Families who send children to camp at a younger age report a much better overall experience. Older children sometimes have a more developed sense of fear, which may make it harder to adjust. Any age child can go to camp as long as the parent is encouraging and positive.

I can’t find a camp that’s a good match for my child.
There’s a camp for every child. Parents should look for a camp that fits their child’s personality and interests to determine where he/she might fit best. Some camps are better for first-time campers and others offer higher adventure-type activities for the veteran camper. If parents choose carefully, they can rest assured the camp is targeted toward the specific personality traits of their child.

The camp is too far from home.
Proximity of the camp to home should not be a deciding factor. It’s better to select the right camp, regardless of the location. In an emergency, parents can’t be at the camp immediately anyway. One can generally fly to camps farther away, and get there just as easily as driving to one that may be closer to home.

My child gets homesick too easily.
It is normal for some children to experience fleeting moments of homesickness. This is a part of growing up. Most camp programs keep campers so busy that camp directors rarely see anything more than very minor homesickness. Many times a child acts homesick one minute and the next minute he/she is going to activities and running and playing (apparently not homesick any more). In many cases, the parents are actually more anxious than the campers. It’s important for parents to remain positive about the experience before check-in.

My child is too shy to go away.
At camp, campers develop newly found confidence by taking on various leadership roles — whether it be in planning skits and devotionals, leading songs, making campfires or in their activities. Typically, the older campers emerge as leaders by serving as role models for the younger children and motivating or coaching them in games or sports. Campers are bound to return home more mature than when they left.

The best camps are the most expensive ones.
There are a wide range of prices. Some very good programs are available at a low or middle price range. Shop around for what suits you best. Camp Woodmont offers payment plans and discount programs! By hosting an in-home meeting or recruiting new campers, you can earn big price-cuts. And don’t forget that Grandparents, aunts, uncles and other relatives are usually willing to donate to a good cause, like summer camp!

My child loves basketball so I’ll send him to basketball camp.
If the child has attended a general camp before, and is a little older and is ready to handle the intensity of one activity all day, this may be okay. But a general camp is best for a child’s first camp experience. They expose children to a variety of activities, which often create new interests for a child.

My child must go with a friend.
Plenty of children attend camp without knowing anyone. Sometimes friends that go together do not branch out to meet new friends. Many camps have a great deal of returning campers each year, along with new campers. At Camp Woodmont, we encourage the returning ones to pair up with new campers to develop friendships and provide re-assurance and confidence. Children bond so quickly. Within the first couple of hours of camp, they’ve made new friends, and are enjoying the program and activities.

If my neighbor’s son like the camp, it must be good for my child.
Program offerings and philosophies differ from camp to camp. What’s right for your neighbor’s child may not be right for your child. Do some research to find what’s right for your child.

Children need to get packages from home while they’re at camp.
Most camps strongly discourage parents from sending packages to campers as it can cause unnecessary friction and hurt feelings among campers who don’t get packages. Camper are so well adjusted to camp that they do not need additional materialistic items to feel good; they are extremely happy when they get letters from home.
Remember overnight camp provides supportive relationships, challenging opportunities, and a chance for kids to be kids – without the comfort of Mom or Dad. In a world where it’s difficult for kids to fit in, camp gives kids a level playing field from the start. Camp offers security, comfort and predictability. That’s what it’s all about.

HOMESICKNESS TIPS

Dear First -Time Camper Parent:

We’re delighted your child is coming to Camp Woodmont this summer! This letter offers important tips and guidelines to ensure a successful camp experience for you and your child.

Many parents never attended summer camp as a child, so feeling a little emotional tug before taking your child to camp is fairly typical. If you feel a bit of anxiety, relax, that’s normal.

Potential Homesickness (HS)
Don’t worry. Homesickness is normal. According to psychologists, 95% of children experience some degree of HS when they’re away from home. It’s typically a fleeting moment.

One of the best things you can do to avoid HS is to provide assurance and encouragement to your child before camp. Being positive and upbeat is the key to your child’s success.
What else can parents do?

• Encourage practice time away from home
• Assure your child that YOU will be doing fine without him
• Provide detailed information about our camp
• Teach your child coping strategies and tell them what to do if they feel homesick.

Coping Strategies
Research shows the most effective ways of coping are: staying busy, talking with counselors, writing letters, making friends, focusing on what’s fun, maintaining a positive attitude and remembering camp will be over before you know it. Please review these with your child before camp.

What do I do if I get a HS Letter?
It’s normal to receive a “missing home “ letter.
Keep in mind the letter is s few days old by the time you receive it, and the counselors have already helped make things better. And, HS passes by quickly. In your reply, be sympathetic but encouraging. Remember, children exaggerate negative emotions and remind them that their feelings are normal and you know they are capable of thinking and doing lots of things to make them feel better.
Finally, if you have strong concerns, call us. But keep in mind that camp is busy at all times. Our primary responsibility is your child…constant emails and phone calls only draw attention away from the children. Explain to your child that the phone is NOT for campers’ use (as it only stirs up strong emotions.) We will work with your child to soothe homesickness.

What parents should NOT do?

1. Offer a “pick up deal”
Some well-intended parents say, “I’ll come get you if you get homesick.”
The perception is “I don’t have enough confidence in you, so I’ll rescue you.” There’s no good outcome for the pickup deal (either way).
You and your child will make it through. And you will be much happier knowing your child has achieved a higher degree of self esteem and confidence, while learning new activities and responsibilities while at camp.

2. Give mixed messages
“I don’t know what I’ll do without you.” or “I hope to remember to feed your dog.”
These messages give your child the impression that you’re not going to function without your child.
Reassure your child that you and things at home are fine.
Don’t say anything to make your child worried about stuff at home. Remind your child that camp is not forever, and to enjoy it before it flies by.

Remember to take care of yourself…and enjoy a well-deserved break from full time parenting. Have dinner with your spouse, spend time with your friends, go on a vacation or just relax.

Camp is going to be great for your child! And no matter what you’re doing, the kids are having an even better time than you are!

Should you have other concerns or questions, please contact us at the camp office at 706-398-0739 or 706-398-0833. We’ll see you soon!