Displaying items by tag: sleep away camp information

Children often tell their parents they hate overnight summer camp for various reasons, and it's important to remember that not all children will have negative feelings towards camp. However, when some children express dislike for camp, it can often be attributed to the following factors:

1. Separation Anxiety: Many children, especially younger ones or those attending camp for the first time, experience separation anxiety when leaving their parents for an extended period. This anxiety can manifest as a desire to go back home.

2. Fear of the Unknown: Camp can be an unfamiliar environment with new routines, rules, and people. Fear of the unknown can make children uneasy, and they may express their discomfort by saying they hate camp.

3. Social Challenges: Making new friends and navigating social dynamics can be challenging, even for adults. Children may feel isolated or left out, especially if they don't quickly establish connections with their fellow campers.

4. Homesickness: Missing the comfort and familiarity of home, including their family, pets, and daily routines, can lead children to voice their discontent with camp.

5. Adjustment Period: Camp often has a different pace and structure compared to home life. Children may need time to adjust to the new schedule and activities, and during this transition, they might express negative feelings.

6. Peer Pressure: Some children may hear negative comments about camp from friends or classmates, which can influence their perception and lead them to express dislike for camp.

7. Communication: Children might not have the language or communication skills to express their feelings accurately. Saying they "hate" camp might be their way of expressing discomfort or unease.

8. Expectations vs. Reality: Sometimes, children have unrealistic expectations about camp based on movies, stories, or friends' experiences. When camp doesn't meet these expectations, they may express disappointment.

9. Specific Negative Experiences: Occasionally, a child may have encountered a negative or challenging experience at camp, such as a conflict with a peer or a counselor, which can color their overall perception.

10. Peer Influence: If a child's friends are also expressing negativity about camp, they may feel pressured to do the same, even if they're having a positive experience.

Paents, let's be honest our roll is to challange our children to try new things, make get along with others and overcome adversity. At Swift Nature Camp we know that once the parents get their child to camp then it is our turn to make it a positve experience. We are pretty good with that responsibility with 94% of campers wanting to return. Therfore, It's crucial for parents to listen to their children's concerns and feelings about camp without dismissing them. Open and empathetic communication can help address underlying issues and provide the child with emotional support. Sometimes, giving a child time to adjust to the new environment and offering encouragement can turn their negative perception of camp into a positive one as they start to build friendships and create life long positive memories.

Summer camp is an excellent opportunity for kids to develop social skills and long-lasting friendships. For neurodivergent children, it can provide a clean social slate and a chance to connect with others who share similar experiences. In a recent survey, 62% of caregivers cited "making and spending time with friends" as a top priority for their child's summer plans.

Parents of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may be concerned about how their child's social skills may be affected at camp. It is essential to communicate with the camp about your child's strengths and weaknesses and how they may present at camp. The camp staff should also be educated about ADHD, and parents can help by providing resources such as webinars that offer an overview of common social challenges facing children and teens with ADHD.

If your child is hesitant to participate in activities, it's crucial to communicate your expectations with the camp. Let them know that you expect counselors to engage your child if they are sitting alone, wandering, or not participating. It's important to remember that the camp experience is all about learning to be part of a group. If your child is allowed to sit out of activities all day, they won't be able to participate fully in the camp experience.

Children with ADHD may tend to gravitate towards younger peers or adults. It's crucial to communicate this to the camp and ask for their assistance in helping your child interact with same-age peers. Staff can help your child enter a conversation or play situation with peers.

Parents may also wonder if it's a good idea to send their child to camp with a friend or sibling. There is no right or wrong answer, and it's up to the parent to decide what is best for their child. However, it's worth noting that some children with ADHD can become protective and territorial, which may prevent them from making new friends.

If the camp calls to say that your child isn't participating in bunk/cabin chores, it's essential to ask for more information. It's possible that your child is trying to perform the chores but struggling with the sequence. Communicate to the camp that your child may need additional support to complete chores. Parents can also ask the camp about the chores and independent skills they expect from campers to prepare their child before camp starts.

Before sending a child with ADHD to camp, it's crucial to help them emotionally and mentally prepare for camp. Many children with ADHD are visual learners, so it's helpful to book a tour of the camp or visit the camp's website to look at pictures of the physical layout and staff. It's also essential to talk with your child about the social issues that may occur at camp and prepare them for potential conflicts.

Lastly, it's essential not to "rescue" your child from camp if they feel uncomfortable. While it's normal for children to shy away from new experiences, allowing them to escape a non-threatening situation will only set them up for failure. Parents should communicate their confidence in their child's ability to handle the situation and provide them with the necessary support to navigate new social situations.

Lastly,, summer camp is an excellent opportunity for children to develop social skills and make long-lasting friendships. For children with ADHD, it can provide a fresh start and a chance to connect with others who share similar experiences. However, it's crucial for parents to communicate with the camp about their child's strengths and weaknesses, mentally prepare their child for camp, and avoid rescuing their child from non-threatening situations. With the right support and preparation, summer camp can be a life-changing experience for children with ADHD. At Swift Nature Camp we do accept children that have ADHD depending on degree and have a RN on site to provide medication.

For many parents, sending their children to residential summer camp is an important part of their child's development and growth. While some may view camp as a mere vacation or break from the daily routine, the benefits of overnight camp go much deeper.

First and foremost, overnight residential camps provides a unique opportunity for children to gain independence and responsibility. Away from the comfort and structure of home, campers are forced to navigate new situations and make decisions on their own. This teaches valuable life skills such as problem-solving, time management, and decision-making.

Additionally, overnight camp allows children to form new friendships and build a sense of community. In a world where children are often isolated by technology, camp provides a chance for face-to-face social interaction and connection with others. This can lead to increased self-esteem and confidence, as well as a support network for children to lean on during difficult times.

Furthermore, overnight camp offers a wide range of activities and experiences that are often not available in a child's daily life. From outdoor adventures such as hiking and rock climbing, to artistic and creative pursuits such as painting and music, camp provides a chance for children to explore new interests and passions. This can lead to increased self-discovery and a greater sense of self-worth.

Overnight camp also provides a unique opportunity for children to disconnect from the distractions of technology and fully immerse themselves in the present moment. Without the constant pull of screens and social media, campers are free to focus on their surroundings and the activities at hand. This can lead to increased mindfulness and an appreciation for the natural world.

Finally, overnight camp provides a chance for children to learn important values such as teamwork, respect, and perseverance. Through group activities and challenges, campers are taught the importance of working together and supporting one another. These lessons can have a lasting impact on a child's character and future success.

Overall, the benefits of overnight camp are numerous and varied. From building independence and forming new friendships, to exploring new interests and learning important values, overnight camp offers a unique and valuable experience for children. For many parents, sending their children to camp is an investment in their child's future and well-being. It is always best to check with the camp directors that they offer what your family is looking for in your childe development. At Swift Nature Camp Lonnie & Jeff welcome your phone call 630-654-8036

Learn all the latest about summer camp 2020

Summer Camps in Minnesota has been a part of childhood for over a century. Historically, camp was just a chance to get children away from the cities and get out in nature to learn outdoor skills. Today getting out in nature is just as important as it was over 100 years ago. In addition, the benefits of increased self confidence, being screen free and positive social skill development are just some of theadditional benefits of an overnight summer camp experience. So as parents, we understand that summer camp has a positive impact on our children. Yet, sending our children out into the woods to a camp with people we do not know and with no phone is a very scary idea for most parents. Picking the wrong camp can create a terrible experience for your child and cause them to never want to go to any camp again. So doing your leg work firt is very important.

Here are 3 Must Do's before you send your child off to the Northwoods of Minnesota:

1) Scour The Website
              Every camp has a website. Yet, not all websites are created the same, be sure to look past the smiling campers faces. What is the feel of the site? Was it created by a camp director or was it built by a professional company that puts all the latest bells and whistles on the site to impress you and your child. Next, does the site have the information? Read, read, read, This day and age we all want to do things fast and get them done, but remember, you are sending your most important asset out alone to an overnight summer camp in Minnesota. For instance, at Swift Nature Camp they have a parent section with a section "Policies that Protect Campers" . Having a section like this helps show that they are dedicated to child safety, even the things that are so bad nobody want to talk about them. Remember this, any summer camp can create a website, and all websites are advertising, they are not going to tell you the bad stuff that happened at camp last year, so it is important to know who stands behind the site and the summer camp you are sending your child off too.

2) Talk To The Camp Director
              Every camp has a leader. This position sets the tone for staff development, camper and parent interactions and camp safety. For many camps this is a part time position and often given to a person who is still in their 20's with little experience. I once called a camp in Minnesota and they told me that I could not speak to a camp director because they don't do that. When I inquired why, they mentioned they did not have an overnight summer camp Director yet. By calling the camp directors you have the opportunity to ask questions about the philosophy and feel of the camp. Do you feel the Director understands children and knows how to manage a staff of 18-22 year old staff members. The camp director is the most important person at your summer camp be sure you chat with them and have your questions ready in advance. SummerCampAdvice has a worksheet to help pick the right camp .

3) Ask For References
              References are the key to knowing that the overnight summer camp you pick is the right one for your child.  As parents, talking to references will help give you some insight into what another parent thinks about the camp. The best way to do this is call the camp director and ask for at least 3 references. This will help prove that the camp has relationships with its families and is not just processing children through its program. Questions to ask the parents might include: Was your child homesick? What did the camp do to help? or Why did you select this camp? Don't forget that talking to references can be children as well. So talking to the camper has great insight. Some questions might include: What was your happiest time? Why? Did you ever feel scared? Your child might even put together a few questions they feel are important and then they can ask them of the camper. Talking is important dont text, dialog is important and the tone of the conversation can give you even more information. Remember this is a fact gathering task so be open 

Overnight summer camps in Minnesota have a very good safety record, better than public schools in Minnesota. As parents, we want more than our kids being safe at camp. We want our child to benefit from all that camp provides. We know that summer camp provides a place for kids to learn to swim, sleep in a cabin and sing around a campfire, they can be rewarded with personal development skills that can help them in the classroom, in their relationships and in whatever calling they choose.  At our camp we often talk about the Magic of summer camp and when I ask campers and staff what this means the answer that I most often get is "Swift Nature Camp creates a place where I am my BEST Self" and isn't that the best thing we as parents want for our children summer camp experience?

Swift Nature Camp is an overnight nature camp for boys and girls ages 6-15. Our focus is to blend traditional summer camp activities while increasing a child's appreciation for nature, science and the environment. Swift Nature Camp offers traditional summer camp activities along with an environmental focus. Campers enjoy an active Nature Center, Pet Zoo, and Department of Natural Resources sponsored programs, plus recreational activities that include canoe and backpack trips, horseback riding, swimming, arts & crafts, team courses, archery, sailing, water skiing, tubing and sports.

Our special Discovery Camp is a nurturing program for first-time overnight campers, offering additional staff to provide support and encouragement to overcome homesickness and build confidence. The program welcomes no more than 50 first-time campers, and the special attention that this intimate group receives is the reason that more than 92% of them wish to return. 

It's summer camp time and your child is excited about the adventure that awaits, however you can help them have a more successful time by having the below conversations. 

Talking About Camp
It's best to start talking about camp early on. This can be stories of your own experiences or of friends and relative. Maybe even a story book about camp. Be sure they are positive experiences, this is not time for Friday the 13th. Then I like to ask "If you were going to camp what activities would you like to do". This question can give you incite to what they are thinking.  Remember, your child may not be ready for overnight camp and that OK. It is important to realize that most campers go to overnight camp between 8-10 years of age. Often this seems young for parents but kids are generally ready if encouraged. It can get harder the older a child gets. A handful of overnight camps like Swift Nature Camp offer a Discovery Camp only for 1st time campers, where additional support is on hand to make the first time camp experience a success.  If your child is really reluctant you might try suggesting a friend or relative would enjoy the adventure as well and go to camp together. This go with a friend can often help a child agree with the whole camp idea.

Find a Camp
This can be fun to hit the internet and look at all the options available. For younger campers it is best to pick 3 or 5 that you feel would be best suited for you and your camper. One of th ebest ways is to talk to the camp director and ask for references. Then spend some time with your camper and go through the choices, looking at each of the activities and camp philosophies that are best for him or her. Remember, websites are meant to sell camp to kids. So it is your responsibility to look at all the parent things like safety, health and hiring, etc.

Sell Camp
Once your camp is selected be sure to talk about it often. Keep selling camp as a positive fun experience. All the friends and excitement. Some things to say include "Sure wish I could go". "Your so lucky". Help to build confidence by focusing on the qualities they have that will make the camp experience easy for them. Of course you don't want to overload future campers with too much information so as a parent pace yourself and bring it up 1 or 2 times a week at most.

We All Love Routines
"Summer amp is filled with routines, Days are scheduled much more than it looks from the outside world" says Jeff Lorenz, Director of Swift Nature Camp. It's best to become familiar with the camp routines and then build some of them in to your child's day. That way you will reduce camp trauma and make it easier to fit into camp life. This can include:  making beds, packing and cleaning up. Personal responsibility is important at camp as well, including: brushing your teeth and getting dressed. At home use meal time as a time to practice trying new foods and helping to cleaning up.

Lights Out
Often one of the hardest parts of camp is after a day of fun is over and we are tucked in our bed and the lights go out. This is when we start to think of home and all that we are missing. To help your child beforehand it is good that they have some experience with sleepovers at friends or relative. Try not to talk with them while they are gone. This is a time to build independence. Falling asleep strategies are important as well, like deep breathing or visualizing himself at a favorite place. Since camp at night can be dark and quiet be sure to help your child be prepared for such a experience. Often a camp flashlight can make campers feel more secure.

Living Communally
One of the biggest part of overnight summer camp is living with a group of people for a few weeks. It is this experience that is at the heart of camp. Most campers say they make better friends at camp than at school. Why because we live together sharing life. Relationships are the heart of every camp experience, Since camp is like a family it is good to revisit some of the ways we deal with people. They have the power to make everyone's experience at camp better by being a supportive member of the team. Prepare your child for a diverse cabin getting along with a wide variety of people is so important.  Help them to make new friends by asking about others' interests and being a good listener.  Friendships at camp often last a lifetime.

Nature
Summer camp involves fun & relationships all in the great outdoors. Help them to appreciate nature and the outside. All the cool things that are outside waiting to be discovered. Help them to also be aware how to be safe outside. This includes, Drinking water, using sunscreen, and bug spray.  Also ask what else they may be afraid of, this will help you ease those fears.

Homesickness is not an illness
Homesickness is not an illness it just means you are loved back home. So don't make your child feel as if this is a sickness it is a normal feeling. Let your child know they may experience it  by feeling lonely or even have a stomachache. Let them know staff are on hand to help so be sure to let them know, they will help and try to get them feeling better as quickly as possible. Jeff Lorenz says "Please parents do not tell your child that you will save them if they are homesick, this only sets them up for failure.  Instead highlight qualities they have that will help them stay the full session,"

Off to Camp
Be sure to pre write letters to your child. That way the first day they will have mail. Your mail should not tell them how lonely it is with out them or how bad you miss them. But instead say a few dull things about home then ask questions about food, friends activities and more. Hopefully you per-addressed some envelopes to ensure a response.

Sharing
Talk and listen is so important in this time leading up to camp. What your child have to say about camp? What are the hopes and fears? What do they say to friends? If the questions or concerns linger have your camper call or email the directors to get an answer. Help your child realize they are not alone and millions of children every summer head off to overnight summer camp. Most have the time of their life and can not wait to return, we at Swift Nature Camp wish the best for you and your family. Parents we know this is not an easy decision, we have sent our child off to another summer camp and cried the day he left  and felt the wonderful experience filled with new friends , fun and opportunities of self-reliance on the day we picked him up. One last thing Summer camp is a reflection of life, it is not Disneyland. Remind yourself and child of this their will be good days and not so good days, but our goal is to have more good than bad.

If you would like more information about Finding the Best Overnight Summer Camp for your child please feel free to call us or email.
Happy Trails Lonnie & Jeff