Displaying items by tag: parenting,

Why Do Parents Send Their Kids to Summer Camp

As the director of Swift Nature Camp, I've noticed a recent decline in social adjustment among children, and it's one of the reasons why parents choose to send their kids to summer camp. In today's digital age, children are spending more time in front of screens and less time interacting face-to-face with their peers. This lack of social interaction can hinder their ability to develop crucial social skills like communication, teamwork, and conflict resolution.

Parents recognize the importance of providing their children with opportunities to connect with others in a meaningful way, and summer camp offers the perfect environment for that. At Swift Nature Camp an overnight coed camp in Wi, campers are immersed in a community where they learn to collaborate, communicate, and build relationships with their fellow campers and counselors. Whether it's working together on a team challenge, sharing stories around the campfire, or simply making new friends during cabin time, camp provides countless opportunities for social growth and development.

But it's not just about social skills – parents also send their kids to summer camp to help them disconnect from technology and reconnect with the natural world. Camp allows children to unplug from the distractions of everyday life and fully engage with their surroundings, whether it's exploring the wilderness, discovering new hobbies, or simply enjoying the simple pleasures of outdoor living.

Ultimately, parents send their kids to summer camp because they trus us and want them to have the chance to learn, grow, and thrive in a supportive and nurturing environment. And at Swift Nature Camp, we're committed to providing that experience for every camper who walks through our gates. To learn more about camp give a call 630-654-8036.

Talk to you soon

Lonnie

www.SNC.Camp

The summer camp season is approaching, Especially in those state that have many residential summer camps, states like Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois are knowen for sending children to summer camp and for many of these families, the countdown has already begun. But what's all the fuss about? Jeff Lorenz from Swift Nature Camp is quick to mention "Why is summer camp such a popular option for parents and children alike"? The truth is that summer camp provides numerous benefits for children, as well as some surprising benefits for parents too. In this article, we'll explore five benefits for children and three benefits for parents of sending your kids to summer camp.

Benefits for Children:

1. Independence and Self-Confidence: Summer camp is an excellent opportunity for children to develop their independence and self-confidence. Being away from home and parents for a few weeks can be scary, but it also provides children with a chance to learn to rely on themselves and to gain confidence in their abilities. They learn to make decisions on their own, to try new things, and to take risks.

2. Social Skills: At summer camp, children are surrounded by peers and are encouraged to interact with them in a positive way. They learn to build relationships, to cooperate with others, and to communicate effectively. Camp activities such as team sports, group projects, and campfire storytelling can also improve their social skills.

3. Physical Activity: Many children today spend a lot of time indoors, either in front of screens or doing sedentary activities. Summer camp provides them with an opportunity to get out in the fresh air and engage in physical activity. They can try new sports, develop their skills in a particular area, and improve their overall fitness.

4. Creativity and Problem Solving: Summer camp offers children the chance to engage in creative activities such as arts and crafts, drama, and music. These activities encourage children to think creatively, develop their problem-solving skills, and express themselves in new ways.

5. Memories and Fun: One of the best things about summer camp is the memories that children make. They have fun, make new friends, and have experiences that they will remember for the rest of their lives. Summer camp can provide children with a break from the routine of daily life and give them a chance to have a truly unforgettable summer.

Benefits for Parents:

1. Peace of Mind: Parents can feel reassured knowing that their children are safe and supervised at summer camp. They can relax and enjoy their own summer activities, knowing that their kids are in good hands.

2. Personal Time: Summer camp provides parents with a much-needed break from parenting. They can take some personal time to focus on their own interests and needs, without having to worry about the kids.

3. Value for Money: Summer camp can be an affordable alternative to other summer activities, especially if parents are working during the day. It can provide children with a full day of fun and activities, without the added expense of babysitters or day care.

In conclusion, summer camp offers a wide range of benefits for children and parents alike. It provides children with an opportunity to develop their independence, social skills, physical fitness, creativity, and problem-solving abilities, while also creating unforgettable memories. For parents, summer camp offers peace of mind, personal time, and excellent value for money. So why not give your child the gift of summer camp this year? The countdown is on!

learn more about Summer Camp

DID YOU KKNOW YOUR CHILD CARE TAX CREDIT CAN HELP REDUCE THE COST OF SUMMER CAMP?

INVESTOPEDIA MAKES THES SUGGESTIONS.

Childcare benefits 

Paying a daycare center, babysitter, or even summer-camp fees for a child can be a lot cheaper with tax benefits. A child which constitutes a qualified tax dependent who is 13 or younger, as well as a disabled dependent of any age, make parents eligible for a tax credit that can ease their federal income tax obligation.3

• Up to 35% of qualifying child care expenses (capped at $3,000) for a single child.4
• Up to $6,000 for multiple children or dependents.4

This tax credit is intended for both employed and self-employed parents and guardians who earn income regularly. Individuals and couples who have been unemployed for a part of the year can also use it. To qualify, all the following conditions must be met:

• You must have earned income in the past tax year (both your spouse and you if you are filing together).4
• You must be the child’s (or dependent’s) custodial parent or caretaker.4
• You must either work and earn an income, or actively be looking for employment.4
• Your child/dependent must be 13 or younger—unless they have a physical or mental disability that makes them unable to care for themselves.4
• The provider(s) of childcare must not be your dependent or spouse, nor the child’s parent.4

The IRS has a broad spectrum of expenses it considers childcare-related, which are not limited to daycare and babysitters. The full list of potentially eligible expenses includes the following:

• Babysitter or licensed childcare center3
• Maid, housekeeper, or cook who cares for the child/dependent3
• Summer camps, day camps, and even sports camps can qualify if they care for the child/dependent while the parents are working. Overnight camps are not included and do not qualify3
• Before-school and after-school care for children of 13 and younger3
• Nurse, or other care providers for disabled children or dependents3

As parents  we all want to be the best parents we can be. Our goal is to help develop children who are kind, considerate, independant and can do things for themselves. In short, we want our children to be thier personal best. Yet, thier is one thing that every parent MUST remember. The video is a parent skill video that will help you help your child. The steps outlined are the same steps we train our camp counselors  to do in helping a child. Watch this video to learn this helpful 4 step program.

As parents we all want the best for our child. We have goals and want them to be thier best. Yet, thier is one thing that every parent MUST remember. Do you know what that is? Watch this video to learn this helpful 4 step program.

 As we all know connections are so important with our children. As a parent I have to say their are times that I think back to those younger years and think about how easy it was. You pick up a Dr. Suess book or play Hands Down and life is good. However, as kids get older and enter teendom they want to be independant and break away from us Parental Units, this is natural. But here are a few things we can do to bring back those connections. that we know we need to keep.

Talk (and Listen) to Them

The most basic way to connect with your children is to talk to them. Tell them about your day and ask about theirs. Try to remember everything they tell you. Children have a memory that just won’t quit sometimes, and they expect you to have the same. Ask them questions. It’s important for people to feel like the person they are talking to cares about what they have to say. Asking questions about what they told you it proves you were listening and want to know more. Don’t expect your kids to tell you everything about themselves in one sitting. It takes time to build the kind of connection you are looking for, especially with teens and older children who are still feeling rebellious.

Take an Interest in their Interests

Sometimes just talking doesn’t work for all kids. They may have built their guard up too high to realize that you just want to help them. In this case it may be a good idea to consider doing something else together. If your child likes to play video games, ask for the second controller and play too. Maybe help them with an art project they’re working on. You can try to get involved in anything they like to do. They may still try to shut you out sometimes, but eventually you will find something to do together.
Just try not to seem judgmental about their hobbies. If they aren’t hurting anyone, then you shouldn’t be concerned. If they start to feel that you don’t appreciate what they love, they will start to push you further away.

Invite Them Into Your World

If you can’t find common ground in the things they like to do, maybe you should look for some in the things you enjoy. It’s not uncommon for children to forget that parents or guardians are people too. If you’re willing to show them who you are, then perhaps they will open up and do the same. You can invite them to one of your favorite shows or sporting events. Let them meet some of your coworkers. If your children are old enough, then you can take them with you to the gym or your yoga class. Anything can work as long as you can get them interested.

Find a New Hobby

You may find that you simply have no current interests in common with your child. That’s OK. In this case, you can talk to them about finding something new for the two of you to do together. Try to find something that neither of you have done and you both find at least mildly interesting, and start together. Neither of you will be the leader in this activity because no one has more experience. Even if you find out that you both hated the activity, you at least have a mutual experience to work with.

Guilt is Not a Weapon

Never send your children on a guilt trip. It’s a cheap trick that will only cause them to resent you in the long run. Make it clear that you want to spend time with them and get to know them, but don’t try to make them feel bad if it doesn’t work out right away. It may take a few tries but you’ll wear them down eventually and they’ll give you a chance.
There’s a Time For Friendship and a Time For Parenting
It’s great to be your child’s friend. The feeling is unmatched. But it can be easy to take it too far. You should never forget that you are a guardian first. You are there primarily to see to it that the child in your care is safe and grows up well. A balance must be found between parenting and friendship. You need your child to trust you enough to tell you about the things going on around you but also to feel safe enough to seek true guidance from you.

Don’t Get Discouraged

Kids can be difficult. It may seem that no matter what you try, you’re still feeling just as distant from them as when you started. Don’t give up. They know what you’re trying to do, and on some level, they appreciate it, even if they don’t make it obvious right now. If nothing else, they will at least think of you when they face any struggles and remember that at least one person cares for them. Sometimes that’s enough.

Reprinted from Child Development Insitute

Parents today are all asking the same question: What will it take for my child to succeed in todays world?

Despite all the technology we live in, I was suprised to see that Americans still realize the need for the soft skills. The skills that are not taught in school. Sure, we need to stay competitiive with  science and math skills as the world becomes smaller and more competitive. Yet, we all see the need for the  less tangible skills in our kids, such as teamwork, logic and basic communication skills.

The Pew Research Center recently asked a sample of adults to select among a list of 10 skills: “Regardless of whether or not you think these skills are good to have, which ones do you think are most important for children to get ahead in the world today?”

The answer was clear. Across the board, more respondents said communication skills were most important, followed by reading, math, teamwork, writing and logic. Science fell somewhere in the middle, with more than half of Americans saying it was important.

So how does Summer Camp fit in to all this? We teach soft skills. We help children figure out what works and what dosent when dealing with peers. Teamwork prevades all of camp life. Children become independent and figure things out for themselves. Camp is so much more than just fun, games and songs outside. it is one of the best training grounds to ensure future success. Michael Eisner of Disney,  said it best,"But oh, the lessons I learned on those camp canoe trips. We could never survive the first day if we did not practice teamwork, show initiative, handle adversity, listen well and not least importantly, maintain a sence of humor:"