Spring in the air, and empowerment on the way!

Now that the grass is greening, the birds are returning, and the smells of spring are in the air, it gets more and more exciting to prepare for camp. It's really magic contemplating what will happen this summer. What child will experience the first-time joy of doing something she didn't think she otherwise could do...from the “I can't” to the “I did!”. And carrying that over to her life—whether it's 5 days, 5 months, or 5 years forward, when another “impossible” task arises, and she has the confidence to attack it, knowing that she's already accomplished the “impossible” before at camp. So, this year, whether it's dam jumping, rock climbing, celebrating her identity, meeting a friend from a background that she would never have interacted with if not for camp...I can't wait!

10 tips to empower girls webinar link

Here's a link to download our recent webinar about empowering young women:

http://campkupugani.com/mp3/030611.wmv

When a child is "ready" for camp

A good friend asked me today when he and his wife would "know" that their daughter is ready for sleepaway camp. There is a certain level of surreality to the situation. I think back to us 20 years ago in college, as roommates. Certainly, the two decades-later prospect of me as a camp professional seriously advising him as a parent would have been a ludicrous one. Flash forward to today, with that being a critically important aspect of my job as camp director. With only a small trace of irony thinking back to the late 1980s...I advised him that:

Any camp decision should be driven by the child; the "best" age is when the child is "ready," which can be anytime between age 7 and 12 or 13 typically. Our camp program is tailored towards girls from ages seven to fifteen, and we have new campers within all of those ranges, eager to have a great camp experience.

A good progression for determining "readiness" is to start first with sleepovers at relative's houses, then sleepovers at non-relatives (i.e. school or neighborhood friends). When the child (and parents) are comfortable with that, then it's time for camp! There can and should still be some nervousness, since that's a normal part of growth. Also, the more the child can be involved in the decision-making process and reviewing information, the better. Checking out a camp DVD or videos, pictures, visiting the camp and seeing what the facilities are like--are all beneficial to a would-be-camper's readiness and confidence.

(I've come a long way from 22 year-old Kevin to me two decades later...!)

The Risks of Parenting While Plugged In

Checked out an interesting article about the ramifications of parenting while plugged in.

Nothing too earth shattering that we didn't already apply at camp, i.e. recognizing that human interaction is valuable--but maybe a little bit of a wake up call for certain parents...

Challenges of Camp Standard Time

Thinking earlier today about how Camp Standard Time (CST) is a funny creature. Days seem very long yet fly by...as do the weeks of camp. Before you know it, the girls are gone.

Also the CST time lag that underscores the trust that our camper parents have in us. If/when there are times when a camper has a difficult transition, those down moments are the ones that result in the letter home that makes parents wonder if their babies are okay. Meanwhile, the parents don't necessarily get to see the amazing moments where their child is thriving...largely because in those empowering times, there is no time or opportunity to write! So thanks for the trust, even while CST is in effect! :)

Our camp staffing process more selective than Harvard

We've been enjoying a camp week with the 4H-ers at camp. Our camp staff is amazing, as expected, especially since they've been culled from almost 250 applicants. On top of their being just generally awesome, it's fun to note that our staffing process is even more selective than Harvard. It's acceptance rate is almost 7%, while ours is approaching 4%.

The Serious Responsibility of Caring for other Parents' Children

I had a couple of amazing moments earlier today--one a parent moment, and one a camp moment. During our staff training for rock climbing, led by our experienced instructors, Mico had his now annual opportunity to scale the limestone rock face. Belayed safely by a new staff member, he climbed his way to the top of the 50-ish feet limestone cliff, watched by smiling Mama and Papa. He was engaged and feeling great the whole way up, which was surpassed at the summit by his absolutely beaming smile and eyes gleaming, as he accomplished the feat of scaling the rock. On the way down, rappelling with the assistance of another new staff member, he continued to beam, knowing he was safe in capable hands.

It struck me profoundly how great the responsibility is to care for the precious cargo of other parents. It's one thing to be a camp director and know intimately the benefits of the camp experience, even as young people engage in activities that challenge themselves physically and mentally. It's another thing to see your own child do it. It's yet another thing to be excited for the onset of another camp season where uncountable "camp moments" like Mico's will be had, led by qualified, capable, caring young camp professionals. Today Mico's camp moment(s)...soon those of other parents' children. I can't wait...