EVERYONE NEEDS ASUPER HERO Specially themed days where children play color wars, dress up as their favorite super heroes or even enjoy a watermelon seed-spitting competition are just part of the fun.

BERNADETTE MARCINIAK

In recent years, campshave expanded their programs and offerings to appeal to children who may want to spend part of their summer pursuing aparticular passionorskill, as well as to thosewho may want adifferent experience beyond campfires and color war.

Donna Weintraub, an independent camp consultant with Camp Specialists, is passionate about the benefitsoftraditional sleepaway camp for children.“ It helpschildren foster independence and developasense of themselves. At camp, kids learn about things that are important to them and learn about their own character,” she says.“ They get to reinvent themselves. They do not have to assume the role that they take in their family dynamic. There is no preconceived notion of them; they start from scratch. They can try new activities in asafe space, be mentored by older kids, socializeand develop lifelong friendships.”

Laurie Kaiden is the Maine Camp Experience“ Campcierge.” The Maine Camp Experience is acommunity of more than 30 premier overnight camps

in Maine for kids ages 7-17. In addition to the usual benefitsofcamp suchas the chance“ to unplug from technology, make new friends, have fun, learn new skills, and gain confidenceand independence,” Kaiden addsthat“ Maine camps offer incredible natural beauty, strong traditions and values and top-notch activities, instruction and out-of-camp trips.”

Some camps specialize in certain areas, which can offer an advantage, as Weintraub explains,“ Kids can hone their skills in an activity of their choice, while continuing their social skills development. They can develop close friendships withkids with the same or different interests, depending uponthe bunk arrangements.”

Specialty camps can incorporate one or moreinterests. For example,