FORMING BONDS & BUILDING MEMORIES AT SLEEP-AWAY CAMP
Gather around , parents . It ' s time to have a “ family meeting .” Let ' s face it ; life is hectic . With never-ending to-do lists and super busy schedules , everyone in the family is under pressure . Finding time as parents to unwind is near impossible , but imagine what it must be like for our children . Constantly being shuffled around to practice and games , tutoring and study groups , auditions and rehearsals , plus balancing a teen ’ s social life , kids often feel like they don ' t know which way is up .
How do we teach our children to slow down , live in the moment , and embrace life if we don ' t always know how to do that ourselves ? I found the answer in a pastime many of us enjoyed as children …
Summer Camp ! Do you remember those days of packing up your duffel bag and climbing onto a bus packed with avid campers like yourself ? Do you remember the freedom you felt to be far away from the hustle and bustle of the everyday routines of school , chores , homework , and boring weekends with “ nothing to do ”? Many of us found our home away from home and best friends at camp . Or maybe you never got to attend summer camp , but always wanted to .
We all want our children to have the best experiences . We want to give them more than we ever had , and that ' s admirable , but sometimes what they need isn ' t the next best gadget or a fantastic vacation . There ' s something magical about the simplicity of summer camp , getting back to basics , and building strong connections in real life instead of connecting online .
Sleep-Away Camp ( also known as Overnight Camp or Residential Camp ) is my answer to the timeless question of how to raise well-rounded children . Camp gives our children so many opportunities to learn and grow , to develop a sense of independence and responsibility , and to experience adventures and activities they might not have been exposed to otherwise .
Camp connects our children with people they might never have met in their day to day lives . Exposing them to diversity not only teaches them tolerance and acceptance , but it also expands their worldview to a global perspective . Your child will learn that the world is so much bigger than they might have imagined . Camp counselors are positive role models encouraging and supporting our kids in a safe , supportive , supervised , and age appropriate environment for teens .
Leaving home is a big deal . Doing so successfully at a camp with a trusted Camp Director and well-trained staff to guide them in that transition will boost your child ' s self-esteem and ease your worries . You may be surprised at how well your child can thrive away from home . Leadership and decision-making skills will bloom , and many shy campers feel comfortable letting their personalities shine in the accepting and encouraging community at camp .
Sleep-Away Camp is an extraordinary life-changing experience for all children , especially teenagers . They will form friendships , learn new skills , make lasting memories , and definitely be more active than they would be staying home and hanging out with friends . We found our camp family and home away from home at French Woods Sports and Arts Center in New York – America ’ s TOP Summer Camp for Teens . Check them out online www . fwsportsarts . com , meet the Camp Director in person , or schedule a tour of the camp . You may have just found the perfect summer camp for your family !
By Mallory Strock
12 / HEALTHY RGV