If you are currently in the process of trying to find the best match in a summer camp, now is a great time to contact camp directors directly and start a dialogue in order to determine if a particular camp is right for you and your child.

Most camp directors will be thrilled to speak with a parent who might be seeking to send their child to camp; however, as a parent it might be easier to use email as an initial point of contact if you are considering a large number of different camps as possible choices.

Using email, you might be able to sift out “deal breaker” information (i.e. cost/budget) in order to zero in on the group of camps which are all at least in the “ballpark” with respect to the criteria spelled out by you and your child.  The Camp Channel’s listings all have forms which allow you to send a camp an email inquiry directly from their listing.

If there are not too many camps on your list or you’re more of a “telephone person”, you can always call the camp office to make initial contact.  One advantage of calling vs. email is that you might get a better “first take” on a director through a verbal conversation – which often conveys a better understanding of a person.

Even though email and telephone calls can be effective tools, it is important to always follow up directly with a camp director; preferably in person, at some point in the process order to better understand and get a feel for the camp director’s overall perspective & other aspects you might believe to be significant.

Some camps offer open house dates for parents to see the facilities and ask questions.  Some will even schedule individualized visits for either you to tour the camp grounds or for a director to come to your home to meet everyone & field questions.  Sometimes directors will deliver a slideshow or video presentation.

Feel free to search or browse for a summer camp on the Camp Channel!

With Labor Day weekend upon us, the summer is quickly approaching an end and most summer camps have concluded their sessions. However, it is normally not too late to order photos from this past camp season from the camp you or your child may have attended this summer.

Many camps will have posted hundreds (or thousands) of photos on their website during the course of the camp season in order that family and friends could look at all of the fun and excitement happening at camp this summer. Often, these very same photos are available as prints for purchase & sometimes they can also be printed on other gift items such as coffee mugs, t-shirts, calendars, playing cards, etc. Now is a great time to go back and review some of the great shots which might be worthwhile saving in the form of a print or other memorabilia item.

Please note: not all summer camps post photos online, so it is important to visit your particular camp’s website to see if they available, and if so, whether the photos can be purchased as prints. If there are photos posted online, but not available as prints via a commercial service, it is often possible to save the digital version of the photo to your own computer for safe keeping (or to print on your own printer). Please take note of any applicable copyrights.

Many camps still provide “old fashioned” traditional prints (or even camp videos) as either part of the camper enrollment tuition or for an additional fee, which may include: an individual portrait, an all camp photo, cabin/unit photo, other activity photos, camp video yearbook, etc. Again, it’s important to find out if your camp offers such as service by contacting the camp director.

While we’re certainly still in the midst of summer, your child’s session at summer camp might be coming to a close in the near future. Although the summer of 2011 might seem very far off into the future, it is never too early to consider signing up for camp.

In fact, many camps offer some form of promotional incentive to sign up for the subsequent summer immediately after the completion of the final day at camp. Often, this might take the form of some sort of “early bird discount” if you complete a camper enrollment registration and submit a deposit within a specified time frame. If the summer camp your child attends is offering such a promotion and you are seeking to take advantage of such an opportunity, it is important to read the terms carefully; especially with respect to how refunds of deposits might be handled.

Some camps might also offer some sort of contest or drawing for a larger savings. All camps are different, so it’s important that you contact your camp director to obtain the specific details of how any possible promotion to sign up early affects you and your child.

Another issue to consider is that your camp might be operating at or very near full capacity. If this is the case, signing up as early as possible is a good way to insure your child has a spot available at camp for next summer and is not placed on a “waiting list”.

Although it may seem difficult to commit to what is a significant financial undertaking at such an early juncture, if your child has expressed a firm desire to return to camp next summer (or for the first time), signing up early could provide you with a little savings and also establish a clear financial objective in order to plan and save. Along these lines, some camps offer financial assistance or might be able to point you in the right direction.

Even if you’re not going to immediately enroll your child at camp for next summer, it may still be beneficial to obtain a copy of a 2011 camper registration form to see about rates, terms, and significant dates. Many camps will be posting this information to their websites before or just after the current summer ends. Simply having the information will afford you a longer time frame to plan accordingly with respect to financial requirements and also have a meaningful discussion with your child about attending summer camp in the summer of 2011.

Summer is has officially begun with the Summer Solstice occurring a couple days ago on Monday June 21, 2010. If your child will be attending summer camp it is important to prepare necessary items to use during the course of day-to-day life (clothing, camping gear, toiletries, etc.), while also keeping in mind that some things might be prohibited at camp.

All summer camps are different with respect to items which are required as well as those which are not allowed, so you are strongly encouraged to inquire directly with the specific camp. Often times a “packing list” or “gear list” will be available directly on a camp’s website.

Camps often utilize a particular provider for camp logo apparel such as t-shirts, hats, sweatshirts, etc. and may require your child to purchase a number of these specific items to participate in camp related activities. An official packing list may also provide you with a recommended amount of clothes and supplies to bring to camp. Keep in mind that if your child is going to attend a residential or “sleepover” camp, be sure to check whether or not laundry services are provided and plan accordingly.

Food is by far one of the more prevalent items which are prohibited by most camps. Cell phones, hand held video games, & other electronic items are often not allowed. Still, it is possible some might be permissible … such as digital cameras or GPS units. You may want to review your camp’s website or contact the camp director if you have questions as to whether a particular item is allowed at camp or not.

If your child is taking any medicines or has special needs (i.e. diet, allergies, etc.) it is strongly recommended that you insure the camp director is aware of these issues before camp begins. Many camps have medical staff to organize and regulate medications for campers. However, your camp might require you to send medications via a particular protocol to insure that “everyone is on the same page”.

Keep in mind there may be some items of equipment which are the responsibility of the camper to bring along to camp (i.e. sleeping bag, flashlights, canteen, baseball mitt, etc.), yet other gear might be made available and supplied at the camp (i.e. basketballs, tents, water skis, etc.). Remember, don’t be afraid to ask the camp director if you are in doubt, most will be happy to assist you.

It is often a great idea to clearly label the clothing and gear with your child’s name. There are many label companies who provide customized label solutions. Labeling such items might even be a requirement at camp. A permanent magic marker can also be of use for labeling gear and equipment.

Most camps either require or encourage writing letters, so a supply of paper, pens or pencils, stamps, and envelopes will definitely be useful for your child to write to family and friends regarding all of their experiences at summer camp!

Be sure your child has the necessary supplies to write back home to friends and family while they’re attending summer camp. Not only is letter writing a great way to maintain and improve upon the academic skill of writing, it also helps maintain an important connection to family and friends at home while they are away at camp over the summer.

While there are certainly some residential or sleepover summer camps which might have computer stations available with the ability to send email back in some capacity (be sure to check with the camp director prior to the start of camp to find out one way or the other), there is really no substitute for an old fashioned supplies such as: a pen or pencil, pad of paper, envelopes, and stamps. Be sure to provide your child with enough of these basic letter writing supplies to last throughout the duration of their stay at summer camp.

Whether your child is going away to camp this summer for only a few days or eight weeks, letters written back home will serve as a real time journal (or real life “blog”) which will record their thoughts, activities, accomplishments, fears, encounters, etc. in real time so as family and friends can follow along on a camper’s journey over the course of their time away from home at camp. The act of writing a letter helps a child process and record their individual experiences in a manner which is meaningful on a personal level; whether it is regarding issues such as homesickness as well as about significant accomplishments.

By the same token, letters written to campers attending summer camp might serve as a valuable connection to life back at home with respect to relatives, friends, and general happenings in the neighborhood. At many sleep away camps, there is often a time dedicated to “mail call” whereby a camp counselor will distribute letters to all campers in their cabin or unit. While it is certainly an important life skill to be able to cope with not receiving a letter when most other kids have gotten mail, it is also a nice feeling for a camper to be on the receiving end of news from home.

Summer is very quickly approaching and it might be time for you to decide which camp you or your child would like attend; whether it is an overnight camp away from home, or a summer day camp located in your family’s immediate neighborhood.

We encourage you to utilize the Camp Channel to search out and generate a wide list of summer camp programs which are of particular interest to you or your child; however, prior to making a decision to attend or send your child to any camp program, it is essential for a parent or guardian to contact a camp’s director and engage in a meaningful dialog with respect to at least the very basic issues of: general safety & welfare, camp staff selection & training process, meals, activity instruction & supervision, and of course all of the fun which campers will experience over the course of a summer at camp!

Email is a great first step to quickly contact summer camps and gather general or specific information about camp programs. All camp listings on the Camp Channel contain a short email request form at the bottom of their full camp profile. Tip: you can view a camp’s full profile by clicking on the blue “More Info” button within a results’ list.

Telephone conversations might provide you with a greater intuitive understanding of a camp director’s philosophy and outlook; however, there is no substitute for a face to face meeting with a camp director – who is ultimately the individual in charge of overseeing the camp’s program, and most importantly, the general safety and welfare of all campers and staff at camp.

Many summer camps will host open house dates for you and your family to attend in order to tour the camp’s premises and observe the facilities firsthand. Many camp directors will also be happy to schedule time for your family to take a personal tour of camp or even setup a home visit with a camp video presentation about life at camp and other related topics.

Over the course of your dialog with a camp director, do not be afraid to ask a camp director ANY question, especially regarding (but not limited to) issues about the safety and welfare of your child! Remember, there is no such thing as a “stupid question” and the vast majority of camp directors will be thrilled to field all your questions and concerns. This is not to say there might not some camp directors who might appear to be abrupt or evasive – which might be cause for concern.

Information on the internet can certainly be extremely helpful in the selection process of a camp; however, the ultimate responsibility for making a decision to send your child to a summer camp or related program rests with you as a parent or guardian! It is critical to take the time to engage a camp director in a meaningful way.

It is being lost! Today less and less children are getting to go to summer camp. The wonderful experience of summer camp has been a way of life for generations of American children. Sleeping away from home and making new friends is a time of increased independence and maturity.For others who did not get the opportunity to go to Outdoor Camp they just don’t understand the importance.

In many books and movies summer camp has been the scene. To name a few, “The Parent Trap” and “Indian Summer”. Yet, the majority of these movies and books are not realistic. Either they sugar coat the camp experience or they make it just horrible. Summercamp!, the documentary is one of the most realistic true stories about kids at summer camp. Filmed at Swift Nature Camp in Wisconsin, it truly shows how the kids interact and what makes camp so special. During the filming over 300 hours of film was shot to make this charming 90 minute feature. This documentary shows camp like it really is, this is no glossy brochure or promotional DVD, it just shows kids living life with new friends and in new situations.

These days parents heavily schedule their children making it more difficult to plan for summer camp. In addition, we parents, have given much more importance to technology than nature. After all the boogie man outside rarely comes in to harm your child. Thus making the world of mature unsafe. It is estimated that most children spend nearly 6 hours a day in front of some sort of screen.

Famed author Richard Louv, of Last Child in the Woods: is alarmed by this untouching of nature. He calls it Nature-deficit disorder and sad situation in child development. He feels there is a link between lack of outdoor play and increase in obesity, attention disorders, and depression.

Summer Camp is just one place that can help children learn to appreciate nature as well as teach children independence and friendship. Connection with nature and other children are important in raising a generation that sees the importance in protecting this planet. Most camps today are specialized in sports, acting or math. So, how do we find a traditional camp that encourages good values and a focus for nature?

Ask yourself these questions before selecting your child’s summer Camp:

1.) What about technology? All electronics can take away from the true camp experience. Ipods and cell phones allow children to hide in their electronics rather than participate with the cabin. Louv says that tent mates with video games or text messaging can easily distract your child. At first most campers are not so keen on this idea but after a few days at camp they see a reason to take a break.

2.) Does the camp have an Outdoor Focus? Louv suggests some camps are trying to be all things to all people. No longer are camps seen as a traditional time in the woods. Historically, summer camps used their natural settings, and encouraged children to play in a outdoor environment. Today this is no longer true, many camps take place on college campuses.

3.) Can children play without direction in Nature? Nature-deficit disorder is nearly always due to parents over scheduling kids. Louv suggests this gives kids less time and energy to explore their natural world on their own. Summer camps have figured this out and design structured and non structured play. When children play on their own, they have to figure it out and work together, what a wonderful learning experience.

4.) Is there Environmental Education? Does camp schedule time where nature can be explored and discovered? These times should be hands on and not like school. Does a theme of the outdoors run within all activities? Are “WOW” moments created that highlight the wonders of nature? Does the summer camp try to reduce its environmental footprint? Does it compost and recycle?

5.) Kids eat 3 times a day. So the food has got to be good. For years children’s summer camps have had a poor reputation for their meals. This has changed at many camps. More vegetarians have caused this change. Ask about fried foods? Is there a salad bar with fruits and yogurt? Can the camp cope with your child’s food allergy? Still meals must taste good and be kid friendly.

Written by Jeff Lorenz, Owner/Director of Swift Nature Camp

Summer is quickly approaching and summer camps are busy gearing up for the upcoming camp season. At the location of the Camp Channel’s main office in Ophir, Colorado (elevation 9,700 ft), summer is often described as two months of the year … with the other ten months being winter. An early June snowstorm is not uncommon and one in May is more the rule than the exception. Nonetheless, residents of Ophir and the surrounding Telluride area will often take advantage of a late season blessing of soft white powder and venture up their favorite back country skin track to get in a final fresh run on their skis or snowboard.

Making the most of an opportunity to experience the outdoors is almost second nature to residents of Ophir, Telluride, and the San Juan mountains of Colorado. The wonders of nature are immediate and accessible. This is especially true during the winters in a small mountain town; which are typically long, dark, and confining. Getting outside to go snowshoeing, skiing, or snowboarding is not only great exercise for the body, it’s an excellent way for the mind and soul to relax and find a connection with nature. During the summer months, a day hike or an overnight camping trip into a remote high alpine basin offers up a reality, which at it’s essence, is far removed from the routines of daily life and always being on the go; also enabling one to be untethered from the technological devices which many of us have become dependent.

I often find my thoughts are more lucid after venturing into the outdoors, even for just a short while. All too often, I will have been working on the computer for hours and hours, yet still be unable to solve a particular problem; however, after taking a break and going out into a forest of Aspen and Blue Spruce for a hike, a solution may suddenly dawn upon me. While the human brain is an extremely complex and evolved part of the human body, making the most out of it is often quite simple and obvious.

Summer camp can be an ideal setting for kids to break free of television and computer games and experience the outdoors in a social setting conducive to personal growth, introspection, and an appreciation of the outdoors. There exists a wide variety of residential overnight camps and summer day camps which offer both specialized and traditional camp programming.

Most summer camps are still accepting camper enrollments and will be happy to discuss session options which would be most suitable for you or your child. Also, many overnight summer camps and day camps are also still accepting employment applications for camp counselor jobs and other summer staff positions. Summer camp jobs can provide the same restorative benefits as well as other unique growth opportunities to individuals who may have spent the previous nine months studying at a college or university.

The United States celebrated the first Earth Day On April 22, 1970. It was a need celebration to bring to light how pollution was killing this world. Today, Earth Day is no longer celebrated nationally but is celebrated around the globe.

The earth is in better shape than those early days yet, there is a staggering divide between children and the outdoors. Richard Louv, child advocacy expert, directly blames the lack of nature in the lives on today’s wired generation. He calls this phenomenon nature-deficit order and he links it to some of the most alarming trends for our kids. Including rises in obesity, attention disorders, and depression.

His recent book, Last Child in the Woods, has spurred a national dialogue among educators, health professionals, parents, developers and conservationists. It clearly show we and our youth need to spend time in nature.

Schools have tried to use nature in the class room for some time. At Holman School in NJ, Ms. Millar began an environmental project in the school’s courtyard. It has become quite an undertaking–even gaining state recognition. It contains several habitat areas, including a Bird Sanctuary, a Hummingbird/ Butterfly Garden, A Woodland Area with a pond, and a Meadow. My students currently maintain the Bird Sanctuary–filling seed and suet feeders, filling the birdbaths, building birdhouses, even supplying nesting materials! In addition, this spring they will be a major force in the clean up and replanting process. They always have energy and enthusiasm for anything to do with “their garden”.

Despite schools doing their best to get kids in nature, we as a nation have lost the ability to just send our kids out to play. Summer Camps are a great way to fill this void. A recent study finds that today’s parents overprotect their kids. Kids have stopped climbing trees, been told that they can’t play tag or hide-and-seek Not to mention THE STICK and how it will put out someone’s eye.

Can technology be the blame for the decline in outdoor play? Adrian Voce says “Children are not being allowed many of the freedoms that were taken for granted when we were children,” “They are not enjoying the opportunities to play outside that most people would have thought of as normal when they were growing up.”

According to the Guardian, “Voce argued that it was becoming a ‘social norm’ for younger children to be allowed out only when accompanied by an adult. ‘Logistically that is very difficult for parents to manage because of the time pressures on normal family life,’ he said. ‘If you don’t want your children to play out alone and you have not got the time to take them out then they will spend more time on the computer.’

Many play providers see the benefits to children of taking risks. “Risk-taking increases the resilience of children,” said one. “It helps them make judgments,” said another. We as parents want to play it safe and we need to rethink the benefit of adventure in a child’s life.

Examples of risky play that should be encouraged include fire-building, den-making, watersports and climbing trees. These are all activities that a Summer camp can provide. At camp children to get outside take risks and play, this while being supervised by responsible young adults.

Earth day has provided so much..but there is more we can learn from nature. This summer help your child regain their appreciation for nature by sending them to Camp. This is an opportunity that will be treasured the rest of your child’s life.

Written by Jeff Lorenz, Owner/Director of Swift Nature Camp

The Camp Channel has recently developed a new layout for individual summer camp listings; which can be accessed by clicking on the aqua colored button title “More Info” – which appears on the far right of a listing summary of the results after a you perform a search.

The new listing format for summer camps has been designed to provide more immediate and accessible information about a camp program at first glance. Previously housed in a pop-up window, you will now find information readily available regarding: camp activities and features, contact information, and a long description (of present). We’ve also tried to make the interface more efficient for you to navigate in search of a summer camp.

Thank you for your interest in the Camp Channel!