Attend a Summer Camp Open House to Find the Right Camp for Your Child

09. June 2011 · Comments Off · Categories: Camping · Tags: , , , , , , ,

Attend a Summer Camp Open House to Find the Right Camp for Your Child

What’s the best way to familiarize yourself with a summer camp before you make a final decision? Naturally you should do as much research as possible, but if you can attend a camp open house in person, you are in terrific shape.

Attending a summer camp open house is one of the absolute BEST ways to know you’re making the right camp choice for your child. By going to an open house, you can meet the camp staff (including the camp director), play games, enjoy refreshments, and discover in person how the camp operates on a day-to-day basis.

This gives you a major advantage over other people who sign up for the camp sight-unseen. You are in a better position to get your personal impressions of the camp and the people running it. And ultimately you will have a better idea of whether the camp is a good fit for your child before making a decision.

Some camps offer personal tours of their facility. Touring the campsite can be a very valuable experience for you. (In fact, some people think this is even more worthwhile than attending an open house, because you might get more one-on-one attention from the camp staff.)

The drawback is, with an individual facility tour you generally don’t get to see the camp in a group setting, and since your child will be attending camp in a group setting, you might not get a clear picture of how things operate when the camp is filled with kids.

If you live far away from the camp, attending an open house might not be practical. But you can still get a basic picture of things from the camp’s website and brochure. Many camps also offer a free informational video or DVD which can be a valuable tool in helping you learn more about the program.

All in all, there is nothing like attending a summer camp open house to get the best picture of whether the camp is a good match for you.

Eric D. Naftulin is the owner/operator of Aloha Beach Camp, an aquatic sports summer day camp for kids and teens ages 4 to 15 in Los Angeles, California. Aloha Beach Camp’s open houses are in March, April and May of each year, as are many other camps’, too.


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Camping Is A Great Hobby And Terrific Fun

21. May 2011 · Comments Off · Categories: Camping · Tags: , , ,

Camping Is A Great Hobby And Terrific Fun

Camping is one of the recreational activities that help us get relief from our day-to-day stress and also regain our physical and mental strength. Any camping is done in remote areas, away from the hustle and bustle of the cities. Camping could be done on high mountains, river valleys, forests, natural parks, or other places closely related to Mother Nature. Even though camping is usually done with tents or other make-shift shelters, primitive structures like caves could also be used for camping. A few people prefer to spend their camping time in the open, without the help of any kind of shelter.

Most of the time, camping is combined with another recreational activity like hill climbing, trekking, canoeing, swimming, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, whitewater rafting, etc. Here are a few ideas to enjoy camping as a great hobby and also have terrific fun at the same time.

Camping Amenities

Before setting out on a camping trip, decide on the level of the amenities that you wish to have. This would normally depend on the people who participate in the camp, if others are also involved. If the camping area is a rugged one, then all the participants should be healthy enough to withstand the rigors of the camp. However, certain basic amenities are available to all backpackers nowadays, like comfortable beds or mattresses, folding chairs, solar powered heater, lanterns, and satellite phones, etc.

If you wish to have more amenities, then recreational vehicles that are provided with bathrooms, showers, kitchen, air conditioning, television and home theatre, etc. are also available. The camping gear also comes in several ranges that suit all kinds of budgets and amenities. These could be ascertained from the various websites of camping gear suppliers on the Internet.

Mobile Camping

Bicycle camping trips, motorcycle camping tours, canoe camping, recreational vehicles, etc. offer easier mobility, compared to backpacking. Backpacking generally involves trekking and hiking, while the other mobile camping arrangements help in moving around without any difficulty. On the other hand, the amount of materials that could be carried in a bicycle or a motorcycle is somewhat limited, compared to canoes or recreational vehicles. Still, the technological advancements in camping materials do allow present day campers to carry adequate stuff even on bicycles and motorcycles.

Camping Equipment

The normal camping equipment consists of the following items.

? Tent material for making a proper tent or a lean-to shelter, according to taste and the area of camping
? Hammer and tent stakes, along with ropes for securing the tent material and also for clothesline
? Sleeping bags with air mattresses or pads, along with blankets
? First aid kits
? Flashlights or lanterns or solar lamps
? Axe or hatchet for cutting firewood, if you plan to have campfire
? Hiking boots, insect repellants, sunscreens, sun tan lotions, raincoats, etc., to protect from the vagaries of nature
? Folding chairs, trash bags, towels, solar heaters, etc. as per your personal preferences and tastes
? Sustainable food items like dried fruits, nuts, etc. that last for a longer period

Apart from the above ideas, there are several more that you could think of on your own and implement easily with less cost. The fundamental rule is to enjoy camping as a great hobby and terrific fun.

Find useful information about Camping and Camping Gear at Talkingcamping


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www.exploreminnesota.com Hi, my name is Paul Sundberg. I’ve been a park ranger for 35 years. I’m an avid outdoorsman and photographer. We started taking my daughter camping in the boundary waters canoe area and state parks when she was only six months old. Our favorite family memories have been made while camping in Minnesota. There is so much wildlife in Minnesota to see, moose, timberwolves, waking up in a tent to the call of a loon. Minnesota has so much public land that you can get out and enjoy spending quality time with friends and family, photographing nature, and just being out there soaking up the great outdoors. See more about this topic and other favorite places of Minnesotans at www.exploreminnesota.com You can upload your own stuff too!

Tips To Find Right Weight Loss Camp for Kids

10. May 2011 · Comments Off · Categories: Camping · Tags: , , , , , ,

Tips To Find Right Weight Loss Camp for Kids

When summer is approaching, parents want their children to attend a weight loss camp to get in shape.  Children who have obesity problems can reduce their weight only in summer by joining a camp meant for reducing weight.  Below are certain tips that will help in choosing weight loss camp for kids.

1.    First and foremost thing to choose is the right program. There are various types of weight loss camps that deal with different programs. While choosing a weight loss camp for your kid, make sure your child is able to achieve. Some may target low fat diets, some low carbohydrate diets or herbal weight loss.  Make sure your child understands the diet plan.

2.    Before choosing a camp, check with the better business bureau regarding the history of the weight loss camps and also about the complaints. Make sure that the camp follows healthy diet plans that can reduce body fat without causing any body stress.

3.    Have a look at the camps. Get details about their menu and facilities offered to kids. Find out what types of medical facilities do they provide in case of emergencies. Get details about camp counselors.

4.    Find out what type of motivational methods does they follow to reduce weight. Discuss any safety issues that might be associated with the activities in the weight loss camps. Find out a camp that will help teach your child lose weight healthily and not lose weight fast.

5.    Go to the website of the weight loss camp and read testimonials. Talk to parents of kids who have already attended the camp and know their experience.  

6.    Summer programs that allow campers to choose their own activities foster independence, stress accountability and allow young adults to participate with programs that they have a personal interest in.

7.    Children battling with obesity find their own community at summer weight loss camps.  A discreet camp life helps teens assimilate into camp and reconvene with their outlook on healthy life choices.

8.    Many children are afraid to attend fat camps as they think they have to follow strict military rules. But now the trend has changed, children are taught exercises which are quiet entertaining.

Most weight loss camps are overnight camps and not day camps. Most of the camps offer full summer programs from end of June until end of August. There are various shorter sessions available at most camps including three week and six week sessions.

One important part of weight loss camp is that teens can learn all the habits and skills required to lead a healthier lifestyle once they are back at home. One major goal of weight loss camp is not only to reduce weight, but also to maintain it. Teens will be taught activities and diet tips that can be applied in everyday lives.

Being an expertise in writing articles,Peter Jacob has contributed articles related to weight loss center,fit camp.He has authored several books regarding weight loss camps,fitness camp.For further information on fitness programs like weight loss boot camp,weight loss camp,visit us at liveinfitness.com.


Article from articlesbase.com

Jim Gaffigan discusses the thrills of camping in this clip from “King Baby.”
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Positions for Summer Camp Counselors ? What Opportunities Are There?

19. April 2011 · Comments Off · Categories: Camping · Tags: , , , , ,

Positions for Summer Camp Counselors ? What Opportunities Are There?

In the United States, there are summer camps in all 50 states.  Many college graduates look back on their summers working as camp counselors as some of the best memories of their lives.

A Variety of Summer Opportunities

But what are the kinds of opportunities for college students and how do you find them?  This is an important question, because the variety of opportunities available is more than most college students realize.

Here are some examples of the types of positions available at summer camps.  Some are not considered positions for camp counselors, but many times the need is for camp counselors that also serve an additional role.  For example, staff members may also serve as life guards, sports instructors, ropes course guides, stage coordinators, food servers, activity specialists, riflery instructors, story tellers, small group leaders, drama directors, and media directors  These are just a few types of the many opportunities available for camp counselors, so taking the time to research opportunities may uncover positions you never knew were available.

Unless college students are aware of the wide range of positions available, they may think camp counselors simply oversee a group of children and spend time with them in various ways.  But, as important as this is, many camps need their camp counselors to serve in other roles, and in some cases, will pay more for camp counselors who are qualified to fill these roles.

How to Find Summer Opportunities

Most summer camps are members of national associations and are also accredited by these associations.  Websites for these associations are valuable resources to search for camps, learn each camp’s unique characteristics, and learn about the types of workers they are looking for.

The American Camp Association, the National Camp Association, Inc., and the National Association of Christian Camps are some of the largest camp associations in the U.S., so these organizations and their websites are a great place to start.

To learn about different camps in more detail and to understand, from a firsthand perspective, what camp counselors have experienced at a particular camp, it is best to talk with friends, family members, church friends, or other students on campus who have personally worked at the camp or have at least attended the camp as a camper.  Family and friends will be more objective with their feedback, and because they know you, they may be able to tell you if the camp fits you, your skills, and your interests.

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Are you looking for a great place to work this summer and make an impact for God? Mark Dubler, Executive Director of Otyokwah Camp & Retreat Center, is looking to employ some awesome summer camp staff for 2011 (May 31-Aug 13). Are you one of them? Apply now!

Mark Dubler has been a leader, host, and participant in camps and retreats for the last twenty years.  He holds an M.A. in Educational Ministries from Wheaton College and is the Executive Director of Otyokwah Camp and Retreat Center, a Christian facility with a rich history of providing personal, life-changing experiences.


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Do Cell Phones and Ipods Belong at Summer Camp?

21. January 2011 · Comments Off · Categories: Camping · Tags: , , , , ,

Do Cell Phones and Ipods Belong at Summer Camp?

Seems like everyone carries a cell phone, iPod or other electronic device these days. Kids are no exception, but what happens when kids want to bring these items to summer camp?

Some camps allow kids to bring electronic gadgets with them to camp. One camp even includes an “optional cell phone” in its suggested packing list.

But that’s the exception, not the rule. Most camps restrict kids from bringing these items to camp completely.

Theresa Torrone, the director her own summer camp in Los Angeles, California, does not allow portable electronics at camp. “We believe iPods, Gameboys, cell phones, other portable electronic devices electronics are better left at home,” Torrone says. “Not only are these items easily lost, damaged or even stolen, they are counterproductive to the camp experience.”

Torrone says the goals at her camp include teaching kids about beach and ocean ecology, introducing them to new aquatic activities like surfing and jet skiing, and facilitating new friendships, among others. But if children are listing to iPods or talking on cell phones, “they typically do so in isolation, apart from the rest of the camp group,” argues Torrone. “We believe a large part of going to camp is sharing new experiences in a group setting. When kids are playing with their cell phones or electronics, their opportunities to learn and experience new things with their group are limited.”

According to Torrone, some parents insist on sending a cell phone to camp with their kids because they feel more comfortable knowing they can reach their child anytime just by calling.

“But a major component to the camp experience is learning to live independently. Kids can’t do that with their parents calling them all the time. So we feel that parents should resist the temptation to send their kids to camp with cell phones. If you need to reach your child in an emergency or for any other reason, just call or email the camp office. They’ll be able to contact your child right away.”

Torrone says many camps now use technology to give parents “an arms length way” to see and communicate with their kids while they’re at camp. Some camps will post pictures of the campers on the Internet while others give parents the opportunity to send one-way emails to their kids as an alternative to sending letters.

Torrone understands kids’ cravings for electronic toys and gadgets. “Many kids are even more tech-savvy than their folks,” she says. And there are some kids, Torrone says, who just “can’t get enough tech.”

In this case, Torrone suggests sending your son or daughter to a technology-based summer program. “Many camps specialize in technology-driven activities,” Torrone said. “Computer camps and video-making camps are really popular these days.”

To find camps like these, or any other type of camp, Torrone advises logging onto http://findacamp.com, the American Camp Association’s summer camp search engine which is filled with a database of approximately 2,500 accredited camps.

Torrone’s Aloha Beach Camp embraces technology and the power of the Internet to provide information to prospective camp families and customers. “But we’d rather not have their kids bringing electronic devices into the camp community.”

Does Torrone ever envision a day when electronic toys and gadgets will be accepted at camp? She pauses to think, then replies, “Well, maybe when campers can learn to ride a horse, bond with the rest of the group, roast marshmallows, do skits around the campfire and download songs to their iPods all at the same time,” she laughs.

Copyright Eric D. Naftulin and Aloha Beach Camp. All rights reserved.

Eric Naftulin is the owner/operator of Aloha Beach and Surf Camp, a summer day camp for kids and teens ages 4 to 15 in Los Angeles, CA. The camp provides surfing, boogie boarding, and ocean safety programs as its core activities.


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