January 11th, 2005 - In most regions of the country, camps share common geographical characteristics, but can vary widely on philosophy and activities offered. In our travels to fourteen camps this summer in Minnesota and western Wisconsin, however, it struck us that the similarities between camps in this region far outweigh the differences.
The natural features of the area give these summer camps some of their charm, but it is the common cultural features of these camps that give them their identity. Generally, the camps we visited were back-to-basics, down-to-earth places.
Here is a list of the common characteristics we found in the region:
Spectacular waterfronts - One of the youth camp directors in this region told us, “If you want mountains, you go to Colorado camps; if you want lakes, you go to Minnesota camps.” They don’t call Minnesota the “Land of Lakes” for nothing – and they are beautiful! Most directors brag about the low traffic on their lake or the fact that the camp owns the lake. Some camps even have two lakes – one for fishing and one for water sports. Most of these camps have really extensive sailing programs, plus activities like windsurfing, boardsailing, canoeing, fishing, water wheel and swimming. Waterskiing is offered at most camps, but some directors make a conscious decision to stay away from anything motorized.
Single sex camps - Most camps in this area have either boys or girls - not both. We saw one brother-sister camp, where the boys and girls share the dining hall and drama, but stayed separate otherwise. The directors almost universally agree about the many benefits to a child in a single sex camping environment: fewer social pressures, girls don’t put on make-up, greater comfort for the kids to try new things, the ability to teach to different learning styles. Most camps do offer socials with camps of the opposite sex, but they vary on the types of activities they do when they are together. One girls camp even boasted that they have NO socials and all women staff, down to the maintenance workers.
Free Choice - Most of the camp directors felt that attending a sequence of activities as a bunk was an antiquated notion. While they build in regular bunk “team-building” times, the ability for a child to choose their daily activities was a central component to the camp culture. Whether they choose on an everyday, every three day or every six day rotation, the philosophy of choice is built in. Directors feel that this freedom allows kids to be with other kids that enjoy the same activity, rather than forcing kids to go to an activity that they may not enjoy. In addition, they might be with kids of other age groups which helps promote intra-camp relationships.
Religion/Philosophy - All of the camps (with the exception of a kosher Jewish camp) I visited were strictly non-denominational. Whether they have 95% Jewish kids or 80% Christian kids, all of these camps have a non-denominational, values service on Sunday mornings. Camp is not a place to teach religion, say the directors, but a place to come together around core, universal values like integrity and compassion. Many read quotes from famous authors and philosophers at their service, but there is no reference to a particular god.
Tripping - While almost all camps have their campers sleep out in a tent for the “experience of it”, this region boasts of their “tripping” directors’ experience and how much time a child could spend out of camp, if he or she chooses. For example, there may be horseback trips, rock climbing trips, or kayaking trips to the boundary waters. A trip may last one day, or for older kids may last up to 30 days. Usually, the trips are elective and a camper must have passed a series of qualifications to go on a trip.
Learning New Skills - With the rigors of school and the hectic school year schedule, most children do not have the luxury of sailing, water skiing, horseback riding or participating on a high ropes course during the year. We have to rely on camps to expose our children to these types of skill-based activities. Most of these camps value the progression from one skill to the next and reward the campers with badges at mealtime or other special ceremonies. This helps boost kids’ self esteem and keep them coming back year after year. Campers can also be part of inter-camp competitions, like sailing regattas or baseball matches.
Tradition - Many Mid-western summer camps boast a rich tradition dating back to the 1930s and 1940s. On the walls of the quaint wooden dining rooms, you can expect to see canoeing paddles with signatures and pictures of campers from yesteryear. You might be the first member of your family to attend a sleep away camp, or you might be the 3rd generation of your family to go to camp.
While there are differences in the Minnesota and Wisconsin camps, they are subtle. The differences are hard to see in a brochure, so call someone who knows the camps. A Camp Advisory Service can provide your family with more insight into summer programs than what you might find in a brochure or DVD. You can also ask for a list of important questions to ask camp directors in order to set your minds at ease about the supervision or structure of a camp program. Happy camping! |
