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Gratitude

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This is the time of year when we are reminded to reflect on what we are grateful for in our
lives. Although it seems cliché, there are studies that show taking time for gratitude and
appreciation positively impacts our mental health. Starting small is a great way to begin
thinking about personal gratitude.

Gratitude can be as small as finding joy in the delicately falling leaves in this autumnal season. It
can be belly laughing with uninhibited joy as children effortlessly fall into a pile of leaves.
Finding your gratitude can start with simply taking a few minutes each day to reflect and think
about the simple pleasures that bring us joy.

Thinking about gratitude for the summer season can mean appreciation for all the
opportunities offered for children and teenagers. What a gift to be able to provide a summer
full of possibility and exploration. No matter the interest level, there is a summer program out
there to meet individual needs. A summer away from home allows a child to experience
tremendous growth, both interpersonally and intra-personally. Take a moment to appreciate
what an overnight summer camp or teen program can do for a child…being able to grow
independence and social skills is monumental. From the introverted kid to the extroverted kid,
summer programs foster a sense of belonging all while having fun.

If a summer opportunity is on the horizon for your child, appreciate the excitement and gift
they will be receiving, and be grateful for the experience and personal growth that will
inevitably follow. Tips on Trips and Camps advisors are happy to help you find the right
overnight camp, trip or academic experience for your child – ask us how!

 

Happy children playing with autumn leaves in park — Stock Photo © Syda ...

 

The Benefits of Brother/Sister Camps

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Single-gender camps are a long-standing tradition, but the idea of having a boy’s camp and girl’s camp
run congruently is a little more of a novelty. Brother/sister camps typically run independently of each
other, meaning it is not a co-ed camp, but rather two separate camps that may share facilities or be
located a literal stone’s throw away across a lake.

Brother/sister camps are ideal for families with different gender siblings attending camp at the same
time. First, it is extremely convenient for families with multiple children attending camp to be at the
same location. Not only will logistics be simpler, but the start and end dates and visiting weekend will all align. This convenience cannot be underrated for families with multiple children attending overnight
camp.

Secondly, there is a level of comfort in a brother/sister camp that makes for a great benefit. Sometimes one sibling is more hesitant to venture off to camp, while the other is counting down the days. In this situation, it is comforting to know siblings have each other. If there is a bit of typical homesickness in the beginning, the directors can arrange for siblings to see each other. This situation was what my daughter experienced at camp during her second year. Even though she attended camp the previous summer, she was bit homesick at the beginning of her second summer. Luckily, my daughter was able to connect with her younger brother after dinners. This small moment of togetherness helped her quickly overcome her homesickness and instead became immersed in her side of camp. Furthermore, there is a deeper connection and bond that can occur between siblings when at a brother/sister camp. Although each child will inevitably have their own unique experience, they also will bond over shared specialty counselors and evening events. My son and daughter each came home rattling off their favorite meals, comparing favorite counselors, and competing over who swam the most laps for SCOPE, their camp charity event.

If considering overnight camps for multiple children, consider a brother/sister camp. Our advisors are
here to guide you and help you find the right match for your children.

The Subtle Yet Significant Benefits of Overnight Programs

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Yes, overnight camp, a teen tour, or a wilderness adventure are geared for your child to have fun. But what about other benefits? Beyond just fun, summer programs are character building at their core. One such character-building benefit is “Perseverance.”

When our children leave home for the first time it can be jarring. We are asking them to navigate difficult situations on their own. While it may seem concerning, this is really a wonderful chance to develop problem solving skills. Seemingly overnight, our children are living communally, asked to get along with groups of new people, and navigating new surroundings. While this all sounds intimidating, it is exactly what they need in order to grow and explore who they are and who they strive to become.

Being away from the comforts of home forces our children to persevere through difficult situations. Our children will learn coping strategies and problem-solving skills through their summer experiences. While we try to teach our children these skills, sometimes it is through actual experiences that these skills are better developed.

After my daughter returned from overnight camp from her first summer away, I noticed an increase in her maturity. The little things that used to rile her up, didn’t anymore. Things seemed to roll off her back a little easier. When my son returned home after his first summer away, he gained a tremendous amount of independence. His clothes were put away (somewhat neatly) and he was better able to keep track of his belongings. These developments may be subtle, but they are also significant.

Although I might’ve hoped these developmental growths would have occurred with or without overnight camp, I absolutely saw a shift in their self-confidence due to their overnight camp experience.

Maybe it’s because they got to shine in their own activities, or they felt comfortable to be themselves and create new friendships. Either way, it is incredible to see the confidence boost after a summer experience.

When considering an overnight program for your child, consider the importance of perseverance, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving skills being developed at the same time they are experiencing fun activities, meeting new people, and exploring new surroundings.

What subtle benefits did you notice after your child returned from an overnight experience? We’d love to hear the positive anecdotes, so please leave a comment!

Questions to Consider for Summer Programs

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Considering sending your child to an overnight program for the first time? When is the right time? Where should my child go? Should they go with a friend? For how long should they attend?

There are so many questions about when and where you send your child for an overnight summer program that the process can be overwhelming. Whether you are considering an overnight camp or a travel program, there are so many choices. There are endless locations, types of programs, and lengths of stays. How would a parent navigate all there is to consider?

Here are some things to think about:

  • When is the right time? This depends on your individual child. Many children start as early as seven, itching to experience overnight camp as soon as the camp will take them. Other children may need a later start, beginning at 12 or 13. There is not one answer here, as the readiness of each child varies.
  • What kind of camp? A specialized program that focuses on a particular activity like theater or sports, or an all-round traditional camp? Talk to your child about their interests.
  • Should they attend camp with a friend? Your child might feel they will be more comfortable being away from home if they go with their friend. On the other hand, getting out of that comfort zone may be exactly what your child needs. Summer experiences can allow for cultivation of new friendships.
  • How long should they attend camp? There is always a transition period, no matter how ready your child is to leave home for the first time. It is important to allow your child enough time to adjust to their new surroundings, cultivate new friendships, and find their groove in a new place. Sometimes 2-week rookie sessions are a bit short, because just when your child is starting to get comfortable with their new environment it is time to pack up and leave. Of course, a 2-week session is also convenient for families wanting to travel over the summer.

Tips on Trips and Camps advisors are ready and waiting to guide you through the process. Call us and get started!

Spreading Kindness

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Compassion, empathy, kindness and feeling thankful are the core values of every summer camp and program. They make me think of Ted Lasso, a TV show I’ve been watching lately. I believe if everyone, no matter the age, embraced a little bit of the messaging behind this show then we would see a real change of compassion, empathy, and kindness. Sometimes it feels these fundamental human traits have been neglected throughout our recent world of navigating Covid. But with the world slowly returning back to a new normal wouldn’t it be amazing to bring back the humanity aspect of living? Summer 2022 will feel fresh, with camps being less restrictive and trips being able to offer more locations, we can experience these programs with not only new excitement, but a fresh mindset. Let’s welcome 2022 with a fresh mindset to believe in humanity and these core values. I’m suggesting we start with a little bit more kindness. It doesn’t take too much effort to spread some random acts of kindness. Start in your own neighborhood. Drop off a cup of the holiday blend coffee flavor to a neighbor, deliver a card with a positive message in a friend’s mailbox, or simply offer a smile or compliment. Share kindness and be thankful, it doesn’t have to cost anything more than a little thought and time.

Experts On Overnight Camps & Trips For Ages 7-18+

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Tips on Trips and Camps has always been and continues to be committed to equality for all. The advice we give endorses inclusion, awareness, sensitivity to others, equality and support to families and their children including but not limited to individuals of varying abilities, cultures, genders, races and religions.