It dawned on me today that the way we are all facing the challenges of COVID-19 is very similar to what we ask our children to do on overnight summer experiences.
We ask them to:
- Go into the unknown
- Listen to the people in charge
- Ask for help if needed
- Advocate and negotiate for themselves.
- Have fun in a setting that is very different from what they are used to
Just like when we put them on the bus to summer camp or the plane to a teen trip, we can remind them now (and ourselves) of their resilience and skills to cope with tough days. We all have inner resources to call on through the coming weeks, and just like attending a summer program, it will be an opportunity for personal growth for us all. The Tips Team is hoping all your challenges are met with optimism, good humor, and health.
As a summer camp and program advisor, I am constantly being asked whether a specific program will look good on a teen’s resume, or if a specific camp will improve their camper’s athletic or artistic skills. As a parent of 3 teens, I am beginning to realize that these manipulated experiences are only part of the picture. Let’s take a step back and really think about what we want for our children – health, happiness and success. As parents we put so much pressure on ourselves to help our children achieve all these goals. When I think back to my children’s path to happiness and success, I have to admit, I didn’t do it alone. I probably didn’t do most of it – camp did! Camp gives my children the chance to be independent, problem solve, form true personal relationships and all these things create happiness and I hope down the road, success. Don’t believe me? Read this article with quotes from Steve Jobs, head staff at Harvard and MIT, as well as well known authors:
To find a fair near you click on this link: 
Middle Grade (grades 4-6)
