This January, Sign Up Your Child For Summer Camp
With kids back in school and winter weather looming over much
of the country, summer seems a world away. It's not too soon,
however, for parents to start thinking about ways to create a safe
and enriching summer for their children. The American Camping
Association (ACA) encourages parents to include a camp experience
as part of this summer's activities. To help parents and children
get a head start on their plans, the ACA has designated January as
"Sign Your Child Up For Camp" month.
More than ten million children attend camp each summer. As this
number increases annually by about 10 percent, finding and
securing the perfect camp experience for children becomes harder
than ever. "Sign Your Child Up For Camp" month enables
parents to take advantage of early registration opportunities and
reserve a spot for their child at the camp of their choice.
Given recent news events, child development experts continue to
emphasize the value of camp for children and young adults.
"Many children have been traumatized by the events of
September 11," said Bob Ditter, a licensed clinical social
worker specializing in child and adolescent behavior.
"They've lost the sense of security and innocence once
enjoyed. Summer camp can help restore feelings of safety and
well-being, allowing children to focus on the wonders of
childhood."
In addition to the safe and nurturing environment that camp can
offer, it also provides an opportunity for young people to enhance
their traditional academic schooling with valuable summer learning
experiences. "Summer camp fosters a sense of community that
gives children a chance to learn important life lessons, which
should help them become responsible and productive members of our
society," said Psychologist, Dr. Chris Thurber.
"Many camp activities are designed to build character,
while promoting positive behavior and healthy risk-taking,"
continued Dr. Thurber. "ACA research indicates that many
young people who attend camp experience an increase in their
self-esteem and are able to establish a true sense of independence
apart from their families."
So, while New Year's resolutions are made and broken, ensuring
a safe and enriching summer for their children is a resolution
that the ACA can help parents keep!
For more information on the advantages of early registration and
the benefits of the camp experience, please visit the ACA web site
at www.ACAcamps.org
or call 1-800-428-CAMP.
Founded in 1910, the American Camping Association is a national
community of camp professionals and is dedicated to enriching the
lives of children and adults through the camp experience. ACA is
the only organization that accredits all types of camps based upon
300 standards for health and safety.
© American Camping Association |
