Ages 10 to 12
Preteens — Searchers of Independence

  Ages 4 to 6 | Ages 7 to 9 | Ages 10 to 12 | Ages 13 to 15 | Ages 16 on & Work at camp

Their world

• Torn between childhood and adolescence: sometimes rushing to be grown up, other times yearning to remain a kid
• Looking for role models
• Questioning the rhyme and reason of the world around them
• Friendships and peers gain greater importance

• Looking for more independence from parents
• Worried about fitting in with peers
• Want to define their unique personality

• A good outlet for the independence preteens crave; boundaries are expanded, but in a supervised and nurturing environment
• Campers are given greater responsibility and encouraged to solve problems themselves
• An environment where they are able to acquire and master skills at their own pace
• Many athletic, social and recreational activities allow preteens to find a fit, master a skill and gain more self-esteem
• Campers learn teamwork
• Counsellors and camp instructors act as role models
• A diverse environment that encourages tolerance and acceptance