It’s every parent’s concern: What’s the best way for your child to spend his or her free time during summer and school breaks? To some, it’s a time for children to play and have fun. For others, it’s an opportunity for kids to hone their studies or learn new skills -- or evensubjects, from... [Read More]
By: Rick Mercer
I loved summer camp.
I know for many kids going away to camp means exploring a part of the country that is new and exotic. For me, not so much. My summer camp was in a meadow located about three miles from my house. I could have ridden my bike.The camp didn’t own the land; it was either borrowed or... [Read More]
Many children today are raised in a protective environment, where parents walk or drive them to school and arrange structured play dates. For moms and dads who are reluctant to let their sheltered children even walk to the end of their own street alone, the thought of sending kids off to a residential summer camp can b... [Read More]
The YMCA Academy is a Ministry of Education–inspected, alternative high school in downtown Toronto. Inspired and supported by the YMCA of Greater Toronto, a personal differentiated approach, specialized programs, and individualized use of assistive technology isideally suited to studentswith mild learning disabil... [Read More]
“They made me do the presentation twice,” says Tanya Springer. “[They were] gasping at each and every picture of a lake or sunset. They each had things they were most excited for. Pottery, swimming, sunrise canoe paddles ... even sleeping in bunk beds.”... [Read More]
By: Lenore Skenazy
The kids were rolling their eyes. The parents were dabbing theirs. Homesickness loomed…
For the parents.
That’s the scene I witnessed not too long ago as dozens of kids were boarding buses to go to overnight camp. If the younger folk were worried about being separated from their parents and... [Read More]
Sending your child to camp provides them with the gift of independence and confidence. Beginning at a young age, they can grow and flourish in a summer camp environment.
That is, if parents are willing to put aside their worries and concerns and take that step to set them free.For many parents, it’s not as easy as... [Read More]
"When it comes to ensuring your child’s safety and well-being, the buck stops with the camp director,” saysCatherine Ross, communications officer with the Canadian Camping Association and former camp director.Her advice: do appropriate research, seek out answers to your questions, experience the camp f... [Read More]
Time spent at camp reduces stress, increases wellness, and boosts mental clarity. All good stuff. Do kids care? Not in the least. For them, it’s all about one thing: play.
By Glen Herbert
Despite all the mental and medical benefits, for kidsthe natural world—whether it’s the backyard, the park down the... [Read More]
What age should I begin sending my child to overnight camp? This is one of the most common questions parents ask. But, according to camp experts, there’s no one simple answer or formula. The right age depends on the child and on the particular program being considered.Many overnight camps will accept kids at seve... [Read More]