To get the most out of this book, we recommend that you read it
cover-to-cover 6 to 12 months before the camp season. That may seem
like a long time ahead, but if you're starting from square one, you'll
be researching camps, making a selection, scheduling a physical exam,
getting emotionally prepared for the separation, learning how to pack,
and finishing dozens of miscellaneous tasks. It's a lot to do,
especially when you consider that most camps fill up their available
bunks several months before they open. Therefore, it's a good idea to
start the process now and register early for the camp you eventually
choose.
For those of you pressed for time, this is just the book for you. The Summer Camp Handbook is comprehensive and written for parents who want a thorough reference. However, we've also written the book with your busy lifestyle in mind. As an alternative to reading every chapter, go to the table of contents and index to find only the material that's immediately relevant. The book's logical organization will help you pinpoint the information you need now. In addition, most chapters have summaries of key information.
If you are reading this and camp
opens in less than six months, fear not. We have arranged the chapters
chronologically, so you can jump in at any stage of the game. With six
months or less to go, you can either read the entire book, to see
whether you've forgotten anything, or go directly to the chapters that
interest you. There is still time to make wise choices. Your future
camper should read the Just for Kids chapter as soon as possible.
If you've already chosen a camp, congratulations! It's not an easy
choice, considering all the possibilities. We recommend skimming Parts
I and II of the book to see what else you might learn about the camp
you chose. Then, parents should read Parts III and IV more closely,
and kids should read Chapter 15. These parts contain important
discussions about the emotional and physical preparation that helps so
much before camp starts. You'll also find tips on packing and
preparing for a smooth opening day.
If your child is already at
camp, skim Part III and carefully read Part IV. There, you'll find a
lot of helpful information on helping your child get the most out of
camp. We've even included sample letters to help you write supportive
correspondence. You'll also find suggestions for what to include in a
care package and how to prepare for a smooth closing day. You might
also read Chapter 15, where you'll find helpful tips to share with your
child in your next letter.
CHOOSE WISELY
Seven million kids attend
overnight camp each year in the United States. When they're grown up,
those kids will tell romantic stories of how camp made them a better
person. They'll explain how the overnight camp experience enhanced
their social and physical skills, how it cultivated their leadership
abilities, and how it bolstered their independence. Adults who
reminisce about their camps see them as wholesome islands in today's
toxic social sea. For kids, though, camp is less about values and more
about fun and friends.
Almost all young people love overnight
camp. However, if you choose the wrong camp, at the wrong time, for
the wrong reasons, or without adequate preparation, then it could be a
miserable experience. With more than 6,300 overnight camps in the
United States, picking one could seem impossible. This book will help
you make all the right choices about when to go, where to go, how to
get ready, and most of all how to make sure that camp is an
unforgettable, positive experience. We'll give you valuable camp
information you can't find anywhere else, plus experienced answers to
the toughest questions you have about overnight camp.
Still not sure where to start? Try our Quick Start Guide.
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©2009 by Jon Malinowski & Christopher Thurber. All rights reserved.
