CAMP GIVES KIDS A WORLD OF GOOD
The American Camping Association uses the slogan “Camp Gives Kids a World of Good.” Unlike most advertisements, this one is true. Camp will be one of the happiest times of your life. One of our
grandfathers says that summer camp was the best time of his life! We agree. That’s why we’ve been at camp each summer for the past 20 years! Although we’re not campers anymore, we love being part of the camp staff. Today, our favorite thing about camp is sharing it with young people like you.
We believe that what you put into camp is what you get out of it. The harder you try, the more fun you’ll have. That’s why the next section contains our top seven tips for enjoying camp. The section after that will help you maximize your fun at camp by listing the best ways to deal with homesick feelings. When you’re done reading this chapter, you’ll know more than most kids do about getting the most out of camp.
TOP TIPS FOR ENJOYING CAMP
1. Pay attention at orientation.
Orientation is a speech, full of information about the camp. It usually happens on the first day. Sometimes one staff member talks to the whole camp. Other times, each cabin leader gives a short talk to his own cabin. Camps have orientations because there’s a lot to tell you about the activities, rules, and schedules at camp. At orientation, you’ll learn stuff like where the courts, fields, and bathrooms are. You’ll also learn what time games, meals, and free swims happen. Without an orientation you might feel kind of lost because camp is a completely new place. Listen and learn. If you forget something, just ask your cabin leader.
2. Learn your way around camp.
If you’re lucky, your camp may give all new campers a tour on the first day. Someone who knows the campgrounds will show you all of the places at camp. You’ll feel more comfortable when you know your way around, so we recommend taking the tour. If your camp doesn’t offer a tour on the first day, ask your cabin leader, one of your instructors, or a second-year camper to show you and your new friends around. Some camps even have a map of the campgrounds. It’s a good idea to check out this map. You came to camp to have fun, not to wander around looking for stuff. Learn your way around camp, and it will be easier to find fun things to do.
The American Camping Association uses the slogan “Camp Gives Kids a World of Good.” Unlike most advertisements, this one is true. Camp will be one of the happiest times of your life. One of our
We believe that what you put into camp is what you get out of it. The harder you try, the more fun you’ll have. That’s why the next section contains our top seven tips for enjoying camp. The section after that will help you maximize your fun at camp by listing the best ways to deal with homesick feelings. When you’re done reading this chapter, you’ll know more than most kids do about getting the most out of camp.
TOP TIPS FOR ENJOYING CAMP
1. Pay attention at orientation.
Orientation is a speech, full of information about the camp. It usually happens on the first day. Sometimes one staff member talks to the whole camp. Other times, each cabin leader gives a short talk to his own cabin. Camps have orientations because there’s a lot to tell you about the activities, rules, and schedules at camp. At orientation, you’ll learn stuff like where the courts, fields, and bathrooms are. You’ll also learn what time games, meals, and free swims happen. Without an orientation you might feel kind of lost because camp is a completely new place. Listen and learn. If you forget something, just ask your cabin leader.
2. Learn your way around camp.
If you’re lucky, your camp may give all new campers a tour on the first day. Someone who knows the campgrounds will show you all of the places at camp. You’ll feel more comfortable when you know your way around, so we recommend taking the tour. If your camp doesn’t offer a tour on the first day, ask your cabin leader, one of your instructors, or a second-year camper to show you and your new friends around. Some camps even have a map of the campgrounds. It’s a good idea to check out this map. You came to camp to have fun, not to wander around looking for stuff. Learn your way around camp, and it will be easier to find fun things to do.
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