There are lots of wonderful summer experiences for kids and teens to partake in. Sending your kid to overnight camp is one of the most popular choices. For many, including myself as a kid, spending time each summer away at camp created a fun and exciting adventure away from home. Camp, especially longer program stays of 3 weeks or more, provides a true bonding experience among campers, counselors, directors and staff.
Returning each summer reunites kids with some great friends and creates the opportunity to have fun learning new sports and activities. More than that, overnight camps have special traditions, each one different, but always something special that builds the camping spirit and community. My summer camp memories of color war breaking out, and camp sing downs are good examples of that.
Today’s overnight camps run the gamut. Traditional summer camps, like the one I went to for 9 summers in Upstate NY, have a wide range of sports and activities, everything from waterskiing, horseback riding to arts and crafts, tennis, swimming, adventure activities and much more. (Traditional camps are known for having lots of activities) Specialty camps, another type of camp, typically focus on a particular interest, sport or theme. Some examples include: equestrian, soccer, dance, adventure, mountain biking, performing arts, baseball, music, and computer camps. There are also special needs overnight camps for physically and emotionally challenged children and teens. see: http://www.campcountdown.com/specialty-camps.htm
Camps, especially private ones, can be very expensive. Back in 2002, privately run camps cost between $800 and $1600 per week while specialty camps cost between $500 and $1000. Non- profit camps, such as those run by a youth group or agency, cost between $300 and $800 per week. And by and large, the most popular camp stays are 1 week and those of shorter duration than a full 8 week overnight camp. Specialty camps like baseball camp, golf camp or basketball camp often run 1 week or less and are designed to help your child learn and improve skills and have fun. This is also true of other specialty camps. Of course, each camp is different, and program choices run the gamut. If you are looking, consider first learning more about camp options available. Some factors to consider include: location, budget and type.
Non Car Owner Tips: Car Rental and Car Share
Living in a rural area and not owning a car sounds impossible – living in an urban area and not owning a car sounds sensible. You know what we mean if you’ve ever tried to park in a busy neighborhood or had your car broken into. Urban car ownership can be a huge hassle and expense. But what about those occasions when you want to buy in bulk, like that annual trip to Costco, or when you want to get out of town where no bus or train will take you? The answer: rent a car and/or join a car share company.
The Evolution of Summer Camp
Since Frederick W. Gunn founded the first American summer camp in 1861 summer summer camps have have evolved from an outdoor wilderness experience where boys paddled canoes and built campfires...
Crafting a Lush Patio Oasis with Planter Screens
Creating a private, green haven on your patio is both an art and a science. With the right selection of planters and plants, you can transform a bare outdoor space into a secluded retreat. This guide will help you navigate the choices of plants and containers to achieve a lush screen that not only blocks unsightly views but also adds a touch of nature's serenity to your urban dwelling.
