Displaying items by tag: Teen summer programs
Participating in an overnight teen leadership program at Swift Nature Camp can provide a productive and rewarding summer experience for 16 and 17-year-olds. For younger teen campers we still have summer camp programs available. Here are some reasons why it is important for teens to use their summer vacation productively by attending this program:
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Develop Leadership Skills: The Teen Leadership Program at Swift Nature Camp provides teens with the opportunity to develop valuable leadership skills that can benefit them in their future endeavors. They will learn how to communicate effectively, problem-solve, and make decisions in a supportive and educational environment.
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Gain Work Experience: By participating in the Teen Leadership Program, teens will gain work experience that can be valuable when they start their careers. They will learn how to work as part of a team, manage their time effectively, and take on responsibilities that can prepare them for future employment.
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Learn About Nature and the Environment: Swift Nature Camp's programs focus on nature and the environment, and teens who participate in the program will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural world. This can help them develop a sense of environmental stewardship and inspire them to pursue careers or hobbies related to nature.
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Make Connections and Build Friendships: The overnight teen leadership program at Swift Nature Camp provides teens with the opportunity to meet and interact with peers who share similar interests. This can help them build friendships and make connections that can last a lifetime.
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Avoid Unhealthy Habits: Engaging in productive and educational activities can help teens avoid unhealthy habits such as excessive screen time or social isolation. By participating in the Teen Leadership Program, teens will stay active, engage with nature, and develop positive habits that can benefit their overall health and well-being. As an added bonus camp is screen free.
Overall, attending an overnight teen leadership program at Swift Nature Camp can provide a productive and enriching summer experience for 16 and 17-year-olds. It can help them develop important skills, gain work experience, learn about nature and the environment, make connections, and avoid unhealthy habits.
Teen leadership summer camps are becoming increasingly popular among parents and teens alike. These camps offer a unique opportunity for teens to gain leadership skills, build self-confidence, and learn valuable life lessons. But what exactly makes these camps so sought after?
One of the key reasons why teen leadership summer camps are so popular is the focus on leadership development. These camps provide teens with the opportunity to learn about leadership styles, communication skills, and problem-solving strategies. Through a variety of activities such as team-building exercises, leadership workshops, and group discussions, teens are able to develop the skills they need to become effective leaders.
Another benefit of teen leadership summer camps is the focus on personal development. These camps provide teens with the opportunity to explore their passions and interests, and to discover new talents and abilities. Campers are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones and try new things, which can lead to increased self-confidence and self-awareness.
Additionally, teen leadership summer camps provide an opportunity for teens to build a sense of community. Campers are placed in a diverse group of peers and staff, and they are encouraged to work together and support one another. This can lead to the formation of lasting friendships and a support network that can be beneficial throughout the teenage years.
Furthermore, teen leadership summer camps offer a wide range of activities and experiences that are often not available in a teenager's daily life. From outdoor adventures such as hiking and rock climbing, to artistic and creative pursuits such as painting and music, camp provides a chance for teens to explore new interests and passions. This can lead to increased self-discovery and a greater sense of self-worth.
Another benefit of teen leadership summer camps is that they offer a chance for teens to disconnect from technology and fully immerse themselves in the present moment. Without the constant pull of screens and social media, campers are free to focus on their surroundings and the activities at hand. This can lead to increased mindfulness and an appreciation for the natural world.
Finally, teen leadership summer camps provide a chance for teens to learn important values such as teamwork, respect, and perseverance. Through group activities and challenges, campers are taught the importance of working together and supporting one another. These lessons can have a lasting impact on a teenager's character and future success.
In conclusion, the benefits of teen leadership summer camps are numerous and varied. From building leadership skills, personal development, and forming new friendships, to exploring new interests and learning important values, teen leadership summer camps offer a unique and valuable experience for teenagers. For many parents, sending their children to a leadership camp is an investment in their child's future and well-being.
The Teen Leadership Program at Swift Nature Camp helps teens get ready for a work life while having fun and enjoying the community of camp. We offer Teen Leaders the chance to work with children and have the opertunity to help with things around camp all this is done with daily Teen Leadership meeting where we work on on personal & work skills. To lean more give Lonnie or Jeff a call 630-654-8036 or visit our teen leadership page on the summer jobs page. https://swiftnaturecamp.com/cit-s-jr-counselors
Often when we speak with parents we get the qustion "Is my child to old for camp" We then tell the parents why camp is good for children at any age. Below I found this article that I think really hits home of the benefits of overnight summer camp can benefit Teens. At Swift Nature Camp we have added a Leadership Program for campers that are 16 & 17 giving them hands on skills that will alst long into the 21st century.
10 Reasons Why High School Students Will Get A Lot From Summer Camp
Theodore Roosevelt reportedly said, “In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.” While Teddy was likely speaking of deciding issues far weightier than what to do with high school students during the summer months, with the advent of spring, it’s a topic of discussion around more than a few family dinner tables.
My answer? The best thing to do is send high school students to summer camp!
While there are many reasons, I will focus on two important ones: favorable youth outcomes and developmental progress. For good measure, I’ll also throw in some important questions parents should ask when choosing a camp for teenagers.
The Top 10 Outcomes of Experiential Learning at Camp
“Camp is an experience every child deserves,” according to the American Camp Association (ACA), which accredits more than 2,400 camps serving more than 7.2 million children and teens. Specifically, ACA points to the "joy" kids experience when they make new friends and the inherent value in unplugging from their electronic devices, enjoying being out of doors, connecting with other young people, and learning about themselves.
And the ACA adds that, from a quantifiable perspective, the outcomes of a summer camp experience include the following.
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Friendship skills: Make friends and maintain relationships.
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Independence: Rely less on adults and other people for solving problems and day-to-day activities.
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Teamwork: Be more effective working in groups of peers.
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Family citizenship: Gain attributes important to being a member of a family.
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Perceived competence: Believe that they can be successful in the things they do.
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Interest in exploration: Be more curious and eager to learn new things.
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Responsibility: Learn to be accountable for their own actions and mistakes.
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Affinity for nature: Develop feelings of emotional attraction toward nature.
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Problem-solving confidence: Believe they have abilities to resolve problems.
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Spiritual well-being: Develop purpose and meaning in life.
Camps are also being recognized as incubators for the highly valued non-cognitive or “soft skills” and as places to hone leadership and social entrepreneurship skills.
Top 10 Questions Parents Should Be Asking About Teen Camps
Even if you’re convinced of the value of a summer camp experience for your teen, you may wonder, “How do I find the right one?” While there is no one-size-fits-all, there are summer camps that do not serve teens, camps that serve teens exclusively and camps that serve children and teens. When it comes to the latter two, here is some advice from the Better Business Bureau as to what to look for and what to ask.
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Visit a camp before paying a deposit so you know where your child will be living, eating and sleeping. Check if the recreational facilities are in good repair.
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Ask about safety, training and background checks for the staff.
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Make sure you understand about any extra fees for activities or special trips.
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Ask about two important stats that might give you a hint of whether the camp is a good spot: the camper return rate and the counselor return rate. If few kids or counselors are returning, it might be a red flag.
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Check into background of the director and other leaders. Do they have the experience to deal with teens?
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Ask about medical facilities and the procedure for emergencies.
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Ask to see proof of appropriate insurance coverage.
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Make sure you and your camper are comfortable with the rules on communication with home. Ask about strategies for combating homesickness.
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Ask to talk to other camp parents or to campers. Don’t depend on the official line.
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Look for camps that are certified by the American Camp Association and have to meet up to 300 nationally recognized standards.
Armed with the facts and the myriad of things to consider, you’re now ready for a moment of decision that will likely result in a life-changing summer for your teen.
Written by Stephen Gray Wallace
Stephen Gray Wallace is president and director of the Center for Adolescent Research and Education
Like its summer camp programs for preteens, Swift Nature Camp offers an amazing range of camp activities. Hiking, climbing, ceramics, horseback riding, tennis, kayaking, and whitewater rafting are among the most popular programs among teen campers.
Summer teen camps provide a special opportunity for them to make friends in a relaxed and fun-filled environment, build self-esteem and independence, and meet the challenge of new adventures.
Swift Nature Camp offers teen cabin mates to leave camp together and venture into the wild. The ideal location brings opportunities to take unforgettable trips to the Apostle Islands, the International Wolf Center, and the Mississippi River. These trip are wonderful ways to build bonds among the campers. But more importantly, it helps each child feel a part of the team and want to make a contribution.
All children, especially those in their teenage years, need a break from the accelerating competition of today's world. An intimate, friendly and noncompetitive environment for teens fosters positive encouragement. The atmosphere of acceptance brings a welcome balance to young lives. Even first time campers quickly and smoothly adjust to life as a camper in this kind of setting.
Today's teens grow up too fast and need time to play. An Adventure Teen Camps should challenge your teen to try new things, but not in a stressful way. Camp is not school! Interaction with animals can be a perfect way for a child to learn by the natural discovery of play. Besides all the fun and excitement of a traditional camp, the kids have the joy of discovering Nature and the world we live in.
After living life in a beautiful natural setting among caring staff and instructors, teens come to love summer camp. Many teen campers return summer after summer, returning to see friends and enjoy the excitement, self-direction, and goofy fun characteristic of camp life.
Summer camp is a great place to be oneself and a perfect place to make lifelong friends. Teens come to love summer camp and look forward to time away from the pressures of performance, and the change to rediscover themselves.
You can learn more about picking a wonderful Teen Summer Camp. This site is free and give alot of information to parents. Summer Camp
Like its summer camp programs for preteens, Swift Nature Camp offers an amazing range of camp activities. Hiking, climbing, ceramics, horseback riding, tennis, kayaking, and whitewater rafting are among the most popular programs among teen campers.
Summer teen camps provide a special opportunity for them to make friends in a relaxed and fun-filled environment, build self-esteem and independence, and meet the challenge of new adventures.
Swift Nature Camp offers teen cabin mates to leave camp together and venture into the wild. The ideal location brings opportunities to take unforgettable trips to the Apostle Islands, the International Wolf Center, and the Mississippi River. These trip are wonderful ways to build bonds among the campers. But more importantly, it helps each child feel a part of the team and want to make a contribution.
All children, especially those in their teenage years, need a break from the accelerating competition of today's world. An intimate, friendly and noncompetitive environment for teens fosters positive encouragement. The atmosphere of acceptance brings a welcome balance to young lives. Even first time campers quickly and smoothly adjust to life as a camper in this kind of setting.
Today's teens grow up too fast and need time to play. An Adventure Teen Camps should challenge your teen to try new things, but not in a stressful way. Camp is not school! Interaction with animals can be a perfect way for a child to learn by the natural discovery of play. Besides all the fun and excitement of a traditional camp, the kids have the joy of discovering Nature and the world we live in.
After living life in a beautiful natural setting among caring staff and instructors, teens come to love summer camp. Many teen campers return summer after summer, returning to see friends and enjoy the excitement, self-direction, and goofy fun characteristic of camp life.
Summer camp is a great place to be oneself and a perfect place to make lifelong friends. Teens come to love summer camp and look forward to time away from the pressures of performance, and the change to rediscover themselves.
You can learn more about picking a wonderful Teen Summer Camp. This site is free and give alot of information to parents. Summer Camp.
We at Swift Nature Camp want to be a part of your childs development. We understand that parents need and want partners in their childs development. For many families, it’s school, sports and religion. Yet, often we forget that camp is part of a childs healthy development. For one thing, camp provides children with the opportunity to connect with nature, to participate in human- powered activities, and to benefit from personal relationships. Research has showen 92 percent of campers say that the people at camp helped them feel good about themselves and are able to establish a true sense of independence. Kids also realize that because of camp … “I developed lasting friendships”... “I became a team player”... “I learned how to care.”
Learning lessons about self-reliance, self-confidence, exploration, and responsibility are all important metrics of a successful summer camp experience. At Swift we look to promote the below trits.
Self-Reliance
At Swift we steer young people away from dependence on their parents and toward independence and self-reliance. Because parents are not present to guide their children’s decisions, kids at camp must identify the resources that can help them meet personal and group goals, resolve conflicts, and find success for themselves.
When campers get on the bus or see their parents drive away, often this is a childs first time of being on their own. For others it does not hit till the next morning when mom wouldn't be there to wake them or make their bed. Our goal as Swift counselors is to introduced campers to something new but not hold a campers hand the entire time. Camp is all about active learning. Campers often try something the first time and if they can’t figure it out counselors would be there for guidance.
Self-Confidence
Campers gain self-confidence when they find meaningful, fulfilling educational and social experiences at camp, interpret those experiences correctly, and have reasonable, achievable expectations for success.
At Swift Nature Camp children are challanged to work toward getting Achievement Awards. Campers realize these awards serve as a much greater purpose than just handing out patches. It is not always essential for campers to become the best at whatever they choose to do, but it is essential that they feel they've accomplished something. Our Final Banqutte recognizes campers for their accomplishments which helps to build self-confidence. Yet, often for those who do not participate in the awards program just being away from home is an accomplishment that builds self-confidence.
Exploration
Camp is, in short, about learning: learning about oneself, learning about others, and learning about new ways to approach the world. Self-confidence leads to learning through exploration of one's interests, abilities, and relationships. To maximize exploration, young people need to feel safe — free from fear of ridicule, sarcasm, or insult. Creating a community of caring where young people feel comfortable moving beyond their "comfort zone" to the "challenge zone" promotes exploration.
Counselors at Swift are always there to make children feel safe yet, in their own ways they encouraged kids to step outside of their comfort zone and take a risk. This creates a developed of trust with staff and in turn with the entire camp community. Whether campers on the water, on a field, or in a cabin, they always know that the counselors and the camp would be there fore them.
Responsibility
Beyond the buddies, baseballs, and bonfires lies the true value of the summer camp experience: a heightened sense of personal responsibility for the well-being of others. Research from Students Against Destructive Decisions points out that young people who have attended summer camp are significantly more likely than those who have not to feel good about their relationships and to take positive risks.
At Swift our campers tell us that Swift is their summer home with the greatest people in the world. In fact, campers have made such real friendships that the time they spend at camp each summer was enough to make me feel good the entire year. One of many lifelong things most campers learned at Swift is a conscious responsibility to always be there for my friends and for others.
Life Lessons Learned at Camp
The benefits to young people of a summer at camp have long been discussed and more recently evaluated. What are they? Simply put, they are opportunities. Opportunities not exclusive to camps but rather concentrated at camp, where under the direction, supervision, and influence of caring counselors, young adults can learn to become more independent, more confident, more self-aware, and more giving toward others. These are just some of the life lessons learned at camp says
Stephen Wallace, M.S. Ed.
Swift Nature Camp works hard to promote these qualities in all children that attend. Our Tree of Values helps bring these values to forefront of each child. So much so that each cabin is given a value that they live daily and give skits about. THey even hang a sign on the from of the cabin. See more about this wonderful Children’s Summer Camp .
Like its summer camp programs for preteens, Swift Nature Camp offers an amazing range of camp activities. Hiking, climbing, ceramics, horseback riding, tennis, kayaking, and whitewater rafting are among the most popular programs among teen campers.
Summer teen camps provide a special opportunity for them to make friends in a relaxed and fun-filled environment, build self-esteem and independence, and meet the challenge of new adventures.
Swift Nature Camp offers teen cabin mates to leave camp together and venture into the wild. The ideal location brings opportunities to take unforgettable trips to the Apostle Islands, the International Wolf Center, and the Mississippi River. These trip are wonderful ways to build bonds among the campers. But more importantly, it helps each child feel a part of the team and want to make a contribution.
All children, especially those in their teenage years, need a break from the accelerating competition of today's world. An intimate, friendly and noncompetitive environment for teens fosters positive encouragement. The atmosphere of acceptance brings a welcome balance to young lives. Even first time campers quickly and smoothly adjust to life as a camper in this kind of setting.
Today's teens grow up too fast and need time to play. An Adventure Teen Camps should challenge your teen to try new things, but not in a stressful way. Camp is not school! Interaction with animals can be a perfect way for a child to learn by the natural discovery of play. Besides all the fun and excitement of a traditional camp, the kids have the joy of discovering Nature and the world we live in.
After living life in a beautiful natural setting among caring staff and instructors, teens come to love summer camp. Many teen campers return summer after summer, returning to see friends and enjoy the excitement, self-direction, and goofy fun characteristic of camp life.
Summer camp is a great place to be oneself and a perfect place to make lifelong friends. Teens come to love summer camp and look forward to time away from the pressures of performance, and the change to rediscover themselves.
You can learn more about picking a wonderful Teen Summer Camp. This site is free and give alot of information to parents Summer Camp.
Summer Camp Deductions with the Child Tax Credit
We all know the Joy of sending our child to camp. We save to make those days special for our children.
But are their any Tax advantages to sending your child to camp? Read on.
Summer Camps and Daycare Deductions with the Child Tax Credit
Reprinted from Turbo Tax
If you paid a daycare center, babysitter, summer camp, or other care provider to care for a qualifying child under age 13 or a disabled dependent of any age, you may qualify for a tax credit of up to $3,000 for one child or dependent, or up to $6,000 for two or more children or dependents.
The child and dependent care credit provides a tax break for many parents who are responsible for the cost of childcare. Though the credit is geared toward working parents or guardians, taxpayers who were full-time students or who were unemployed for part of the year may also qualify.
If you paid a daycare center, babysitter, summer camp, or other care provider to care for a qualifying child under age 13 or a disabled dependent of any age, you may qualify for a tax credit of up to $3,000 for one child or dependent, or up to $6,000 for two or more children or dependents.
Purpose of the child and dependent care credit
The child and dependent care credit is designed to assist working parents and guardians with some of the expenses involved in raising a child or caring for a disabled dependent. The credit, which varies depending on the taxpayer's earned income, is based on the expenses paid to provide child or dependent care services so that parents can work. It reduces the amount of federal income taxes due, which can in turn increase your refund. This frees up more money for some of the other expenses involved in raising a child.
Qualifications for the child and dependent care credit
You must meet several criteria to qualify for the child and dependent care credit. To qualify, you must meet all of the following:
| You (and your spouse, if you are married filing jointly) must have earned income for the tax year. |
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You must be the custodial parent or main caretaker of the child or dependent. -
The child or dependent care service must have been used so that you could work or look for employment. -
Your filing status must be single, head of household, qualifying widow or widower with a dependent child, or married filing jointly. -
Your child or dependent must be under 13 or must be disabled and physically or mentally incapable of caring for herself. -
The childcare provider cannot be your spouse or dependent or the child's parent.
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Qualifying expenses for the child and dependent care credit
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For divorced or separated parents, the custodial parent (the parent with whom the child resides for the most nights out of the year) can claim the credit even if the other parent has the right to claim the child as a dependent due to the divorce or separation agreement. -
You can take the credit for the care of a disabled adult even if you cannot claim her as a dependent because she has too much gross income or because you or your spouse can be claimed as a dependent by someone else. -
If your spouse is a disabled adult, the IRS waives the requirement for him to have earned income. -
If your spouse was a full-time student who attended college for at least five months out of the tax year, the IRS considers her to have earned income for each month that she was a full-time student.
Wise decisions begin with baby steps. We wouldn't dream of turning our young adults loose in a car with out training and supervised practice. So why would we not do the same in decision making. Small children need to be allowed to make decisions as soon as they are capable of choosing between two things. This can with guided choices "Do you want your striped pants or your green pants today?" or "It's your turn to choose what veggies do you want for supper." Now here is the important part. What do you say after the decision? Do you process the results from their decisions? Point out the advantages and disadvantages of each choice, and then allow your child to choose. Be sure you are intentional and only suggest acceptable choices sot here is no chance of making a wrong choice. As kids grow open the door to making choices.
Children need practice and experience to make good decisions. After all, humans tend to learn more when things don't go the way we expected. A common error for parents is not to give children practice in making mistakes. Often because it is quicker or easier. Yet, we need to give our children responsibilities. Spent time to teach your children how to do personal and household tasks. Kids will try very hard to learn these skills. Plus, when the child does finally become proficient, you will have eased your own burden in many ways and they feel satisfied in their accomplishments.
Children's Summer Camp is a wonderful place that challenges your child to become responsible for their stuff and actions. At camp children are supervised but not coddled so clothes left on the floor need to be picked up, their is no maid service. Parents often tell us that the true benefit of summer camp is the increased self confidence and initiative to get chores done around the house.
Findi aSummer Camp at SummerCampAdvice.com
Swift Nature Camp is a Overnight Summer Camp for boys and girls ages 6-15. We blend Traditional camp activities with that of a Science Camp.
| infancy and independent adulthood? |
Learning lessons about self-reliance, self-confidence, exploration, and responsibility are all important metrics of a successful summer camp experience. At Swift we look to promote the below trits.
Self-Reliance
At Swift we steer young people away from dependence on their parents and toward independence and self-reliance. Because parents are not present to guide their children’s decisions, kids at camp must identify the resources that can help them meet personal and group goals, resolve conflicts, and find success for themselves.
When campers get on the bus or see their parents drive away, often this is a childs first time of being on their own. For others it does not hit till the next morning when mom wouldn't be there to wake them or make their bed. Our goal as Swift counselors is to introduced campers to something new but not hold a campers hand the entire time. Camp is all about active learning. Campers often try something the first time and if they can’t figure it out counselors would be there for guidance.
Self-Confidence
Campers gain self-confidence when they find meaningful, fulfilling educational and social experiences at camp, interpret those experiences correctly, and have reasonable, achievable expectations for success.
At Swift Nature Camp children are challanged to work toward getting Achievement Awards. Campers realize these awards serve as a much greater purpose than just handing out patches. It is not always essential for campers to become the best at whatever they choose to do, but it is essential that they feel they've accomplished something. Our Final Banqutte recognizes campers for their accomplishments which helps to build self-confidence. Yet, often for those who do not participate in the awards program just being away from home is an accomplishment that builds self-confidence.
Exploration
Camp is, in short, about learning: learning about oneself, learning about others, and learning about new ways to approach the world. Self-confidence leads to learning through exploration of one's interests, abilities, and relationships. To maximize exploration, young people need to feel safe — free from fear of ridicule, sarcasm, or insult. Creating a community of caring where young people feel comfortable moving beyond their "comfort zone" to the "challenge zone" promotes exploration.
Counselors at Swift are always there to make children feel safe yet, in their own ways they encouraged kids to step outside of their comfort zone and take a risk. This creates a developed of trust with staff and in turn with the entire camp community. Whether campers on the water, on a field, or in a cabin, they always know that the counselors and the camp would be there fore them.
Responsibility
Beyond the buddies, baseballs, and bonfires lies the true value of the summer camp experience: a heightened sense of personal responsibility for the well-being of others. Research from Students Against Destructive Decisions points out that young people who have attended summer camp are significantly more likely than those who have not to feel good about their relationships and to take positive risks.
At Swift our campers tell us that Swift is their summer home with the greatest people in the world. In fact, campers have made such real friendships that the time they spend at camp each summer was enough to make me feel good the entire year. One of many lifelong things most campers learned at Swift is a conscious responsibility to always be there for my friends and for others.
Life Lessons Learned at Camp
The benefits to young people of a summer at camp have long been discussed and more recently evaluated. What are they? Simply put, they are opportunities. Opportunities not exclusive to camps but rather concentrated at camp, where under the direction, supervision, and influence of caring counselors, young adults can learn to become more independent, more confident, more self-aware, and more giving toward others. These are just some of the life lessons learned at camp says
Stephen Wallace, M.S. Ed.
Swift Nature Camp works hard to promote these qualities in all children that attend. Our Tree of Values helps bring these values to forefront of each child. So much so that each cabin is given a value that they live daily and give skits about. THey even hang a sign on the from of the cabin. See more about this wonderful Children’s Summer Camp .
