Educating the Whole Child1

What is Camp?
“A sustained experience which provides a creative,

recreational and educational opportunity in groupliving in the out-of doors. It utilizes training
leadership and the resources of the natural
surroundings to contribute to each camper’s
mental, physical, social, and spiritual growth.”(American Camp Association, 1998)

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A Changing Definition
With current research, the definition has
broadened to be more inclusive.
The essentials are:• Education• Trained leadership• Individual growth• Character development• Fun3

Camps operate on 6 continents
 There are various names for camp: Campeducation, summer camp, youth development,children’s rest, outdoor education, vacation plans,or holiday schemes.
 Facilities and appearance differ between countries
and programs.

 In some countries, the camp industry is wellestablished, while in others it is in various stages ofdevelopment.

 The camp movement began in 1861 in NorthAmerica.
 Camp associations exist in 14 countries.

 It is estimated that there are programs known ascamps in at least 100 countries.

 Camp is vital to thedevelopment andeducation of the wholechild.
Camp Nojiri

 There should be yearround educational
opportunities for allchildren.

Camp provides:• Healthy, developmentally
appropriate activities and learning
experiences• Discovery through experiential
education• Caring, competent role models• Service to the community and theenvironment• Opportunities for leadership andpersonal growth• Opportunities for children to learn
and practice the English language• Cultural awarenessResearch has shown that:Camp prepares children to
assume roles as successfuladults.
Children show growth in theseareas: Self confidence
 Independence
 Making friends
 Exploring and learning newactivities
Nairamdal International Youth SpiritualityCenter2004 Outcomes
Study – AmericanCamp Association

Reported by children: 96% - Camp helped me make newfriends
 93% - Camp helped me to get toknow kids who are different thanme 92% - The people at camp helped
me feel good about myself

Wu Kwai Sha YMCA
Youth Village

 74% - At camp I did things I wasafraid to do at homeReported by parents:
 70% - My child gained self-

confidence at camp
 63% - My child continues toparticipate in some of the newactivities he learned at camp

 69% - My child remains in contact
with friends made at campWhat camp programs are available
for international families?
 Partnership agencies
 Exchange programs Direct contact with a camp:

How can you locate a campfor your child?
American Camp Association
find.acacamps.org
International Camping Fellowship(Listing of camps andorganizations)
campingfellowship.org

Considerations
 Is my child ready for camp?
 Age – usually at least 8 for aninternational camp experience Has your child had overnight
experiences away from home?
 Interest – how did your child become
interested in camp?
 What does your child expect to do atcamp?

Typical Accommodations inNorth American Camps

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Food choices may be different than in your homecountry.

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Typical Activities in NorthAmerican Camps

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Questions to ask:
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What activities are offered?
What are the living arrangements?
What is the camp’s philosophy andprogram emphasis?
How are the counselors trained?
Counselor-to-camper ratio?
1:6 for children ages 7-8
1:8 for children ages 9-14
What are the ages of the counselors?
How does the camp handle special needs?
References from other parentsAccreditation, certification or government
oversight

Conclusion
 Start early to select several possible
programs for consideration

 Involve your child in the process Talk to other parents who have had apositive experience Begin communicating directly with thepartnership agency or the camp to assurethat your questions are answered and yourchild is preparedEducating the Whole ChildCamp education around the world
www.campingfellowship.org