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By Martha Wegner Shannon Merolla is sending her 5-year-old daughter, Juliette, to camp this summer. Arts camp. Shannon explains, “She has done the traditional 8:30-12:00 day camp. She enjoyed that, but they did very little music or dance and only one art project a day.” It just so happens that those are the things that little Juliette loves best: the arts. So her mom found what she hopes will be the perfect fit for her daughter. Says Shannon, “[The camp] will focus on music, dance, arts and crafts, musical theater and communication. I thought it would be great to have everything all in one camp.” According to the American Camp Association (ACA), Shannon is part of a growing number of parents who are sending their children to arts camps every summer. In fact, the ACA has noted that since 1998 there has been a 4% increase in camps that specialize in arts related activities, such as arts and crafts, drawing and paint, and music. Why Camp? So why do parents send their children to camp, specifically an arts camp? Wouldn’t it be just as easy to let the child stay home, take lots of lessons and classes, and have the rest of the summer day free? In 2002 the American Camp Association, in collaboration with Philliber Research Associates, conducted a study of 5,000 campers randomly chosen from 80 ACA-accredited day camps and overnight camps. This study looked at responses from the staff as well as children and parents. All 3 sources reported increases in campers’ self-esteem, independence, leadership, friendship, peer relationships, positive values, a sense of adventure and exploration, and environmental awareness.
According to these authors, “The combination of specialized work in an art form and community living with other young artists and performers is energizing.” Which Camp? While the usual considerations for choosing a camp such as setting, location, cost, and accommodations are important, a parent seeking an arts camp has even more specific criteria. Thurber and Malinowski suggest: “If you are interested in an arts specialty camp, be sure to find out how the performances or exhibits are produced. Does every child get a chance to participate? Are performances or exhibits open to parents and friends? If not, are they videotaped? Is the philosophy of the camp inclusive or competitive? Are there opportunities for kids at all skill levels, or only expert?” In addition to this issue’s Camp Guide, you can use the following resources to find a camp that is just right for your child: Word of mouth - Ask around. Ask other parents. And of course, if your child is enrolled in a class right now, ask the instructor. www.campparents.org - The “Camp Resource for Parents and Families” from The American Camp Association. Click on “Find a Camp”. There you will find a search engine which will help you find a camp that’s right for your child. There are also a number of informative articles and links for parents of campers. The Summer Camp Handbook – Everything You Need to Find, Choose, and Get Ready for Overnight Camp - and Skip the Homesickness by Christopher A. Thurber and Jon C. Malinowski, Perspective Publishing, 2000. Clinical psychologists Thurber and Malinowski use their own experiences as campers and camp staff to guide parents in the search for the perfect camp experience for their children. Chapter headings include “Selecting a Camp”, “Preparing for Camp”, and “Getting the Most out of Camp”. As Peg L. Smith, CEO of the American Camp Association tells us, “Many parents remember their own childhood camp experiences, but few are aware of how much camps have changed over the years. Camps still help children develop social skills, build communities, share traditions, appreciate nature, and stay physically active. However, today’s camps are finding more engaging programs for an increasing number of campers, there is a camp for every interest, from soccer camp to music camp. Campers can find their niche, learn, and feel good about themselves.” With a little bit of research you too can help your child find his or her niche, learn about the arts, and feel good about him or herself, all while having a great time!
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