The Power of Camp

In the US, summer camps have been a huge tradition for over a century – and each year over 11 million US kids & teens take part – and it’s easy to see why!  Camp is a fantastic way to spend the summer, offering a truly rounded experience.  From the fun & thrills of trying new activities, to the friendships made round the campfire, by the lakeside, or with bunk mates - it’s no wonder so many campers return year after year! 

The Benefits

Camp has been credited by many child care professionals as a powerful force in shaping the lives of young campers.  Camp encourages confidence through experience, it allows campers to challenge themselves through excitement & adventure in a safe setting and develop social skills within a diverse framework.   It also allows them to place themselves in a truly international context – experiencing camp with others from all over the world, in a positive and dynamic environment.

Whilst camp is about trying out the 'new' and shaping lives - it's also about having FUN! Summer camps are amazing places - full of life, activities and energy - it's hard not to enjoy them!

The Weather

US summers are typically long & warm and camps certainly don’t waste all that good weather!  At the centre of each summer camp, is an endless variety of activities for campers to get involved in – and there’s something for everyone… from sports you know like football, tennis & horse riding, to new ones  like ultimate Frisbee, high ropes & waterskiing – it’s all about choosing what you want to do and giving it a go!  All that plus there’s tons of arts, drama, media & music options too!  And of course for each activity there are great facilities – just take the waterfront – by the lakeside you’ll typically find sail boats, windsurfing boards & jet skis – while in the middle of the lake you’ll find some truly awesome inflatables – water trampoline or climbing-iceberg anyone?

The Setting

For many, one of the best aspects of camp is the location!  They are usually set in beautiful country sites with breathtaking lakesides and beautiful woodlands - summer camps really do have it all – sitting on the veranda of your wooden cabin watching the sunset over the lake or roasting marshmallows by the fire and sleeping out under the stars are just some of the things you’ll miss at the end of the summer.  We promise you – these memories will not only fill a digital camera card, they’ll last a lifetime!

A typical day at US camp!

• 8.45 am - Breakfast!
• 9.45 am  - 1^st activity – Why not head over to climbing, with high and low ropes, zip lining and abseiling
• 10.40 am - 2^nd activity – Go horse riding, learn to trot, gallop and canter around the beautiful camp settings
• 11.40 am - 3^rd activity on the waterfront – Perhaps some wakeboarding and a ride on the banana boat
• 12.45 pm - Lunch!
• 1.45 pm - Rest hour – a chance to write home!
• 2.45 pm - 4^th activity - Spend an hour doing your favourite sport like football, basketball, tennis & swimming
• 3.35pm - Snack!
• 3.50pm - 5^th activity – A chance to kick up some dust on the go karts
• 4.35pm - 6^th activity – Head over to performing arts for dancing, acting and music lessons
• 5.15pm - Showers/free time
• 6.15pm - Dinner
• 7.15pm - Evening activities – Like Camp Fires, Carnival, DJ Dance Parties, Camp Olympics, Music Festivals, Talent Shows, Movie Nights, Pool Parties, Hawaiian Luau …the list goes on!
• 9.00pm - Back to bunk!

Housing

Campers sleep in well equipped wooden cabins for boys or girls which they typically share with 8 or 10 others plus at least one counsellor of the same sex.  Each camper has his or her own bed and wardrobe.   Each cabin has its own showers and toilets.  Campers are usually housed by age groups with the younger campers being housed separately from the older ones.

Meals

Three excellent meals are provided each day in camp during the session.

Staff at Camp

Campers are supervised by specially trained counsellors of the same sex with typically 5 children being supervised by one counsellor.  Some of the counsellors at your camp will be Camp America counsellors.  Additionally every camp has specialist teachers in the various activities.  Each camp also has an infirmary with certified medical staff on hand.

Safety and Welfare

Day to day supervision and safety is the responsibility of the camp and you can be sure that American summer camps place the highest emphasis on providing a safe and healthy environment for their campers