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www.FredericksburgParent.NET 19 Originally printed in CAMP Magazine, reprinted by permission of the American Camp Association. A CAMP FOR EVERY CHILD—TRADITIONAL, SPECIALTY, AND SPECIAL NEEDS Choices abound when it comes to camp programs. One may highlight a wide variety of activities geared to campers of all ages and skill levels, others, because of their setting and expertise, may concentrate on one or two activities while providing traditional activities as well. Parents of children with special needs are pleased to learn about the range of camp activities that help kids be kids first. Benefits of Traditional Camps • Wide variety of activities • Chance for campers to try new activities • Exposure to more campers and staff at varying activities Benefits of Specialty Camps • One or two specialized activities (often combined with traditional offerings) • Expectation for increased proficiency during camping session • Deepens knowledge and skill in particular area of interest or ability Benefits of Special Needs Camps • Activities geared to campers' abilities • Knowledgeable staff with expertise to understand campers' strengths and challenges • Supportive and fun atmosphere to share with others BOYS ONLY, GIRLS ONLY, OR CO-ED? Now may be the opportunity to explore the choices and benefits of all boys, all girls, or co-ed camps. Benefits of Single Sex Camps • Breaking gender stereotypes—girls interact with women in position of authority and boys interact with men who act as nurturers • More opportunities to "be yourself" without impressing or competing with the opposite sex • Camp philosophy may be tuned into gender strengths and weaknesses • Brother or sister camps may share activities Benefits of Co-ed Camps • Breaking gender stereotypes—girls interact with women in positions of authority and boys interact with men who act as nurturers • Mirrors and prepares campers for everyday living in a co-ed world • Allows families with a boy and a girl to attend the same camp • Offers diverse points of view • Breaks through rigid divisions set up in school when campers participate in equal footing Camp! Camp! THE VALUE OF CAMP FOR EVERY CHILD What happens when you make the decision to choose camp? You open up a world of discovery and learning for your child, a world that values children for who they are and who they will become. Camp gives each child a world of good. For nearly one hundred years, the American Camp Association has been serving the camp community and families considering camp. Please visit our family resource Web site, www.CampParents.org, to learn more about the camp experience, search the Find a Camp database, and explore the world of child and youth development. For more information about child development and the camp experience, please visit www.ACAcamps.org or call our toll-free number, 1-800-428-CAMP (2267). There's a camp that is ideally suited for every child.