Travel Tips

Self Respect is Taught At Summer Camp

A Kids Overnight Summer Camp that is intentional dose more than play games it creates an atmosphere the promotes positive life skills that will follow a child their whole life.

Swift Nature Camp,Kids Summer Camp over the many years has helped children with personal success do to their summer camp experiences. Here is what one camper had to say

“I loved going to camp when I was young. Swift Nature Camp is like a second family. You always feel welcome and wanted. Jeff and Lonnie have greated and maintain a great summer program full of opportunities beyond your imagination. Where else can you go from being a clown, to jumping on a water trampoline to dinner over a campfire with just you and your cabinmates. If your looking for a camp where your adventurous side will be tested Swift is also the place, offering different camping and day trips from Kayaking the fish creek estuary into Lake Superior, volunteering at the Vince Shutte Bear Sanctuary, or paddling to Picnic Island a 1/4 of mile off shore from camp and having your own private oasis. The staff care about you and it’s like the theme song to Cheers, “Everybody knows your name”. As someone who has moved on from the camping days into my adult years, thinking about starting a family, when my kids are older, I’d send them to Swift in a heartbeat. You’ll be glad you went, I am. ”

Creating a comfortable and nurturing environment is what summer camp is all about. Sure, parents do their best to provide but they are not with their children 24/7. Kids frequently feel stifled by being left out or being teased. Summer camp is a place where children learn their strengths, weaknesses, compassion, independence and much more.

Intentional camp experiences can:

* Increase Self-Esteem – Children learn more about themselves, become more self-reliant and more confident in their own abilities. They learn to look after themselves as well as the younger campers. Taking on a responsibility, and meeting or exceeding expectations, helps children to feel good about themselves.

* Respecting Others – Group living in cabins helps youth learn to work together for a common goal and create their place with the team. Challenges teach kids to rely on each other and encourage one another. As the group accomplish their goals, each team member is rewarded and they respect each other for their hard work.

* Increased Self Respect – Camp provides a safe environment that is constantly helping children that they can rely on themselves. Believing in ones abilities makes children feel good about themselves.

* Accept Tolerance – Group living helps kids learn to accept each other. Summer Camp brings folks together from all over the world so you learn about others. Regardless of race, religion or beliefs, kids living together discover that despite their differences, they are basically all the same. This acceptance creates tolerance something much needed today.

* Understanding Ones Uniqueness – Summer camp gives a kid a child centered world free from judgments. Camp celebrates individuality and lets kids be who they are without fear of ridicule. Thus, promoting ones self-esteem.

When looking for a camp, there are many to choose from, some specialized others are general interest camps offering several activities with something for everyone. However, generally speaking a camp with a broad array of activities will give kids more chances to personally grow. Why? Specialized camps tend to focus on skills.

Before choosing a camp do the research. Give your child a handful of camps to choose from that you have selected. Some kids are ready for sleep away camp; others prefer a day camp. Talk with the camp directors to learn about their philosophies, expectations for campers and their staff to camper ratio. Visit The American Camp Association for more information, including a list of camps in your area. (www.acacamps.org)

When children have good self-esteem, respect for themselves and others, and tolerate differences, we are making progress.

Swift Nature Camp is a Summer Camp in Illinois for boys and girls ages 6-15. Our focus is to blend traditional camp with that of a science camp. As a Teen Summer Camps this camp is wonderful.

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