Ultimate Guide to Summer 2024

MEET OUR TEAM

AMY L. FOREMAN

Publisher

EDITORIAL

AMANDA MILLER

Managing Editor

AUSTRIA COHN

VICTORIA MIKOTA

MADISON VOORHIES Associate Editors

ART/PRODUCTION

ALEX HERRING

Senior Graphic Designer

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ADVERTISING

CRYSTAL BARRETT

CAMILLE CAVIN

JADE GRAY

JENNIFER HOFFMANN

LAUREN LAUGHLIN

MARTINE MELANCON

SHANNON VICARI

RYN WHITESIDE

Account Executives

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

TERI HODGES Director of Community Partnerships

ROXANE VOORHIES Community Outreach

BUSINESS OPERATIONS

BRANDON FOREMAN

LAURIE ACOSTA

ALEXIS

SARAH

BRITTANY

Time to Plan

I am not sure where the time goes, but here we are, another school year almost done and another summer to start planning for. My email has been bombarded with things to do this summer and the mail is coming from all of the out-of-state camps wanting my children to attend. I am behind the wagon this year in planning my summer vacations, especially when it comes to what to do with my children this summer when I need to work, or my daughter can’t babysit.

Most camp registrations have opened up, so it’s time to pull out that planner and get to work. There are so many options from art, sports, or even video gaming camps. I know my goal is to keep the kids off their devices as much as possible so their brains are not mush come August when it’s time for school to start. But

Amy L. Foreman

Publisher

amylynn@familyresourcegroup.com

that is easier said than done, especially when so many of their learning apps are on the iPad.

Here are my tips to successfully plan this summer. First, work on a budget so you know what you can afford for the summer. Next, call a family meeting and talk with your kids to see what they want to do this summer. They may also have some needs to address for the upcoming school year that you need to take into account while planning other camps. Finally, book the camps before they fill up. In this guide, you will find several options for your children in whatever they are interested in. We’ve gathered all the camps from Denver and beyond to help you plan out the perfect summer for your littles.

Happy planning and happy summer!

5 Reasons to Give Your Child the Gift of Summer Camp

BY GAYLA GRACE

I treasure the stories my children tell after arriving home from summer camp. The week-long adventures include experiences sure to build character and bond relationships. Every camp has a unique way of teaching kids their value while giving them opportunities to experience all kinds of fun they would never find at home.

The spring months are the perfect time to begin exploring summer camps. To find one that fits your child’s needs, seek out opinions from friends and neighbors; ask teachers and church counselors what camps they recommend. Whether day camp or overnight camp, there’s sure to be one your child will love and gain valuable skills from while attending.

Camp counselor Jamie Newman, who has worked the past two summers at a children’s camp for children ages 5-16, expresses her enthusiasm for sending kids to camp. “Camp encourages kids to try new things and teaches them confidence through new experiences. They learn valuable life lessons when encouraged to work through their fears and try

something even if it doesn’t feel comfortable to them. Also, when kids are thrown together in a cabin for a week, they’re forced to learn how to get along with others and often build lasting relationships that can continue when they return home,” Newman says.

Our five kids have attended summer camps ranging from athletic camps and church camps to choir and band camps. Each camp plays a unique role in building character qualities and creating life-long memories through everyday activities and interactions with others during their stay.

If you need some encouragement to give your child the gift of summer camp, here are thoughts to consider:

1 Camp encourages independence and allows children a chance to make decisions on their own in a safe, caring environment. Kids benefit from new relationships with camp counselors who care about them and want to help them with everyday struggles.

2 Camp forces kids to unplug from technology and enjoy the beauty and benefits of nature. Through outside activities, kids find new hobbies they can’t experience at home, without academic pressure or expectations. Kids gain self-confidence through trying new things and discovering talents they didn’t know they had.

3 Camp teaches good sportsmanship by encouraging each child to be fair and kind, win or lose. Team activities teach kids how to cooperate with one another and the value of getting along with others through working together and supporting one another.

4 Camp fosters new friendships with kids who come from varying backgrounds–helping kids gain an understanding of how others live outside their community. In a relaxed atmosphere, kids easily make friends while they play, sing, work, eat, and bunk together.

5 Camp creates lifelong memories of new adventures in places they’ve never experienced before. Camp offers carefree days where kids can learn how to thrive outside the structure of over-scheduled days during the school year.

So what are you waiting for? Have you signed your child up for camp yet? Adventure and character-building experiences are waiting for your child this summer!

Camper Classified: What Only the Campers Know About Camp

BY JAMIE LOBER

If you want to know what something is really like, you’ve got to talk to someone who’s been there. When it comes to overnight camp, only a camper can give you the inside look.

While the website or brochure is informative, it does not always give a true picture of what the experience is like. Your child may wonder what the activities are like, what some of the best memories will be, and if there are any tips that campers could pass along. We had the chance to get the scoop from a few campers and found out first hand what to expect at camp.

Having references for the camp is helpful. Local camper Hap H., who attends Camp

Strongriver in Mississippi, shares, “I originally found out about the camp from my mom who went there as a young child. She then told my sister who also went, and then I went,” says Hap. Hap did not have many worries because he went to camp well-informed. “They were welcoming and friendly to people who have not been away from their families before, and if you have a problem, they are very supportive,” he adds.

Every camp has their own set of activities.

“We do things that you never get to experience in Baton Rouge like kayaking and climbing mountains that you have

never seen,” says Julia P., a local camper who attends Camp Merri-Mac in North Carolina. While at camp, Julia took up guitar and also started diving and learning how to knit. “My camp was a Christian-based camp so I connected with God a lot and we sang all the time,” she adds. One of Julia’s favorite memories was going on her first climbing trip outside of North Carolina and Virginia and reaching the top of the mountain. “Seeing everything and being with all my friends really inspired me because you see what God has put in front of you and you really start to understand the blessings you have. It opened my eyes up more to the world,” she shares.

The camp Hap attends has ropes activities, docks, archery, and horseback riding, and campers can also roam around the camp. There was also a little playground in the center of the camp. “We have morning activities like fishing, soccer, yoga, running, blueberry picking, and feeding and grooming the horses. After that, we eat breakfast and then go to the cabin for 10-15 minutes before we got ready for the afternoon activities,” he shares. The owner of the camp then details the day’s activities and reads a Bible prayer. The campers enjoy getting to go out on the farm, playing in the rapids, going on a canoe trip, or tubing in the river. “We also have a nighttime ceremony where we play ‘Brown Cow’ where you get a jug of milk and sing a goodnight song and then go to bed,” he adds.

Teamwork is emphasized. “They have friendly competitions at camp like ‘Lights Out’ and ‘Clean Cabin’ so whichever cabin is the cleanest gets a piece of candy,” says Hap. If you prefer to relax, you can do those friendly competitions and are not obligated to participate in too many other activities.

The camp wants you to be free of distractions.

“You cannot bring iPhones and watches or anything with a power cord; it has to all be battery-operated,” he shares. However, Julia assures that you do not have to lose touch while away. “My camp let my parents email me, and they would print it out and give it to me, so that is a way that we keep in touch. I also write them letters back,” she adds.

Ask questions and be open with staff about any questions or concerns.

“A lot of people were anxious at first not knowing what to expect because there is always room for curiosity about what is going to happen, but camp has a warm, open environment and the counselors are really good people to talk to,” says Julia.

You will meet a lot of new people. Going away with a friend can make a difference, too. “Camp offers a get together where you can invite friends to watch a video on the camp. The activities they showed on the video really caught my eye. I thought it was something I wanted to try out, but only one-third of the people go with a friend,” says Julia. But, you will meet people from all over. “It is a really cool experience with a wide mix of people,” she adds.

Chris M. will be attending Camp Rockmont for the fifth year this summer and shares that making friends at camp isn’t hard because everyone is really friendly. “I go up to people and just say ‘Hello, My name is Chris. Where are you from?’”

For Chris, this simple question has led to a lot of friendships at camp. It’s as simple as introducing yourself. And don’t worry, the majority of the campers are in the same exact boat you are. They are all wanting to meet new friends and have a fun experience at camp, but they just might need someone else to make the introduction first.

There is a lot of support at camp whether it is your first time or third time. While being away from home

was an adjustment for Hap, he felt that the staff helped him transition well. “Being homesick is natural; just know that you are not in it alone,” says Hap.

“Remember the staff want you to succeed, and your parents are at home cheering you on knowing it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” says Julia.

However for Chris, he was surprised to find out that he didn’t spend a lot of time thinking about what was going on at home. “By the time I got settled into camp and was used to everything, I didn’t miss home as much,” he adds.

Come prepared.

“I always bring a journal so I can write down really memorable things or funny things that happened and then flip back a year later to get a good laugh,” says Julia. Also, most camps provide a packing list so you won’t forget important items when packing.

“Remember to bring books and writing supplies. I bring a lot of chapter books to help last all summer. At camp, we have a lot of free time and during that time, we get to write letters to our families. We will also receive letters from our families each day,” Chris adds.

“Camp is an awesome experience that everyone should get to have. I think the main thing about going to camp is that even though it seems nerve-racking at first to leave your parents and go somewhere where you do not know many people, know that it is going to be okay and that you are about to build a relationship that is going to last forever with counselors and campers. Even though you feel like you may be a little homesick at first, it is going to be worth it,” Julia shares.

The Camp Next Door: 5 Skills Campers Gain

BY SARAH LYONS

Many parents want their kids to experience summer camps, but the idea of spending several nights away from home is a little scary for both the parent and the child. A great alternative is to send them to day camp. Day camp typically consists of a series of consecutive days where the child is away during the daytime hours. Children leave in the morning to have the camp experience and come home in the afternoon or evening to have dinner with their families and sleep in their own beds. Day camp gives kids many of the same learning experiences as a typical sleepover camp.

Build Independence

Camp is a great place for kids to explore their own independence

and day camp is no different. Kids are dropped off at camp in the morning where they are challenged with new activities that they may not get the opportunity to try at home. They will make friends, eat lunch, and follow directions without the help of their parents. Kids start to feel more self confident and independent as the week goes on.

Learn New Skills

Day camps typically offer opportunities to learn and grow in areas that children may not be exposed to at school. Kids can pick camps that tailor to their interests, including a variety of sports, music, dance, theater, science, art, and exploring nature. If your child is

drawn to a particular activity or subject, chances are there is a camp that would interest him. Kids who are not particularly drawn to academics will thrive in day camps because they are rewarded for their talents and interests.

Make New Friends

While you may sign your child up for a camp with a friend, your child will meet many new people his age. Children gain confidence as they learn to talk to and work with people who they have never played with previously. The opportunity to make friends with children who share similar interests and a fun new experience helps kids feel more comfortable when they are in new situations.

Take a Break from the Screen

When children spend time at day camp, they get a much needed break from screen time. As video games, apps, TV, and tablets take more and more of our free time, getting the kids outside to play or having fun while learning new skills is a priceless benefit to parents. Who knows? When the kids come home from camp, they may realize they don’t need as much screen time as they thought they did.

Gain Lifelong Skills

Day camp helps kids learn skills they can use for a lifetime, including problem solving and leadership skills, improved confidence, and an openness to new things. Depending on the camp, they may learn other skills that will stick with them. My kids learned how to start a fire and cook their own meal at local scouting camps. My daughter gained the confidence to get on stage in front of a room full of parents and peers at theater camp. My kids improved their skills at sport camps and they faced their fears while trying the camp obstacle course. These experiences will stay with your child throughout his life as he is faced with challenges and successes in the future.

As you are deciding if day camp is right for your family, consider what type of camp your child would be most interested in. Choose something that you know he will be successful at and consider inviting a friend to sign up with your child. This can make him more comfortable that first day. Let your child help you choose the right camp and then let him know you think he will do great.

CAMP LISTINGS

CREATIVE ARTS AND EDUCATION

page 15

PERFORMING ARTS

page 19

SPORTS, FITNESS, & NUTRITION

page 23

TRADITIONAL

page 25

OVERNIGHT CAMPS

page 31

All information for the listings was provided by each facility and was up-to-date at the time of press.

CREATIVE ARTS AND EDUCATION

Creative Arts

Art Students League of Denver

200 Grant St., Denver (303) 778-6990

asld.org

Ages: 6-17

Dates: June 3-August 9

Rates: $170-400

Creative Camps at Studio Arts Boulder

1010 Aurora Ave., Boulder (720) 379-6033

studioartsboulder.org/camps

Ages: 6-16

Dates: June-August

Rates: $220-305

Denver Art Museum

Summer Camp

100 W 14th Ave. Pkwy., Denver (720) 865-5000

denverartmuseum.org

Ages: 5-14

Dates: June 10-August 9

Rates: Vary

Girls Create Summer Camps

3300 W. Nevada Pl., Denver (303) 219-0882

athenaprojectarts.org

Ages: 11-16

Dates: July 8-August 2

Rates: $275-300

MindCraft STEAM Summer Camps

2501 Dallas St., Ste. 228, Aurora (303) 341-4065

mindcraftmakerspace.com

Ages: 5-12

Dates: June 10-August 9

Rates: $285-400

Education

Bird Camps:

Day Camps

14500 Lark Bunting Ln., Brighton (303) 659-4348

birdconservatory.org

Ages: 4-13

Dates: June 3-August 7

Rates: $120-340

Camp Galileo

Multiple Locations (800) 854-3684

galileo-camps.com

Grades: K-8

Dates: June 10-July 26

Rates: Vary

Camp Invention

800 8th Ave., Frisco

invent.org

Grades: K-6

Dates: June 17-21

Rates: $270

Camp Next Level

Higher Minds of Education Virtual (225) 627-3009

hmofed.com

Ages: High School Seniors

Dates: June-July

Rates: $65-100

CU Science Discovery

1560 30th St., Boulder (303) 492-7188

colorado.edu/sciencediscovery

Grades: K-12

Dates: June 3-August 2

Rates: $235+

Gold Crown Foundation Summer STEAM Camps

Multiple Locations (303) 233-6776

goldcrownfoundation.com

Grades: 6-12

Dates: June-August

Rates: $150

Lighthouse Writers Workshop: Young Writers Summer Camps

3844 Tork St., Denver (303) 297-1185

lighthousewriters.org

Ages: 8-18

Dates: June-August

Rates: $270-475

Maker Camp

Craftsman & Apprentice

2350 N. Gaylord St., Denver craftsmanandapprentice.com

Ages: 5-11

Dates: June 17-August 2

Rates: $550

MindCraft STEAM & Academic Camps

2501 Dallas St., Ste. 228, Aurora

(303) 341-4065

mindcraftmakerspace.com

Ages: 5-15

Dates: June 10-August 9

Rates: $285-4,250

PALS Chess Camps

Multiple Locations (720) 504-8765

palschess.com

Ages: 5-17

Dates: June 10-July 26

Rates: $189-449

Rosie’s Discovery Camp

6252 W. 104th Ave., Westminster (720) 375-9986

butterflies.org

Ages: 5-12

Dates: June 3-August 9

Rates: $295-305

STEAM & Tech Camp

10455 W. 6th Ave., Ste. 150, Denver (720) 266-2143

Ages: 6-12

Dates: June-August

Rates: $275-325

STEM Summer Camps

Silicon STEM Academy (303) 877-1430

siliconstemacademy.com

Ages: 7 and up

Dates: June-July

Rates: $275-795

Super Star Reading Camp - Denver

1800 Pontiac St., Denver (720) 235-5935

everychildreading.net

Ages: 7-13

Dates: June 10-July 12

Rates: $2,050-2,950

Super Star Reading Camp - Lakewood

1100 Upham St., Lakewood (720) 235-5935

everychildreading.net

Ages: 7-13

Dates: June 10-July 12

Rates: $2,050-2,950

Super Star Reading Camp - Vail

3000 Booth Falls Rd., Vail (720) 235-5935

everychildreading.net

Ages: 7-13

Dates: June 17-July 12

Rates: $2,900-4,100

TACT

2960 S. Umatilla St., Englewood (303) 295-0163

buildwithtact.org

Ages: 5-30

Dates: June 20-August 9

Rates: Vary

Wings Over the Rockies

7711 E. Academy Blvd., Denver

13005 Wings Way, Centennial (303) 360-5360

wingsmuseum.org

Ages: 8-12

Dates: May 28-August 9

Rates: $439

Young Americans Center for Financial Education

3550 E. First Ave., Denver (303) 321-2265

yacenter.org/

summer-camps

Ages: 8-13

Dates: June 10-August 2

Rates: $275

PERFORMING ARTS

Aerial Summer Camps

3022 E. Sterling Cir., Ste. 150, Boulder (303) 245-8272

frequentflyers.org/camps

Ages: 5-17

Dates: June 3-July 19

Rates: $300-500

Amethyst Aerial Arts

9083 W. Peakview Dr., Littleton (720) 273-3119

amethystaerial.com

Ages: 5-12

Dates: May 31-July 27

Rates: $200-400

Colorado Conservatory of Dance

3001 Industrial Ln. #12, Broomfield (303) 466-5685

ccdance.org/summer

Ages: 5-8

Dates: June 17-July 27

Rates: $480

Kids Comedy Camp at Chaos Bloom Theater

70 S. Broadway, Denver (720) 432-3581

chaosbloom.com

Ages: 9-15

Dates: June-July

Rates: $350

International School of Denver

7701 E. First Pl., Unit C, Denver (303) 340-3647

isdenver.org/summer

Ages: 3-14

Dates: June 10-August 2

Rates: $325-550

Music Creators

2960 Speer Blvd., Denver (303) 871-6543

newmancenterpresents.com/education

Ages: 13-16

Dates: June 10-14 & June 17-21

Rates: $475

Northglenn Arts

1 E. Memorial Pkwy., Northglenn (303) 450-8888

northglennarts.org

Ages: 6-16

Dates: June-August

Rates: Vary

Parker Arts Camps

19650 Mainstreet, Parker (303) 805-3374

parkerarts.org/education

Ages: 10-18

Date: May-August

Rates: $75-450

Parker Arts Culture and Events Center

20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker (303) 805-6800

parkerarts.org

Ages: 3-12

Dates: June-July

Rates: $150-385

Performing Arts Academy Summer Camps

Various locations (303) 900-7041

paacolorado.org

Ages: 3-18

Dates: May 28-August 2

Rates: $235-745

Rocky Mountain Theatre for Kids Summer Camps

3425 S. Broadway, Englewood

5311 Western Ave., Ste. 135, Boulder (303) 245-8150

theaterforkids.net

Ages: 5-17

Dates: May-August

Rates: $475-1,895

School of Rock Denver Summer Performance Camps

560 S. Holly St. #15, Denver (720) 221-6991

schoolofrock.com

Ages: 8-18

Dates: Multiple Sessions

Rates: $450

Summer Dance Camp

3001 Industrial Ln., Broomfield (303) 466-5685

ccdance.org

Ages: 5-12

Dates: June 17-July 27

Rates: $480-580

Summer Musical Theatre Camp

27608 Fireweed Dr., Evergreen (303) 674-4002

ovationwest.org

Ages: 5-18

Dates: June 2-14

Rates: Vary

Swallow Hill Music Camps

71 E Yale Ave., Denver (303) 777-1003

swallowhillmusic.org/camps

Ages: 6-18

Dates: June-August

Rates: $445-890

SPORTS, FITNESS, & NUTRITION

AF Sports Camps

2169 Field House Dr., USAFA (719) 333-2116

GoAirForceFalcons.com/camps

Ages: 8-18

Dates: June 10-24

Rates: $500-1,000

Denver Equestrians Riding School

5200 W. Coal Mine Ave., Littleton (303) 973-0077

denverequestrians.com

Ages: 5-8+

Dates: May-August

Rates: $950

Gold Crown Foundation Summer Sports Camp

150 S. Harlan St., Lakewood (303) 233-6776

goldcrownfoundation.com

Grades: 2nd-10th

Dates: June-August

Rates: $145-165

SafeSplash Swim School

Lone Tree, Park Hill, and Aurora (303) 625-9917

safesplash.com

Ages: 4 months+

Dates: May-August

Rates: Vary

Woodward Copper Summer Camp

509 Copper Rd., Copper Mountain (866) 677.1689

coppercolorado.com

Ages: 7-17

Dates: June-August

Rates: $1,995-2,495

TRADITIONAL

ABLE to Sail Youth Empowerment Camp

Union Reservoir, 0461 County Rd. 26, Longmont (720) 233-8969

abletosail.org

Ages: 12-18

Dates: June-August

Rates: $395

Adventure Quest with Renaissance Adventures

Denver, Boulder, Longmont, Louisville (303) 786-9216

renaissanceadventures.com

Ages: 6-17

Dates: Multiple Sessions

Rates: $220-549

BAM! Summer Camps

Denver/Boulder

brains-and-motion.com

Grades: K-8

Dates: June 3-August 9

Rates: $540-699

Boulder Country

Day School Summer Camp

4820 Nautilus Ct. N., Boulder (303) 527-4931

bouldercountryday.org/summer

Ages: 3-13

Dates: June-July

Rates: $185-690

Camp Greenwood

5801 S. Quebec St., Greenwood Village (720) 838-2496

greenwoodcamps.com

Ages: 5-12

Dates: May 28-August 9

Rates: $235-435

Colorado Adventure Point

10455 W. 6th Ave., Denver (720) 266-2233

coloradoadventurepoint.org

Ages: 6-12

Dates: June-August

Rates: $275+

Curious Jane

55 Clermont St., Denver (908) 433-0528

curiousjane.fun/camp/denver

Grades: K-9

Dates: June-July Rates: $525

Denver Academy Summer Program

4400 E. Illiff Ave., Denver (303) 777-5870

denveracademy.org

Ages: 6-18

Dates: June 10-July 3

Rates: $195-925

Denver YMCA Summer Camp

2625 S. Colorado Blvd., Denver denverymca.org

Ages: 5-15

Dates: June 3-August 16

Rates: $100-500

Dream Big Day Camp

2450 S. Wabash St., Denver (303) 377-1805

dreambigdaycamp.com

Ages: 4-17

Dates: June 3-August 9

Rates: $325-690

Dungeon Delvers with Renaissance Adventures

Denver, Boulder, Longmont (303) 786-9216

renaissanceadventures.com

Ages: 10-17

Dates: June-August

Rates: $250-549

Iliff Preschool Summer Adventure Daycamp

4140 E. Iliff, Denver (303) 757-3551

iliffpreschool.com

Grades: Post KG-12

Dates: Vary

Rates: Daily Rate & Weekly Rate Offered

International School of Denver

7701 E. First Pl., Unit C, Denver (303) 340-3647

isdenver.org/summer

Ages: 3-14

Dates: June 10-August 2

Rates: $325-550

Knight Teen Leadership with Renaissance Adventure

Denver, Boulder, Longmont, Louisville (303) 786-9216

renaissanceadventures.com

Ages: 14-17

Dates: Multiple Sessions

Rates: $110-300

Little People’s Landing

Multiple Locations (303) 972-0787

littlepeopleslanding.com

Ages: 5-12

Dates: Vary

Rates: Vary

Magic Cards & Games with Renaissance Adventures

101 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder (303) 786-9216

renaissanceadventures.com

Ages: 10-17

Dates: August 12-13

Rates: $219

Ocean Discovery Camp

3015 Bluff St., Boulder (303) 444-7234

oceanfirst.blue/swim-camps-and-programs

Ages: 9-12

Dates: June 24-27 or July 8-11

Rates: $300

PlayQuest with Renaissance Adventures

6717 S. Boulder Rd., Boulder (303) 786-9216

renaissanceadventures.com

Ages: 6-17

Dates: Multiple Sessions

Rates: $250

Primrose School of Denver Central Park Denver North & Thornton Summer Adventure Cub (303) 271-1237

primroseschools.com

Grades: K-5

Dates: Vary

Rates: Vary

Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp

805 S. Shields St., Fort Collins (970) 493-5258

Ages: 6-18

Dates: June-July

Rates: $285-725

Star Quest with Renaissance Adventures

101 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder (303) 786-9216

renaissanceadventures.com

Ages: 10-17

Dates: Multiple Sessions

Rates: $599

Summer Camp at The Behavioral Exchange

500 Discovery Pkwy., Superior (720) 647-8541

behaviorexchange.com

Ages: 2-17

Dates: Vary

Rates: Vary

Swim and Marine Science Camp

3015 Bluff St., Boulder (303) 444-7234

oceanfirst.blue/swim-camps-and-programs

Ages: 5-8

Dates: July 22-25 or August 5-8

Rates: $228

YMCA of the Rockies

1101 County Rd. 53, Granby (970) 887-2648

campchiefouray.org

Ages: 5-17

Dates: June-August

Rates: $230+

There are many effective ways to reduce stuttering. Doing nothing is not one of them.

OVERNIGHT CAMPS

AEI Base Camp

2 Illinois Creek Rd., Almont (970) 641-4708

aeibasecamp.com

Ages: High School and Up

Dates: June-August

Rates: $700-1,200

Ajax Sleepaway

28525 Brush Creek Rd., Meredith (970) 718-6008

ajaxsleepaway.com

Ages: 8-13

Dates: June 23-August 10

Rates: $1,853 (1 week) & $3,515 (2 weeks)

Bird Camps:

Overnight Camps

14500 Lark Bunting Ln., Brighton (303) 659-4348

birdconservatory.org

Ages: 12-17

Dates: June 20-July 12

Rates: $950-1,400

Camp Colorado

238 N. County Hwy. 67, Sedalia (303) 688-4491

campcolorado.org

Ages: 8-18

Dates: May-June

Rates: $200-300

Camp Green Cove

617 Green Cove Rd., Zirconia (828) 692-6355

greencove.com

Ages: 6-17

Dates: May 29-August 12

Rates: $1,700-8,200

Camp Hardtner

2393 Camp Hardtner Rd., Pollock (318) 765-3794

camphardtner.org

Ages: 7-18+

Dates: May 31-August 1

Rates: $175-675

Camp Hollymont for Girls

Hollymont Inc.

339 Nacoochee Dr., Rabun Gap (828) 686-5343

hollymont.com

Ages: 6-16

Dates: June 9-July 19

Rates: $2,750-4,990

Camp Winaukee

432 Winaukee Rd., Moultonborough (800) 487-9157

winaukee.com

Ages: 7-15

Dates: June 22-August 10

Rates: $14,700

Cub Creek Science Camp

16795 State Route E, Rolla (573) 458-2125

cubcreeksciencecamp.com

Ages: 7-17

Dates: June 2-August 10

Rates: $1,290

Twin Lakes Camp

Twin Lakes Camp and Conference Center

155 Milner Rd., Florence (601) 845-6858

twinlakescamp.org

Ages: 6-15

Dates: June 3-July 20

Rates: $725-745

Hang In There, Camper!

Tips for Helping Anxious Kids Enjoy Summer Camp

BY EMILY EGAN

As May approaches, school children typically have one thing on their mind, summer break. Thoughts of school are replaced with what they are going to do or where they are going, with some going on vacation; some visiting relatives; and some staying home, hanging with friends, and enjoying their break.

For others, they look forward to summer camp where they can reunite with friends, explore the outdoors, and do activities they

had been waiting for. Children going for the first time, however, could be frightened. They aren’t just going, but going without parents, possibly even by themselves without friends. Because of this, parents may worry about sending their children to summer camp, however, there are ways to calm them if they feel anxious.

Signs of Anxiety

Before camp, parents may

notice their children’s behavior changing and wonder if it is making them anxious. As a National Certified Counselor focusing on child and adolescent therapy with specialized training in treatment for anxiety, Cheryl Brodnax informs parents on how to detect signs of anxiety in their children. “Common signs include excessive worrying, fearfulness, clinginess, not wanting to be away from their parents, or acting out over small things,”

she says. “Less obvious are often masked as illness, like fatigue, upset stomach, headache, muscle tension, and eating or sleeping changes.”

the best way for them to calm children was to build relationships to get to know them better. “Without relationship and connection,

Reassurance is Key

Concerning camp, parents can reassure children that everything will be okay. In his 19 years with Twin Lakes Summer Camp, director Andrew Vincent notices anxious children arriving at camp but reassures parents they can help through encouragement and saying how fun camp will be. “Framing camp as something they can do and assuring they will have a great time is important,” he says.

Brodnax also reassured her children. “A big game changer was helping them adjust to what scared them about going, like meeting new people or sleeping away from home for the first time, and planning in advance reduced fear of the unknown,” she says. “Knowing how the camp was being run, and who was in charge helped with my own anxiety and gave me greater confidence to address my kids’ concerns.”

Build a Relationship

Though calming children beforehand, anxiety may return once arriving. Vincent has seen many children who were anxious about starting camp but found

the rest of our efforts can fall flat,” says Vincent. Through this, he encourages counselors to obtain information from children to see what they like to make them comfortable. “By asking questions, counselors get to know children better and find out general information and their interest level in camp. The more we get to know each child, the more we can reassure them and direct their thoughts to positive aspects of camp and areas of interest.”

Keep in Touch

While children are getting attention, parents can still keep in touch. “Letters and one-way emails are great to receive,” says Vincent. “We encourage connecting with them this way. However, parents should keep it positive and about the child’s enjoyment, rather than lots of questions that could produce fears or emotions they haven’t considered.”

With her own children, Brodnax connected similarly. “Sending letters and care packages helped them feel connected to home,” she says. “However, phone calls were

discouraged because it could trigger homesickness.”

Supportive Staff is Important

If parents are unsure about sending their children to camp, Vincent assures parents that while they may be nervous, children do open up. “One of the most common differences seen and comments received is that campers become more confident and independent from their experiences,” says Vincent. “Camp encourages kids to be themselves and work through the intricacies of relating to and getting along with others. Having supportive staff supervise and assist, as needed, also helps guide them, but it does not get in the way of this process.”

Vincent and Brodnax saw camp as a positive experience for their children. “Although nervous before, they followed through and returned with many stories, new friends and confidence. Facing fears and trying something new helped develop new skills and learn that many anxieties aren’t grounded in reality. They developed self-esteem and efficacy to draw from next time they face anxiety,” says Brodnax.

Similarly, Vincent also noticed positive changes. “All three had great experiences at camp,” says Vincent. “There were plenty of things each worked through, but as a result, we noticed increased maturity, self-confidence, and relational skills as a result of camp experiences. I believe that each experience built on the others. Success builds confidence and each week helped them add more ‘tools in their tool belt’ to deal with many situations that may come their way in the future.”