Admissions News

Three Benefits of the Summer Camp Experience

Parents and teachers are always looking for ways to aid in the learning process during the summer months. In recent years, camps have developed as a meaningful way to fulfill this goal. The National Summer Learning Association published findings by Duke University Professor Harris Cooper, who said “summer programs should be well-planned to complement the school year, not necessarily more of the same or an afterthought.” With that in mind, De La Salle Collegiate has grown our summer camp offerings to be complementary learning activities to what your child is already doing at school or in practice. We aim to provide students opportunities to explore new areas of interest while in a safe, healthy, and inclusive environment. Here are the 3 major benefits from attending a summer camp:

1. Skills Development

At camp a student will learn and develop new abilities, techniques, and ideas – perhaps even discover and awaken a hidden talent or passion. These opportunities can lead students to hone in on activities and interests that can fuel their future careers. In a study published by the American Camp Association (ACA), Dr. Peter Scales of The Search Institute noted: “The biggest plus of camp is that camps help young people discover and explore their talent, interests, and values. Most schools don’t satisfy all these needs. Kids who have had these kinds of (camp) experiences end up being healthier and have less problems which concern us all.” The threat of Summer Learning Loss, the loss of academic skills and knowledge over the course of summer holidays can be a great concern for parents and students. Attending summer camps can provide meaningful learning experiences for both students and parents and reduce the gap for summer learning loss.

2. Self-Respect and

Character Building

Camps provide additional opportunities for students to strengthen emerging skills of making new friends, taking risks, and learning how to take care of themselves and their own belongings. Jess Michaels, Director of

Communication for the ACA, noted in The Parent Guide News that “When children succeed at these activities, they build self-esteem. Children also build social skills and problem-solving skills by being a part of a supportive community and partaking in activities together.”

3. Person to Person

Communication

Summer camps continue to “plantthe-seed of success” in students. The skills learned will carry-over into their future academic, artistic or athletic endeavor. According to the ACA, “Children are at less risk at camp where they have a sense of community, develop intergenerational relationships, and learn through first-hand experiences. Trained, caring adult role models help children feel loved, capable, and included. Camp helps children grow by providing a supervised, positive environment that has safety as a primary commitment.” I encourage you to find the right camp for your son or daughter so they continue their skill developing character building process and personal relationships. You can learn more about our summer camp offerings by attending out 2017 Summer Camp Expo. For additional information, visit our camp webpage at www.delasallehs.com/future-pilots/ summer-camps/.

Drop Into De La Salle Collegiate!

Every year families go through the evaluation and decision process for high school. Often it is a struggle to determine what school is the right fit for their son and family. The Admissions Office spends endless hours working with these families via email, phone calls, tours, etc. And the number one elixir is to take the time to get on campus. Spending time on campus allows a family to meet the students, staff, coaches, and leadership. It provides an opportunity to get a feel for the campus culture, values, and priorities, while assessing if the people in charge are capable of delivering on the desired Catholic and college prep outcomes they desire for their son. No video, phone call, or website can truly substitute for getting on campus and walking around and meeting the people of that school. A large number of young men participate in the Pilot for a Day Program, and then decide on De La Salle Collegiate. We annually survey parents and students at the beginning of freshman year. Parents routinely vote Open House and taking a tour as the deciding action they took that lead them to enroll their children at De La Salle Collegiate. With these facts in mind, I invite you to come and visit De La Salle Collegiate. Some great opportunities to do so are • Pilot for a Day/Shadowing - Any 7th or 8th grade student can do this. • Schedule a Tour (even in the summer) - Just call to schedule. Evening tours available. • Summer Camp Expo - Sunday, May 21. • Coffee Talk - First Friday of each month. You can review all of these events by visiting the Future Pilots page on our website or by contacting us at admissions@delasallehs.com or 586-541-6220. I cannot wait to show you our campus and all the great things happening here for young men. God Bless and Go Pilots!

Mr. Bill Burkhardt, ‘03

Director of Admissions