24 APRIL 2014
Camp s
Lonehollow Leader Touts Benefits of Getting Away From It All By Caitlin Adams
tradition and innovation for 21st-century youth combined. I wanted to partner with families in focusing on each individual camper’s unique experience, helping each child prepare for life “full-circle,” where he/ she could discover skills today to help him/her navigate life tomorrow. At camp, that might mean learning to not only catch a fish but also to bait the hook and then grill the catch over an open fire. But the critical thinking required to process this act start to finish, the perseverance needed to see it through, and the sense of achievement that comes when eating that deli-
Special Contributor Meg Clark is the owner and director at Camp Lonehollow, a co-ed summer camp in the Hill Country. As the daughter of a camp director, Clark is familiar with the ins and outs of summer camp. Here she shares answers to some of parents’ most frequently asked questions when searching for their child’s home away from home.
Why did you decide to start Camp Lonehollow? Inspired by my own camp upbringing, I know first-hand
C O U R T E SY O F C A M P LO N E H O LLO W
Emmy, Clayton, Meg, and Addie Clark the benefits of summer camp — independence, friendship, responsibility, leadership, and in-
spiration. These timeless traditions set in motion my vision. I wanted to create a camp where
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School’s Out & Summer’s In! Time to make friends, learn new skills and have FUN this summer! Select from a range of one- or two-week academic enrichment, artistic, sports or fun-filled camps. For boys and girls, ages 3-18.
June 2 – August 15 It is the policy of Greenhill School to administer its educational programs, including admission and financial aid, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, or disability.
www.greenhill.org/summer
cious flame-kissed filet are skills that will endure far beyond camping days.
What should parents look for when selecting a camp? Where to begin? ... Ask yourself: What do you want for your child to experience? What do you hope your child will gain from camp? For example, if you want your child to grow in independence, then ask each camp specific questions about how their program develops this skill. Are classes laid out for the campers, or do they have a say in which ones they take? Do campers take on individual responsibility with leadership roles or cabin/community service? Look at where you feel your child will receive the same personalized level of love and care provided at home while being challenging to reach his/ her fullest potential. Ask questions about camper-to-counselor ratios and how the bonds of friendship within cabins are nurtured. Study the camp’s website and promotional materials, and ask questions about the camp’s philosophy and program. Do they meet your expectations and intentions for your child? How do they approach challenges met by today’s youth such as bullying or the overuse of electronic devices? Also, you will want to know specifics about their staff hiring and training practices. Who are they employing as role models for your children? Do these counselors emulate the values important to you? And how are they being screened and trained for working with children? Finally, get to know the camp schedule. Will children be busy or have too much idle time? How are staff keeping them engaged and excited to participate? If at all possible, I suggest a site visit just to make sure you feel the environment provides a good fit for your child’s needs. Children who are uncomfortable or unhappy with the way their basic needs are being met will never be able to fully engage in a program. What will a child learn? Beyond the fun and adventure, beyond growing “geared to live,” and beyond the lifelong friendships, Lonehollow campers will grow in 21st-century skills, those skills deemed necessary by leading corporations Continued on 25