Finding a camp is an important decision. Whether you are looking for a new adventure or it is your first time away from home there are many great choices. But, with hundreds of great programs available, how are you going to find the right fit for your child?
Judy recommends starting with the “five S’s”– five key words to help you evaluate your options
Style. Are you looking for a specialty program or an overall experience? Do you want to travel or stay close to home? Do you prefer a rustic atmosphere with platform tents and outhouses? Or do you go for plush, polished-looking facilities with spacious bunks and hot-water showers? Does your child like sports, arts, outdoor activities -- or a combination of them all?
Structure. Do you want a tightly planned schedule? Or more free time with an opportunity to choose daily activities? Is your child comfortable making those choices? Do you want a two-week, four-week or eight-week program?
Safety. What is the program’s safety record? Have there been any serious accidents there? Has it been under steady ownership for a good number of years?
Staff.Is the staff well qualified? Do the counselors have experience working with children? What is the background and training of the specialists? What is the median age of the staff? Some programs won’t hire anyone who has had less than a year or two of college. Others have extensive CIT programs and encourage past campers to return as counselors. Some rely heavily on international counselors highlighting cultural awareness as part of their program.
Spend. How much do you want to spend on a program? In addition to tuition, which can vary greatly, there may be additional costs for items such as airfare, uniforms, side trips or special activities.
Do you - as a consumer – get your money’s worth?
Once you have a general idea of the type of camp or tour you may be interested in, it’s time to call Judy. Having worked with many children and researched hundreds of camps in the US and abroad she can direct you to the type of program that will best match your family’s needs. Each child is unique – a program that works for one child may not be the right choice for another, even within the same family. The most important thing is not to feel overwhelmed or intimidated by the choices.
Remember, there is never a fee or obligation for Judy’s services. She will only refer programs that meet her high quality standards.
Community Service Expeditions
There are many remarkable trips you can experience this summer, but only a community service expedition can give you the thrill of making a difference. Whether you are working with the environment, community, or individuals, helping brings its own rewards. Community Service programs allow you to immerse yourself in the language, customs, and lifestyle of your host country. There are hundreds of opportunities, abroad and in the United States, that blend community service with travel and fun. Here is a small sample of the many kinds of settings available.
Ecuador Traveling by canoe and on foot will allow a rare look into this jungle ecology where wildlife and rare plant species flourish in the rainforest. Take a spectacular hike observing snow capped volcanoes. Join local artisans and try to learn their weaving skills. Guided by naturalists, travel around the Galapagos Islands sighting giant tortoises, blue-footed bobby, penguins, and dolphins. Snorkel with sea lions in the warm water. Live with a family in a rural village and help with the daily chores. Teach English classes or use your creativity and energy to organize a festival or other activities for children.
France Bike, hike and climb through the Alps. Help repair alpine trails or help archeologists excavate an 11th Century village. Travel to Paris and visit famous historic sites: Notre Dame, Napoleon’s tomb, Pompidou Center, Montparnasse and more.
New England Travel with your group by van to different communities to provide services to the poorest sections of Boston. Devise and teach craft projects at a facility that helps children and young adults with special needs. Provide food for people living in a shelter by creating and harvesting a garden. Teach games at a day care center for low-income children. This trip includes visits to the Cape for sea kayaking, swimming, and hiking. There is also free time in Boston.
All teen travel/community service expeditions begin with an orientation where participants develop team building skills and learn about the culture, history, language, religion and government of their host community.
There are hundreds of programs and projects all over the world: Costa Rica, Mexico, New Zealand, Thailand, Ghana, India, Puerto Rico, China, and Russia. Select the area you want to explore, the type of project, and the kind of travel/outdoor experience that interests you. If you have a desire for adventure and an interest in leaving a place better than when you arrived, a community service expedition is for you!
Connecting in Costa Rica
Our very first activity was a scavenger hunt. As a group we had to find landmarks and objects by asking the locals for directions. Our group quickly bonded as we honed our Spanish and learned about our surroundings. From the very first day I knew that this trip would be like no other. For me this trip had a dual purpose, I was going to be immersed in the Spanish language, and I was going to help preserve a beautiful country, Costa Rica.
The first week we went deep into the rainforest. There were the most beautiful plants and trees. I don’t think I have ever seen so much green. Each day we hiked an hour into the forest where we were building a trench to protect the area from erosion. We dug in the thick mud to create the trench and lined it with rocks. Late in the afternoon we hiked back to the lodge. The accommodations were quite rustic, no hot water and there was only electricity from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. I didn’t mind. After a long hot day in the jungle, a nice cool shower was just what I wanted.
The next week we stayed with host families in a small village. I lived with a family with three kids, two boys and a girl, 5, 6 & 9 years of age. What struck me was their simple lifestyle. They did not own a car. The father worked for the Red Cross and biked 5 hours a day to his job. My host family welcomed me into their home; they called me their big sister. They especially loved to talk and hear about life in the US. In addition to helping our host families, we built a community room onto the church. This room would serve as a gathering place in the town for all kinds of activities. We also painted the church. The children were so excited about the community room. As soon as they were finished with school they would run to the building site to help us. There wasn’t much they could do, but their enthusiasm was infectious. Living in the Ticos village was my favorite part of the trip. My Costa Rica family were the warmest, most welcoming people I have ever had encountered. It was here that I learned that it is not material things that bring happiness, it is the simple things in life that really bring contentment. Monetarily this family had much less than my family in the States, but they were rich in other ways and generous with their love and kindness.
The final week of our trip we toured the historical and popular sites of Costa Rica. I loved all aspects of this trip and I would highly recommend it. It expanded my view of the world. However, the most remarkable part of the experience for me was much more personal. I was truly awed by the kindness of my host family and the whole village. Their love is something I will carry with me forever. I felt I really lived in another culture; I got to see the real Costa Rica and be part of making it a better place.
Emily S. Philadelphia
There are hundreds of different Community Service programs, with various activities and experience levels. If you are interested in finding out more about this or another Community Service experience, call Judy Macnow at 800-609-2267 or email her at judy@campandtour.com
Announcements
Space in the most popular programs fills up quickly. If you have a specific interest, location, or dates in mind, now is the time to be booking your trip.
Judy is available for talks and presentations. If your school or community group would be interested in hearing about specific trips or types of programs, call us to schedule a presentation.
Greetings From Judy Macnow
I have heard from many of you and I am so pleased that you are enjoying our newsletter. In this issue we are focusing on community service programs, including a story from Emily, who spent last summer in Costa Rica. She had an amazing experience, working in the rain forest and a remote village. If you have a story you’d like to share, please give me a call or send me an email.
With snow on the ground and frigid temperatures in the air, it is hard to think of the hot, hazy days of summer. Now is the time, however, to start looking for the perfect summer experience. Many camps and tours have enhanced their programs or added features. I would love to share their news with you. To start planning your summer adventure give me a call at
610-446-2267 or
800-609-2267.
