Do you dream of becoming a rock star? How about a Hollywood stunt double? Or a secret agent? Ever wonder what it would be like to join the circus? You can follow your passions, test out your dreams, take a challenge, or just have fun meeting other campers from around the world at a nontraditional camp this summer.

Picture this: a beautiful lake, tall green trees, dramatic rocky cliffs, rolling meadows, quiet trails, a crackling campfire, song, laughter -- Sound good??

That’s exactly what you might find at a nontraditional camp. Nontraditional camps are comprehensive and varied. Many offer once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. All of the nontraditional camps available through Judy Macnow’s Camp and Tour Consultants create a safe, supportive environment for campers to connect with others as well as themselves. The counselors make learning and fun synonymous. They nurture young minds and focus on positive, successful, enriching interactions with the campers.

So, whether your tastes lean toward extreme action and adventure, creating delectable desserts or almost anything you can imagine, there’s a nontraditional camp waiting for you this summer.

This summer I went to a camp in Maine that was out in the middle of the woods. I went for a whole month, without my parents, and it was a great time.

I had been going to day camp for a few years, but this camp was different. Every day after breakfast and cabin cleanup I went to three classes we had picked at the beginning of the week. There were all kinds of activities to choose from. I like nature and animals a lot and at this camp there were animals we could take care of. I picked animal care, where I took care of some kittens. After two weeks you could change classes. After lunch we had some free time and then another class. Then there were electives. You could do different kinds of sports, games, arts, gardening and hikes.

There were so many things you could choose to do. I chose my favorite activities-singing and dancing. We put on the show “Into The Woods”. I really liked the director. We were always singing and acting -- not just sitting around. But I also had a chance to try new things that were so much fun. I learned to work with beads and tried fashion design.

The food was great! I was kind of nervous because I am a vegetarian. One of my favorite meals we cooked outdoors with our group. We made salad, pasta and Rice Crispy treats -- that was really good.

Going to overnight camp was a lot different than day camp. I had to live with a bunch of people I didn’t know before. I had never been away from my parents for a month. I had to learn to solve my problems myself. In day camp you go home to your parents each day. In overnight camp you learn to trust the counselors. I made some really nice new friends. All kids in my bunk were going to overnight camp for the first time. We helped each other.

Even though it was a little hard being away from home, my parents and my own room, I had a great time. I had so much fun; I can’t wait to go back next year.

Haley, Age 10 Gladwyne

Is my child ready for overnight camp? This is a question many parents are asking themselves for the first time this year. Certainly, you know your child best. But there are some clear signs that will help tell you whether your child is ready for this big step toward independence.

Can he take care of his needs? Has he been able to handle situations without your assistance? Is he experienced at sleeping away from home? This is a good time to reflect how your child has changed and matured over the past year or two. A child should be able to handle their own self-care to feel secure outside of his own home.

Is her current summer activity not fulfilling? Has she outgrown her day camp? Has she expressed an interest in a specific activity? With a diverse selection of camps available, you could select one that is a perfect fit with your child's interests and personality. Overnight camp allows for deep involvement in activities, as well as trying new things. For example, a sports camp would give a camper concentrated instruction in selected sports with plenty time for general camp activities. Performing arts campers can have a much larger block of time to practice than during the school year -- and still have outdoor summer fun.

Are his peers starting to go to overnight camp? Going with a friend, cousin, or sibling can help with the transition. Does your child have a relative or friend who has been to overnight camp and really loved it? A first-hand description of what camp is like may be very helpful for your child. It could dispel worries and answer questions.

As children grow they are always looking for opportunities to stretch their independence. Overnight camp can give them that opportunity in a safe and exciting environment. Many camps even offer special programs for first-time campers; shortened stays (two weeks instead of four), first-timer cabins, orientations and tours.

Regardless of your child’s age, the most successful overnight stays occur when you have extensive knowledge about the program and are confident it is a good match for your child. Judy has information on hundreds of camp and tour programs. If you think that your child might be ready for overnight adventure, call Judy today.