Roasting Marshmallows, Camp Fires, Ghosts Stories, Color Wars – all are memories associated with the traditional camp experience.
In the excitement and grandeur of all the specialty camps, traditional overnight camps can be overlooked for their fancier counterparts. However, traditional camps are still the right choice for many families.

Some camps have been around for decades. Often, generations within the same family have returned year after year to enjoy the same activities and traditions that hold such special memories for them. That is not to say that traditional camps have not changed over the years or that the activities are not updated. These camps are continually modernizing their offerings and equipment to keep the campers' experience fresh and exciting every year.

A traditional overnight camp usually has a range of activities throughout the day. Children have a set schedule with free time and a choice of activities. They are encouraged to try new things. Most camps have theme weeks and campwide activities like color wars. The camps have established traditions that returning campers come to expect -- cheer competitions, Friday night barbecues, Saturday night bonfires, dances, talent shows and more. .

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In a few months my son is leaving home for the entire summer – 8 whole weeks – and he can’t wait. He is going back to his camp, a place of full of challenges, traditions and fun.

I can’t believe this is only his second summer at overnight camp. Last year I was filled with apprehension, sending my son hundreds of miles away from his friends and family. Naturally, Michael was also a little apprehensive. It was his first time away from home and he only knew one other person attending the camp. Michael’s only previous camp experience had been a local sports day camp.

This new camp was the ultimate camp for Michael. Although it offered many activities, it is primarily a sports camp. The staff provided expert training in the sports of your choice -- for Michael that was baseball and swimming. We picked this camp because it has an outstanding baseball program. There were competitions within the camp and against neighboring camps. Besides his concentration in the sports he loves, there were many other activities. Located in the Maine wilderness, the setting was magnificent, very different from home. Michael particularly enjoyed the trips outside the camp area, having the opportunity to explore the area. He also had the freedom to pick the activities that interested him. He even enjoyed the food; something the camp has a good reputation for. We were impressed with theattention to details and the 3-to-1 counselor-to- camper ratio.

This experience gave him the opportunity to broaden his horizons, along with opportunities that he would not have gotten at a day camp that was home based. He learned to stretch socially, exercised his freedom and independence, enhanced his baseball skills, and had the adventure of living away from home – all in a safe environment.

We never would have found this camp without Judy. She listened to our son’s wants and needs and recommended this camp. It was a prefect match and she really gave us a clear picture of what to expect from the camp.

Last year, when we visited on Parents Weekend, Michael oozed with enthusiasm and repeatedly thanked us for sending him to this camp. This year, he is counting the days until he gets to go back. He is staying all summer and can’t wait to see his friends and make more memories. Marcia B.

It’s part of human nature that when we’re out of our comfort zone, we feel apprehensive. So, it's no surprise that many first-time campers feel some degree of homesickness. Don’t worry! Homesickness is usually temporary and there are a lot of ways to lessen or alleviate it altogether.

First, let your child be your partner in selecting camp. It empowers him and makes him feel confident in the choice. Next, involve your child in the preparation and packing stage. This time together is a great opportunity to talk to your child about what camp will be like and listen to any fear or concerns. Fear of the unknown is often a worry for children attending camp. Remind your child that apprehension and homesickness are perfectly normal feelings. If you have your own fond memories of camp, share them with your child while you're packing. And don’t forget to pack a favorite picture or stuffed animal as a reminder of home.

Here are some tips to prepare for your child’s time away:

• Talk with your child about homesickness so he knows it’s a typical concern of a child. And, keep doubts to yourself, so you don’t make your child more anxious.

• Arrange for practice time away from home – at grandmother’s, for instance – so you and your child get used to being apart.

• Send your child a letter at camp before the first day. Pack pre-addressed and stamped envelopes and postcards so your child can write to you, other relatives and friends.

• Do not make deals about early pick-ups. This undermines kids’ confidence and sets them up for failure. Encourage them instead..