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Home Schooled Kids Need Summer Camp

Lonnie Lorenz — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 11:27:57 +0000

Children that are Home Schooled can benefit greatly from the summer camping experience. Despite, age, gender,grade level or religious background. Home School Summer Camps provide a special area where children can be independent, and that’s a key part of growing up. Camp counselors model perseverance, listening, teamwork and appreciation of differences. Helping children see successful behavior and away from the family. This in turn brings new found independence in line with your at-home teachings. After all as parents we understand somethings just can’t be taught by us.

There are many choices when choosing a summer camp, so how do you know you are picking the right camp for your homeschooler? Here are simple steps to assist parents sending their children to camp. Doing your work in advance will help ensure that your child has an enjoyable summer packed with wonderful memories and new experiences.

Summer Camp Benefits For Children Residential (overnight) camp offers home schooled children a wonderful opportunity to socialize with other children in a new and exciting environment. Often long-lasting friendships are forged at summer camps each year. Campers often return year after year making camp their summer home. Some continue on till they are past camper age and participate in a Counselor in Training program for teens or even become counselors passing on the traditions of summer camp.

Jeff Lorenz Owner of Swift Nature Camp an Children’s Summer Camp in Wisconsin says “Summer Camp provides children the chance to assume leadership roles within the cabin. Without parents or siblings around campers often show their true colors and excel in leading thus improving their confidence level”.

The many activities available at summer camp gives children the opportunities to try new things and discover new skills. From canoeing and Arts & Crafts to Swimming, Hiking and Horseback riding the list of activities available at different camps are of the utmost benefit to the children who attend.

Tips To Choosing the Right Summer Camp Look for a summer camp program that fits a child’s comfort level. If the child has never been away from home and is 8 and under a day camp program may be more suitable. If he’s used to overnights away from home a residential camp may be a better fit. Usually overnight camps start at around age 8. But do not be afraid to challenge your child by giving him or her new opportunities. We all know that often home schooled children are a bit more attached to their family members. This may mean that you need to work a little harder to get them ready for an overnight camp. But chances are it will be well worth the effort

There is comfort in the familiar so pick a camp that has some activities your child feels comfortable with. Maybe a Non competitive camp would be best for your child? Traditional summer camps provides opportunities in many areas giving a child comfort in some things a child has tried before as well as activities that ask him to leave their comfort zone.

Many summer camps offer an open house day early in the season that allows parents and children to come and visit for a day and tour the grounds. Some even offer work weekends, which are a great way to get to know the staff and the grounds. This is a perfect venue to put a child’s fears at ease and make sure a camp is the right one.

Testimonials from old campers and or youth counselors are also vital tools in deciding if a camp is a good fit. Don’t be afraid to ask them about their feelings and experiences. Older campers are usually happy, if not eager, to share about the role summer camp has played in their lives.

Camp accreditation is a vital step in choosing a camp. Most States have a camping regulations, which hold camps accountable. But the American Camp Association is the best source to ensure camp quality. So be sure the camps you are looking at are (ACA) approved.

Lastly, and probably most important talk to the Camp Directors. In this age of internet websites its easy to make a decision with out ever had personal contact with the directors or owner. Parents often have strong intuition when making decisions that will affect their children and these should always be taken into account. Discuss any feelings and concerns with the camp staff. If parents are still uneasy after following all of these steps, the camp being considered is likely not the right one for their child.

For more information on Finding a Children’s Summer Camp see SummerCampAdvice.com, A free informational website for parents searching for camp information.

Swift Nature Camp is a Overnight Summer Camp for boys and girls ages 6-15. We blend traditional summer camp activities with that of a Science Summer Camps.

Home Schooling And The Family

Colin Jones — Wed, 05 May 2010 14:53:11 +0000

If a survey by the National Center For Education Statistics is to be believed, almost 1.1 million children took home schooling in 2005 alone. That’s a great deal of children. Once upon a time, homeschooling used to be a radical statement – something like a declaration of independence.

It was the conservative Christians who advocated homeschooling in the 1980’s and legalized it in every State. But nowadays the average homeschooling pupil is not religiously motivated.

Later surveys indicate that parents are quite fed up with the public school system where much of the learning is superficial and compulsory. They are also concerned about the damaging environment in school, ranging from drugs and abuse to negative pressure from their peers.

As a result, we have a surprising mixture of people who form the homeschooling world of today. They cut across all religious creeds and all regional borders. Their chief aim is providing meaningful and productive education through a method that strengthens the bond between all the members of the family.

These families all have one major thing in common – a long enduring commitment to the sanctity of childhood. The children of these families are accorded a primary position. Many believe, and, I think, rightly so, that home schooling allows parents to bring up their kids in a more natural and nurturing environment.

Public schools can make a child nervous, subservient and downright mean. Children who get their education at home are protected from these damaging, negative influences until they reach an age where they can withstand them.

Home-schooling draws the whole family into the almost religious task of teaching. Everyone has a role to play. Both the parents together form a bond with the children. Any experience can be turned into an learning experience. Both the parents are aware of exactly what is going into their child’s head.

Parents also have a greater control over the type of religious and moral values that the child is learning. Even watching a movie together can become an educational experience. Trips to the libraries, zoos, museums and other places become educational experiences as well as recreational ones.

A home-schooling family is primarily dependent on the income of one earning member. That means that quite often outgoings have to be curtailed and proper planning of expenditure is necessary. This helps to bring the family members together and everybody becomes involved in the process of saving money.

Just having a parent at home to look after, to nurture and to care for the children brings with it a lot of love and caring. Even the husband chips in and there is just no room for boredom.

All right, problems do occur, and there will be many misgivings in your mind, but when you know that your kids can always count on you, and your kids know it too, then homeschooling becomes a richly rewarding experience.

If you are interested in Home Schooling then please visit our website at Home Schooling Information

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Hnts in Picking a Summer Camp

Lonnie Lorenz — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 17:37:27 +0000

Finding a Summer Camp for your child takes some work up front. First decide if your going to a Coed Summer Camp or a sigle gender camp, like a all girls.
Each have their own benefit. Maybe a Coed Camp is best for your child. Next, help your child to find a camp that will increase their interests or expose them to new activities. After you have 3 or 4, here are the top 10 questions to ask a summer camp director. This list was compiled by the American Camp Association.

What’s the camp’s philosophy? Is it one you’re comfortable with? Is it a good match for your child? Is competition or cooperation emphasized? If it’s a camp run by a religious organization, what religious observances or practices are part of the program? If you’re looking at a sports camp that touts an affiliation with a celebrity athlete, how much time–if any–will the sports star actually spend there?

What does camp do with staff? First aid training? Drug Testing? Do counselors have criminal background checks? What’s the training all about?

What about return rates? How many counselors are returning this year? How many campers are returning? ask the director why?

What’s the ratio of counselors to campers? ACA guidelines for overnight camps call for a 1:6 ratio for ages 7 and 8, 1:8 for ages 9-14; and 1:10 for ages 15-18. Day camp guidelines call for 1:8 for children ages 6-8; 1:10 for children ages 9-14; and 1:12 for ages 15-18.

How old are the counselors? The ACA recommends that 80 percent of the staff be 18 or older and that all staffers be at least 16 and a minimum of two years older than the campers they supervise.

What about Health Care? Overnight camp have a licensed physician or registered nurse on the site daily, Day camps should be have direct phone access. Be sure you are comfortable that the camp will be able to handle your child’s special health care needs.

How does the camp handle conflicts and Discipline? Find out what the camp’s rules are and what breaches would result in a camper being sent home. You should be comfortable that the camp’s practices are in line with your parenting practices.

What does a camp Day look like? This will help you decide if your child will be happy with the level of physical activity or the amount of time devoted to arts and crafts. Ask how much freedom a child has to choose activities.

Does the camp have vans for transportation? How often are camp vehicles inspected? Who will be driving them and what’s the training.

Get References and more References, Get the names of parents with children who have attended the camp. They will tell you what makes camp so special and why they want to return.

Need more ideas to help you make a smart decision? Check out Summer Camp Advice A Summer Camp

About the authors: Jeff and Lonnie Lorenz are the Directors of Swift Nature Camp, a non-competitive, traditional Children’s Summer Camp in Wisconsin. Boys and Girls ages 6-15 enjoy playing in nature, caring for animals, and learning science. Traditional camping activities include canoe trips and more. SNC is so personal it seems like a Homeschool Summer Camp.

3 Hints in Picking a Summer Camp

Jeff J. Lorenz — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 22:23:56 +0000

So you are thinking about a Summer Camp for your child. First decide if your going to a Coed Summer Camps or an all boys or girls camp. Each have their own merritt. Maybe a Coed Camp is best for your child. Next, work with you child to find a camp that will increase their interests or expose them to new activities. After all that, here are the top 10 questions to ask a summer camp director. This list was compiled by the American Camp Association.

What’s the camp’s ideology? Are you comfortable with this ? Is it a good fit for your child? Is competition or cooperation emphasized? What religious observances or practices are part of the program? I

How does the Summer Camp get and train its staff? Do counselors have criminal background checks? First aid training? Drug Testing? What’s the training all about?

What about return rates? How many counselors are returning this year? The ACA says at most camps, 50 percent of the staff returns. If the number you’re given is lower, ask why. How many campers return? Fifty percent is good, and more is better.

What’s the ratio of staff to camper? Guidelines for overnight camps are for a 1:6 ratio for ages for younger children, and 1:10 for older teens.

How old are the counselors? The ACA recommends that 80 percent of the staff be 18 or older and that all staffers be at least 16 and a minimum of two years older than the campers they supervise.

What medical staff work at the camp and what backup facilities are nearby? The ACA recommends that an overnight camp have a licensed physician or registered nurse on the site every day, and that day camps should have direct phone access. If your child takes medication, has food allergies or a chronic medical condition, be sure you are comfortable that the camp will be able to handle your child’s needs.

How does the camp Punish campers? Know what your summer camp’s rules and regulations. Be sure they match yur parental thoughts. Know what breaches would send a camper home.

What is a day at camp like? This will help you know if your child will find happiness with the level of activity. Is their choice in selecting activities.

Does the camp have vans for transportation? How often are camp vehicles inspected? Who will be driving them and what’s the training.

Get References and more References, Get the names of parents with children who have attended the camp. They will tell you what makes camp so special and why they want to return.

Need more ideas to help you make a smart decision? Check out Summer Camp Advice A Summer Camp

Home schooling Picking the Best Summer Camp

Lonnie Lorenz — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 23:37:43 +0000

How do you know you are picking the right camp for your homeschooler? There are many choices. Here are simple steps to assist parents sending their children to camp. Doing the work up front will help make sure that your camper has a great summer packed with wonderful memories and many new experiences.

Jeff Lorenz Director of Swift Nature Camp a Children’s Summer Camp in Wisconsin says “Summer Camp provides children the chance to be independent and assume leadership roles. Without parents or siblings around campers often show their responsibility thus improving self-confidence when they return back home”.

If possible find a summer camp that has a First timer camp. This is usually only for kids that have not been at camp before so it sets a level playing field for all campers. These programs tend to be shorter as well perfect for the younger children helping to lessening a child’s fears and make sure a camp is the right one.

Past campers are vital in determining if a camp is a good fit for your child. Don’t be afraid to ask these references about their experiences and feelings. Older campers are usually eager, to share about the role summer camp has played in their lives.

The American Camp Association accreditation is a vital step in choosing a summer camp. They have over 300 different areas which they look at to ensure a camp is safe both physically and mentally for children. Camps using their logo (ACA) are held to a set of standards far above other camps.

For more information on How to Pick a Summer Camp see SummerCampAdvice, A free website giving parents information on finding that perfect summer camp for their child.

Swift Nature Camp is aOvernight Summer Camp for boys and girls ages 6-15. The focus is to blend traditional summer camp activities with that of a Science Summer Camp. A first time camper program is available as well.

All About Home Schooling

Ruchelle Crisp — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 22:51:57 +0000

Home schooling was the norm before the organization of the public and private schools; children were educated at home by their parents or in a small community classroom by a local scholar. In current times, getting instruction at home has become a very popular trend again. In developed countries, home education has become an option to official established education. To such an extent has this system been accepted that it is now, in most places, a legal alternative to school institutions for the public.

A number of advantages have been cited in approval of home schooling rather than public school attendance. It has been revealed that personality and moral development is at a higher intensity with home schooling. In addition some parents object to the tolerant environment of public schools. Because of the big population, it is sometimes impractical to sternly control the behavior of students in large educational institutions. Home schooling is also preferable in secluded environments and is great for families who are constantly traveling.

There three main methodologies are applied to home schooling:

1. The unit study technique approaches several subjects, whether history, math, English or science in the light of the central subject theme of that unit. For instance, a unit study of Ancient Rome might provide lessons in the social structure of ancient Rome, as well as exploring the history of the place, the language and customs, the relations of other cultures, the food and the religion.

This method is adapted to multi-grade level teaching since the main topic may be taken up with a view to the learning level of the student. It is claimed that 45 percent retention is obtained by this process.

2. The “school-in-a box” or “all-in-one” method puts together lessons about several subjects in a package containing the information for one-year’s worth of lessons. Clearly this method is ideal for families living in far-flung areas. The lessons are much standardized and formal tests are given to permit the student the opportunity to earn an accredited certificate of completion.

3. Online Schools are also becoming popular today. Middle aged people who want to get back, as it were, to school, often opt to take online schooling. This method of home schooling offers the students a bigger variety of courses to study, provides online tests, tutoring and occupational therapy. They have teachers who are specialists in their field of learning and the student gets more elasticity for schedules. This choice is favored by disabled people, or elderly students.

In the light of the advancing technology, it will not be surprising if, in the near future, conventional schools will be replaced by online home schooling, or some other small community schooling which uses technology to bring a abundance of educational information to students who are administered by one master teacher. Of all the options for studying at home, online home schooling offers the most in terms of subject matter and school access.

Ruchelle Crisp lives her life as if she is always ten years old. She enjoys the innocence and the fun of being a kid. Ruchelle has written a web site containing reviews on monkey shower curtain, as well as funky shower curtain.