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One of the biggest secrets about camp is that it is much more than fun.
Children come to camp for FUN! That’s great, but what they don’t often realize is that camp is much more than fun. Camp is a world designed specifically for children, with their best interests at heart. Such worlds are exceptionally hard to come by, and not many come to mind.
Camp is a caring community.
Opportunities abound for children to experience belonging and accept responsibility in a true community. Appreciation and respect for others and all living things is one of the underpinnings of a Camp Augusta experience. The joys of acceptance and sharing prompt children to try out new positive behavior -- choose new partners, express caring thoughts about others, and resolve conflicts. Children also have the opportunity to do some service for the community and provide critical feedback to make the experience a better one.
Camp is a vital element in a child's education.
Discovery, exploration, and active participation are the methods of learning at camp. Children connect with the natural world directly and not through the pre-chewed filters of computers, television, or movie screens. Children practice growing up by taking healthy risks and stepping beyond their comfort zones.
Camp is a safe and nurturing environment for children.
Trained, caring, adult role models help children feel loved, capable and included. A supervised, positive environment with controlled boundaries helps children grow.
Although camp can be an important part of a child’s development, we certainly realize that the family is critical as well. To help parents raise healthy children – to partner with parents, Camp Augusta is doing three things. One, we are providing a safe, healthy, community environment where kids can have fun, and learn a little while they’re here. Two, we have a component to our website entitled “Partnering with Parents.” Just a few topics you will find there are: behavior management, 40 developmental assets, homesickness, and self-esteem. Three, we provide educational sessions to families during our family camp every year.
There’s much more to a Camp Augusta experience than might at first meet the eye. I’d love to talk even more about our “Challenge by Choice” program, our amazing tripping programs with their special benefits, or just share the letters we get from parents and kids. But, I can never hope to convey the power and possibility of a great Camp Augusta experience, so I’ll leave that to your child when he or she returns home.
Campingly Yours,
Randall Grayson, Ph.D.
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