Posts Tagged ‘best summer camps 2017’

The Value of Communal Living at a Young Age

Monday, April 10th, 2017

We’ve all heard horror stories of terrible college roommates; the ones who are dirty or irresponsible or rude or have no self-awareness. It raises the question, if these people would have been exposed to more communal living experiences growing up, would they be better roommates as an adult? Living with others is a skill that many children only learn from living with their families. Many children never share a room or living spaces with people other than their family until they go away to college. So it’s no surprise that these children struggle when it comes to etiquette and social norms that come with communal living.

Spending a summer at Camp Starlight is a great way to prepare your child for the realities of living with other people in their adulthood. It helps them become aware of their surroundings and the way they impact the space that they share with others.

Early risers learn to occupy their time quietly and respectfully in the mornings without waking up others. Night owls learn to keep things quiet once it’s time for “lights out.” Children who are used to being disorganized at home learn that their messiness affects others when sharing a cabin, and they begin to learn the importance of organization and cleanliness. Sharing a cabin also teaches campers to respect property that is not theirs, such as the beds in the cabin, the bathrooms, etc. They learn to be aware and careful about how they treat things that are not their own.

From day one, campers are taught about their roles and responsibilities as a member of a specific cabin. Counselors know that this may be a camper’s first time living with others, so they use gentle reminders and guidance to help campers keep their personal spaces tidy, to stay organized, and to respect the other campers around them. Every day at camp is a new opportunity to learn valuable life skills and prepares them to be respectful and responsible roommates in the future.

Living together with 8-10 peers gives campers the chance to learn how to deal with different personality styles. It gives them a chance to practice their communication and conflict management skills.

Nobody goes into parenthood with a goal to raise a nightmare roommate. All parents want to raise kind, considerate, self-aware human beings who others like being around and, eventually, living with. Gifting your child with a summer away at camp is about more than sports and campfires. It is about learning valuable life lessons that will help them become a more productive member of society.

Your child will thank you. And so will his/her future college roommates.

Lights…Camera…Action!!

Monday, February 20th, 2017

 

The lights dim, the crowd falls silent, and the only sound is your heartbeat pounding in your chest. The curtain opens, and for a half of a second, you freak out internally. Until you take a deep breath, say your first line, and relax. The energy from the crowd is contagious; they laugh when they are supposed to and they hang onto your every word. They are connecting with the character you’ve worked so hard to create, and by the end of the show, you aren’t sure where your character ends and you begin. The audience erupts in applause, the curtain closes, and the entire cast hugs and high fives each other. It was a performance you worked so hard for, that you put your time and effort and heart into, and it turned out great. You feel a tiny little buzz deep down that is excited to do it again, to be up on stage, to transform into another character, completely different from this one.

 

Dance, theater and performing arts is what draws many campers to camp in the first place. With exceptional fine arts programs, Camp Starlight gives campers the opportunity to conquer stage fright, work as a team, break out of their comfort zone, learn the value of dedication and practice, and explore a new form of self-expression. But the benefits of the theatre are not just for those in the spotlight. Campers who work behind the scenes with costume design, lighting, sound effects and setting up the stage get a first-hand look at everything that comes with putting together a successful show.

 

Campers are encouraged and instructed by counselors who have a passion for the arts, and who can help campers step out of their comfort zone in a place that is safe and judgment free. Counselors act as role models for aspiring performers and can inspire campers to put on an excellent show by working together, encouraging each other, and having fun.

 

There is a sense of accomplishment and pride that comes from focusing intently on a project from start to finish, and finally seeing it all come to life at the end. Whether they’re on stage of behind the scenes, theater and other performing arts programs at camp help campers feel like they are part of something bigger, gives them a sense of purpose, boosts their self-confidence and gives them another tool to communicate and express themselves.

 

Its time for you to shine! It’s time to face your fears, transform into someone completely different and connect with other campers in a fun and creative way. Theatre has a magical way of bringing all different types of people together, just like camp.