Summer Camp the Movie

So you’ve decided you want your child to go to summer camp? We are the owners of Swift Nature camp a Overnight Summer Camp in Wisconsin. Before getting camp information you should have a goal in mind. Make a list of things you feel you want your kid to gain from a summer camp experience. Make sure it’s not just about activities. What about a camp’s physical attributes, like cabins or tents? Is it a small, personal camp or a large camp with loads of campers? Once you have this information, you can create a check list to help compare camps and narrow down your search for the best summer camp.

Narrow your search to four or five possibilities, and then call or e-mail each camp to ask for information. Perhaps more important than printed materials, camps will send you a promotional video. Remember, these DVD�s are tools to help you find the right summer camp. But they are also tools for camps to SELL a place in their camp to you and your child. So keep that in mind when you view them.

Once all the information has arrived and you have had a chance to look at it and discard any from camps that you do not think will meet your needs, it will be time to share the information with your child. View the camp DVD with your child, and listen carefully to his or her comments. This will give you a good idea about what is important to your child about a camp. Be sure to explain to your new camper that the videos are advertisements, and that the camp may not exactly match the video.

While viewing the DVD watch the little details for clues that will give you an inside look at the camp’s philosophy and strengths. While you’re watching, look for the following information:

Does the video answer your questions about the camp? While there should be additional questions that you will want to ask the director, the video should give you a comprehensive overview.

Do the kids in the video look like they’re having fun? What activities are they doing, and would your child enjoy them?

How old is the video? If there is no date, then estimate the age based on the campers’ clothing and the background music. No matter how recent the video appears to be, you should ask the camp director what has changed or been added to the video program since its filming.

What does the video emphasize? Pay attention to what activities and facilities get the most time in the video.

What level of sports are shown, in terms of skill and sophistication? If you’re looking for a specialty sports camp, does the level of play look too advanced or too basic?

What philosophical qualities does the video stress? Does the video seem to be consistent with and complement the philosophies expressed in the camp’s printed materials?

What is your and your child’s general impression after watching? Sometimes a gut instinct may tell you the most.

DVDs are a wonderful way to get a feel about each individual children’s summer camp, but it should not be the only factor in the important decision about a camp. Be sure to talk to the camp directors and talk to campers’ parents.

Consider a program for your child is devoted to thefirst time camper.

About the authors: Jeff and Lonnie Lorenz are the Directors of Swift Nature Camp a non-competitive, traditional coed Wisconsin Summer Camp. Boys and Girls Ages 6-15 enjoy nature, animals and science along with traditional adventure camp activities. Swift specializes in Overnight Summer Camp programs for the first time camper as well as adventures for teens.