Author: Brian Kooperman

Fun on a Sunday

After an awesome night of baseball and fantastic fireworks at the Portland Sea Dogs game, campers arrived home all tuckered out. They claim it was well worth it – check out the Portland Sea Dogs folder in our photos section!

Lazy Bones Sunday may have started off with a sleep-in, but after a special treat for breakfast we took advantage of the beautiful weather. Campers turned up the energy during games of Laser Tag and Wiffle Ball. The sunshine helped make it a particularly enjoyable day down for some Slip & slide action too. Down at the waterfront, our BSC swimmers and water skiers made some waves during their activities on Long Lake.

Sunday dinner included a variety of pasta options (cream sauce or tomato sauce, meatballs or marinara) along with salad and garlic bread. Topping off dinner was a really nice celebration of the BSC campers and staff who ran the Bridgton 4 on the 4th Road Race. All 15 participants received commemorative t-shirts and a round of applause to mark their accomplishments.

The evening consisted of phone calls home and some free time at the Gaga Pit and the Wolverine’s Den. Overall, another fine day at BSC! Tomorrow our regular activities resume. We’re ready!

After an amazing morning at our Majors and Minors, campers gathered in the dining hall for a tasty lunch of chicken nuggets, rice, and mixed veggies. Campers had reason to celebrate given BSC’s early win during the Indian Acres street hockey tournament, and as time passed, excitement for the fun-filled evening ahead began to peak. After a short rest and showers, campers put on their Bridgton blues and boarded buses headed to the big city of Portland, ME. Having a quick picnic lunch of pizza for dinner, they went on watch the Portland Seadogs baseball game and Independence Day fireworks. A perfect day as far as summer camp goes…made even better by a late wake-up tomorrow morning. We’re pretty sure all campers will sleep well tonight!

Happy 4th of July!

To celebrate our nation’s Independence, 12 campers and 2 counsellors participated in the “4 on the 4th” annual town of Bridgton run. Representing BSC in their Bridgton blue t-shirts, our crew ran the 4 miles with ease. We are so proud of them!

This afternoon, our Rookies played street hockey while Professional and Senior campers played a spirited game of Dodgeball. Dinner was a healthy and well-rounded meal of chicken breasts, rice pilaf, peas and a pasta option. Whoppie pies for dessert was an unexpected but delightful treat!

This evening, campers enjoyed a movie night in each of their respective groups. It was a nice way to end the week before we head out to the baseball game tomorrow

Sing-Along and S’mores

Today was a typical day at BSC. All campers really gave it their all this morning during the Major and Minor periods. Coaches were impressed and are looking forward to seeing how the campers’ skills grow and develop this session.

The waterfront was as popular as ever today. Campers did their best to snag a fish and waited patiently for their turn on the waterskiis and wake boards. Bridgton Sports League carried on today with games of Cricket, Dodgeball and Ultimate Frisbee on the schedule.

Dinner was an old fashioned favorite tonight – a cookout with all the fixins’ – hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, and pasta salad. For the grand finale, this evening marks the opening campfire for Session 1, complete with a sing-along and s’mores. Fun!

Boogie Boarding, Bingo, and Bridgton Sports League

After a busy morning at all the Major Sports, many BSC campers were enticed by water-based Minors at beautiful Long Lake. Swimming, fishing, and water skiing were all popular activities on the water today, and even our youngest campers had a 100% success rate getting up on Boogie boards – definitely something to celebrate…Hooray!

For lunch, we had delicious whole grain turkey-lettuce-tomato paninis, along with sides of chips and veggies. In the afternoon, a couple of rain showers had us taking cover for a little while – just long enough to play a round or two of Bingo before dinner.

After a satisfying meal of roast beef, potato wedges and carrots the entire BSC crew gathered in the gym for a round of Bridgton Sports League (BSL) dodge ball. Those who weren’t dodging were cheering on their teams.

All in all, another fine day at BSC!

What a day at BSC today!

Campers worked tremendously hard all morning in their Major and Minor sports, giving coaches 100% effort on the ice, in the fields, and on the courts.

Having worked up a healthy appetite, campers were keen to sample the lunch menu – chicken salad wraps, pasta salad and garden salad. The dining hall staff also surprised us with cool treats after lunch … popsicles for everyone!

In special events today, rest hour was cut a bit short so that campers could cheer on Koop or Jordan Wade (BSC Lacrosse coach) in a game of 1-on-1 basketball. The stakes were high and campers were on the edge of their seats until the very end … If Koop won, activities were to go on as regularly scheduled. If Jordan won, campers were free to watch team USA in the World Cup on the big screen.

As it happens, Jordan won, but the US did not. Nevertheless, the campers showed off their national pride and were fantastic sports fans, as usual.

Bridgton Sports Camp has been abuzz with activity for the past 24 hours. Counsellors spent the morning making final preparations before the campers were due to arrive and by early afternoon, they were excited to welcome new and returning campers with warm smiles and high fives.

Throughout the day, Rookies, Pros and Seniors arrived from all over the globe – New York, Spain, Chicago, France, and California to name a few – via varying modes of transportation, with dozens coming in by bus, car, and airplane.

Great conversations were had around the dining hall, along with some cheers for the World Cup. Once all campers were settled in their rooms, we topped off the day with a chilled out evening at the Wolverine’s Den, eagerly anticipating what tomorrow will hold.

It’s a place where phone calls and emails are limited and cellphones are usually banned. But in the real world of camp, “bubble-wrapped” kids will get an experience of a lifetime.

The hardest part for parents of first-time campers is not only getting children to adjust to a digital-free world but also allowing them to find their own wings.

camp fire 600x 21 Tips to Prepare Your Child for Summer Camp

Catherine Ross, former camp director and communications manager of the Canadian Camping Association, understands the “leap of faith” it requires for parents to send their children to overnight camp.

“On countless arrival days, I greeted many cautious, apprehensive, wide-eyed new campers,” Ross writes in Our Kids Media’s Preparing for Camp e-book for parents of new campers. “Two or four weeks later, I waved goodbye to the same children – now happy, relaxed and definitely more confident.”

With Our Kids Media’s and Ross’ tips on preparing for camp, one of the most life-changing events of your child’s life won’t cause much anxiety for your family anymore.

Advice for New Campers

Familiarity can calm fears and worries about anything new. If visiting the camp in advance is not possible, check out the camp’s website, view the DVD and other materials sent by the camp, chat about your concerns with your parents, and get answers to your questions, Ross says. “Make the pre-camp preparation part of the experience so (campers) get excited and know what to expect,” she says. “The more you know, the less you’re going to be concerned of the unknown.”
Talking to friends who have been to camp can help make the new experience less scary.
To experience being away from home, sleep over at a friend’s or relative’s house.
Learn to be more independent by helping with chores, such as shopping with your parents, making the bed, organizing belongings, and packing and preparing what you need to bring to camp.
Advice for Parents

Share as much information as you can about the camp. Attend orientations for new campers, or go on a pre-camp visit of the site with your child.
When packing, include well-worn clothes that can withstand dirt and pine gum.
Avoid packing money or jewellery.
To prevent mixing up belongings with others, use iron-on labels, or label all clothes and equipment with permanent marker or bright nail polish. (Click here to see a list of suggested items to pack.)
Pack an adequate supply of medication with clearly labelled dosage instructions.
Store your child’s EpiPen, asthma puffer and other items he or she needs to access immediately in a fanny pack.
Include a list of all campers’ belongings to avoid losing any.
Let camp health care staff know if your child has recently discontinued medication, such as Ritalin, or has been exposed to a communicable disease.
If your child is apprehensive about camp, inform the camp director so counsellors can give even more attention to him or her.
Chatting about camp in a casual and positive way without dwelling on the negative or creating unrealistic expectations can help immensely in preparing the first-time camper.
Ask your child to think about what he or she wants to do and learn at camp. Allow your child to set goals and enjoy his or her own first impressions about camp to avoid clashes between your agenda and your child’s preferences. With camp’s focus on fun and safety, learning and achievement in a safe environment will happen at your child’s own pace.
If your child is committed to finish the session, he or she has a better chance of experiencing success and meeting goals. On the other hand, promising your child that he or she can leave whenever they want may encourage him or her to test this, or give up easily instead of gaining valuable life lessons.
Check your child’s hair for head lice or ensure your child gets treatment before starting camp.
Since most new campers never experience prolonged homesickness, parents should not raise the issue unless the child brings it up. If your child expresses his or her concerns about being homesick, reassure him or her that it is normal to miss home, and he or she will be okay and will not be alone at camp as counsellors will always be there to help. Remind your child about the many new and exciting things to do at camp that will make the time fly by.
Prepare short letters that are positive, newsy, encouraging and supportive to your child during the time he or she is away. Ask relatives if they would like to write as well. You can slip a letter in your child’s bag to pleasantly surprise him or her at the first day at camp. Pack paper, pen and addressed, stamped envelopes for your child.
Avoid packing or sending candy or food as most camps ban them for good reasons.
One of the most important tips for parents of new campers? “I think it’s involving the child every step of the way so there are no surprises,” Ross says.
– See more at: http://www.ourkids.net/blog/21-tips-to-prepare-your-child-for-summer-camp-1327/#sthash.xlYeCIwv.dpuf

Camp is just a few months away and, by now, your children are most likely counting down the days until it begins. But as the beginning of summer approaches, you may be feeling a bit anxious about your child going to camp for a few weeks. Many parents experience “kid-sickness” (a phrase coined by child, adolescent, and family therapist Bob Ditter), when they have trouble separating from their children as they go to camp. Keep in mind these are natural feelings to have. Here are a few ways parents can help themselves cope with separation and ensure that their children have a wonderful time at camp.

Focus On The Positive, Not The Negative: Sure, you’re going to miss your child when he or she goes to camp, but remember the reason you chose to send your child to camp. You want to give your child the opportunity to build character, gain independence, and have fun in a caring environment. It is important for parents to share positive messages about summer camp. If your child senses that you are uneasy about him going to camp, it may influence how he feels about going. “What kids look for is the look in their parents’ eyes,” Ditter explains. “Are they afraid, worried, upset? They interpret the look in one or two ways. There is something unsafe or scary in the world, and I can’t go out and feel confident. Or, my leaving is too hard on my parents, so I need to stay and take care of them. Parents need to be aware of that and to be clear about the gift they are giving their kids: not camp, but that they will be ok in the world.”

Adjusting To Camp: Remember that kids adjust to a new experience and a new environment before parents get used to the next stage of development. Before your child leaves for camp, don’t make pick-up deals and offer to rescue your child from camp. Instead, offer positive encouragement that you know he or she will have a successful summer. “Although I was nervous about my son going to camp, I was very conscious to keep things upbeat and positive before he left,” says Jill Smith, parent of a 9-year-old first-time camper. “We talked about what I had loved about camp as a child, and my husband spoke with him about the possibility of homesickness and that it was a normal feeling to experience while away.”

Limit Calls To The Camp Office: While your child is at camp, try to abstain from calling the camp director with every thought or worry you may have about your child. When your child is at camp, allow him or her to solve their own problems or ask a counselor for help. “If a parent is getting a mommy or daddy funny feeling in the pit of their stomach, then by all means feel free to give the camp a call,” says Jeff Grabow, owner and director of Camp Echo, a coed sleepaway camp in Burlingham, NY. “Any camp worth their weight should be happy to look into your concerns. It’s important that the parent asks themselves if the feeling is concern for their child, or just missing their little person. If the staff in the office knows you by the sound of your ‘hello,’ you might be calling a bit too much.” Keep in mind that camp directors have your child’s best interests in mind and the skill to guide your child towards an appropriate level of independence, self-confidence, and success.

Online Photos: Many camps post hundreds of daily camp photos online to give parents a window into a camper’s life at camp. These pictures can be a great way to see all the activities your campers are doing. “I will admit, I checked the photos every day, once or twice a day,” says Akta Menon, whose daughter was at sleepaway camp for her second year this past summer. “My daughter’s letters were always very brief, so, if not for the pictures, I would have no idea what she was up to.” But these photos can also exacerbate any worries a parent may be having. “While camp photos are a wonderful way for parents to get a peek into a child’s summer activities, it is not uncommon for parents to scrutinize these pictures,” Grabow says. “The key is not to focus too much on an individual picture. No child walks around with a perma-grin, so don’t panic if they are not smiling in a picture.” Doug Katz, owner and director of Camp Lakota, a coed sleepaway camp in Wurtsboro, NY adds: “My advice to parents is to please take the pictures with a grain of salt and always know that the camp staff is watching over your child 24/7. If anything is truly wrong, you will be contacted right away.”

You’ve Taught Them Well: Feel confident that you have taught your child well and everything you instilled in him or her will stay intact while at camp. Separation from you will give your child confidence and the ability to problem-solve without your help.

Long Distance Communication: Many sleepaway camps allow for scheduled phone calls during the summer. “Phone calls can be great, however, the sound of a family member’s voice can throw even the best and most successful camper into a temporary tailspin,” Grabow says. “Keep the conversation light and tell the child how proud you are of them for being a camper. It is ok to miss your child, just try to avoid letting your child know how desperately you miss them or what a great time you are having at home.” If you receive a discouraging phone call or a letter from your child, remember that, like any new experience, adjusting to camp may take a few days and that severe homesickness is rare.

Camp Gives Parents A Break: Camp is also a chance for parents to have a break from the playdates, cooking and homework help. It’s also a great time to take a vacation, spend more time with your spouse and friends, or have some one-on-one time with a child still at home. “I have one child at sleepaway camp, and a younger one still at home. We were able to focus on doing activities our younger daughter loved to do for a few weeks.” Menon says. Ditter adds that it’s important for parents to have a life outside of their children. “Kids need to know that their parents have their own separate, successful life without the kids or then why would they need to grow up? It’s good for them to see their parents with their own friends, going to the club, going to dinner, and playing tennis. As a kid, they want to know that if their parents are helping them to grow up, that there is something happy at the end of growing up,” he says.

As difficult as it may be for you to let your child go to camp, you are giving your child an opportunity to build confidence, gain resiliency, grow more independent, and try new activities. Try to keep this in mind if you become anxious at the thought of your child leaving for camp or while your child is there. “When my son went to camp for a month, I missed our sweet family of four,” Smith adds. “But our son had the time of his life and asked to go back the day we brought him home. He came home a different child—mature, responsible, empathetic, and confident. He also appreciated us more. His hugs have been more frequent and tighter, his room is a little neater, and his friendships are deeper.”

By:
Jess Michaels

Guest blog by Anne Archer Yetsko
When I Googled the phrase “middle school,” two of the top hits were “Middle school survival” and “Middle school: the worst years of my life.” I found that to be a pretty good depiction of how most people feel about this slightly (or not so slightly) traumatizing and awkward period of life. There are a few key aspects of the camp experience that are really beneficial for this age group.
Camp gives your middle schooler:
1. An Identity: Kids need an identity. Middle schoolers are defined by their looks, material stuff (cool shoes, backpack, gaming devices), parents, grades, and their athleticism. Camp allows kids to be known for being a great archer, team player, cannonball jumper, friend, kayaker, s’more maker, table setter, frog catcher, and much more. This list is endless. When a kid walks onto a camp property they get to choose their identity. WOW! Where else in life does that happen? A few years ago we had a girl come to camp who decided she wanted to go by “Phyllis” at camp. She had always liked the name and she wanted people to call her Phyllis. Camp even allows you to change your name if you want to!
2. An Emotionally Safe Environment: Our middle schoolers need a supportive environment where they can mess up and it’s ok. They need somewhere they can miss the bulls-eye and no one laughs. Instead, their friends give them pointers on how to do better next time. Camp provides this.
3. A Chance to Be a Kid: We live in a world that forces children to grow up entirely too fast. Our kids need a chance to be kids. They need to make s’mores, ride horses, shoot a bow and arrow, dress silly, eat candy, paint pictures, play games, and go on adventures.
4. An Opportunity to Be Outside: Our kids live in a world where they never have to go outside, and that world scares me. Our kids need to get dirty, make forts, swim in lakes, and catch fireflies. There are hundreds of articles and books out there about “the nature deficit” in children. To grow emotionally, physically, and mentally, kids need time outside. As our addiction to phones, computers, tablets, and video games grows, it has never been more important for kids to have substantial time away from these things.
5. True Friends: There is something about people living together, working together, playing together, and overcoming challenges together that creates friendships that are intense and long lasting. They are also different from school friendships that can often end on a whim and are just as often filled with drama. Knowing they have a safety net of “camp friends” makes the emotional rollercoaster of middle school more bearable.
6. Mentors: Kids need people other than their parents to invest in them. They need positive role models to look up to. Camp provides children with amazing, college-age students who truly care about them and want them to be the best version of themselves. Kids need people to teach them how to make friends, how to handle conflict, and how to be a good sport. They also need to know that there are other people out there who struggled through middle school who are now thriving. When their counselor tells them that seventh grade was also a really hard year for them, it gives them hope that life will not always be as difficult as it is in seventh grade.
7. A Bigger Picture: Our preteens need to know that the world is bigger than their middle school, hometown, or even state. They need to know that when it feels like their world is crumbing around them in the halls of their school that their life is not limited to that place. They have friends in Florida and Louisiana, and counselors in Georgia and New York, and a camp in the mountains of western North Carolina.
I believe that kids today need camp more than ever, especially middle school kids. These preteens and newly-teens need to learn who they are and what they are great at in an emotionally safe and supportive environment that pushes them to play outside and grows their sense of adventure.
Anne Archer Yetsko is the associate director of Camp Merri-Mac in Black Mountain, North Carolina. She has worked for Merri-Mac for twelve years and is also a recent graduate Touro University’s Camp Administration and Leadership Master’s Program. This blog was originally posted at www.merri-mac.com/2014/01/7-reasons-middle-schooler-needs-camp/.