Monday, February 14, 2011

Summer Camp Offers Kids Five Key Skills

Each summer, children across Alabama attend summer camp to explore the outdoors and meet new friends. But what they don’t realize is that summer camp provides so much more. Children have five key opportunities at summer camp. They encounter new challenges, experience success, develop leadership skills, improve self-esteem and build life skills.

“Children who attend camp have shown improvements in leadership, peer relations and self-esteem,” said Beth Gable, Program Manager for Camp Cottaquilla. “Learning involves acquiring behaviors, skills, values, and understandings that are not always traditionally academic in nature. The American Camp Association’s (ACA’s) research into the developmental outcomes of camp indicates how the camp experience prepares children for learning.”

“Girl Scout camps offer experiences for everyone, regardless if they are Girl Scouts or not,” said Aimee Canterbury, Camp Trico Director. “Many camps even offer some programs to boys! You can register online today!”

Camp Anderel located along the Elk River in Rogersville will hold a Mom and Me camp for those who want to share the camping experience with their mother, grandmother, aunt, big sister or even a family friend. Participants will have the chance to improve their aim at archery, go canoeing and more. To learn more about Camp Anderel’s programs come to an open house on Sunday, May 1 from 2 to 4 PM. For more information, call 800-734-4541 x1238 or visit www.girlscoutsnca.org/anderel.

Camp Coleman located on the Cahaba River in Trussville offers many equestrian programs as well as camps created specifically for older girls. Girls can learn how to ride and care for horses or they can spend the week designing clothes all while enjoying swimming, ropes course and other camp activities. Camp Coleman offers resident and day camps. Resident camps are available only to girls, while day camps are available for girls and boys. To learn more about Camp Coleman’s summer programs come to an open house on Sunday, April 3 from 2 to 4 PM. For more information, call 205-655-3782 or 800-734-4541 x2000 or visit www.girlscoutsnca.org/coleman.

Camp Cottaquilla in Anniston offers some very unique resident camp programs. These offerings include artistic sessions where girls will spend the week creating nature-inspired masterpieces and jewelry, a mystery camp where girls will unfold clues and solve a group mystery, or they could spend the week on a treasure hunt. Camp Cottaquilla offers resident and day camps. Resident camps are available only to girls, while day camps are available for girls and boys. To learn what camp can offer your child, come to Camp Cottaquilla’s open house on Sunday, March 27 from 2 to 4 PM. Call 256-782-0073 x1902 or 800-734-4541 x1902 or visit www.girlscoutsnca.org/cottaquilla for more information.

Kanawahala Program Center (KPC) in Chelsea has a private lake perfect for week-long water sports session. KPC also has equestrian sessions where girls can learn to ride and care for horses in addition to creative camps where girls practice cake-decorating skills, Tie-dying clothes or making jewelry. Girls could also have opportunities to run the zip line at night or solve a camp mystery! KPC offers resident and day camps. Resident camps are available only to girls, while day camps are available for girls and boys. To learn what KPC can offer your child, come to open house on Sunday, March 27 from 2 to 4 PM. Call 205-678-8843 or 800-734-4541 x1602 or visit www.girlscoutsnca.org/kpc for more information.

Camp Tombigbee in Boligee offers summer programs where children can explore the wetlands of Camp Tombigbee or spend the day fishing! To learn more about Camp Tombigbee, call 800-734-4541 x1412 or visit www.girlscoutsnca.org/tombigbee for more information.

Camp Trico on beautiful Lake Guntersville offers a variety of equestrian sessions as well as sessions where girls can earn small-craft certifications and learn about water rescue. Girls can also learn how to plan their own party and explore the different areas of design including clothes and architecture! Camp Trico offers resident and day camps. Resident camps are available only to girls, while day camps are available for girls and boys. To learn what Camp Trico can offer your child, come to open house on Sunday, April 10 from 2 to 4 PM. Call 256-582-2617 or visit www.girlscoutsnca.org/trico for more information.

Online registration for all camps is open now at www.girlscoutsnca.org/camps.

At all Girl Scout camps, everyone experiences healthy outdoor activities that build courage, confidence and character Activities can include swimming, canoeing, hiking, horseback riding, archery, rock climbing and high ropes. Everyone who comes to camp enjoys balanced meals with healthy choices while participating in activities that offer intentional opportunities for campers to practice decision making and teamwork. Resident and day camps include swimming, crafts, games, boating, ropes courses, archery and nature study. Five Girl Scout camps are accredited by the American Camp Association.