The first time your son or daughter goes to summer camp is a big step - for you and your child. Fortunately, with so many different summer camps from which to choose, you have a better chance to find the best fit. “I think every camp has its own personality,” says Catherine Ross, communications officer with the Canadian Camping Association. “The program, location, the style and philosophy of the director - all can give an idea of the type of camp that’s best for the child.”
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To many people, summer camp for kids might appear like nothing more than fun and games. However, a study conducted in the past few years support what camp directors have been saying for decades: Camp is a setting for positive youth development where invaluable life skills are acquired and nurtured.
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“Mom, you forgot to pack extra socks,” says my 10-year-old son accusingly. We have just picked him up after a week at camp. Socks, I muse, mentally searching through the gear I had packed over a week ago. I remembered making an extra trip to the store for the hiking socks requested on the camp list. Had I not packed them? “Do you mean the hiking socks?” I inquire.
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Attending summer day camp is often a rite of passage for kids. But when you have a child with life-threatening food allergies, camp is more complicated than filling out forms and dropping your kid off each morning. But with planning, cooperation and communication, day camp can be a great experience for food-allergic children.
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