Camp Builds Character
by Michele Branconier

“Wait Mom! I want to see if I won anything.” This was the cry of my 4 year old as I was trying to rip him away from day camp at the end of the day; a little earlier than the expected dismissal time. Just as we gathered up his backpack and craft projects for the day his name rang from the campfire circle. He had won a patch -- for what I asked, he exclaimed “for respect”!  The camp director had talked to me about the character education components of the camp program; respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, caring, citizenship and fairness, the six pillars of the CHARACTER COUNTS! Program. He was so proud of the patch that he received it was if he was walking on a cloud. I was the proudest parent in the world, tears streaming down my face as I grabbed my son’s hand and headed for the parking lot.

Why I would consider allowing my son to go to an all day outdoor program at such a young age?
 Even though I have spent the majority of my adult life in the field of organized camping I admit that I was a little concerned about my own brood jumping into the action. What if the counselors didn’t watch him? What if someone was mean to him? All of the fears that I had eased for other parents over the years were suddenly mine.  When Michael came home from the first day of camp he almost fell asleep in his dinner. He was exhausted but he also looked older, more mature, and somehow more independent.  It was evident that he had gained some confidence and self-reliance that just wasn’t fostered while he was in preschool.

Why choose day camp for your child?
The camp experience is built exclusively for kids; it is a place where they feel included, capable and cared about. Staff members are inspiring guides and passionate coaches. They are there to make a difference in young people’s lives. While resident camp is a great opportunity for older children, day camp can offer an introduction to learning life skills and behaviors that become heart-felt habits. What many of us as parents took for granted as children often isn’t available today. Day camp can replace and enhance some of those childhood rites and rituals that we long for our own children to experience. I know it will continue to be an integral part of all of my children’s growth and development over the next several years.

Michele Branconier is the mother of three children.  She is the past President of the American Camp Association, Southern California/Hawaii section and former Associate Vice President of Camp and Family Programs for the YMCA of Orange County.

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