Camp All-Star's Blog

Why Summer Camp? March 26, 2010

As a parent, I know that every child is different in their own way. My boys have totally opposite personalities, don’t look anything like each other, and have some very different interests. I love the fact that they aren’t “the same”, even though they are both boys! Yes, sports is the one major similarity that runs in their blood, but what can you expect!

As a camp owner, I have met over 4,000 campers since the inception of Camp All-Star. Our campers come from all over the world, however, it’s not just the cultural differences I notice the most, but the personalities of each child.

At camp, you don’t have the pressure of living up to what your parents want you to do or say or wear every day. You have an entire new group of friends that haven’t known you since you were in kindergarten. You have an opportunity to try new sports and activities that maybe you don’t have time for at home during the school year. I guess my point is that each camper can just BE A KID and experience life and memories that they may not be able to in their home town during the summer!

As an adult, I look back at my childhood in Texas and realize that I was a bit sheltered. I was very happy swimming in the pool all summer long during the long, hot weather, but I didn’t really know anything else. My friends were the same all throughout the years I was growing up.

Now, with years of camp ownership under my belt, I realize that I would have been SO much better prepared when I went to college 3 ½ hours away from my parents if I had experienced going away to summer camp! I had to gain my independence really quickly at age 18 in a very different type of environment. I always was an outgoing individual, so meeting new people wasn’t a problem for me. Yet, I didn’t have the experience or independence of being away from home like a summer camper does until I was away at college as a student!

Looking back, I truly wish that I could have gone to summer camp because I see the positive effects on hundreds of children each and every summer at All-Star. The friendships, sports and life skills, and  memories made are like no other. My husband is a true testament to that from his many years as a camper. He still tells us stories from his camp days…wayyyy back when!

I have seen so many wonderful children gain the all-important self-confidence, even in just a 2 week session at All-Star. Campers ages 8 – 16 years old become independent and better prepared for real life, all while having fun in the summer! They learn so many new things, meet other campers from different places, and find life-long friends at camp. And, thanks to all these technological advances, they can keep up with each other during the school year no matter where they live!

Now is the time to send your child to camp – when they are young and can learn to adapt to new situations BEFORE they become adults. I’ve seen the positive results thousands of times, first-hand, every summer…including in my own children! It’s the most rewarding feeling knowing that you had a role in such a major part of a child’s life.

 Have a wonderful weekend,

Cammi