10 Reasons Great Parents Choose Summer Camp for Their Kids
My shy, quiet nine-year-old went to camp not knowing a soul. Two weeks later, she came home transformed. She blossomed. She made friends, learned a multitude of activities, felt safe, loved, confident, and happy — really, really happy. As hard as it was on me, it was all worth it for her. It was the…
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Why Can’t School be More Like Camp?
Originally written in 2012, but still as heartfelt today. For more information about the work I’m doing to help educators make school more like camp, visit my speaking page or GATA (Gold Arrow Teacher Academy). Why can’t school be more like camp? Yesterday, my fourth grade son came home from school downcast. It’s his third…
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Ep. 149: The Impact of Positive Counselors & Mentors on Youth Development with Stephen Wallace
Show Notes In Episode 149, I’m talking with repeat podcast guest Stephen Gray Wallace about his new book, Impact: An Introduction to Counseling, Mentoring, and Youth Development. The book offers insightful commentary on the important role of mentors in the lives of children and teens. While it specifically addresses camp counselors, Impact is equally relevant…
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Ep. 142: Using Gratitude, Attitude, and Courage to Cope with COVID
Show Notes Tap into the camp values of gratitude, attitude, and courage to help you and your family cope during COVID-19! This week on the podcast, I’m chatting with camp professional and podcaster Cole Kelly about summer camp and how his family is coping with sheltering at home. Cole and his wife Kate are the…
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Ep. 129: A Manifesto to Strength: Raising Anti-Fragile Kids
Show notes & links available here. In this episode, I’m talking to Steve Baskin about raising strong, anti-fragile kids. Steve and his wife, Susie, are the owners and directors of Camp Champions in Marble Falls, Texas. For over 27 years, Steve has studied the camp experience and how to make it the best possible growth…
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Ep. 122: How to Connect with Your Teen with Chris Thurber
Show notes & links available here. In this episode, I’m chatting with Dr. Chris Thurber, a legendary trainer in the camp industry and a clinical psychologist who works at Phillips Exeter Academy, about how important it for parents to connect with their teens. Chris has developed online training programs for educators and youth leaders around…
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Ep. 100: Teens’ Advice for Raising Responsible, Independent Kids
In Episode 100, I’m chatting with an amazing group of young adults ages 16 and 17 who participated in a month-long junior counselor program. They share their thoughts on ways parents can raise thriving, independent and responsible young adults. BIG IDEAS To help kids learn, gain confidence and independence, there are things parents should be…
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How to Respond to a Homesick Letter from Your Camper
The Sad Letter You’re anticipating with much excitement your camper’s first letter from camp. It finally arrives, and this is what it says… “I want to come home!” “It’s awful here.” “I hate everything.” “This is worse than prison.” Your Options Option #1: Hop in your car and drive to rescue your child immediately. Option…
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Homesickness Dos & Don’ts
Resources/Related Messages for an Anxious Camper 10 Messages for a Homesick Camper Ep. 37: Tips for First-Time Camp Parents Ep. 39: How to Handle Your Camper’s Homesickness Ep. 10: Homesick & Happy with Michael Thompson Homesick & Happy: How Time Away From Parents Can Help a Child Grow, Michael Thompson Homesickness Do’s & Don’ts Do… 1.…
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Ep. 96: Unplugged & Happy at Camp
In Episode 96, I’m talking with my friend Brooke Cheley-Klebe of Cheley Colorado Camps. We cover a range of summer camp-related topics including longer camp stays, adjusting to camp and overcoming homesickness, what it’s like for teenagers to have the much-needed break from screens, video games, and social media that traditional summer camp programs provide,…
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The Blessing of the Least Favorite Activity
Wendy Mogel’s best selling book, The Blessing of a Skinned Knee, resonated with me. I can relate much of her message to camp and to my own family. I heard Dr. Mogel speak at a camp conference several years ago, and she continues to be active in the camp community. Many of our camp parents…
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What are good questions to ask when selecting a camp program?
What are good questions to ask when selecting a camp program for your child? In this video, I go over some of the things to consider, research, and ask about. If you have a summer camp question, send me an email or leave me a voice message! Listen to Sunshine Parenting (the podcast) Check out…
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