Arizona summer camps for kids
- Kristin Caliendo
- Mar 8, 2016
- 3 min read
Overnight summer camp is a rite of passage for many young children-a time that signals the start of summer and marks a magical journey towards independence. Cherished childhood memories and traditions are formed with every campfire, song, horseback ride and canoe race as children break out of their shells and let loose.
Summer camp offers a break from the tyranny of schedules and homework, competitive sports and the plain ol’ following of mom and dad’s rules.
Stepping outside the comforts of home, children are taught valuable skills such as teamwork, leadership, problem-solving and independence.
To many parents this could be considered an epic emotional undertaking. The thought of packing a duffle bag with hiking boots, sunscreen and a toothbrush is enough to make any parent's pulse race! That’s exactly how I felt last year when the kids from St. Mark Lutheran Church were signing up for Camp Aloma. I swore that I would never be able to send my little baby off to camp, but the longer I thought about it, the more time I had to reflect on my own camp experience.
Every summer, I would spend a week at summer camp in Prescott as a child. As my parents worried anxiously over cuts and bruises, all I was interested in was reuniting with camp friends and hoping Buster my favorite horse would be back on the ranch.
For most children, the thought of going to camp is a mix of emotions from excitement to possible homesickness. For a parent, it’s a chance to see it as a critical step on the way to independence. Parents are afforded the opportunity to steer away from micro-managing their children’s social lives by allowing their children to flourish socially on their own. Kids have breakthroughs that can be life changing in positive ways.
In today’s age of beloved iPhones, iTunes and video games, summers just aren’t what they used to be when we were kids. Amazing things happen when kids put down their phones and get unplugged. Camp offers just that-a chance for our children to disconnect from the digital world and immerse themselves in nature and simple things, like campfire skits.
I of course had doubts. Would my little girl fit in? What if someone picks on her? What if she doesn’t brush her teeth? Will they feed her if she doesn’t like hamburgers?
Honestly speaking, I was surprised to learn how competent and capable she actually was. On the two-hour drive home, I could tell how much confidence she gained and the undeniable satisfaction she had in making her own decisions. The time is coming near to start registering and I hope you enjoy the following tips if you do decide summer camp would be a good fit for your child.
Summer camp tips:
Stick to the camp checklist. Fight the urge to pack items you think your child would need. Too many unnecessary items in the duffle bag will overwhelm your child. Keep it simple and don’t be surprised if you pick them up in the same clothes you dropped them off in!
Get that Physical Done ASAP-Doctor’s offices get busy this time of year, don’t put it off till the last minute.
Letters- Send letters to your child before camp begins so mail is waiting when he/she arrives. (double check with camp policies on mail) Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for your child to write home. But, don’t be disappointed if you child is having too much fun to write home.
Label everything. Gallon Ziplock Bags and a Sharpie is a must!
Don't offer to pick them up if they get homesick.
Keep goodbyes short and sweet. Show excitement and positivity-if you act nervous or worried, so will they.
Don't break camp rules. Don’t be that parent that shows up unexpectedly to check in or call, demanding to talk to your child. Be assured that if your child is really struggling-the camp will call you.
Take advantage of the time away. Spend quality time with your spouse, squeeze in some volunteer work, and break out of your own routine. You’ll be glad that you did!
Here are a few Arizona overnight summer camps:
Camp Aloma, Prescott- Offers a mini-camp designed specifically for younger campers over a 3-night stay. Cabin groups are smaller and activity periods are shorter. Week long camps are available for grades 4 and up.
For registration click here
www.campaloma.com
office@campaloma.com
Tel: 928-778-1690
Friendly Pines Camp, Prescott- One-week sessions for ages 6-10 and two-week sessions for ages 6-13.
1-888-281-2267
YMCA Camps
Click here
For more about my motherhood journey click here
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