Youth Summer Camp: What you Need to KnowIt used to be that parents sending their kids off to summer camp worried about their children staying up too late at night and not changing their underpants often enough, but the modern world has a whole new host of health and safety concerns for the 21st century. Youth summer camp now has the difficult decisions that circle around topics such as condoms and sex education counseling.

Boys and girls have always chased each other, to a certain extent, while at summer camp; it’s only in the modern world that it has become somewhat of a problem. Youth summer camp can now be considered as a somewhat different species than they used to be. Children are hitting puberty at earlier ages and are, in some cases, experimenting with sexuality even before that time.

Any set of statistics about sexual activity will confirm that information. First kisses fell somewhere between the ages of 16-19 two generations ago. Now, shockingly for some adults, this happens anywhere from age 10-16. This means that youth summer camp has a higher and higher percentage of campers who are kissing each other.

What Can Be Done?

While it might be shocking to many adults that children who, just 20 years ago, snuck out of their camp cabins at night to go to the ‘other side’ of the camp (boys sneaking to the girls’ side and vice versa) to talk are now doing it to kiss, and perhaps more, it’s the truth when it comes to many youth summer camp. Camps have always been strict, for the most part, about enforcing rules such as staying on one’s gender-appropriate domain, but at the same time, the counselors knew that that was part of the fun of summer camp.

Much youthful joy was to be had in sneaking across the camp in the light of the moon; joy was even to be had in getting caught. Most children wore their punishment as a badge of courage and playful disrespect of the rules. The difference is that in those days the goal was to sneak out. Unfortunately, in a lot of situations, the goal nowadays is to kiss someone, or for teenagers even more than that. The last thing parents want is their teens coming home from summer camp with herpes; however, summer camps, like high schools, across the nation have to take this reality in stride.

Make sure that your son or daughter’s summer camp is taking the safety of the youth summer camp; camp should be a time that one remembers forever, but for the good reasons, not the bad.

Spend Quality Time at a Traditional Summer Camp

In today’s high speed and latest technology world, what seems to be highly valued is the latest and greatest trend. Things of the past are often discarded for newer, more convenient models. Cars, for example, are not generally valued for their reliability, but mainly on their sharp looks and sleekness.

With regard to vacation spots, many families choose the latest amusement park or the newest and most glittery resort. Still, amid all this hustle and bustle toward bigger and better, spending time at a traditional summer camp is a great and time-tested way for children to grow and gain new, meaningful experiences.

Traditional Summer Camp: Offers Meaningful Experiences That Will Last a Lifetime

When children attend a traditional summer camp, many wonderful experiences await them. First, traditional summer camps offer a variety of options for a child to engage in physical exercise. Hiking is a perfect way to both experience the joy of nature as well as exercise by walking. Going for a bike ride is another relaxing, yet physical form of exercise. Instead of children sitting behind a TV, computer or video game, they are encouraged to get outdoors and get fresh air and sunshine. Canoeing or boating is another delight which is offered to the campers, especially when the camp is situated beside a lake or river.

Other activities that are typically offered at a traditional summer camp include swimming, either in a pool or lake, games such as basketball or shuffleboard, scheduled meals, singing get-togethers, and group meetings. Some camps are faith-based and offer several meetings to discuss issues such as Bible study, worship services or other studies.

Take a Break From the Grind at a Traditional Summer Camp

Traditional summer camps can offer an exciting get-away from the daily routine of school, work, and other obligations. Stress can be reduced by getting back to a more simple way of life and not having to rush from one duty to the next. Friendships can be made between campers that may last a lifetime, and many life skills can be learned.

Overall, experiencing the fun of a traditional summer camp is a great idea for both young children and older teens. For young children, there are many options for day camps, allowing the child to go home in the evening. Longer stays in cabins and lodges are most common for older teens and adults. Whatever options you choose, you are sure to enjoy your trip for many days to come.

Action-Packed Fun at a Traditional Kids Summer Camp

Growing up can be a challenge in today’s fast-paced society with all of the crime, drugs, and other temptations children face. The busyness of modern life keeps children at a steady pace without much time to just relax and be a kid. It seems there is always something that needs to be done, whether it is homework, a school project, some form of sports practice, or other extracurricular activity. Often, parents and children are looking for a break from the everyday routine of life, and a trip to a traditional kids’ summer camp can meet that need exceptionally well.

The Heart and Soul of a Traditional Kids Summer Camp

There are many types of a traditional kids’ summer camp from which to choose in our modern day. Camps can be centered around basically one certain theme, such as a sport, hobby or religion. Other camps can be a more general experience, offering swimming, hiking, camping, etc., to their participants. The age ranges vary at different camps as well. Sometimes a traditional kids’ summer camp will be geared specifically toward teenagers and young adults.

More social events tend to be included in these camps, as well as some form of learning or growing experience. Younger children often attend a day camp and then go back to their own homes in the evening. These campers often spend time doing various age-appropriate crafts, singing together, going on walks, playing games, etc.

A traditional kids’ summer camp usually offers facilities such as a lodge or cabins in which the children spend about one week. Many are located in a rural setting such as a forest or park. Some camps are located by a lake or pond and offers a variety of water activity, including swimming, rowing, canoeing, fishing, or boating. Children can either go as individuals or attend the camp as part of a larger group, such as a church youth group. As the children connect with individuals from other places, friendships begin to form, and some even last a lifetime.

The Traditional Kids Summer Camp is a Great Experience Overall

Allowing your children to attend a traditional kids’ summer camp will most likely be a positive experience in their lives. Researching the kids camp itself and feeling comfortable with it is very important as a parent. Overall, many valuable lessons can be learned at camp, and many lasting memories made.

Youth Summer Camp: What you Need to KnowIt used to be that parents sending their kids off to summer camp worried about their children staying up too late at night and not changing their underpants often enough, but the modern world has a whole new host of health and safety concerns for the 21st century. Youth summer camp now has the difficult decisions that circle around topics such as condoms and sex education counseling.

Boys and girls have always chased each other, to a certain extent, while at summer camp; it’s only in the modern world that it has become somewhat of a problem. Youth summer camp can now be considered as a somewhat different species than they used to be. Children are hitting puberty at earlier ages and are, in some cases, experimenting with sexuality even before that time.

Any set of statistics about sexual activity will confirm that information. First kisses fell somewhere between the ages of 16-19 two generations ago. Now, shockingly for some adults, this happens anywhere from age 10-16. This means that youth summer camp has a higher and higher percentage of campers who are kissing each other.

What Can Be Done?

While it might be shocking to many adults that children who, just 20 years ago, snuck out of their camp cabins at night to go to the ‘other side’ of the camp (boys sneaking to the girls’ side and vice versa) to talk are now doing it to kiss, and perhaps more, it’s the truth when it comes to many youth summer camp. Camps have always been strict, for the most part, about enforcing rules such as staying on one’s gender-appropriate domain, but at the same time, the counselors knew that that was part of the fun of summer camp.

Much youthful joy was to be had in sneaking across the camp in the light of the moon; joy was even to be had in getting caught. Most children wore their punishment as a badge of courage and playful disrespect of the rules. The difference is that in those days the goal was to sneak out. Unfortunately, in a lot of situations, the goal nowadays is to kiss someone, or for teenagers even more than that. The last thing parents want is their teens coming home from summer camp with herpes; however, summer camps, like high schools, across the nation have to take this reality in stride.

Make sure that your son or daughter’s summer camp is taking the safety of the youth summer camp; camp should be a time that one remembers forever, but for the good reasons, not the bad.

How to Have a Safe Camping Vacation
by Thomas Straub

Camping trips are supposed to be fun and filled with adventure. Being safe during your camping trip is just as important as bringing enough sleeping bags and cooking equipment.

But there are ways to safe guard you and your family when vacationing away from home. for example, you should also look for information about the types of equipment available that you may need for those who want to go hiking, camping, and participate in other outdoor activities.

Before you set out on your camping adventure, you should bring the following:

- A First aid kit
- GPS tracking device
- Map of state park or area where you will be camping
- Cell or satellite phone

These items are essential in case you get lost or are in need of medical attention.

Being prepared for any emergency will help save those who are with you on your vacation. Many times the biggest emergency you will have will be a scraped knee or a bruised elbow, but for bigger emergencies, being able to call for medical help can be critically time-sensitive.

Cell phones and other technology have made it easier to track those who have become lost in the woods. When hiking, choose trails that are well marked and do not leave them at any time. This will keep you from getting lost.

But if you do get lost, try to call for help. Look at your map and try to figure out where you are. By finding your location, you will at least have an idea of how closeby any help may be to you.

The best piece of advice when in an emergency situation is to remain calm. You will have to rely on yourself, others, and the technology that you brought with you. Keeping your emotional level down will let you to be able to figure out what type of aid your emergency situation may require.

So before leaving on your vacation, try to become familiar with any equipment and supplies that you will be taking with you. Becoming familiar with all the directions and procedures needed to use them properly will help you be prepared for any emergency while camping.

Tom Straub is a successful author and webmaster of the Best Safe Camping website featuring online guides on over a dozen camping topics.

Packing Basics: The One Thing you Forgot
by Ben Anton

You packed up the truck, checked over your gear, and headed out into the outdoors for a great weekend or week of camping. Then it hits you: was it the lantern? The fishing tackle? Your favorite hunting knife? What was the one thing that you forgot? It doesnt seem to be a question of whether you forgot something but rather what it was that was left behind and the relative importance of it. Maybe you have twenty different flashlights from twenty different trips, and you didnt remember to put one of them in your truck. Whatever that one thing is, it may surely get left behind unless you plan ahead.
One of the most basic and most helpful things you can do to save yourself some aggravation and some trouble is to make a trip list. Write down every little thing that you think you will need on your trip, from matches to underwear, and write it early! Trying to make a list the night before you head out will mean enduring the same mental scramble that you would go through in the morning. Instead, begin making your list as soon as you decide to go on the trip and add the things you need to it each time you think of something. You will be so on top of the contents of your pack that you may even know the number of raisins included in your trail mix!
The second part of this plan is implementation. This means reading and following the list when you are packing your car or backpack. Flashlight? Check. Pack it, then cross it off or highlight it or whatever works for you. It is key that you dont erase anything though. You can use this master list again when you are preparing for your next outdoor experience. In fact, as soon as you get back add anything that it would have been nice to have so that you will indeed have ‘it’ next time. For instance, did you fall in the creek and have just enough socks for the weekend? Make a note to bring extra socks on the next trip.
There is a third hint that goes along with the list idea and that is to pack before the night before or morning of your trip. This will help to ensure that you are not running around in a panic trying to get through the list before your ride comes to pick you up or it gets too dark to head out. Start piling up your camping equipment four or five days before your departure date so that you have time to remember where you stored the sleeping bags and cooler or to find out that you need to buy batteries for the flashlights.
The earlier you pack the better. If you can, it would be a good idea to start loading your vehicle early as well. However, dont leave things in your truck bed overnight unless you have a locked garage. Otherwise you may find your equipment missing in the morning. For added assurance, you may want to tape a note to your own windshield so that you will not forget to throw in your cooler, the table lantern, or the family tent. If you are going on an excursion where you will need to bring food, you should also make a grocery list and stash it in the car the week before you leave for your trip. This way you have the list with you when you stop at the grocery store on the way home from work. You will also have the list with you when you stop to pick up cooler items on the way out of town.
So you have made your list, checked it twice, and packed and re-packed your bags for the weekend. Pile them near the door or in one central location to minimize last minute stress and reduce loading time. Put the list in the glove compartment of the truck so that you can use it to re-pack the truck when you are heading home from your trip. You wouldnt want to leave with one less flashlight, again.
~Ben Anton, 2007
Ben writes for DLK and invites you to read more about the newestLED flashlight and lantern products at our quality LED Lights and Knives website.

Ben Anton writes for DLK and invite you to visit our site and read more at
http://www.lightsandknives.com

Spend Quality Time at a Traditional Summer Camp

In today’s high speed and latest technology world, what seems to be highly valued is the latest and greatest trend. Things of the past are often discarded for newer, more convenient models. Cars, for example, are not generally valued for their reliability, but mainly on their sharp looks and sleekness.

With regard to vacation spots, many families choose the latest amusement park or the newest and most glittery resort. Still, amid all this hustle and bustle toward bigger and better, spending time at a traditional summer camp is a great and time-tested way for children to grow and gain new, meaningful experiences.

Traditional Summer Camp: Offers Meaningful Experiences That Will Last a Lifetime

When children attend a traditional summer camp, many wonderful experiences await them. First, traditional summer camps offer a variety of options for a child to engage in physical exercise. Hiking is a perfect way to both experience the joy of nature as well as exercise by walking. Going for a bike ride is another relaxing, yet physical form of exercise. Instead of children sitting behind a TV, computer or video game, they are encouraged to get outdoors and get fresh air and sunshine. Canoeing or boating is another delight which is offered to the campers, especially when the camp is situated beside a lake or river.

Other activities that are typically offered at a traditional summer camp include swimming, either in a pool or lake, games such as basketball or shuffleboard, scheduled meals, singing get-togethers, and group meetings. Some camps are faith-based and offer several meetings to discuss issues such as Bible study, worship services or other studies.

Take a Break From the Grind at a Traditional Summer Camp

Traditional summer camps can offer an exciting get-away from the daily routine of school, work, and other obligations. Stress can be reduced by getting back to a more simple way of life and not having to rush from one duty to the next. Friendships can be made between campers that may last a lifetime, and many life skills can be learned.

Overall, experiencing the fun of a traditional summer camp is a great idea for both young children and older teens. For young children, there are many options for day camps, allowing the child to go home in the evening. Longer stays in cabins and lodges are most common for older teens and adults. Whatever options you choose, you are sure to enjoy your trip for many days to come.

Summer Tennis Camp Provides a Pleasant Alternative

Summer vacation can drag on for students because it lasts two or three months, so once the initial euphoria of vacation subsides, it is a great idea to find a practical activity. Some of the suggestions that teenagers have to fill their time during the vacation may become tedious for them and may not be beneficial for them. They may think that it is a great time to play with their game machines for hours or watch television.

Parents can enroll their children in a summer tennis camp to fill their hours with a useful activity. Tennis is a game that only takes two, so it is a great physical activity to keep them physically fit. They do not have to find six or eight friends to have a football game or basketball game. Tennis is a game that they can play well into their eighties, so it is an activity that they can continue to use to remain physically fit.

Summer Tennis Camp Caters to a Variety of Skills and Aspirations

Many of the great tennis players started when they were very young because they had someone to encourage them at that time. They also have a great passion for the game. Others who play tennis do so because it keeps them physically fit and provides an activity to use as a tool for social interaction. Summer tennis camp provides something for each of these groups and all of the tennis players in between.

The campers who are passionate about the sport and have aspirations to greatness will be grateful for a summer tennis camp. The instructors and coaches will be top notch so they will be able to improve their skills. There will be competition to challenge them on the courts every day of camp. Campers will also find others who are interested in the game, but not intent on going professional.

Summer Tennis Camp Gives Students a Place to Socialize

Students often miss the social interaction that they find at school during the summer vacation. Summer tennis camp provides a chance for the campers to interact with a new group of people their own age. Campers will learn to live, work and play with a group of their peers. They will have a chance to meet new friends and find out about the tennis programs in other places. Summer tennis camps have excellent coaches, but they also have a professional group of counselors to work with the campers to make sure that their stay is worthwhile and pleasant.

Campfire Tools and Memories
by Tom Watson

All campfires that you have had are as individual as the memories created around them. The campfire from every camping, hiking, hunting and fishing trip you have experienced, can be remembered. You can recall practically every conversation, memory and the person or people who were with you at the time.

There has to be a phenomenon associated with the experience of a campfire. As every outdoor person is unique in their own version of how to build a campfire, the phenomenon still remains the same. It does not matter if the fire is large or small, bright or dimly glowing embers, contained in a wrought iron smoke ring, surrounded by rocks or in a shallow pit of earth, it is still the center meeting place of a camp sight.

Just as everyone is unique in the matter of building their own version of a campfire, each individual has their own manner of tending the heartbeat of the camp. Now, there is no doubt you have witnessed several diversified means of maintaining a campfire, as well as the creativity that goes with it. Not only do most camping enthusiasts or novices employ themselves as experts, but the human trait of resourcefulness also prevails.

Now, in the presence of all the self proclaimed campfire experts, you can ask yourself what can possibly go awry. Oh, let us count the ways.

Someone decides to get the coals to burn hotter, thereby getting his or her face close to the fire, blowing on the coals, thereby acquiring smoke, soot and in all probability sparks in their eyes, nose and lungs. We sincerely hope they do not lose their balance during this feat.

The person who arranges coals or burning logs with their shoes or boots with their feet still in them has probably performed more intellectual endeavors in his or her life. But no matter. This footwear can be replaced when he or she gets back to the city.

Resourcefulness was mentioned earlier. Ladies and Gentlemen, presenting the wood burning stick. Maintaining a campfire with a stick found in the woods or along the trail is probably the most common and convenient way. This procedure has likely occurred since the invention of fire.

Convenient and resourceful, this common campfire tool can be used up, thrown away and replaced as often as needed. However, accidents can still happen as the burning stick is not always strong enough to move some burning logs or coals. Sometimes they are not even long enough.

There is a solution for the camper who likes to plan ahead. Enter the wrought iron campfire poker. No more burnt shoes, fingers or faces around the campfire. Logs and coals can be arranged with ease. The wrought iron campfire poker will also last forever, while letting the owner appear as the campfire expert and master of the camping expedition.

Tom Watson is the owner of Black Iron Junction, a wonderful source of wrought iron decorative accessories. If you are interested in a hand forged campfire poker for your camping expeditions, please visit:
www.blackironjunction.com/site/1623467/page/805963
Special ordered and stamped with your initials, these wrought iron pokers are unique and one of a kind.

The Camping Essentials
by Brenda Fleen

I remember that summer when my family went on our very first camping trip up at Yellowstone River in Billings, Montana. As a kid, I thought I had died and gone to heaven. Back then it seemed like a very big playground for someone as tiny as I was; staying up late each night telling wild life stories to scare the hell out of my sister, devouring as many s’mores as I can fit in my mouth at a time, the campfire sizzling right until the first light of day, and nothing else mattered. The best part of being a kid on a camping trip is that you don’t really have to worry about anything else other than yourself. Fine, that was a lie, I did worry about bears coming to eat me alive and running out of marshmallows. But as adults, it is important to know what the important things are to include in your camping and hiking gear. Most avid campers even consider camping as a sport so it would be considered some sort of irreverence to get yourself out there without the bare necessities.

There is a certain freedom that you can feel when you’re one with nature but once you’re out there, you also have to be prepared for anything. Bringing camping essentials will make sure that you and your family get to enjoy every minute but more importantly, they could just make the great unknown a little more safe. And the first item on the survivor list of a camping neophyte should be a nice sturdy tent. The Pinnacle Pass 3XTA Tent is a free-standing, 2-pole, rectangular dome that has two side openings that bring comfort and ease to first time and seasonal campers. This three-to-four person tent has also other features that may come in handy at some point, including an auxiliary vent on the side, interior storage pockets, with ring and pin/pole pocket assembly. It retails for around $170 but you could buy it at a slightly lower price on www.camping4less.com. If you prefer literally sleeping under the stars, then a sleeping bag ought to do the trick. For only $60.95 you can play connect-the-dots in the sky with your camping companions in a sleek Canyon 32 Sleeping Bag that’s made of durable nylon and climate friendly DuPont Thermolite Micro filling. The same site also provides free shipping within the contiguous United States for total purchases over $75 so you’re not only saving on the items you’re buying but you’re also banking on convenience. You wouldn’t have to do anything much except type on your keyboard and whip that credit card out while you plan your trip in your head.

If you really want it to be a real camping adventure, you have to learn how to get food el natural or at least try to. Fishing is not unusual during camping trips. It actually gives families more time to bond over meals; from catching the fish, to preparing the grill, to the delicious feast itself. Get started with the Guide Gear 6′6′ Baitcasting Rod And Reel which costs only $29.97. Catch this great online offer on www.sportsmansguide.com.

If your ideal camping trip is a far cry from roughing it in the wild and doing it old school, there’s a lot of ways to enjoy the great American outdoors without having to bond with nature too much. You could go car camping, where you pitch tent right beside your car, or go out in style in an RV. Whatever approach you choose to take, you’re sure to have a blast. No matter how you end up having your ultimate camping vacation, never forget to take a first aid survival kit with you. Oral and topical Antihistamines, antibiotic creams, and even an EpiPen can be quite handy for dangerous insect bites and severe allergic reactions to other elements. It should also contain over-the-counter remedies for various common ailments and emergencies like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, immodium, and the like. Forget about your facial atomizer, your favorite blanky, portable DVD player, and designer outdoor wear but whatever you do, don’t leave your compass and bug spray; they might just save your life.

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