ask
a Camp Direct
or BY HEATHER M. ROSS
What can parents and
camps do to make sure their
shy kid has fun at camp?
Julie Smith, Camp Accomplish: Be
empathetic and patient, while encour-
aging campers to be open to meeting
new people, who may be just as shy as
they are. A little extra time and a kind
word can help a child feel more com-
fortable with trying new things and
meeting new people. Camps are a great
environment to facilitate this because
there’s almost always an activity that
can serve as the center point for inter-
action if a child is particularly nervous
about having to carry on conversation.

What are ways camps can
support social/emotional
health? David Ritter, Bretton Woods Recreation
Center: Bretton Woods uses a 6 to 1
camper to counselor ratio. We take the
time to bond the group at the beginning
of the session and don’t rush into the
activities. Bretton Woods spend a lot
of training time for staff to learn how
to read the group and be aware if there
is a camper who needs more attention
and how to give that attention without
focusing publicly of the camper.

14 Washington FAMILY FEBRUARY 2023
What relational, academic or
other skills will my child take
away from camp?
Shannon Clancy, Youth Basketball –
Washington Wizards: Most of the drills
we do at camp are designed in such a
way so that they can be done either
within a group (like at camp) or individ-
ually (at home). We know that nobody
is going to walk into camp on Monday a
novice and walk out of camp on Friday
an expert. It just doesn’t work that way.

But our hope is that our campers will
take a few things away that they can
then build upon once they leave us, and
we make sure to emphasize that point
throughout the week. The only way to
get better at something is to do it!
Peter Kallin, Merscersburg Academy
Summer Programs: We love the friend-
ships that participants build at our
camps! We are technology free for
most programs, which allows everyone
to authentically connect in person and
build friendships that last for years to
come. Depending on the program, par-
ticipants will learn sport-specific skills,
musical theater techniques, or educa-
tional skills in such areas as writing,
robotics and STEAM.

What age should my child
start thinking about camp
leadership? Lauren Shiel, Independent Lake Camp:
From the moment [kids] arrive at camp,
leadership presents itself in many ways.

At camp, whether you or your camper
realize it, your child will start develop-
ing leadership skills [from] the moment
they arrive. Leadership will present
itself in everything from evening activi-
ties, even in the basic olympics or color
war activities; to bunk cleanup, to prob-
lem solving strategies to performing in
their activities and exhibitions. It’s not
something they need to focus on in the
beginning of their camp experience,
however it will happen organically with-
out them even realizing. Camp is a safe
place where children at camp explore
their voices and independence before
jumping into it in the outside world. It’s
a supportive environment which allows
growth and even the opportunity to
make mistakes.

How can camps
accommodate kids who
aren’t athletic or have no
interest in sports?
Sarah Hewett and Rachel Kirshebaum,
PROVIDED C a m p A c c o m p li s h
C amp season is quickly approaching and as parents, you want to do
everything you can to make sure your child has a fun, safe and educa-
tional experience.

So, we saved you the leg work and got in touch with local camp directors, asking
essential questions so you can send your child to camp with peace of mind. Find out how
you can protect your child with allergies, encourage your shy child and help them develop
skills they’ll use the rest of their lives.