Do you want to introduce your youngster to an experience that puts his/her in touch with the natural environment, builds character, educates, stimulates and is fun besides? If the answer is yes, camping is what you’re looking for. Some parents may view camps as simply a place of programmed activities, but built into those activities are profitable objectives: Learning to live outdoors and becoming familiar with the elements, growing and developing, learning to live and work well with others, practicing good health and safety habits, obtaining new skills, developing new interests, and expanding spiritual meanings and values.
In choosing a camp it’s important to select one that meets your child’s particular needs. There are four types of camps as described in the 1978 Parent’s Guide to Accredited Camps: Day, Resident, Specialty and Travel Camps. Camp Minisink Day Camps: Generally provide Parent’s, Guide to Accredited Camps: Day, Resident, Specialty and Travel Camps.
Day Camps: generally provide transportation for your children to and from the camp for the day. Day camps are a good way to introduce your children to camping.
Resident Camps: They offer lodging, meals and around-the-clock supervision.
Specialty Camps: Give specialized instruction in one area of The guide costs $1.95 plus 45¢ interest. Such specialization is of most value to a child who has some previous exposure to different activities.
Travel Camps: Specialize in either tripping [outdoor living with back-pack, canoe, horses] or travel [by bus, auto, van] experiences. These camps cater to the older children.
There are a number of camps that offer programs for people with special needs, such as the blind, deaf and disadvantaged. The Parents Guide to Accredited Camps is one of the best sources available for selecting a camp. The Northeast edition covers: Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Washington, DC, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and most of the other New England states. There are also editions for the South, Mid-West and West. The Guide costs $1.95 + .45 postage. It lists only accredited camps and explains what standards must be met for accreditation. Each camp lists programs, directors, length of stay and other information. The guide is available through ACA Publications Department, Bradford Woods, Martinsville, In. 46151.
One of the camps listed in the Parent’s Guide is Camp Minisink. Through its parent organization, Minisink Town House, it provides expert counseling and instills motivation and self-pride. The camp is in the Shawangunk Mountains on 640 sprawling acres outside of Pt. Jervis, New York. It offers two very special coed programs: One for Juniors [Girls ages 7-11, Boys ages 8-11] and one for Seniors [ages 12-15]
The Junior Program includes a mixture of interests, sports and recreation, creative arts, performing arts, off-site camping, worship and special events.
Junior camp has two periods: 1st period is June 29th-July 18th and the 2nd period is July 20th-August 2nd.
The Senior Program is geared towards development in athletics, creative arts, expressive arts, language and communications arts and survival camping.
Campers get to meet experts and celebrities in their chosen interest areas. Senior camp has only one period, which lasts 18 days from August 7th-August 24th. Register now! Contact Minisink Town House, 646 Lenox Avenue, New York. (212) 368-8400, for further information.
Camping is a great adventure, especially for youngsters who have been confined to the city all year.
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