Archery - A New Sport for Your Kids

Archery is one sport that is currently surging in popularity. While bows and arrows have always fascinated kids, your child can also take their interest to a new level by engaging in archery competitions. They might just be curious about the sport or actually interested in becoming a competitive archer. There are some things you need to know about getting them involved in one of the most inclusive sports around the world.

It’s Safer Than Other Sports

Parents sometimes worry about their child’s safety when bows and arrows are involved. However, archery equipment and ranges are all designed with safety in mind. New archers are taught the safety rules first such as always making sure that their shooting range is clear before releasing their arrow. They are also encouraged to wear protective gear such as wrist guards. The guards are to prevent getting burned by the bow. Since archery is a no-contact sport, archers enjoy a lower chance of getting hurt than if they played other group sports such as football.

Any Kid Can Play

Today, many sports are capable of being modified to fit the needs of a child with disabilities. However, archery is well-suited for kids with a wide range of abilities. Whether your kid learns to pull their bow from a wheelchair or simply needs a less strenuous sport to avoid triggering their asthma, your child can benefit from taking part in an archery class. In fact, this is one sport that allows each child to stand out based upon their individual achievements while still playing as part of a team.

Develop Greater Self-Discipline

Kids tend to have a natural sense of exuberance that is hard to contain. Archery classes at summer camp aim to help kids learn how to slow down and think before they act. As your child gains the ability to focus their mind completely on the task at hand, this newfound sense of self-discipline also translates to their other sports and academic studies.

Work Towards Goals

At first, learning to hold the bow correctly and maintain proper form takes work. Yet, kids quickly progress in their classes. And, before they know it, they are beginning to set serious archery goals. For example, your kid may choose to focus on hitting their target as they stand further distances away. Or they may set a goal to hit smaller targets. Either way, learning to set and work toward goals gives your youngster skills that they will use for the rest of their life.

Strengthen Coordination

Successfully hitting a target requires a child to use their entire body to maintain proper form and draw back on the bow. Kids will also improve their eye-hand coordination as they strive to hit the target. And the core muscle workout helps them develop better posture and balance. The best part is that they will hardly view this sport as exercise since they are so busy focusing on hitting the targets.

When you are looking for a new sport for your kids, it is important to carefully weigh factors such as the safety level and ease for a beginner to quickly begin to play. Archery hits every point when it comes to making sure that your child can be successful in mastering their goals. Enrolling them in archery classes gives them the best opportunities to exceed their wildest expectations.

Canadian Adventure Camp is a North Ontario coed sleepover summer camp for kids located on a beautiful private island in the wilderness lakes region of Temagami. Founded in 1975, it  provides acclaimed programs to children from around the world! Visit site: http://www.canadianadventurecamp.com/campers/summer-camp-program/

Developing Teamwork at Summer Camp

The power of teamwork is evident throughout each day at summer camp as kids discover how working with other campers enhances their experience. Today, cultivating a team mindset in your child is increasingly important since they will be expected to work with others on group projects at school and later in their career. Playing sports during the school year goes a long way toward helping your child develop the ability to work as part of a team. Summer camp offers a unique set of opportunities for your child to develop an appreciation for the beauty of teamwork.

Recognizing and Learning to Use Individual Differences

Kids come to summer camp with unique personalities and skill sets that all contribute to the team. However, it takes time and experience for kids to learn how to view individual differences as a benefit for their team activities. As kids practice and play sports together, they learn how to identify each person’s individual strengths. Then, they begin to practice applying what they learned by encouraging each person to use their strengths to help meet team goals. Since every kid has something special to contribute, everyone can stand out while still maintaining a team mindset.

Providing Opportunities to Develop Confidence and Leadership

Being part of a team means working with others. Yet, it takes true confidence to know how to stand back and let someone else shine for the sake of the team. Every team also needs a leader who can help draw out each person’s abilities. Summer camp programs allow every child to have an opportunity to lead the group, whether they are hiking or planning a strategy to reach the top of a rope course. As kids participate in these types of team challenges, they also develop the confidence to continue striving toward improving their ability to reach goals with the other campers.

Practicing Teamwork in Challenging Situations

It is not easy being on a team. At times, conflicts arise that younger campers may not know how to handle. This is the reason every team activity at camp includes support from a staff member or older camper. They can help kids develop problem-solving skills. Whether two members of a team disagree about how to proceed during a soccer game, or the whole group is confused about how to navigate around a difficult whitewater rafting course, it is only through working out these challenges that kids can develop even stronger abilities to work with other kids.

Enjoying the Benefits of Learning to Work as a Team

Working as a team means sharing the load of responsibility. It also allows kids to learn from each other. For instance, playing on a basketball team can help a kid refine their individual skills at shooting a basket by watching what the other members of their group do. Teamwork also teaches kids positive communication skills, and having the support of their teammates encourages kids to strive toward higher achievements.

At camp, kids are always encouraged to adopt a team mindset. This allows them to thrive as individuals while also learning how to work together with others. Whether competing in a sports competition with a rival camp or gathering around the campfire to sing songs, learning how to work with others in their group is just another perk of spending the summer at camp.

Canadian Adventure Camp is a North Ontario coed sleepover summer camp for kids located on a beautiful private island in the wilderness lakes region of Temagami. Founded in 1975, it  provides acclaimed programs to children from around the world! Visit site: http://www.canadianadventurecamp.com/campers/summer-camp-program/

Encouraging Kids to Be Great Leaders

Kids who are excellent leaders grow up to be successful adults. While some kids are natural born leaders, others need a little help to bring out their confidence. It is also important to know that even kids who naturally take the lead may need a little guidance to learn how to do so effectively. The great news is that encouraging kids to be great leaders simply requires giving them a nurturing environment in which they feel confident practicing their skills. Try these tips to help your child’s natural talents for leadership emerge.

Give Them Responsibilities

True leaders take responsibility for their actions and are willing to jump in and lend a hand whenever it is needed. At home, give your kid jobs that require them to think like a leader. For instance, you could involve them in planning how to paint their room, and let them recruit a friend or two to help. Alternatively, you could let your kids set up a lemonade stand for the weekend to build their leadership and entrepreneurial skills. Then, make sure that your child also has responsibilities at school and summer camp such as keeping their cabin or classroom clean.

Develop Their Self-Confidence

It takes confidence to lead a group or speak up when it is necessary. For this reason, confidence and leadership skills often go hand in hand. Provide your child with new experiences that encourage them to step out of their comfort zone. Ideally, these experiences should have some degree of challenge such as taking waterskiing lessons at camp or performing in front of a crowd in a play. Getting your kid to stretch their comfort level gives them the chance to conquer fears that get in the way of leadership.

Give Them Opportunities to Move Up As Leaders

It is important for kids to be given the chance to build upon their skills as a leader. For instance, summer camp helps turn shy kids into leaders by offering them safe opportunities to develop their skills such as being team captain for a scrimmage. As their talents emerge, campers are then given even more challenging roles such as leading a hike or showing another camper how to perform a skill. Eventually, campers can become camp counselors, which is the optimum way to practice leadership.

Talk About Their Triumphs and Challenges

The road to becoming a true leader is paved with both triumphs and defeats. After your child plays team captain or comes home from camp full of stories about how they led a hiking expedition, ask them about what they learned. As your child shares the challenges that they encountered, you can help them find solutions such as working harder to develop strong communication skills. Then, make sure to give your child plenty of praise to reinforce the positive feelings that come from being successful at leadership.

It is exciting to watch as your child slowly develops their confidence as a leader, and being in positions of leadership allows your child to fully reach their potential. By making sure that your child is given plenty of opportunities to develop their leadership skills at home, school and summer camp, you can look forward to watching as their talents grow and they emerge as leaders among their peers.

Canadian Adventure Camp is a North Ontario coed sleepover summer camp for kids located on a beautiful private island in the wilderness lakes region of Temagami. Founded in 1975, it  provides acclaimed programs to children from around the world! Visit site: http://www.canadianadventurecamp.com/campers/summer-camp-program/

Exploring New Friendships at Summer Camp

New campers often worry about whether they will fit in at camp. Yet, it often takes only a few minutes after arrival before kids are sharing stories and laughing as if they’ve known each other for years. While kids make friends other places, there is just something different about camp that fosters closer relationships that stand out from the rest. When you drop your child off at camp, you can enjoy knowing that they are reaping the benefits of being able to explore new friendships during their outdoor adventures.

Bond Through New Experiences

The best friendships are those where you can look at someone and know that they will be there for you no matter what happens. At camp, kids are challenged every day to stretch out of their comfort zone. Their tasks to tackle might be spending the night in the wilderness or learning a new jump on their wakeboard. Having their friends standing there shouting their support and celebrating their success shows kids what it truly means to be a good friend.

Expand Your Child’s Horizons

Kids come to summer camp from all over the world. Campers quickly find a common ground with their love for adventures and the outdoors. At camp, your shy youngster may suddenly decide to take a new camper under their wing and emerge as an outgoing leader that summer. Alternatively, your teenager may decide to give gymnastics a try after meeting a friend who gets them excited about doing somersaults or flying through-the-air.

Develop Critical Social Skills

Camp is also all about learning how to live, work and play with others as a group. Your child’s cabin friends will all learn how to work together to keep their cabin clean and respect each other’s personal space. As expected, there are a lot of kids at camp. Your son or daughter will also learn how to make introductions and include newcomers to their group. Leadership skills are also gained as kids participate in their activities. And there are always plenty of opportunities to develop a team mindset that transfers to a kid’s ability to make friends once they return to home and school.

Form Long Lasting Relationships

It is important for kids to learn how to maintain their social ties despite distance or a gap in being able to see their friends. Camp friendships become so tight that kids often continue their relationship through the school year by writing letters, sending care packages and keeping up with each other on social media. By the time camp season rolls around again, they have found that their friendship is stronger than ever. In fact, camp friends feel as though returning to camp is very much like going home to a second family.

Kids rely upon their friendships to help them learn more about the world around them. They learn skills in a way that is different from what you can teach as a parent. At camp, your child is exposed to a diverse population of friendly kids. They are all eager to invite new friends into their circle. Over time, your youngster will form amazing friendships that enhance their happiness and give them an opportunity to practice those important relationship building skills that they will use throughout life.

Canadian Adventure Camp is a North Ontario coed sleepover summer camp for kids located on a beautiful private island in the wilderness lakes region of Temagami. Founded in 1975, it  provides acclaimed programs to children from around the world! Visit site: http://www.canadianadventurecamp.com/campers/summer-camp-program/

Summer Camp - A World of Its Own

From the moment that kids arrive at summer camp, it becomes obvious that they have entered a completely different world. After all, the tranquil atmosphere created by tall pine trees and clear water on the lake instantly invites kids to just relax and enjoy the experience. As the summer hits full swing, it becomes clear that kids will be able to create a beautiful world that can only be understood by others who join them for their camping adventures.

Meet New Friends That Become Family

Cabin life is full of surprises. One of the first discovered by kids is that homesickness quickly goes away when they are having fun with their bunk mates. Late night stories, shared living spaces and eating meals together all make campers feel like one big happy family. Forming these bonds allow kids to build their sense of identity. Outside of the cabin, kids also quickly make new friends through shared interests. It is common to hear kids excitedly exclaiming with wonder as they find friends that love the same things they do.

Create Inside Jokes That No One Else Gets

As those friendships take hold, kids begin to form bonds that result in inside camper jokes that no one outside of camp fully understands. Nicknames can hold more than one meaning. Kids love reminding each other of how much fun they had by recalling old stories about their adventures. Being able to make a friend laugh with a single word or silly look is an amazing feeling that kids enjoy at camp. Many campers keep up with each other during the school year using these same inside jokes that only their camp friends understand.

Trading School Uniforms for Swimsuits

Kids spend all school year worried about their appearance. Summer camp gives them a break from the stress. It’s one of the few places in the world where swimsuits are practically an all-day every day requirement. Kids love being able to focus on feeling free rather than how they look. Whether waterskiing across the lake or diving into the pool for swimming lessons, nothing makes a summer more carefree than just being able to enjoy being comfortable.

Train in State-Of-The-Art Facilities

Even the nicest home rarely has all the amenities offered by camp. So, it feels like stepping into a world full of possibilities every time campers head outdoors to indulge in their daily activities. Kids who are serious about sports appreciate having the appropriate safety equipment nearby. Spotting belts and bungee systems allow them to learn complicated gymnastics moves without fear of getting hurt. Aerial silks and hoops are another summer camp favorite that kids can learn while under the guidance of a professional coach. With so many amenities available for physical activity, kids also discover that summer camp is a world where technology is no longer deemed so necessary.

Summer camp truly is a world of its own that every kid should experience. Whether they are excited about making new friends or are ready to take their sports skills to a new level, stepping into a beautiful outdoor environment is all it takes to allow them the freedom they need to thrive.

Canadian Adventure Camp is a North Ontario coed sleepover summer camp for kids located on a beautiful private island in the wilderness lakes region of Temagami. Founded in 1975, it provides acclaimed programs to children from around the world! Visit site: http://www.canadianadventurecamp.com/campers/summer-camp-program/

The Importance of Counselors at a Coed Adventure Camp

Summer camp counselors prove that you never can get too old for camp. Many of the best counselors are former campers who are ready to take on a leadership role. Although counselors are known for their wacky antics such as initiating a spontaneous water fight in the lake, they must also quickly know how to get serious when a situation requires a level head. From wiping those first day tears to helping kids conquer their fears, here are just a few reasons why camp counselors are vital to creating an idyllic summer experience.

Soothe Homesickness

Although kids quickly adjust to their new camp environment, those first few days can be a little rocky for younger campers. This is where camp counselors come in. Since counselors share cabins with new campers, they are in the perfect place at the right time to calm those nighttime feelings of homesickness. They also know how to plan so many activities during the day and evening cabin time that most kids don’t have a chance to truly get homesick.

Inspire Kids to Be Courageous

Coed adventure camps are designed to inspire kids to conquer their fears, and camp counselors know exactly when a kid could use a little extra nudge. Whether they are shouting words of encouragement during a competition or celebrating a camper’s first time up on the water skis, they make kids feel capable of making great leaps with their independence. Having the support of a camp counselor who is trained in first aid and CPR also gives kids confidence that they will be safe performing a new skill or activity.

Teach Kids How to Unplug

During the school year, many kids get caught up in technology that causes them to forget how to have fun without their favorite electronic device. At camp, counselors help kids find ways to spend their time doing wholesome outdoor activities that increase their physical fitness. They constantly have a list of activities running through their head to keep kids excited. And, when there is an unexpected change in the weather, a rainy day can be turned quickly into a fun bonding experience among cabin mates.

Give Campers a Positive Role Model

Camp counselors are older, yet their love for spending time outdoors allows them to retain that cool factor kids need when they are looking for a role model. Naturally, conflicts can happen when a group of kids are together. Counselors are always there to help youngsters learn how to resolve issues peacefully. They are also positive role models of how to take on something new and exciting such as soaring through the air on a trampoline in a safe and responsible manner.

At first glance, it looks as if camp counselors are just having fun. After all, no one can deny that spending a work day on the lake is ideal. Yet, it is important to remember that beneath all the excitement, camp counselors are looking after the safety and happiness of every kid in their group. Without trained counselors, there simply wouldn’t be camp since they shape every moment of each camper’s experience.

Canadian Adventure Camp is a North Ontario coed sleepover summer camp for kids located on a beautiful private island in the wilderness lakes region of Temagami. Founded in 1975, it  provides acclaimed programs to children from around the world! Visit site: http://www.canadianadventurecamp.com/campers/summer-camp-program/

Getting Messy with Arts and Crafts

There is no doubt that kids love getting messy. Craft projects are the perfect place to start. They’re free to get elbows deep into their art. From finger paints to advanced sculpture, arts and crafts activities are perfect for keeping kids of all ages busy. And they love showing off their unique creations. This summer, keep your kids busy by exploring the many ways that summer camp encourages getting messy along with providing a fun and creative outlet.

Make Classic Camp Crafts

Parents sometimes shy away at the thought of getting clay in their carpet or dye stains on their walls. At summer camp, however, a designated arts and crafts building gives kids the freedom to fling a little paint without worrying about making mom and dad stress. The best part about these programs is that there are tons of materials available for the youngsters. With guidance from the counselors, they can create all kinds of art. Whether learning to make colorful friendship bracelets or tie-dyed t-shirts, a little “good and messy” creativity is always fun!

Enjoy the Creative Process

Generally, the messier the art project, the happier the kid. Playing with paint and other materials teaches them that being willing to take risks is part of the experience. Perhaps your child’s vase falls apart on the pottery wheel but they aren’t worried because they know that clay can always be reshaped. Or maybe they struggle with capturing the perfect sunrise on canvas. It’s okay. They’ll soon learn that tomorrow will present a chance to try again. Sometimes, art projects end up going in a completely different direction and that’s okay, too. Developing creativity is the only real goal in any messy arts and craft project.

Create Outdoor Art

Arts and crafts do not always involve quietly sitting at a table. Seriously messy art projects invite kids to use their whole bodies. They can shoot paint from water guns to make large outdoor art. Or they can splatter paint on a gigantic poster to show some cabin camaraderie. The goal is for kids to know that being creative is always fun. Whether it’s mud painting, decorating pet rocks or coloring the sidewalk with chalk, the sky is the limit for blending a love for the outdoors with a love for art.

Craft in An Interactive Atmosphere

When kids engage in messy art projects, they love pushing their friends to see who can get the messiest. In fact, it is not uncommon to see a few painted handprints scattered on campers as they get into the process of creating cool things. Working in a collaborative effort also fosters opportunities for kids to learn new skills from each other.

Somehow, even the oldest kids still love to get fully immersed in their arts and crafts projects. While adults tend to try to steer kids away from messy art, it is important to encourage the exploration of media such as clay and paint. An open work space is important for allowing kids the full freedom to develop their self-expression. And working in an arts and crafts building is an ideal place to hone their artistic skills. By providing your son or daughter with plenty of chances to really dive into their art projects, you will be teaching them the value of learning how to express their creativity.

Canadian Adventure Camp is a North Ontario coed sleepover summer camp for kids located on a beautiful private island in the wilderness lakes region of Temagami. Founded in 1975, it  provides acclaimed programs to children from around the world! Visit site: http://www.canadianadventurecamp.com/campers/summer-camp-program/

 

What's the Difference Between Gymnastics and Tumbling?

Parents often have many questions about gymnastics when they first enroll their children in a class. After all, just spending a few minutes watching little gymnasts flip, leap and balance on the equipment always sparks amazement. Among the most often asked questions is what is the difference between gymnastics and tumbling. While these two are interlinked, knowing the differences between them will help you know which type of class will best fit your child’s skill set and interests.

What Happens in Gymnastics?

In a gymnastics class, gymnasts learn how to perform acrobatic movements such as flips and handstands on different types of equipment. In women’s gymnastics, they learn how to perform maneuvers on the vault, uneven bars and balance beam. Men’s gymnastics uses different equipment such as the rings, parallel bars and high bars. There are also rhythmic gymnasts who use hoops and ribbons as they artistically perform tumbling moves intermingled with dancing. Since many of the tricks performed in gymnastics are done at a height, you will also see thicker floor mats and harness equipment used to keep kids safe as they learn new skills.

How Is Tumbling Different?

Tumbling is simply another type of gymnastics. However, it focuses less on using equipment and more on floor routines. While your child will learn tumbling moves such as somersaults and back walkovers in gymnastics, these types of maneuvers will take on greater importance in tumbling. Due to the emphasis on learning how to do handsprings and other types of acrobatics, tumbling is also sometimes incorporated into cheerleading and dance classes. When performing a tumbling routine, kids tend to use a thinner mat than you would see under the uneven bars. However, they utilize thick mats, foam pits and other cushioned training surfaces as they learn how to do tricks such as flips and aerials.

Which One Is Best for My Child?

Taking your child’s physical strength, previous experiences and future goals into consideration is the best way to choose between gymnastics and tumbling. For children who are interested in learning how to perform tricks on equipment, gymnastics offers the best of both worlds since it also includes tumbling during the floor routines. Dancers and cheerleaders, however, may choose to focus strictly on tumbling so that they can reach advanced levels at a faster rate. Some children may lack the physical strength to perform tumbling on its own and prefer gymnastics since the equipment helps them to use momentum to complete their moves.

Do They Offer Similar Benefits?

Whether you choose gymnastics or tumbling, you can expect your child to learn similar skills. Strength building, mental conditioning and flexibility training are all critical components of both types of classes. Due to the complexity of the maneuvers, children in gymnastics and tumbling also learn perseverance, as they must practice a skill many times before it reaches perfection. While many gymnastics competitions include individual routines, children in these classes also learn teamwork and how to trust their peers and instructors as they spot each other on complicated moves.

Enrolling your child in a beginner’s gymnastics class is the perfect way to let them test out their skills. For many children, the prospect of learning to leap and fly between bars or balance on rings is all it takes to motivate them to engage in physical activity. By understanding the difference between tumbling and gymnastics, you can steer your child to the course that best fits their athletic goals and dreams.

Canadian Adventure Camp is a coed overnight summer camp for kids located on a beautiful private island in the wilderness lakes region of Temagami.  Founded in 1975, it  provides acclaimed programs to children from around the world! Visit site: http://www.canadianadventurecamp.com/campers/summer-camp-program/

Traits of the Best Summer Camp Counselors

Summer camp counselors play an important role as they help kids adjust to being away from home. At camp, a counselor leads activities, checks on the safety of the campers in their bunk and serves as a role model during every moment of their day. While the job is demanding, camp counselors report that they get back more from the experience than they ever imagined. Camp counselors are known for their active, fun-loving personalities, and these traits are found in those who are committed to creating the ideal experience for every kid that visits them in the summer.

Good Communication Skills

Throughout the day, a camp counselor may have to comfort a homesick camper, celebrate a winning sports team and reinforce camp rules. Each of these tasks requires the ability to adjust one’s tone to fit the situation. A quality camp counselor will be able to respond with sensitivity when it is necessary and address challenging situations with authority that makes every kid feel like a valuable member of the camp community.

Self-Motivation

Camp counselors spend the major part of their day with the campers in their group and they even stay in the same cabin. This means that counselors are responsible for establishing routines in their cabin regarding bedtimes, waking up and keeping things clean. Since a counselor is the one the rest of the group looks to for leadership, they must be the first one to notice when something needs to be done and immediately take action.

Detail-Oriented

There are a lot of details involved in planning events and each day at camp is full of special activities that are designed to foster the campers’ development. A camp counselor is not only responsible for keeping a head count of their group throughout the day, but they will also need to be able to keep track of things such as what equipment is needed for a hiking expedition and how to run through a safety check before taking the kids out on the water.

Physically Active

Being a camp counselor is a high-energy job that requires being able to work out and play alongside the younger campers. Camp counselors tend to enjoy activities such as archery, wakeboarding and fishing. Since their primary goal is to make sure no child feels left out or gets frustrated learning a new skill, they will constantly be interacting with the group in every activity so that they can foster an encouraging atmosphere.

Resilience

As anyone who spends time outdoors knows, anything can happen to the best-laid plans. Rain can come pouring down before a campfire gathering, or a tent pole can break on an overnight camping trip. When these things happen, camp counselors teach kids how to handle challenges by staying calm and working out a solution. From hosting an indoor sing-along to fashioning a tent pole from a branch, they will successfully rise to the occasion, no matter what comes their way.

While some of the best camp counselors were once campers themselves, it is not necessarily a requirement. Being a positive role model and recognizing the importance of giving each kid a memorable experience are the most essential traits to be found in a camp counselor. Although each day is full of serious responsibilities, it is well worth the effort when a young camper looks forward to the day when they can take on a position of leadership just like their favorite counselor.

Canadian Adventure Camp is a coed overnight summer camp for kids located on a beautiful private island in the wilderness lakes region of Temagami.  Founded in 1975, it  provides acclaimed programs to children from around the world! Visit site: http://www.canadianadventurecamp.com/campers/summer-camp-program/