A Camp Adventure For Your Tween!
Source: Linda S. Kagan
(26 ratings)
For parents who grew up in the 60's and 70's, camp involved extended stays in log cabins, cold showers, a limited range of food options, inspiring raids on the camp kitchen (in what seemed like the middle of the night) and ravaging of any delivery of brownies in a box from home.
And while the "good old days of camp" still exist, today the full range of opportunities for our children is staggering. A one-stop site for parents who want to view an amazing assortment of summer experiences, referred to as "camp," can be found at kidscamps.com. The site is nicely organized and has a plethora of choices, from traditional day camps to adventure, arts, academic, special interest and special needs camps, as well as a lengthy list of tween and teen programs and tours. And, with the currrent economic climate, there are still openings available for this summer!
In addition to the options within the U.S., "camping" abroad comes in so many different variations. Older tweens (and good information for future older tweens!) and teens can experience international trips to study languages, build structures and even take part in the preservation of ecological communities in South America and elsewhere. Clearly, the globalization of camps is here!
One option in particular caught my eye, and if time travel were possible, I would choose the teen leadership experience at LifeWorks Service Adventures in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Galapagos. The program is for children on the cusp of the tween/teen divide, starting with age 14 (going up to age 19). Its goal is to combine community service with cultural exposure and outdoor activities, with a focus on environmental aid through the Galapagos National Parks program. I traveled to Quito and white water rafted down one of the rivers in the Amazon decades ago, and can personally attest to the absolute wonder and beauty of Ecuador. The city of Quito is gorgeous and intimate with its historic architecture and burst of colors that are emblematic of South America.
Of course, a properly prepared and notarized authorization (with important travel details and dates) is essential when a child is traveling across the U.S. border whether by air, land or sea. While we all hope it will never be needed, medical authorization should also be in place for the unforeseen emergency (with your child's medical and doctor information handy). Written authorization is necessary whether your child is traveling alone, with a tour or summer abroad program, with a grandparent, relative, caregiver or if only one of two parents are traveling with a child abroad.
For travel information & updates visit the State Department's Consular Information Program. Other interesting camp sites to check out: goabroad.com, westcoastconnection.com and weissmantours.com.
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Linda S. Kagan, Founder & CEO of Forms4Travel.com and Forms4Parents.com, is a Mother/Lawyer/Entrepreneur focusing on the travel and caregiving needs of children and parents when they travel apart. Visit Linda's website at Forms4Travel.com (for travel and medical authorizations) or Forms4Parents.com (for customized forms). Forms can also be ordered by calling (877) 210-1410.