Shelly Cartwright asked:


What’s the best way for your child to be safe, have fun and beat the summer heat? Sign them up for a water sports or aquatic camp!

Summertime and aquatic activities go hand-in-hand. According to Theresa Torrone, a volunteer for the American Camp Association (ACA), “Water sports camps are one of the fastest growing segments of the specialty camp field within the summer camp industry as a whole. There’s a water sports camp for kids and teens everywhere.”

Also known as aquatics sports camps, water sports camps generally offer surfing, jet skiing, wakeboarding, boogie boarding, body surfing, parasailing, swimming, inner-tubing, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, boating and related activities.

What if your child doesn’t have previous experience with these activities? Torrone says not to worry. “Most water sports camps accept kids from every aquatic background, so your child can participate and enjoy the activities safely and have fun no matter what.”

To cover your bets, however, Torrone says to “always check with the camp director first just to be sure.”

Sometimes parents think a water sports camp is out of the question if they don’t live close to the ocean. But Torrone says your kids can still get the full benefit of attending a water sports camp no matter where you live.

“Some of the premier water sports camps in the country use lakes, reservoirs and pools as their primary activity base. The ocean is fun, but it’s definitely not essential to enjoying a premier aquatic camp experience.

“For example, jet skiing, wakeboarding and fishing camps often take place at lakes or rivers. They don’t require a beach or ocean for kids to have fun.”

When asked about surfing camps, Torrone said, “I suppose if you want to learn to surf, or attend a surf camp, you’ll need to find a water sports camp at the beach. But even if you don’t live by the beach, you can go to an overnight surf camp. There are a number of them across the country.”

To find a list of water sports camps, Torrone suggests contacting the American Camp ACA. “The ACA’s a great resource. Whether you’re looking for a surf camp, jet skiing camp, wakeboarding camp, or just a swimming camp, the ACA can provide you with a list of accredited programs all over the country.”

Torrone says you can also look on the Internet. “If you want a surf camp,  SurfCampSearch.com, a free online surf camp directory. If you want an all around aquatic sports camp experience, including surfing, try Aloha Beach Camp in Los Angeles. And last I checked, ussportscamps.com and localsportscamps.com also have comprehensive listings of water sports camps everywhere so you can find a great program.”

Whatever camp you choose, it’s always wise to involve your child in the decision-making process. “If your child is involved in picking the water sports camp they’ll eventually attend,” she said, “they’re going to end up loving it that much more.”



Ann

SexyRed28 asked:


For a class I have to pick some sort of product associated with camping (but not a tent) and improve on it.

The problem is that I am definitely not a camper! I went once for one night! I’m not even sure what kind of things are used!

Could you just let me know your biggest problems when you are camping (rain leaks through the sleeping bag, fire won’t start, going to the bathroom, etc.) so that I have some sort of starting point? Thanks!

Pauline

Shelly Cartwright asked:


Specialty summer camp programs have continued to grow in popularity each of the past several years. In fact, they’re the fastest growing segment of the entire summer camp industry. A “specialty” camp generally focuses on one or more related camp activities (just beach and surfing activities, for example), versus a traditional summer camp which typically offers a more generalized program with activities such as arts & crafts, horseback riding, nature study, sports and games, archery, and dance and drama, among others.

Specialty camps have historically appealed to “older” kids (generally ages 10 or 12) because their lifestyle interests begin to take shape at this age and they become more interested in specialized fields of study or play as they grow. But in recent years, specialty camps are seeing more enrollment from children as young as preschool age whose parents may want them exposed to more specific camp activities than they’d get at a traditional camp.

Like traditional camps, specialty camps offer day or resident/sleepaway camp experiences. (At day camps, children are generally brought to the camp each morning in a bus or van, spend their day at camp, and then return home in the late afternoon.  At resident camps, children “live” at the camp — typically in bunks, tents or cabins — for up to several weeks at a time during the summer.)

There seems to be no limit as to the types of specialty camps available. If your child is interested in a specific area of interest, you can be sure there’s a specialty camp designed for them. For example, a recent internet search revealed the following types of specialty camps: beach and surfing camps, cooking camps, boating camps, camps for children with special needs, weight loss camps, boot camps, football camps, general sports camps, ski and snowboard camps, camps for children with cancer, baking camps, tennis camps, acting camps, academic camps, entrepreneurial camps, family camps and camps for twins, among others.

Where’s the best place to start your search for a specialty camp? We always suggest picking an American Camp Association (ACA) Accredited camp, regardless of the type of camp you choose. By choosing an accredited camp, you can be sure the camp meets or exceeds up to 300 best-practice industry standards relating to child safety and supervision, transportation, program and activity scheduling, food service, and more.

The ACA maintains a free Website where you can search for a specialty camp among any criteria that’s important to you such as by type of camp, location, gender, price, and ages served.

Go to http://acacamps.com to start your search. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a beach and surf camp in Los Angeles or a cooking camp in Wisconsin, the specialty camp you’re looking for will be right there on the ACA’s Web site.



Josephine

bjmarchini asked:


I have only gone camping twice in the last ten years, but am planning a 10 day trip to Arcadia in August.

What things have you forgotten or not thought of bringing to camping trips in the past?

Myself and 12 year old girl and 10 year old boy.

Rhonda

David Nool asked:


Camping on the picturesque Oregon coast can be an exciting or a relaxing vacation for the entire family. Oregon campgrounds offer a wide range of activities, locations, types of campgrounds available, and price ranges. Finding the perfect vacation to meet the needs of your family can be as simple as doing a little research on the Internet. Once you decide what kind of Oregon coast camping vacation you are looking for, finding an Oregon coast camping site is a piece of cake. More and more types of Oregon coast campsites are placing their camping information on the Internet for vacationers to choose from. Search this online information for many variables, from location of the Oregon camping site, to amenities offered, to family-friendly environments.

CHOOSING THE PERFECT OREGON CAMPGROUND

You’ve decided to spend your vacation on the Oregon Coast camping, but where do you start when it comes time to pick the perfect combination of camping needs for your trip? Take a look at your vacation itinerary. Where do plan to spend your time while you are camping in Oregon? Are you planning on four-wheeling along the Dunes National Park? Are you going on a lighthouse tour of the Oregon Coast? Are you attending any activities while you are there, such as festivals, fairs, or concerts? Do you plan to spend your time relaxing on one of the highly acclaimed Oregon Coast golf courses or resorts? Decide what you plan to do, and where you want to spend your time. Then you’re ready to start looking at Oregon Coast campsites. After you’ve decided where you are going to spend the bulk of your time, decide how you want to spend that time. Are you looking for an outdoor vacation near the beach, or something more in the middle of a lush green forest? Do you want to stay in a rustic and basic environment, or are you one of those campers who can’t leave home without the remote control and the hair dryer? Oregon campgrounds can accommodate the needs of almost any type of camper. If you are looking for a back-to-basics type adventure, look at the Oregon campgrounds that offer limit amounts of amenities or traditional-style camping. If you have to travel with a DVD player, perhaps one of the many RV parks along the Oregon coast would better suit your needs. After you decide the type of camping experience you are looking for, consider the costs of each option. How much are you willing to spend for your Oregon camping trip? Quotes for many different types of camping experiences can easily be found online. Be sure to check the availability of your desired campground. Some Oregon campsites are only offered during specific times of the year, or have limited availability and reservation space during certain peak times. If possible, make reservations before you go. This can save you time and potential headaches and help you achieve the perfect vacation.

OREGON STATE CAMPGROUNDS

When camping in Oregon, keep in mind that you have other camping options besides privately run Oregon campsites. Oregon State campgrounds are available every year for a limited amount of vacationers. Most of the time you can make reservations and check the campground availability online from any of the Oregon State Park websites. Camping in Oregon State campgrounds is often less expensive than patronizing any of the privately run campgrounds in Oregon. Oregon State Campgrounds are taken care of by the state of Oregon and are usually kept in immaculate condition. Campsites are clearly marked, easy to find, and well-taken care of. Oregon State has large portions of its land dedicated exclusively as State or National Park grounds. Over three hundred miles of coastland are included in the State and Nationally protected areas. For a more complete listing of the Oregon State Campgrounds and the National Park grounds located in Oregon, initiate a search on the Internet for State and National Park directories. These directories should also provide simple and easy instructions on making reservations.

OREGON BEACH CAMPGROUNDS

In 1967, the state of Oregon dedicated huge amounts of land to the State and National park systems in order to make sure it was preserved for future generations. Because so much of the Oregon Coast in particular is designated as State or Nationally protected land, camping in Oregon offers the unique experience of camping directly on the beach. Not all beaches allow sand camping, so check the listings online of beaches that do allow coastal camping before you make your reservations. Camping on the beach offers you the relaxing experience of falling asleep to the rhythm of the ocean surf. Different types of beach camping are available, ranging from tent camping to cabin camping to RV camping. The costs of beach camping vary depending on the type of camping and the amenities offered. While most of the Oregon coast beaches offer free access to its waterfront, many privately owned and managed Oregon campsites do not offer free camping. Oregon beach campgrounds have limited amounts of space available, so make your reservations early to ensure you get the perfect Oregon campsite.

OREGON COAST RV CAMPING

The Oregon coast is dotted with RV campgrounds. As more people are traveling across the country in RVs, more RV campgrounds are popping up. RV parks can be a little more expensive than traditional tent or cabin style camping, but can make up for the extra cost by offering a multitude of amenities. Before you choose an RV park, decide on what kind of amenities you need to make your Oregon camping experience the very best that it can be. Different types of RV campgrounds in Oregon offer different types of amenities. Some campgrounds may offer options such as water hookups, laundry facilities, convenient parking, boat storage and parking, showers, and many other types of options. Most of the available options can be easily found by searching on the Internet. RV campgrounds in Oregon often fill up pretty quickly, so making reservations well in advance is advisable.



Gregory

Jeff Marshall asked:


Tent Camping is a wonderful out-of-the-ordinary experience which can be enjoyed by anyone. Unfortunately, one of the disadvantages of Tent Camping is the high initial cost of buying camping equipment. Sadly, this hurdle keeps some people from ever even going tent camping. The good news is this does not have to be the case at all. With a little planning and effort, you can buy quality camping equipment at a reduced rate. Here, are some tent camping tips to help reduce your overall camping equipment bill:

1. Know What You Like: Camping equipment is not much different than purchasing any other consumer product. This means you can bargain hunt for clearance items or discounted items just like you would for a designer shirt or other product. To find out what you like, there are really only two ways to determine this:

a. Go to camping stores and try out the products: There are certain brand products that you can test at the store or will be on display. Take some time to review these products and determine what brands you like or what it is about each product that you like.

b. Borrow other people’s camping equipment: This gives you an opportunity to find out what brands you like and will allow you to make some more informed decisions.

c. Ask A Friend: Be sure to ask friends what type of equipment they liked and also what equipment they did not. This will help give you a reference point in making your decision.

d. Use The Internet: There are now a number of chat forums where people discuss certain types of camping equipment they like and what to avoid. Since it is already out there and free, do not be afraid to use it.

2. Discount Shopping: Armed with what you like, go to discount camping stores or shop online at discount camping stores trying to find the brands or products that you really like.

3. Online Coupon Codes: You can search online to find online coupon codes. There are a number of sites that can provide coupons for camping equipment. Here, is a list of some of them:

a. www.dealtaker.com

b. www.ableshopper.com

c. www.couponcraze.com

d. www.couponcabin.com

e. www.mycoupons.com

f. www.retailmenot.com

4. Clearance Sales: Camping equipment has a tendency to go on sale around labor day and there usually is a summer and winter clearance sale as well. A good shopper can delay purchases to around these times to find good deals.

5. Used Camping Equipment: Search for used camping equipment. This can be found in several areas:

a. Bargain hunt at garage sales and estate sales.

b. Shop at army-navy stores for certain items.

c. Look at classified newspaper ads or Craig’s list.

By using these tent camping tips, you should be able to find some quality camping equipment at a reduced rate. Remember after the initial cost of camping equipment is made, the additional upkeep costs of camping are very small.

When compared to other vacation trips, a tent camping trip is by far the most economical. So go ahead get your camping equipment and start planning your trip, I think you will find that you will be glad you did.



Cecil

Helen Hecker asked:


Some camps have a targeted focus like religious study, academics, and competitive sports. Camps often focus on specialties that include: adventure, art, computer, dance, music, religion, horse riding, sports, theatre, and many others. There are overnight summer camps with a focus on self-improvement, weight loss and grief counseling.

Basically, if you can think of any subject of interest, there’s probably a camp that specializes in it. The camp you choose for your child will provide a lifetime of good memories and will be truly rewarding. There are overnight summer camps that are co-ed camps, boy’s camps, girl’s camps or brother-sister camps where boys and girls may have separate venues and activities.

Overnight summer camp is also known as a sleepaway camp when campers spend their nights at the camp; some camps do allow both daytime and overnight campers. There are popular overnight summer camps in every state in the U.S. and every province in Canada; there are camps in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and just about every country in the world. Selecting the right camp that fits into your child or teen’s interests, special interests, needs, special needs and abilities will be one of the first steps

Although camp counselor jobs don’t usually pay very well, usually minimum wage or less, counselors receive free room and board; many take the job primarily for the camping experience. Camps should have at least a 40% to 60% return staff ratio, which shows that the camp is seen as a good place to spend a summer. There are many types of overnight summer camps with a focus on education that cater to students with differing ages and academic interests.

Children or teens could typically explore subjects new to them like marine science, photography, creative writing, community service, drama, magic, scuba diving, video production, comic book design, crime scene forensics, cooking, yoga, rappelling, etc. Non-profit camps often range from $1200 to $3000 for four weeks and $2500 to $5000 for eight weeks. Do you think, if you have more than one child, they would they benefit from attending the same summer camp together?

The best overnight summer sports camps do much more than just improve a camper’s soccer, tennis, lacrosse, or wrestling skills – they help each child become a more skillful athlete, a more gracious competitor, a more committed team player, and a more confident person. The reputation of an overnight summer camp can also be determined by asking what percentage of counselors returned from the previous year. Get to know the camp director from an in-person visit to your home if possible, phone conversations, email or other correspondence.

Four weeks at a good private overnight summer camp or sleepaway camp will cost anywhere from $3500 to $6500, and eight weeks will range from $4000 to $7000. Some camps are often called adventure camps – having a very specific theme or interest; many of these programs emphasize skill development and personal growth through the adventures the offer. Consider these industry-recommended guidelines – for smaller children ages 7 and 8, there should be one counselor for every six campers; by age 15, there should be one counselor for every 10 campers.

If you spend the time needed to research your options and include your child in all the decisions, he or she will most likely have a memorable experience that provides opportunities to grow while having a lot of fun and making new friends. Typically an overnight summer camp experience will leave a lot of wonderful memories for the child or teen camper. Homesickness is a frequent problem, but with a caring camp counselor most campers adjust easily. Choosing a camp close to home will save a lot of money on airfare and possible hotel or motel overnight stays for a parent, or other transportation costs; this is especially true if your child might get a case of homesickness and want to come home early from the overnight summer camp.



Kevin

Maj. Konig asked:


The girl I am dating I are going to go camping the second weekend of May, and I was wondering what I can do to make it romantic. We are going to a National Park to go camping. I was planning on making a fire and smores. What do I need to take and any games or ideas? We are up for anything sensual.
We are using a tent

Charlotte

Angie W asked:


We are camping this weekend and it is going to be very hot. I need some ideas for quick, easy, and cool meals.

Thanks!

April

surewhynot asked:


My husband and kids are going camping for 3 days and want to take bacon with them but dont want it to go bad after the first day. He (My husband) wants me to cook it halfway so that he dont have to put it in the cooler and it stay good is this possible and if so how do i do it.

Melvin