May 13, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 9 SCHOOLS & CAMPS Camp experience enriches lives, can change the world Camp provides children with a community of caring adults, who nurture experiential education that results in self-respect and appreciation for human value. All of the outcomes -- self-identity, self-worth, self-esteem, leadership, and self-respect -- build personal competencies. These personal competencies are reflected in the four “C’s” of the camp community: compassion, contribution, commitment, and character. For years, campers’ parents have reported that when their children return home from camp they are more caring, understand the importance of giving, are more equipped to stand up for what they know is right, and are willing to be more responsible. These are the qualities that help build a successful nation and a civil society. Children are at less risk at camp where they have a sense of community, develop intergenerational relationships, and learn through firsthand experiences. Trained, caring adult role models help children feel loved, capable, and included. Camp provides children with a safe, supervised, positive environment, which helps children grow. Camp professionals have enormous power in conveying simple teachable moments, passing experiences touched by the human spirit. These fleeting moments build three significant American Camp Association values that are reflected in the benefits campers derive from camp. ACA values people. The moments that result in the camp experience repeatedly express the value of people. That value is demonstrated through respect, honesty, caring, and sharing. Through the camp experience, young people learn to understand the strength of mankind. They also develop an appreciation for the qualities required to protect the fragile relationships needed to protect these relationships. ACA values the natural world. In seeking the genuine aspects of people and the world, ACA fosters understanding of the importance of human connections for survival and of the critical connections to the physical world. Campers realize the need to protect not only one another, but also the environment in which they live. The intent is to preserve and share that legacy with the next generation. Finally, ACA values a sense of contribution. Contributions can be both obvious and subtle. Most significantly, although the experience itself is often fleeting, its impact on the human spirit lasts a lifetime. Children who attend camp develop connections with the world. The ACA never underestimates the simplest lesson or the briefest wink of time. It may be a star in someone’s horizon for all eternity. According to the ACA, the benefits and anticipated outcomes of the camp experience include Social Skills Development: leadership, communication, and participation. Self-respect and character building: responsibility, resourcefulness, and resilience. Community living/service skills: caring, fairness, citizenship, and trustworthiness This article is courtesy of the American Camp Association. � ����������������� ������������������������������������ #1 BASEBALL CAMP IN AMERICA Mahwah. Campers 7-17. Select one or more weeks June 22 thru Aug. 9. Overnight, Day Camp or Extended Day Camp. Major League Stars. College coaches. A/C dorm and campers lounge. Batting cages, indoor BASEBALL CAMPpool. All-you-can-eat meals. Free COACHES AND YOUTH video games. Daily instruction LEADERS and games. Ramapo College Call about our money HEAD BASEBALL COACH making program Rich Martin, Director. Located on the beautiful campus SINCE 1961 OVER 24,000 ALUMNI of Ramapo College of N.J. in ��������������� ��������������������������������� ������������������������ ������������������������������� ��������������������������������� ���������������������������������� ��������������� ALL STAR ������������������������������������������������� �������������� ����������������������������������� �������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������� ��������������������������������� CALL TODAY FOR A FREE BROCHURE 1-800-828-7414 OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.ALLSTARBASEBALLCAMP .COM ���������������������� �������������������� ��������������������� 4-1-09 Joan/Janine AllStarBaseballCamp2x2.5 2 x 2.5”