Villadom Times Weekly Newpaper Online-May 11, 2011 Issue

May 11, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES II & IV • Page 15 SCHOOLS & CAMPS Lessons (continued from preceding page) learning through exploration of one’s interests, abilities, and relationships. To maximize exploration, young people need to feel safe -- free from fear of ridicule, sarcasm, or insult. Creating a community of caring where young people feel comfortable moving beyond their “comfort zone” to the “challenge zone” promotes exploration. BS: My counselors were always pushing me during unit games, pushing me in the cabin towards new activities, pushing me to be a better sailor, and pushing me toward girls at dances. In their own ways they encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone and take a risk. I developed a trust with them and in turn with the entire camp community. Whether I was on the water, on a field, or in my cabin, I always knew that my counselors and the camp would ‘have my back.’ Responsibility SW: Beyond the buddies, baseballs, and bonfires lies the true value of the summer camp experience: a heightened sense of personal responsibility for the well-being of others. That “other orientation” manifests itself in many ways, including a strong sense of connectedness and a commitment to give of oneself. Indeed, research from SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) points out that young people who have attended summer camp are significantly more likely than those who have not to feel good about their relationships and to take positive risks, such as volunteering for community service. BS: I met some of the greatest people in the world at camp. In fact, I made such real friendships that the time I spent at camp each summer was enough to make me feel good the entire year. One of many lifelong things I learned at camp is a conscious responsibility to always be there for my friends and for others. Away from camp, I have volunteered as a peer leader, facilitating discussions about alcohol and drug use with middle and high school students and their parents, and I have joined fellow athletes in performing community service. The benefits to young people of a summer at camp have long been discussed and more recently evaluated. What are they? Simply put, they are opportunities. Opportunities not exclusive to camps but rather concentrated at camp, where under the direction, supervision, and influence of caring counselors, young adults can learn to become more independent, more confident, more self-aware, and more giving toward others. These are just some of the life lessons learned at camp. Stephen Wallace, M.S. Ed., author of “Reality Gap -Alcohol, Drugs, and Sex: What Parents Don’t Know and Teens Aren’t Telling,” has broad experience as a school psychologist and adolescent counselor. He serves as chairman and CEO of SADD, director of counseling and counselor training at the Cape Cod Sea Camps, and adjunct professor of psychology at Mount Ida College. For more information, visit www.stephengraywallace.com. Ben Seifer recently graduated from Newton South High School (MA) where he was a scholar, athlete, and newspaper columnist and editor. Among his many accomplishments, he served as captain of the varsity Alpine Ski Team, a peer educator, and community-service volunteer. In August 2008, he completed the Cape Cod Sea Camps’ Counselor Training Program and received the Service Cup for his integrity and selfless contributions to the welfare of others. © Summit Communications Management Corporation 2009 All Rights Reserved Reprinted by permission of the American Camp Association®; © 2009 American Camping Association, Inc. a dance studio in the classical tradition Accepting students of all levels from age 4 through adults Ballet • Pointe • Character • Stretch • Partnered Adagio Adult Classes • Boys Class • Acting Classes • Preschool 2011 Summer Training Program Register Now for June 27 - August 27 For information & enrollment, please visit our website: www.petrovballet.com or contact us: 201-445-4499 • Email: info@petrovballet.com 134 Hopper Ave, Waldwick, NJ 07463 �� Infants, Toddler, Preschool and Kindergarten, Grades 1-6, Ages 6 weeks to 12 years �� CORE A Truly Unique Montessori School • Unique Phonics Reading Program • Computers • Music • Foreign Language • 3 or 5 Half Days • Full Days 7am - 6pm • Fastrackids • Character Education • Parenting Seminars • Dance Academy of the A PPLE �� Call, visit and compare the advantages gained for your child... • Daily Swimmming Lessons, Heated Pool designed for safety of young children • Sports/Organized Games • Arts & Crafts • Field Trips • Music/Dance • In House Events • Nature & Science • Computers • Cooking Summer Camp www.applemontessorischools.com 192 Ramapo Valley Rd. OAKLAND 201-337-0183 Please call for our other locations 973-696-9750 Nevins Rd. WAYNE 75 East Ramapo Valley Rd. MAHWAH 201-512-1141 Mayer’s Karate and Fitness is offering a free summer program for all area children between the ages of 4 and 14 at its North 5-11-11 kathy/janine Haledon location. PetrovBallet3x3COLOR(5-11-11) Mayer’s will try to accommodate as many children as possible 3 on3” ﬁrst-come, ﬁrst-served basis. The program is ﬂexible as far x a as days and times, depending on the age of the participant. Please call Mayer’s for the schedule and registration. Mayer’s Karate and Fitness is the area’s leader in martial arts, cardio-kickboxing and personal training. Mark Mayer, the school director, has been training and teaching the martial arts for over 30 years and holds a seventh degree Black Belt. Mayer instructs daily in his karate and ﬁtness facility and conducts programs in corporations and schools as well. Registration is required for this free program, and classes are now forming. Please reserve your child’s place early, since space is limited. Mayer’s Karate & Fitness is located in the High Mountain Plaza Shopping Center at 5 Sicomac Road, North Haledon (just 2 miles from the Franklin Lakes Market Basket). Call (973) 238-8600 for information. www.mayerskarateandﬁtness.com Free Karate program offered this summer