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...because parenting is the most important job on earth...

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SUMMER CAMP GUIDE 2024

Scroll down for the printable pdf

of ALL the camps in Santa Cruz County

Camps and Character Go Together!


The ACA plans to support character development at camps

with help from a Lilly Endowment Inc. grant for $45,535,623

We remember fondly the fun days at camp, the counselors who mentored us, boosted us up, inspired our confidence and played an important part in building our character.


When visiting a camp website, look for their mission statement, read the "about us" section.


No matter what kind of camp our children attend --day camp, overnight, nature, science, art, dance, special focus, sports-- in the best camps children respond to quality mentoring and rise to meet quality expectations, as they do in our families.


I am pleased to share the this article, Character at Camp Initiative."The American Camp Association® (ACA) is honored to announce that Lilly Endowment Inc. has awarded the ACA a $45,535,623 grant to support the creation of a new, multiyear initiative to grow, improve, and celebrate character development at camps across the United States."


First the ACA asks us, "What constitutes good character?" They invite us, camp directors, parents and former campers to share our ideas about good character. "As we begin the exciting work of exploring Character at Camp, we need to learn more about how you think about character. Please complete this quick 5-minute survey today."


Let's think about the qualities we value and would like a camp to reinforce through their programs with our children. Bring the children, all ages, into the conversation.


Read the article > > > and contribute your experience by taking the survey.

If you like, please share with us the character qualities your family values. We shall compile (without names) and share back with you! info@santacruzparent.com


Happy Mother's Day! Parmalee

Local Camps Help Create Precious Memories

There are many wonderful camps in our county. Some have long-standing, excellent reputations. Some are new, some full with waiting lists and some have space. You can find a camp that’s a good fit for your children or form a camp pod with other parents or enroll in one camp for this week and another camp for another week. Tune in to your child’s interests and be creative. Camps create precious memories!


What if...

 

You’re behind… "Everyone else" has picked a camp; you’ve been so busy; call around; get on a waiting list; check back weekly.

 

The camp isn’t the fit you were hoping for… Download our Camps 2024 comprehensive list. Plans change. Spaces open up. Call. Get on a waiting list.

 

You’re picking them up from camp.... You are so happy to see them and want to know how it went! Some children burst forth with camp news the moment they enter the car. Others need downtime to themselves. Some have a touch of grouchy tiredness (like us). Some respond to "What made you laugh today?" etc. Greeting them with a light snack can help. You know what works with your children –protein, fruit or crisp veggies. When home, be with them for a bit, and wait… and wait… The words will come when they are ready. It may even be the bedtime sweet spot before they share confidences.

SUMMER CAMPS 2024


Camps for Every Interest and Budget


Download and Print THE SUMMER CAMPS 2024 PDF

"Camp is so much fun! Why can't school be fun like camp?"

-9 year old soccer girl

"I miss my new friends. I can't wait to go back next year!

-10 year old girl

"I'm tired, grouchy, dirty and hungry... and I love camp!"

-11 year old boy at a sports camp


"Today Coach taught me how to pivot and control the ball so I could pass it to someone who had a better chance to score."

- 12 year old girl at co-ed basketball camp

"I wrote a new song today; I think it's good. Want to hear it?

-13 year old composer

"In today’s world, the benefits of building character skills and traits such as gratitude, kindness, creativity, curiosity, perseverance, resiliency, empathy, courage, and teamwork could not be more important."

"I'm good at lots of things, but I've learned to be kind and to help others and to be a good sport... it makes me like myself."

-11 year old boy

SUMMER CAMPS 2024


Camps for Every Interest and Budget


Download and Print THE SUMMER CAMPS 2024 PDF

May Calendar