Family Camps Are All the Rage This Year – Grab A Slice of Childhood Again!

by Susan Kohlback

Susan Kohlback

Somewhere along the road to adulthood, responsibilities have dimmed our anticipation of summer fun and freedom. Gone are the days when we spent hours hanging out with friends, swimming, laughing, playing games, and singing songs around an open fire; tumbling into bed exhausted from playing all day. Sigh….

BUT WAIT - It’s not too late!! This year pack the whole family off to summer camp and share the excitement of exploration and meeting new friends together. The woods are alive with summer camps especially designed for families to frolic in the outdoors and spend relaxed time together. There will be camp counselors, cooks, instructors and referees - you’re only job will be to have fun!

Family summer camps come in all sizes and descriptions with an emphasis on everything from science to art, hiking, to theater, and sports. These camps make wonderful adventures for single parent families as well as multi-generational groups. Many camps operate weekend programs as well as stays for a full 7 days. Here’s a list of resources to get you on your way to finding the perfect camp for your entire family:

YMCA Camps With Family Programs
Arizona – Camp Sky – http://www.AZYCamps.org
Hawaii – Camp Erdman - http://ymcahonolulu.countmein.com/
Indiana - Flat Rock River Camp - http://www.flatrockymca.org/
Michigan – Too Many To List - check them all at http://michiganymcacamps.org/FindYMCACamps.html
Minnesota – Camp Du Nord - http://www.dunord.org/
Missouri – Trout Lodge - http://www.ymcaoftheozarks.org/
Massachusetts – Sandy Island - http://www.bostonycamps.org/
New Jersey – Camp Ockanickon - http://www.ycamp.org/home.php
Pennsylvania – Deer Valley Camp - http://www.deervalleyymca.org/
Wisconsin – Camp Nawakwa – http://www.nawakwa.com

Appalachian Mountain Club (for outdoor enthusiasts of every age)
New Hampshire and Maine - http://www.outdoors.org/lodging/family/index.cfm
I’ve gone on adventures with AMC – they are super folks!!
Here’s more info links on their camps: http://www.outdoors.org/about/newsroom/press/2008/family-camp-2009.cfm

Special Interest Camps
The folks at Budget Travel have just published a comprehensive list of family camps specializing in Science, Language, Theater, Music, Sports, Farming, and more. Have a look: http://budgettravel.com/bt-dyn/content/article/2009/04/03/AR2009040...

So this summer when the economy has us down and swine flu threatens to keep everyone home, gather your family around you and take to the woods. You’ll create memories to last a lifetime, and recapture some magical moments of your childhood as well.

Susan Kohlback of WickedGoodTravelTips.com