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During the summer of 2000, campers in approximately 20 different
camps accredited by the American Camp Association provided answers
to questions like "What did you learn at camp?" "How
are you different in school because of what you did at camp last
summer?" "How do you feel differently about yourself since
you've been to camp?"
Here's some of what they said.
Can you think of things you learned and did at
camp last summer that helped you in school this year?
- I was more confident, wanted to know everything, was excited
to be in school and good grades in 7th grade (12 year-old female).
- I learned mostly about how to get along with my peers but,
also I learned to take on more responsibilities (13 year-old male).
- My experience helped me look at challenging situations differently
and instead of giving up, finding a way around them (14 year-old
female).
- Last summer I learned a lot about how to control my anger (13
year-old female).
- I learned better sportsmanship and listening skills that helped
me bring up my grades in behavior (11 year-old male).
- I learned how to be on my own without someone with me all the
time (12 year-old male).
- I learned to have more patience and to appreciate the things
I have (10 year-old female) .
- I feel that I am better at interacting with friends and family.
The people skills learned at camp affected me dramatically when
I went home (15 year-old male).
- Leadership, organization, water-skiing, make my bed, keep my
stuff clean, to keep in touch with my friends, respect, how to
handle pressure (13 year-old female).
Do you feel differently about yourself when you
are at camp?
- I feel differently because I feel like I am accomplishing something
by being here (13 year-old female) .
- At school there are defined groups of people, but at camp,
everyone feels wanted (15 year-old female).
- Yes, because I'm with people my age and people who respect
everyone (11 year-old male).
- At camp I think that I can do more and be proud of myself (13
year-old female).
- At camp I have a personality that is different from home. I'm
less cautious to do fun or exciting things. I don't feel as alone
as I sometimes do at home (14 year-old male).
- When I'm at camp, I feel that I can be more open with myself
and others. I tell people things at camp I wouldn't speak of back
home. I feel so much more in tune with myself here and I can discuss
issues so much more openly (15 year-old male).
- I don't have to be fake to anyone. Everyone here accepts me,
as I am and I'm not judged or criticized (15 year-old female).
If explaining camp to friends, what would you
say you learn here?
- I learned to listen to what other people say (10 year-old male).
- I learned a lot of team work skills (13 year-old female).
- You learn how to relate to people on a level deeper than that
of school or everyday life because you live together. (14 year-old
female).
- I learn a lot about respect and my real values in life, what
they really should be (14 year-old female).
- Values like how to be responsible and respectful (13 year-old
female).
- You learn mostly how to interact with different kinds of people
and are open to different ideas.
- You learn how to cooperate well with others who share and don't
share the same opinions as you (15 year-old female).
- I learned to have fun, be a leader, discipline, and most of
all — respect (12 year-old male).
- You learn how to make new friends, learn different sports,
and learn that camp can be a very good part of summer! (9 year-old
female).
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