Over the summer I gave you some tips on staying fit once you had gotten your great results.  We were constantly getting testimonials and feedback from the 6 Week Beach Body Program that I wanted to share some “tricks”  that I use to stay slim so all of you who have been dropping weight with us since the summer could keep on track easily!  Well now I have another tip.

Recently I have been reading “French Women Don’t Get Fat” by Mireille Guiliano. I have known about the book for years but have not gotten around to reading it until now.

It’s a very cute book-several times throughout it I thought “I must be French!”  And even though I don’t fully agree with everything she says, her overall points are great and are underutilized here in the US for sure.

One of the points she makes that I have been doing for years without identifying it as a strategic behavior for me is how to eat in line with the seasons but also the time of day. Since the winter brings us heartier vegetables like squash, potatoes and pumpkin, people often are concerned with winter weight gain.

With the likelihood that winter also brings less movement (unless you do winter sports or live in CAJ, it makes sense that we might have this concern.  How I have always balanced my daily intake of calories during the winter, and what Mirelle Guiliano is calling “very French”, is to make soups!

Yes, soup!

And homemade preferably, not out of a can.  During the winter, I love making my vegetable nut soup. Soups are hearty but also provided loads of vitamins and minerals from more vegetables than I would eat in one sitting every day.

Making a soup is a great way to get in those veggies you don’t eat often.  Having soup for dinner balances out the calories over the day and warms your insides as you wind down for the day.

In fact, she inspired me to make a chicken rice soup today!  I got to use the leftover parsley, onions, garlic, carrots and celery from my Thanksgiving preparations.  We had some chicken to use and I was getting bored with chicken dinners so I thought how perfect!  And the weather has been chilly lately so I needed some internal warmth for dinner.

So one of the secrets to staying slim is to incorporate soups regularly into your diet.  If you make them homemade, they most likely will be healthier and enjoyed more for the effort and care you put in.  Plus, making soup is fun!  It’s a one pot meal!

It must be Greek god and goddess time in sixth grade because our daughter struck up a conversation about Artemis this week.

“Who’s he?” I asked.

“DAD! Artemis is a GIRL!”

“Oh…I knew that.”

“She’s the goddess of the hunt. She set up Orion’s Belt.”

“What was the little trollop doing with a guy’s belt?”

“DAD! They were in love! What’s a trollop?”

“Never mind. Who else do you like.”

“Oh! I like Hermes!”

“She’s a little too excited about this one,” I thought. “She better not say, ‘because he’s got a great’… never mind”

“Why do you like Hermes?”

“Oh! Hermes was the god of thieves because he stole something from his brother when he was a kid. Then he became a messenger. That’s why he has wings on his hat and feet.

“Jeesh,” I thought. “If that were true when I was a kid, I’d be a 747!”

“So he started out as a juvenile delinquent and then grew up working for the post office?” I said. “Well at least she got her act together.”

She rolled her eyes, bestowed a final, “DAD!” on me and danced away as I chuckled.

When I get three animated “DADs!” I’m satisfied and call it quits. My work is done. See ya next week!

Bottom line: children involved in household chores learn to share responsibilities, work within a team and become accountable.  We taught our kids that we share everything in our home; “the fun…the love… and the DIRT!”   However, most kids think it’s just a ploy to get the work done!  Which is also true!  But…..until they become the parent…this is how it works.

Not only does assigning jobs (AKA chores) help to get the work done….it also helps adults learn the delegating process.  In the adult work/world, work is assigned with a job description, follow up and recognition upon completion…or consequences for incomplete or poor end result.  At home it frequently amounts to verbal commands shouted from frustration when things start to pile up……like clothes, toys, books, the dishes and more.   Unlike businesses, homes don’t have policies & procedures regarding kids and chores.

What worked well in our home was to first have a meeting of the adults in the home…EG: parents/partners/grandparents, etc. to set a plan for presenting this household procedure program to the kids and the steps following.   This step is crucial!  If the kids think one of you is not “into this chore thing”, they will find a way to side with the “weaker” adult.   Trust me.  They’re smart on these matters.

Once the adults are in agreement, a sit-down meeting takes place with the entire family.  A list of chores for each child & adult is prepared ahead of the meeting time.  Yes, adults have lists also and the kids see that as “fair” and cool!  Be sure to take into consideration that children of various ages and abilities will be assigned their appropriate chores.

A computer wise family member can create an individual Chore Chart template with graphics, their names, etc.  Making charts fun, can add variety to mundane assignments.  Using stickers, and colored marking pens to check off accomplishments add to the interest and involvement.   The creative child can also use a rubber stamp design or sticker to indicate completed work.  The younger set will look upon it as a game or a sign of getting “bigger.”

However, be prepared as most teen-agers will not think this is as much “fun” as their younger siblings.  You might allow them to choose from a list of chores.  Whenever the older kids complained about what was on their list, we (adults) offered them our list in trade. They always refused!

Rewards may come at the end of the week when work is successfully fulfilled or at the month’s end with a special or previously planned reward with the parents or as an individual reward or treat.

With chore charts there is the comfort of structure as the child is aware of his/her work ahead of time with no surprises to ruin playtime or a planned weekend outing. Setting criteria for chores to be completed by the end of the week will not only allow the weekend to be a time of family fun or home projects.   It also teaches children the value of meeting deadlines and commitments.

Children of similar age and abilities can switch their chore assignments (with parental consent) to add variety to their routines as well as developing new skills.  They will also learn that everyone gets a turn at every job so there is less sibling rivalry.  One child isn’t stuck with cleaning up after the animals all the time.

When rotating chores isn’t possible, you may offer to “help them” or trade a job with them for a period of time.

Having a chore chart also means there is no “forgetting” to do something.  Having the chores assigned to specific days of the week or hours of the day can also help.

For example:

1. BEFORE SCHOOL:
•  Feed the dog.
•  Make your bed.
2.  AFTER SCHOOL:
• Set the table for dinner.
• Take out the trash/recycling.
3. MONDAY-WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY:
•  Clean up after the dog.
•  Unload the dishwasher.
4. TUESDAY & THURSDAY:
•  Unload the dishwasher
•  Empty all the wastebaskets.

Families with kids of similar ages may have a special weekend chore solution. E.G.: On Friday evening, all chores for Saturday are written on pieces of paper and placed in a bowl.  Each family member picks one and has until a designated time on Saturday to complete it.  If he/she has plans for Saturday they may choose to do it on Friday evening if possible.  This offers variety, opportunity for strategy and planning on their part.  Teens will go for this one!

Many lessons can be learned from chores & charts…and the work gets done as well!

I had a question last night from a participant on the 6 Week Beach Body Program and she started out by saying, “can I ask a stupid question?”

I replied of course with “there are no stupid questions”

She asked “it’s been very hot here so when do I exercise and what do I do?”

She must have been reading my mind!  I was just about the finish this article and considered this exact topic!  I decided to combine it with my original idea for the focus of this quick tip guide because the answers for both questions go hand in hand with each other.

Last year I read a book called The Kaizen Way. As I was finishing the book , I kept making parallels to how I use this everyday with clients and how the book has given me some new questions to ask and things to suggest- I love it!  I love learning and sharing.  The best teachers are the best students first- in my opinion.

When you want to change a habit or add a new habit, we first have to deal with the resistance to change. Some of us actually love change but we are not the masses.  If you find yourself always putting off trying something new or wanting more out of your life than you currently have, I ask you to consider one of the actions I will describe below for only 60 seconds a day.

60 seconds a day?  Yes.

Psychology research suggests that people who use a journal to chart their emotions receive the same kind of psychological benefit as those who talk to a doctor.  The reason?  Writing in a journal is effective because it is a pretty big deal for most to decide that your emotional life is valuable enough to commit to a book that no one will ever see. Research suggests that clients are supposed to write in the journal for at least 15 minutes a day to receive it’s benefits but the Kaizen Way tested out 60 seconds a day for a month.   One minute after a few weeks became 2 and then 5. At the end of 2 months, the patients had cut down 30-50% of their sabotaging behaviors suggesting that 60 seconds a day was an effective way to start.

So what does this have to do with working out when it’s hot? (or cold- can be applied to any circumstance)

When heat, or any weather condition, is a viable excuse to do nothing, start with the 60 second Kaizen method.  Here is what I said.

1. Workout in the morning before it gets too hot.  If you are already in a routine, do it then or create a 1- 15 minute workout you can do.  I gave the option of an exercise called the Tap Back that I have posted on my You Tube Channel (http://www.youtube.com/jjflizanes)
2. Workout in the evening when it cools off- you don’t have to do a very intense workout- just spend 10-15 minutes with some floor resistance exercises or a brisk walk or stair climbing.
3. Lunch break- find an air conditioned room and do some of the same I have mentioned above. There are many 10-15 minutes routines you can make u p to target core, legs, upper body or to get your heart rate up.
4. Swimming
5. Ice Skating

Keeping SOMETHING going instead of giving up and getting off track will help you stay  consistent, feeling great about the results you will be getting from these activities and eager to do more when the weather cools off and you are able to schedule in a longer or more intense workout.

But also allow yourself time to rest and relax too! The summer is about playing and vacation so do not forget to feed your body and soul some vacation time. There are plenty of water/ ocean activities that are good for your body and will be a lot of fun too!

One of the many joys of parenthood is helping children navigate new waters. And, while often these situations are met with hesitation, slight anxiety — or in the case of some first-time campers, homesickness — it is these moments that develop the twenty-first century skills needed in adulthood. New situations, such as going away to camp, serve as teachers in life’s classroom — developing leadership, self-esteem, teamwork, independence, and problem-solving.

It’s important, even critical, for parents to help children overcome any feelings of hesitation in order to help them grow. Take camp, for example. From a child’s perspective, camp is fun, fun, fun! Parents know that camp provides immeasurable growth opportunities, and is a vital part of childhood. As the day approaches, even the most excited campers sometimes get nervous about being away from home. “Homesickness is completely normal,” said Michael Thompson, consultant, author, and psychologist in a recent PBS Parents article*. “If a child loves his or her parents and has a good home, why wouldn’t he or she feel some longing for mom, for dad, for the dog, or for home cooking?”

It is up to parents, then, to help ease the transition to camp, and help their children grow from the experience. The American Camp Association® (ACA) suggests the following advice to help alleviate anxiety and get a jump start on life’s lessons.

• Encourage independence throughout the year. Practice separations, such as sleepovers at a friend’s house, can simulate the camp environment.
• Involve children in the process of preparing for camp. The more they own the decision, the more comfortable they will feel being at camp.
• Make sure to understand the camp’s philosophy on how issues, such as homesickness, are addressed. Talk candidly with the camp director to understand his/her perspective on the adjustment to camp life.
• Discuss what to expect at camp before leaving for camp. Consider role-playing anticipated situations, such as using a flashlight to find the bathroom.
• Reach an agreement ahead of time on calling each other, but make sure to honor the camp’s policy on phone calls.
• Send a note or care package ahead of time to arrive the first day of camp. Acknowledge missing the child, in a positive way. For example, saying “I am going to miss you, but I know that you will have a good time at camp,” lets the camper know that families are thinking about them, but confident in their ability to adapt to camp.
• Pack a personal item or two from home, such as a stuffed animal.
• Avoid bribing behaviors. Families send the wrong message when they link a successful stay at camp to a material object. Families should focus on the real rewards — like new found confidence and independence.
• Don’t plan an exit strategy. If a “rescue call” comes from the child, offer calm reassurance and put the time frame into perspective.

While most incidents of homesickness pass quickly, parents know their child best. If parents have concerns (for example, the child is not eating or sleeping, or appears overly anxious), they should immediately talk to their camp director. Camp staff are trained to identify and ease homesickness, and are a valuable resource for parents as well as campers.

For more information on preparing your child for an independent, fun-filled summer, visit ACA’s family resource page at www.CampParents.org. Or, follow ACA on Facebook and Twitter for helpful hints and camp information.

About ACA
 – The American Camp Association® (ACA) works to preserve, promote, and enhance the camp experience for children and adults. ACA-Accredited® camp programs ensure that children are provided with a diversity of educational and developmentally challenging learning opportunities. There are over 2,400 ACA-accredited camps that meet up to 300 health and safety standards. For more information, visit www.ACAcamps.org.

On Monday morning I strolled into the kitchen, stopping to snatch a bottled water for my drive to work.

“Don’t you guys have school today?!” I asked our TV zombified kids. No answer. They were maintaining just enough human locomotion to scarf breakfast cereal. “HEY!” I snapped. “You’ve got school in five minutes! What’s with the pajamas?”

“Oh! It’s pajama day!” said my daughter.

“What the…? Are the teachers gonna wear pajamas too?” I wondered. This certainly didn’t seem like a good life preparation skill.

The next morning both kids were dressed like they’d picked their clothes from an abandoned “Cirqu du Soleil” costume pile. “It’s ‘crazy dress up day’ Dad.”

“Are you still having math class?”

“Yes…and tomorrow is beach day, the next day is twin day and Friday is, uhhhhmmmm…I don’t know what Friday is…oh yeah! It’s Jersey day!”

“You mean ‘New Jersey’ day?” That earned me a pre-teen young girl smirk and an eye roll. “NOT!” she replied.

At first I thought I should be upset by this nonsense, but I can’t complain about their grades. Their homework and tests also are pretty thorough. And since my son often cites articles from the U.S. penal code to ward off punishment, I guess they’re learning something. In my day we wore black shoes, grey slacks, a white shirt and a blue tie, which doubled as our punch ball outfit during recess. I guess you can say I was jealous.

Anyway, times certainly have changed. Oh, can’t wait for work tomorrow! It’s Victoria’s Secret Day!

Summer is the time for fun and frolic. School bells aren’t ringing and your kids get time out from the boring syllabus. However, fun doesn’t mean that your kids should not be learning. Away from the curriculum of school there is lots your kids can learn while having fun. This article offers you some amazing summer fun learning ideas that will help your kids indulge in stimulating activities and get their basics right. These activities are designed to give a solid foundation to your kids so that they develop into sharper and smarter individuals and are full of confidence.

Send kids to summer camps for teens

Many summer camps for teens are designed keeping the concept of learning with fun in mind. In these camps, summer camps activities for kids are so devised that they allow kids to participate in activities that are apparently fun oriented but they let kids learn something new as well. Parents should encourage their grown up kids to participate in such teen summer programs so that they make the best use of vacation. There are sleepover camps for teens as well, which are full of fun and adventure.

Some great ideas for summer learning fun

Fun in your city

– During summer a lot of activities are happening around the city. Check newspapers and city websites to learn more. Besides, interesting events and competitions are also organized in museums, science centers and parks. Encourage your kids to participate in such events and unleash their talent.

Reading books

– Let your computer addict kids rediscover the magic of reading novels and magazines in hard copy. This will make them open up their horizons and learn about new things.

Blogging

– Today, if you ask kids to write an essay they will feel bored but if you tell them to start a blog on their experiences, they’ll be immediately interested. Make your kids develop their writing talent by encouraging them to start a blog on their life.

Encourage social and community service

– Living in nuclear families, kids are becoming too friendly with computer and TV. Let your child discover emotions and become more human by allowing them to participate in community service or social service.

Let them be physically more active

– Remember how much fun you used to have with friends while playing traditional games in the park. If you are still in touch with those friends and if they have kids of you age, call them over and let the new generation also get a taste of fun you had when computers didn’t crowd our thoughts and life. You can also trawl the net for more outdoor games idea.

Learn to create new things

– Don on your thinking caps and get creative. Work as a team with your kids and create new things. Depending on your and your kid’s interest you can do some carpentry, cooking, sewing, knitting or make handicrafts out of waste material in home. There are several websites that offer you ideas and instructions in this regard.

Take time out for school curriculum

– In case your child is experiencing difficulties in a particular subject take extra efforts in that subject. You can make your child develop interest in the subject through creative ideas. For instance, if the subject is history, you can take your child out to museums and historical monuments or encourage watching educational TV. Such activities will make your child develop a passion for the subject and make him study harder.

Summer camps for teens is a great idea

If you are too occupied in your work or feel lacking in ideas a good way out would be send your child for teen summer programs. These camps organize several summer camp activities for kids letting your child learn new things in a fun filled atmosphere. For your grown up child sleepover camps for teens is also a great option.

Guest Writer – Jimmy Sorensen

Jimmy feels that parents should take extra efforts to encourage their children to make the best use of their holidays. He also suggests sending children for teen summer programs. Summer camps are designed to let children have fun along with learning.

Today’s spring-cleaning is not the same today as in our mother and grandmothers’ day. Then the house was literally turned inside out with a schedule including, deep cleaning and polishing of all furniture, fresh wallpaper, painting, rug cleaning, fresh or new slipcovers, and more. If you do not recall all this fuss over winter’s ending, I am sure your elders have not too fond memories.

Yes. Spring does still conjure up thoughts of opening the windows and freshening up the house. So go for it with these quick tips to help you “spring” into action.

1. Open windows to air out each rooms. While you’re there, quickly clean the window and ledges on the inside. You can plan a later day to tackle the outsides. Or hire a window cleaning service.
2. Try using a light sprinkling of water on the bristles of a broom to “catch” more dust and dirt when sweeping. This works especially well on porches, decks and garage floors. Or try the new disposable pads on a stick method of dusting and wet cleaning.
3. A telescoping duster is great for cobwebs in those high spots. When using a feather or “furry” dust catcher, try giving it a quick (light) spritz of furniture polish to catch the dust and not just push it around.
4. Check out the cleaning supplies at your supermarket for great shower, tile and grout cleaning sprays & solutions. Also visit a local janitorial supply store for substantial and reasonably priced products.
5. A swipe of a baby wipe or a spray of window cleaner is great to freshen up sinks & fixtures. Remember to change the kitchen sink sponge daily…yes daily. They can be a breeding ground for bacteria! Toss them into the dishwasher or washing machine or zap them in the microwave oven for two minutes.
6. Keep cleaning supplies under each sink in a handy plastic caddie for easy access and quick daily clean-ups. It is easier to clean on the spot when the supplies are handy. Take care to prevent small children from getting into these areas.
7. Window blinds can be a hassle to clean. A feather duster with a light spray of dusting spray will do well to collect the dust. Or hire a window blinds cleaning service.

That should get you started with the “new & easy” spring-cleaning. Now, reward your hard work with some fun in the sun! After all it IS Spring!

Spot Early Signs of a Struggling Young Adult

Adolescence is difficult in the best of times. It’s doubly stressful for kids today; they’re experiencing the same worries and insecurities as adults in this troubled economy, and with far fewer coping skills. From families struggling with joblessness and foreclosure to increasing competition for college admissions to the normal fears associated with impending adulthood, they’re particularly vulnerable.

“Teens who are overwhelmed by stress often are unable or unwilling to ask for help,” says noted psychologist Dr. Gregory L. Jantz, (www.drgregoryjantz.com), author of When Your Teenager Becomes…The Stranger in Your House.

“But the longer they continue to flail and struggle emotionally, the greater the chance they’ll develop more serious problems like clinical depression, generalized anxiety disorder, dependence on alcohol or drugs and, sadly, suicidal tendencies,” Jantz says. “It’s up to parents and other adults to recognize when a teen is struggling and intervene.”

So how do you know when typical teen characteristics, such as moodiness, have moved beyond “normal?” Jantz offers these tips:

• Arguing is normal; constant anger is not. Sometimes teens argue just to argue. It allows them to let off steam, express their displeasure about life in general and test boundaries. The occasional dramatic meltdown is to be expected. But it’s not normal for a teen to be angry and hostile all the time, constantly fighting and yelling.
• Withdrawal from parents is normal; pulling away from family and friends is not. Expect your teen to start pulling away from you – unless she wants something – and occasionally from their friends, as well. Sometimes, they just need to pull back for a few days, even from friends. But when they appear to isolate themselves for weeks, spending weekend after weekend alone in their room, they may be struggling with depression. Socializing with friends is one of the first things to go as depression sucks the joy out of life.
• Anxiety is normal; feeling constantly overwhelmed is not. Teens have a lot to be anxious about – the prospect of independence is both exhilarating and terrifying, so some worrying is to be expected. But a teen who seems to be, or says he is, struggling daily with stress needs help. Two types of kids are especially vulnerable to developing generalized anxiety disorder, a heightened, constant state of anxiety: The worker bee perfectionist who crams his schedule with activities, responsibilities and tasks, and the kids who worry so much over anything, they can’t get anything done.
• Being upset for days after a bad experience is normal; more than two weeks is not. Teenagers tend to react dramatically when things go wrong – their boss chews them out, they fail a test, they get in an argument with their sweetheart. Adults know from experience that these things aren’t the end of the world and all will be well again, but teens lack that perspective. It’s normal for them to be in a bad mood about it for a few days, but to dwell on the problem for more than two weeks indicates they’re struggling.

The most recent data available, which is about 3 years old, puts suicide as the third-leading cause of death for teens after unintentional injuries (such as car accidents) and homicide, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. More than 2 million teens attempt suicide each year.

“I suspect new data will put suicide as the second and possibly even the leading cause of death for that age group, because depression is the biggest risk factor,” Jantz says. “We’re seeing more teenagers suffering from depression in recent years because of the economy and overstimulation by technology.”

Visit www.aplaceofhope.com for an online survey to see if you or your teen is showing signs of depression (click “Depression” and then “Depression Survey” in the drop-down menu).”

Guest Writer – Gregory L. Jantz, Ph.D.

Gregory Jantz has more than 25 years experience in mental health counseling and is the founder of The Center for Counseling and Health Resources, near Seattle, Wash. The Center, “a place for hope,” provides comprehensive, coordinated care from a treatment team that addresses medical, physical, psychological, emotional, nutritional, fitness and spiritual factors involved in recovery. He is the best-selling author of more than 20 books on topics from depression to eating disorders.

Camp has become a staple of the summer season. Each year, millions of children, youth, and adults head to the hills, lakes, valleys, and parks to participate in the time-honored tradition of camp. And, while most people easily conjure up images of campfires and canoes, there is a lot more to the camp experience.

Here are ten of the things you may not have known about the camp experience.

1. Camp is older than dirt, almost literally. Started in 1861, the camp experience turned an impressive 150 years young in 2011. The secret behind the longevity? “Camps are constantly adapting to meet the changing needs of today’s families,” said Peg Smith, chief executive officer for the American Camp Association® (ACA). “And yet, in essentials, camp is very much the same as it was 150 years ago – kids still have authentic, life-changing experiences.”
2. Camp is worth its weight in gold, and then some! The camp experience is life-changing – developing friendships and memories that last well beyond the final campfire. And, there is a camp for literally every budget. Often camps offer special pricing or financial assistance, and some camp experiences qualify for tax credits or for payment with pre-tax dollars. Visit  HYPERLINK “http://www.CampParents.org/affording-camp” \o “www.CampParents.org/affording-camp” www.CampParents.org/affording-camp for more information.
3. Green is “zen.” Research shows that first-hand experience with nature, like those at camp, reduce stress in children and help them better handle stress in the future. In addition to teaching children how to be good stewards of the environment, camps are teaching children how to enjoy the world around them and take a minute to breathe deep and feel the nature, which ultimately teaches them how to de-stress the natural way.
4. Mommies and Daddies do it too. Camp is not just for children and youth. There are family camp experiences, and camps for single adults, senior adults, and any adult that wants to relax and enjoy all camp has to offer. Adults benefit from the same sense of community, authentic relationships, and self-discovery that children do. Camp is an excellent vacation option, allowing adults to try a variety of new activities in a safe and fun environment.
5. Try this on for size! Camp is a great place to try new activities and hobbies. Afraid of rock walls? According to ACA research, 74 percent of campers reported that they tried new activities at camp that they were afraid to do at first. And, those activities often leave lasting impressions. In the same survey, 63 percent of parents reported that their child continued new activities from camp after returning home.
6. Manners matter, and often linger. The camp experience teaches more than just archery or lanyard making. The entire experience is made of teachable moments, perhaps one of the biggest is how to live with a group of people. Campers learn to pick up after themselves, respect each other’s property, and to say “Please” and “Thank You.”
7. Veggies taste better with friends. Hollywood and fictional novels may have given camp food a bad reputation, but in truth, camps are constantly exploring healthy food options, and often are at the forefront of things like allergy specific diets, healthy snack options, and vegetarian meals. According to ACA’s 2011 Emerging Issues survey, 90.7 percent of responding camps indicated that healthy eating and physical activity was an important or very important issue.
8. If everyone else went to camp, maybe there’s something to it! Camp has played an important role in the lives of some of the most talented people in history. ACA’s family resource site offers a list of notable campers – including business professionals, celebrities, artists, and great thinkers.
9. Camp gets those neurons pumping! Education reform debate and concern over summer learning loss have pushed academic achievement into the spotlight. Research shows that participation in intentional programs, like camp, during summer months helps stem summer learning loss. In addition, camp provides ample opportunity for developmental growth, which is a precursor to academic achievement. And, because of the “hands-on” nature of camp, often children who struggle in traditional education settings do well at camp.
10. Camp builds leaders for the 21st century and beyond! Independence, resiliency, teamwork, problem-solving skills, and the ability to relate to other people — these are the skills that tomorrow’s leaders will need, and the skills camp has been adept at building for 150 years. “Tomorrow’s leaders will not be those who can type or text with lightning speed, they will be those who can have a face-to-face conversation and articulate their thoughts, ideas, and values,” said Smith. “Tomorrow’s leaders will be able to relate globally and find common ground with people who are vastly different from themselves — people from different backgrounds and cultures. Tomorrow’s leaders will be made and educated by experiences like camp.”

For more information on preparing your child for an independent, fun-filled summer, visit ACA’s family resource page at www.CampParents.org. Or, follow ACA on Facebook and Twitter for helpful hints and camp information.

About ACA – 
The American Camp Association® (ACA) works to preserve, promote, and enhance the camp experience for children and adults. ACA-Accredited® camp programs ensure that children are provided with a diversity of educational and developmentally challenging learning opportunities. There are over 2,400 ACA-accredited camps that meet up to 300 health and safety standards. For more information, visit www.ACAcamps.org.