The Summer Camp Blog

By Vinny Alexander, Camp Director

Preparing for Summer 2019

The preparation for a summer camp is staggering when you consider the fact that it takes 8 months to get ready for a 6-week program. We are not unique. Other camps are deep into this process that includes registering campers, hiring teachers and counselors, surveying the staff and parents regarding last summer, setting up special events, and planning out class schedules. It is a lot of work, but it is worth it given what a child can learn. Summer camps offer some of the best educational experiences.

The Unadulterated Classroom

During the pre-camp season, it is not only necessary to plan and prepare, but it is also necessary to reflect and examine the mission that governs camp practice. Who are we as a camp, and why do we do what we do? Are we unique in our approach, and is our school-sponsored camp true to its core educational values and roots?  After examining our promotional materials and program descriptions, I announced that I was satisfied and ready to share our information with the world - or at least the Fairchester area. It was at this point that our marketing director questioned me about a passage on our website that reads:

“Summer camp is one of the best educational programs that parents can invest in for their children. The beauty of camp is unadulterated classrooms without state mandates, testing, or grades. It is an amazing learning environment filled with opportunities for your children to try new things...”

“What in the world is an ‘unadulterated’ classroom,” she asked. It was a good question and it got me thinking. What does it mean? I like the way it sounds, but what am I describing when I say unadulterated? 

Pure, untainted, and untouched are common synonyms associated with unadulterated. One definition explains that unadulterated means that nothing ‘inferior’ is added. I was struck by this. Can we create a classroom where nothing inferior is added? Can we create a classroom void of state mandates, testing, bell schedules, disinterest, and fear? Can we create a space where only learning happens?   

I believe that we can because our classes are untethered to outside initiatives, pressures, and other requirements that clutter education. Our campers design and plan their own schedules, putting the learning into their hands.  

Study Without Interruption

Recently, during one of my art classes, a student offered, “Boy, I would love to just study art all day without interruption.” That student was asking for an unadulterated classroom. He wanted a personal learning experience that allowed him to study what he loved for the whole day.  

According to the Alliance for Excellent Education, a Washington, D.C.–based national nonprofit committed to improving educational outcomes, there are four factors that contribute to a positive learning environment. In addition to safety, support, and connectedness, engagement through personalized learning is a way to create a positive learning environment. The web article explains that this “student-centered approach to learning tailors instruction to students’ unique strengths and needs and engages them in challenging, standards-based academic content. Personalizing learning helps students develop skills including thinking critically, using knowledge and information to solve complex problems, working collaboratively, communicating effectively, learning how to learn, and developing academic mindsets.”

Because our campers get to design their own schedules and choose the things that they would like to study, our program makes learning personal and offers an unadulterated classroom for uninterrupted study. There is nothing inferior in our classes, just good old-fashioned learning.

In considering a camp this summer, look for a program that allows your child a chance to explore, grow, and develop personal passions. Summer camp fun can easily support the education initiatives of the academic year.