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Summer camp has been a wonderful experience for generations of Americans. For many it is a time of increased independence, sleeping away from home and making new friends. For others who did not get the opportunity to go to Outdoor Camp just don\’t get it.
Summer camp has long been the back drop for many a book and movie alike. The Parent Trap and Indian Summer just to name a few. However, the Documentary \”Summercamp!\” is one of the most realistic true stories about summer camp. It is filmed at Swift Nature Camp in Wisconsin. During the filming over 300 hours of film was used to make this charming 90 minute feature.
These days parents heavily schedule their children making it more difficult to plan for summer camp. In addition, we parents, have given much more importance to technology than nature. After all the boogie man outside rarely comes in to harm your child. Thus making the world of mature unsafe. It is estimated that most children spend nearly 6 hours a day in front of some sort of screen.
Famed author Richard Louv,,, of Last Child in the Woods: is alarmed by this untouching of nature. He calls it Nature-deficit disorder and sad situation in child development. He feels there is a link between lack of outdoor play and and increase in obesity, attention disorders, and depression.
Summer Camp is just one place that can help children learn to appreciate nature as well as teach children independence and friendship. Connection with nature and other children are important in raising a generation that sees the importance in protecting this planet. Most camps today are specialized in sports, acting or math. So, how do we find a traditional camp that encourages good values and a focus for nature?
Here are a few questions to ask yourself about your summer camp Are electronics allowed? Ipod, computers and cell phones take away from the camp experience. Often these electronics allow some children to hide in their electronics and not participate. Louv feels child could be easily distracted if his or her tent mates spent all day playing the latest hand-held video games or text messaging their family back home. Plus it does not help children get into the camp mindset.
Is the Focus Nature? Camps are no longer just seen as traditional times in the woods. Louv suggests some camps are trying to be all things to all people. Historically camps made the most of their natural settings, and encouraged visitors to immerse themselves in the environment with play. In addition they have some focus as a Environmental Education Camp.
Is there independence for play ? Nature-deficit disorder is almost always due to the agressive overscheduling of children, Louv points out. Thus giving kids less time or energy to explore their world on their own. Quality camps have figured this out and set up planned and non-planned times for play. Much can be learned when kids just play on their own with out adults setting out the rules.
Is there Environmental Education? Does camp schedule time where nature can be explored and discovered? These times should be hands on and not like school. Does a theme of the outdoors run within all activities? Are \”WOW\” moments created that hightlight the wonders of nature? Does the summer camp try to reduce its environmental footprint? Does it compost and recycle?
Camp Food? For years camps have had a less than steller reputation for its food. Lately this has changed. With more vegetarians, camps have had to adapt. Be sure to ask about fried foods. How about a salad bar with fruits and yogurt? Don\’t forget about catering to food allergies as well. Within all this, the meals must taste good and be kid friendly.
If any of this sounds like something of interest to your child, try looking at Swift Nature Camp. This is a small coed camp for children 6-15. It has a very strong emphasis not only on developing a desire to learn more about nature but also undrestanding why we need to respect it. This Outdoors Camp engage kids in hands on, fun-filled learning. A child\’s natural curiosity and self-discovery make this program work… This Environmental Camp is NOT School.
Campers can bring their own small critters from home and let them live in the Nature Center for all to see and learn about. Combined this learning with the beautiful natural surrounding and canoe and backpack trips, children cannot help but form an appreciation for the nature.
When a bunch of kids who all have a desire to learn more and enjoy nature come together, it builds a wonderful community. A community that enhances a child\’s development by providing support and encouragement. Swift Nature Camp encourages kids to become more self reliant while being more in-tune to the needs of others, more sensitive and understanding. If you feel the world might just need a little more understanding of others while needing to respect nature look into Swift Nature Camp.
If you are just starting to look at summer camps and would like more information, please see Summer Camp Advice Camp Guide.
Dealing with squirrels requires professional help, not least in as much as the law regarding squirrels restricts your options.
You cannot simply obtain a packet of rat poison from your local hardware and deal with them that way as you would be committing a criminal offence.
You cannot simply get a packet of rat poison from your hardware store and deal with them that way as you would be committing a criminal offence.
That pertains also to rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing injured squirrels.
In the majority cases trapping is the the only option and this must be done in a specified manner with routine, timed inspections of the traps.
In the majority cases trapping is the the only option and
Cancer patients have the right to all medical information about their diagnosis and treatment options. The patient should be thoroughly educated on all possible treatment options and the information should be provided both verbally and in writing to ensure that the patient understands the significance of the diagnosis.
It is very important that the cancer patients be treated as an equal partner of the oncology health care team from the time of the diagnosis or first consult.
In the program that the cancer is terminal, all competent one or his/her legal delegate should have the right to request options, pain management protocols, including opiates even though it may speed up death.
Competent cancer patients should have the right to directly participate in the decision making about their care and treatment after all possible options have been discussed. It is vital that the cancer patient be treated as an equal partner of the oncology health care team from the time of the diagnosis or initial consult.
All the capable person shall have the right to request available, pain management protocols, including opiates even though it may speed up death in the event that the cancer is terminal
Cancer patients shall have the right to obtain the best medical care. This is best provided by health care facilities who meet the standards defined by the JACHO and the Approvals Program of the Commission on Cancer of the American college of Surgeons.
Bio:
About the authors: Jeff and Lonnie Lorenz are the directors of Swift Nature Camp a non-competitive, traditional coed overnight Summer Camp serving the Midwest. Boys and Girls Ages 6-15 enjoy nature & animals along with traditional camping activities. This Science Camp specializes in programs for the first time camper as well as an Adventure Camp for teens.
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