THE SUMMER SLIDE
Last year a parent asked me how we were addressing the problem of the summer slide (also know as the summer slump) at camp. She mentioned that some of the other kids at school were going to be doing music intensive programs or expensive tutoring during summer break and she was a bit worried that her child might fall behind.
Coming from an educational background, I had heard of the issue and committed to addressing this valid concern from parents who want their child to have a wonderful spiritual camp experience, make new friends, but also do a bit of learning. Studies have shown that learning throughout the year has great benefits for children, and we're preparing to meet this need in a new & exciting approach this summer.
If you've been reading the class description in the camp brochure, you've probably already noticed the evidence of this. The descriptions hint at intentional experiences which we think are crucial to providing your children with more opportunities to think, learn, and be successful.
ABOVE, Class descriptions propose specific activities & areas of instruction.
We are also managing all of these developments within our existing camp program without a price increase for our supporters. This was very important to us, because we believe that keeping camp as affordable as possible is important to all of our supporters.
Keep reading for even more information on what we're planning for you this summer.
NEW STRUCTURE
Most of our summer camp activities will now have basic & advanced versions. This will allow campers to practice and learn new abilities and then come back next summer for a more complex level of instruction (or choose another area to learn in). This way campers aren't stuck in an activity that they love learning the same thing year after year.
ABOVE, Basic class: Junior Soccer Camp. Advanced class: Soccer Camp.
ABOVE, Basic class: Trail Biking. Advanced class: Mountain Biking.
NEW CURRICULUM
We're in the middles stages of creating a better, simpler & standardized plan to ensure that camper achievements are measurable and opportunities for learning are addressed. We want campers, in cooperation with camp instructors, to create goals together; ones that are just within reach and require effort to achieve. We're not trying to replicate the classroom experience; we want campers to learn by doing, thinking, creating, and experimenting.
More information will become available to curious parents as we get closer to camp.
The 795-E Camp Curriculum.
"I JUST WANT MY CHILD TO HAVE A BREAK"
On any issue parents exist on a spectrum, and this issue is no exception. On one end you have the parent who keeps their child in school and tutoring programs year-round, and other parents who are sneaking their kids out of school as often as possible for mini-breaks from academics. I want to assure our new customers and our camp family that this new curriculum is just a few steps towards a more structured approach, we'll try to get feedback from all of your right away to see how much you & your camper enjoy it this summer.
For the first three weeks of camp we still have our 'base camp rotations' activity selection in which lessons do not focus on instruction, and campers are allowed to find their own path towards new talents which lessens the possibility of experiencing failure & disappointment.
ABOVE, During Tween & Teen Camp, Marksmanship & Small Engine Racing
are medium-level instruction classes that are high on fun!
AS WE MOVE FORWARD
Curriculum advancements are a huge investment for PSR Camp, and we can't wait to hear the feedback from our camp families. We want PSR Camp to be a spiritual, fun, and educational (and still affordable) experience for our camp family.
We'll see you soon!
~Jeremy
P.S. Register on or before April 30 for our best prices.
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