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Having just returned from a week long camping experience with 16 Boy Scouts, I can assure you that the Boy Scouts of America can provide a safe summertime camping experience for all campers. When considering any camp for your children, make sure that the camp has been approved by state or national camping associations. Many camps across the United States operate without any accreditation, therefore; are not required to follow any regimen to attain higher standards. I don't know about you? But, I do know that I want the best for my children and myself. I want to know that the people that operate the camps that we participate in; are in the business to provide a sense of fulfillment for all of us campers.

Having experienced summer camp as a child, youth, and adult I have never been homesick myself, but have witnessed this sickness that anyone dreads to get. By letting campers know ahead of time that they may feel homesick throughout the week, you will have crossed a bridge in itself. It is very important to be honest and open about anything a camper may experience at camp. Anytime a camper feels the slightest bit homesick they should alert a counselor. There are many experienced adults and counselors available to deal with situations like these that arise. By talking through the situation and being able to listen to the camper, a homesick camper will more than likely tough it out and continue through their camping experience. In my opinion, the worst thing that can be done in assisting a homesick camper is to offer a phone for them to call home. A camper will be proud to know that they completed a full week of camping and learned to overcome their trials and tribulations throughout the course of the week. A feeling of accomplishment will prevail and a lifelong skill of learning how to get through difficult situations will evolve.

All campers should have completed, updated medical forms in their possession for the medical staff at camp. By having all medical issues addressed before arriving at camp, a safe camping experience will follow. In regards to the camp medical staff, these people are Saints. I have witnessed medical staff at summer camp and these people deal with everything from homesickness, tummy aches, sore throats, heat exhaustion, to blisters on the feet. I cannot reinforce the importance of sending numerous pairs of socks along with your camper to summer camp. Feet get wet, shoes get wet, and campers will walk a lot.

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