February 19^th, 2014 by By YMCA Camp Pendalouan (Montague, MI)

We’ve already experienced plenty of snow, freezing rain, school closings and cabin fever. What better time to start making plans for Summer Camp! Besides offering an escape from current circumstances, taking the time to think about where you want your child to be this summer can have some advantages.

The seasons will change and it will be June before anyone realizes it, so let’s talk about five major characteristics to consider when choosing a Summer Camp for your child.

Activities and Type of Camp

This can make a big difference in determining the experience your child will have. Is it a sports camp? Is it focused on a specific activity like water sports? Is it a tripping camp? All girls camp? All boys camp? These different types of camps will provide a different summer camp experience. Talk to your camper to find out whether they would like to enjoy many activities or focus on something particular.

Camp Pendalouan is a traditional YMCA Overnight Camp that allows campers to sign up for two activity classes that they will do all week (click here for a list of activities we offer). They also have a time in the afternoon where they can choose from a longer list of activities that change every day. For campers who want to spend an extended time in one of the major program areas (Horse Barn, Waterfront or Arts & Craft Lodge), we also provide Specialty Camp options.

Size

The size of a camp has a big impact on the culture of a camp and your camper’s experience. Large camps are often split into villages. These villages will have campers of similar ages and will mostly do activities within this group. Community is fostered on this village level. Smaller camps often have more all camp activities and build community as a whole camp. But it’s important to remember that at both large and small camps, a focus on cabin community will provide the strongest relationships for your camper!

Pendalouan has approximately 120 campers a week, which is on the smaller side compared to other West Michigan camps. Campers will be in activities with all age-ranges and genders. We find that this helps build a “We’re all in this together” culture. All camp activities include Capture the Flag, Talent Shows, the famous Pendalouan Square Dance, and other all camp games (for photos, click here).  Cabins typically have between 10-12 campers and always have two counselors to help them stay safe and have fun.

Focus & Culture

It is important to figure out the camp’s focus as you search for your child’s perfect Summer Camp. Do you want a camp that specializes in skill-building and classes? Are you looking for a camp that will provide new experiences for your child? Do you want your kids to make lifelong friends? Is making sure they stay safe and have fun really all that matters? Many camp’s websites share their values in their “About” section of their websites. And if you are ever looking for more answers, give the camp office a call!

Campers can learn a lot during their time at Pendalouan - how to shoot a bow and arrow, how to cook a meal over an open fire and tons of songs. However, our real strength, focus and priority is creating friendships, making memories and personalized character building - all while having fun in the sun! Parents repeatedly tell us that it is the perfect balance!

Values & Spirituality

Camps can range from very spiritually based to non-religious. Depending on your family’s faith, you may find some camps more appropriate than others for your child. Once again, camp staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have about what messages and activities are promoted at their individual camps.

At Pendalouan, we have daily chapels and nightly taps talks. Chapels focus on our core values of Respect, Honesty, Caring and Responsibility and our camp motto, “God First. Others  Second. I’m Third.” Although we are a Christian organization, we are very inclusive and host a number of campers from different or no faiths. Campers are not required to participate. We promote individual spiritual exploration.

Cost

Cost can be a major factor in deciding which summer camp to send your child. However, many camps have tools to help make a summer camp experience more affordable. Does the camp have a scholarship program? Are there discounts for sending more than one child or referring a friend? What is the individual cost per day?

At Pendalouan, we do our best to not turn anyone away due to cost. We have a sibling discount, YMCA member discount and sometimes run promotions on our Facebook Page. Many families also take advantage of our generous “campership” program.

There are a lot of considerations to take into account when choosing a Summer Camp for your child. Hopefully this post gets you thinking on what is bound to be an exciting summer for your camper!

Permanant Link View/Leave Comments