When you think about your favorite childhood memories, you may reminisce about holidays or vacations, but many of us actually think back to our experiences at summer camp.
What is it about summer camp that could possibly rival the fond memories of a trip to Disney World? At summer camp children can explore who they are and what they can achieve outside of the rigid structure of school or the responsibilities and expectations at home.
In his article, Social Emotional Long Term Benefits of Summer Camp, Morris Cohen, LCSW, discusses the value of sending children to summer camp to develop their social and emotional intelligence, terms coined by psychologist and author Daniel Goleman. Camp helps children navigate social situations and challenge themselves to learn new skills. Kids learn how to become active participants of a supportive community while discovering a sense of self in the process.
Seth Blender and Chris Purdue, owners of New Horizons Day Camp, fully understand the benefits that Cohen identifies. Blender and Purdue have developed a camp experience that speaks to individual strengths, while still fostering friendships and community — all while having a lot of fun all summer long.
Now in its third year, New Horizons offers an environment where every child feels safe and celebrated, enabling them to take risks, explore their potential, and realize success. That success builds the kind of self-esteem and confidence that stays with them long after the last day of summer camp.
Many camps offer a cookie-cutter experience, requiring campers to participate in activities, but New Horizons offers choice. New Horizons celebrates individuality by offering campers the ability to customize their own schedules while still enjoying a traditional camp experience. Kids are encouraged to try new things, but campers are not forced to participate in any activities that do not interest them. Furthermore, activities change throughout the summer offering kids the chance to try something new or continue doing the things they love.
Campers choose from a wide variety of activities including sports, performing arts, swimming, science, technology, creative arts, academic enrichment, and media. Movie making, aviation, rocketry, and reporting for the camp newspaper are some of the additional activities that appeal to campers who are looking for more unique options. Excursions and special events bring the whole camp together throughout the summer creating camp spirit and pride. Campers are more likely to step outside of their comfort zones, try new activities, and make new friends when they feel supported by their counselors.
The highly trained staff consists of educators, professionals, and skilled counselors who are committed to creating positive memories that will last a lifetime. Cohen says that “If a child spends the summer growing their social network, building resilience, developing a positive sense of self which helps them be who they really are, then the money spent on summer camp is a priceless investment in your kid’s future.”
Seth and Chris could not agree more. They invite you to further investigate how the focus on choice, success, and fun is what makes New Horizons Day Camp “Just the Right Fit” for so many campers.
New Horizons Day Camp is now located at Brooklake School in Florham Park. Brooklake is set on a private park-like campus and sits in the center of a large wooded area. The school includes amenities such as: fully air-conditioned state-of-the-art classrooms, an air-conditioned gymnasium with a full stage, an Apple-based computer lab, a spacious art room with kiln and potter wheels, large updated playgrounds, expansive sports fields including a baseball/softball field, outdoor basketball courts and ample blacktop recreational space.
Bring your family to the next New Horizons Day Camp Open House on Saturday, January 10, 2014, from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. at Brooklake School located at 235 Brooklake Road in Florham Park, NJ. Discounts will be available to families who register during the Open House.
