Posts Tagged ‘travel’

Fiery Arenal Volcano Of Costa Rica

Monday, March 8th, 2010

With luggage and camera gear packed in the van by 8 in the morning my new friends and I on my photography tour are off to our first destination, promising to be an outstanding adventure. The excitement is high with everyone getting to know each other and talking cameras and pictures on this their first day.

We are on our way to Arenal, an active volcano in Costa Rica, but there are a few stops along the way. First, we stop in Sarchi, famous for its tropical furniture, where magnificent, brightly decorated ox carts are made in an eighty plus year old water powered factory. From there, we drive to the little mountain town of Zarcero where the focal point is the old wooden church with its much-photographed double row of topiaries leading to its entrance. You can fill your camera’s memory card just at these two places with the colours and patterns in Sarchi and the fantastic shapes of the topiaries in Zarcero.

Luis, our driver, is very familiar with the many potholes that make Costa Rica famous, so he cautiously makes his way along the road while most everyone else, on 2 or 4 wheels, pass us by. The number of wannabe Formula One drivers in Costa Rica is staggering. There is even a bus driver who has been known to have passengers find religion and speak directly to God on his overland route.

After our planned stops and lunch in La Fortuna we are now just a few miles from our lodge at Arenal. As we leave the main highway we find ourselves on a road that is one continuous pothole. It is January and the rainy season has just ended so most roads are in poor condition but what is unique about this road is that it was constructed from crushed lava rock.

Rounding a curve we see a clearing beside a tropical river and there is the perfect cone shape of Arenal Volcano! Those who have never seen a volcano are stunned at the sight.

The point of the cone is cloaked in puffy white clouds with a beautiful blue sky as a backdrop. We immediately stop and quickly leave the van attaching cameras to tripods. Some of us wade into the river for a better image while some shoot from the riverbanks getting a different perspective.

Of course being this close to an active volcano could be very dangerous but Arenal is quite predictable, a low risk. The lodge is only one and a half kilometers to the base of the volcano and two kilometers to the top of the cone and needless to say, any activity attracts your attention.

While unpacking and getting settled in, Arenal speaks. It is a great roar, smoke and gas billowing many hundreds of feet into the sky and the sound of the rocks tumbling down the slopes. After the eruption, the Mantled Howler monkeys are extremely vocal but we do not know if they are protesting the roar of the eruption or just answering back.

While sitting in the lodge dining room enjoying our dinner Arenal speaks again. Everyone had been told of the many photo opportunities in Costa Rica but who would imagine eating dinner and having something like this happen? And this was only our first day of the tour!

Most of us do not get much sleep for the first two nights. Instead, we find some comfortable chairs in the common area outside our rooms and attach cable releases to our cameras and put them on a tripod. From past experiences I decide to use an 80-200mm lens set at 80mm and an aperture of f8, the camera shutter set at “B” for time exposure.

The activity of the small flare-ups at the cone and the lava flowing down the opposite side makes me think that a time exposure of more than 20 minutes could produce an ugly yellow blob of light and if there are no eruptions after this time I will close the shutter and start another exposure. In using a cable release the exposures are perfectly sharp and Arenal cooperates by putting on quite a display while we are there.

Arenal is the first adventure in Costa Rica for my photo group. With another eight days of photography everybody is looking forward to the next destination that is going to be just as exciting.

Frank Scott lives in tropical Costa Rica where he is a professional Costa Rica Photographer offering unique photography tours. Some of his work can be seen in Costa Rica Vacations, a very popular travel guide to this unique country.

How To Be A Mindful Traveler

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

These days, consumers are becoming more mindful about how their lifestyle affects the environment. For this reason, more people are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. One such area that is seeing an increase in ‘green’ consumers is the travel industry. More travelers are now becoming more mindful of the environment when they travel.

The following are a number of ways to be a mindful traveler:

1. Make sure that you book a flight on an airline that recycles the refuse left from serving beverages and food to their passengers. To help offset your carbon emissions, consider direct flights to your destination.

2. When you book your hotel, consider smaller accommodations. For instance, a homestay is much smaller and cozier than a large hotel. If you stay in a big hotel, check to see if there are any ‘green’ hotels in the area. Eco-friendly hotels will have implemented such ‘green’ measures as water conservation programs, energy efficient appliances, recycle and composting programs, and energy reducing programs. They will also incorporate ‘green’ practices in guest rooms such as recycling baskets and shampoo and soap dispensers. You can also do your part by using the same towels and linens during your stay and turn off the air conditioner and lights when you are away from the room. As well, consider a longer stay. If you stay in one spot instead of traveling from one hotel or resort to another, you will be reducing your carbon footprint instead of taking more flights.

3. Instead of using a rental car in your destination area, take advantage of public transportation such as a bus or hotel van. Whenever possible, try walking. It is good for your health, the environment, and you can get an up-close and personal look at the community.

4. When you are out in the community, be sensitive, and ask permission to take pictures of the locals. When possible, eat foods that have been grown locally rather than eating foreign foods that have to be imported. Make sure that you do your research before you go on your trip. It will help prevent any misunderstandings and will help show your respect for local customs and dress. It is important to be generous such as giving good tips. Make sure you do not engage in excessive haggling so you do not upset any vendors.

Before you leave home, you can begin your trip being ‘green’ by turning off your lights, turning down the thermostat, and adjusting the air conditioner. During your flight and while staying at your destination, there are many things you can do to be mindful of the environment and people. Not only will you be doing your part to conserve and protect the environment, it will make your trip even more enjoyable and memorable.

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Hnts in Picking a Summer Camp

Thursday, February 18th, 2010

Selecting a Summer Camp for your camper takes some work. First think if your going to go to a Coed Camps or a sigle gender like a all boys camp. Each have their own benefit. Maybe a Coed Camp is best for your child. Now work with you child to find a camp that will increase their interests or expose them to new activities. After all that, here are the top 10 questions to ask a summer camp director. This list was compiled by the American Camp Association.

What’s the camp’s ideology? Are you comfortable with this ? Is it a good fit for your child? Is competition or cooperation emphasized? What religious observances or practices are part of the program? I

How does the camp recruit, screen and train its staff? Do counselors have criminal background checks? First aid training? Drug Testing?

What about return rates? How many counselors are returning this year? The ACA says at most camps, 50 percent of the staff returns. If the number you’re given is lower, ask why. How many campers return? Fifty percent is good, and more is better.

What’s the ratio of staff to camper? Guidelines for overnight camps are for a 1:6 ratio for ages for younger children, and 1:10 for older teens.

What’s the Staff Ages ? Eighty percent of the staff be 18 or older and that all staffers be at least 16 and a minimum of two years older than the campers they supervise. Are the staff a paid position or volunteers?

What about Health Care? Overnight camp have a licensed physician or registered nurse on the site daily, Day camps should be have direct phone access. Be sure you are comfortable that the camp will be able to handle your child’s special health care needs.

How does the camp Punish and Discipline? Know what your camp’s rules are and what breaches would send a camper home. You should be comfortable with these.

What does a typical daily schedule look like? This will help you decide if your child will be happy with the level of physical activity or the amount of time devoted to arts and crafts. Ask how much freedom a child has to choose activities.

How does the camp provide transportation? How often are the van inspected? Who is driving, what’s the training.

References,References, References Most important, get the names of parents with children the same age who have attended the camp. They will tell you what makes camp so special

Need more ideas to help you make a smart decision? Check out Summer Camp Advice A Summer Camp

Jeff and Lonnie Lorenz are the Owners of Swift Nature Camp, a non-competitive, traditional coed overnight summer camp near Minong, Wisconsin. Boys and Girls ages 6-15 enjoy playing in nature, caring for animals, and learning science. It’s like a Home School Summer Camp. Traditional camping activities include canoe trips, horseback riding, waterskiing and more. Swift specializes in programs for the first time camper! Learn more at Childrens Summer Camp

The Best Destinations and Activities Offered for a Green Vacation

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

If you consider yourself an environmentally conscious person, you know that it can be difficult maintaining a ‘green’ lifestyle. One area that has seen an increase in ‘green’ options is the travel industry. There are now many places where one can travel and enjoy a ‘green’ vacation. If you are looking for an eco-friendly holiday, below you will find a number of fun ‘green’ vacation destinations. It is possible to find deals and vacation packages for these place through Associations in Montreal. Simply look up Montreal Travel.

Belize: This is a beautiful eco-friendly destination. The rich and thick forests of Belize are home to the Belize Barrier Reef where there is amazing variety of marine life. The Belize Barrier Reef Reserve is a popular tourist spot. Green activities include: diving with whale sharks and watching the remarkable endangered manatee. There are also tours of marine sanctuaries.

Yucatan, Mexico: One can stay at a ‘green’ hotel such as the Hacienda Chichen Resort and experience the rich cultural history and archaeology. You can learn about the ancient Mayans and their holistic healing practices. You can enjoy a holistic spa and eat organic meals. Flat-bottomed boats take visitors into beautiful lagoons where they can take pictures of egrets, herons, cormorants, flamingoes, and ospreys can be seen.

Costa Rica: Beautiful Costa Rica is a ‘green’ traveler’s dream. You can see the nesting area of some of the world’s endangered turtles, volcanic landscapes, and amazing national parks with astounding forests. There are many eco-tours available and tourists can visit wildlife refuges and volunteer at a turtle conservation project. One can also enjoy the many varieties of birds and plant life.

Alaska: Alaska is world famous for its stunning natural beauty. There are eco boat tours and land tours where one can view the natural beauty of the landscape and the amazing wildlife. There are also ‘green’ accommodations such as cozy wood cabins nestled in the breathtaking Alaskan land. The Kachemak Bay State Park is a very popular ‘green’ vacation destination.

Switzerland: Known for its stunning mountains, Switzerland is a popular spot for ‘green’ travelers. Switzerland is one of the world’s most environmentally friendly countries. One can enjoy ski vacations, hike mountain trails, and take a biking excursion. Travelers enjoy the awe inspiriting Alps and the shimmering lakes. Almost 30% of Switzerland is protected natural land.

Ecuador: Ecuador contains the amazing rainforest where people can tour and see the beautiful wildlife and forests. There are eco friendly lodges that cater to ‘green’ travelers. The Napo Wildlife Center in Quito, Ecuador, is a very popular tourist attraction.

New Zealand: Famous for the emerald islands that make up New Zealand, people from all over the world travel to this spectacular country to see the many plant and animal species. Activities include whale watching, swimming with the dolphins, bird watching, and hiking. The Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch is a popular attraction.

As more people adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle, businesses are responding by offering ‘green’ products and services. The tourism industry is one business area that is growing in leaps and bounds. ‘Green’ vacations are fast becoming a popular choice for environmentally conscious travelers.

Looking for last minute travel deals? With Montreal travel agencies and Associations in Montrea online directory, find airline ticket agencies, cruises and sightseeing tours companies in few clicks away!

Overnight Summer Camps Benefits

Thursday, January 28th, 2010

This question wouldn’t even occur to most people who went toOvernight Summer Camp as a child ~ most of them can tell you long cherished stories they still remember in detail. The memories of summer camp are reminders of experiences with a lifetime’s worth of value.

Few places on earth can provide a child with opportunities for never ending daily fun the way the best camps can. All of that great fun would be reason enough for anyone to want to be at an overnight camp, but summer camp offers much more to a child’s life, whether it’s a nature camp or animal camp or a science camp or a nonspecific resident camp.

Healthy physical exercise is a natural part of everyday life for a camper. Camp activities and interaction with nature provide exercise for the camper’s intellect and imagination as well.

Kids at coed camps learn how to relate with members of the other gender as friends and equals. Skills of social interaction are creative and independent but stay in keeping with each child’s family teachings. Guided by adult friends and capable role models, counselors, campers get a valuable chance to apply what they have been taught at home in a larger social world.

Campers discover their own capacities and grow into them, setting newer and higher standards for their own behavior themselves. The camp context encourages perseverance, listening skills, teamwork, recognizing similarities and appreciating differences. A pattern of self discovery that that is uniquely nurtured and developed at camp becomes a lifelong habit.

Summer camp is a new chance to rediscover a growing life. Sleep-away camp is an opportunity for each child to come to a new place and try new things and make new friends. Everyone starts as an equal with a chance to just be oneself around others. Summer camp is so much more than the most affordable childcare choice parents can make. hildren that are Homeschooled really benefit from the experiences of a Home school Summer Camp

Swift Nature Camp is a non-competetive, traditional coed overnight summer camp where children ages 6-15 enjoy playing in nature, caring for animals and learning science. This Science Summer Camp provides Traditional camping activities include canoe trips, archery, riding, waterskiing and more. Learn more about this Illinois Summer Camp.

Having A Carefree And Safe Vacation In Costa Rica

Wednesday, January 27th, 2010

Costa Rica is on the rise as a tourist destination. This tranquil tiny country in Central America is the only country without an army, which was abolished back in 1948. To this day they continue to live peacefully in this tropical paradise.

While traveling to any foreign country there are just unspoken safety tips you should always follow. Costa Rica is no different. Having a vacation that you enjoy and is free of stress is easy in Costa Rica so make your plans and don’t forget these simple things.

When traveling to Costa Rica, it’s good to know that they accept American dollars as well as their currency, the colon or colones in plural. Traveler’s checks are accepted but not in most places. They are difficult to collect on for the proprietor so most restaurants and hotels will not accept them.

If you choose to bring travelers checks to Costa Rica, it’s best to take them into the bank and exchange them for local currency or American dollars. Write down all the numbers on your traveler’s checks and keep them in a safe place separate from the traveler’s checks. Also, never exchange your money on the streets.

Traveling throughout Costa Rica, it’s ok to keep your passport in the hotel safe and just carry a copy of the face page and current stamp page. Best to put your plane tickets, passports and extra checks in a safe spot at the hotel. If you decide to rent a car, it’s the law that you have your rental documents and driver’s license with you while driving.

When traveling through populated areas like San Jose, we suggest you keep your doors locked and the windows up. Valuables left on the seat in the car can be fair game for petty thieves; so don’t risk loosing your valuables. There are many hitchhikers on the roads and we recommend that you do not pick them up.

One thing I think is funny about Costa Rica and the hitchhikers is that when you see one carrying a machete, you instinctively become apprehensive. These men are gardeners and this is an everyday gardening tool in Costa Rica used to keep the roadways free of branches and the tall grass at bay. But it’s a fright at first until you realize what they are using the machete for.

Costa Rica has been home to me for over two years and it’s been a pleasant and peaceful experience. The Tico’s, as they are commonly called, are incredibly special people. They are bighearted and enjoy the visitors who come to experience their amazing country.

Costa Rican’s are extremely hard working, most making an average of $500.00 per month to live. However, they want for nothing and are willing to share whatever they have with you. So treat them respectfully and you will get the same in return.

Visiting Costa Rica? Leslie J. Riannen invites you to go in style while being Eco Friendly by choosing the only Green Costa Rica Car Rental Company. Mapache offers Costa Rica San Jose Car Rental for its total fleet of low emission vehicles. Visit their site to reserve safely and securely before your next trip.

Feeling frustrated trying to learn Spanish?

Saturday, January 23rd, 2010

Do you have the burning desire to study another language? If that language happens to be Spanish then why not take advantage of the international learning experiences that are on offer in Costa Rica. Studying Spanish at a school 5 minutes from the beach; sounds delightful, don’t you think?

You would not merely being studying, which can sometimes become quite mundane, but you would have the chance to go out and explore the many wonders on offer in one of the world’s most tropical paradises. Whoever said that studying has to be boring?

There are an abundance of Spanish schools to choose from here in Costa Rica, but from experience I would highly recommend CPI (Centro Panamericano de Idiomas) Spanish Immersion School. It is made up of three spectacular schools and each school is located in a highly, unique place. Why not make the most of being able to divide your studies and time between heaven and well, I suppose heaven and heaven!

One of the schools is set in the suburbs of a town called Heredia. Students will get to experience what it is like to live and learn in a typical Costa Rican town and yet not be too far from Costa Rica’s capital city; San Jose. The school is encircled by exotic gardens in which you can unwind during break time and for those who are just bursting with energy then there is a ping pong table, mini soccer pitch and basketball court.

CPI ‘Monteverde’ (Green Mountain) is located between two local villages and two huge cloud forest reserves in an area commonly known as ‘Monteverde’, hence the name of the school. This magical and mysterious mountain top town is home to a wide array of wildlife; including birds, monkeys, sloths and even pumas (don’t be alarmed!) If you are not exhausted from all the walking and Spanish classes then why not work out in the school’s mini gym and afterwards take advantage of the hanging hammocks and bubbling jacuzzi. Don’t spend too long in the jacuzzi though, as there will be a magnificent sunset view waiting for you!

The third school was founded in the Guanacaste area, which lies on the North West coast of Costa Rica. Just a 5 minute walk away from the school is Flamingo Beach. It is the perfect place to relax and take a swim after your Spanish classes. with its white, sands and clear, blue waters. However, if you are simply too tired and just want to relax at school, then you can always take a dip in the swimming pool. The school also offers a place to play basketball and ping pong.

Your Spanish course begins when you decide and you choose if you want to study for a week or even up to a whole year. The Spanish Programs are specialized and the levels are determined based on individual needs. If you are feeling adventurous and you really want to explore Costa Rica then why not split your studies between each of the three international schools?

Once CPI has selected the right Spanish Program for you it doesn’t stop there. It can arrange your accommodation. If you don’t want to speak anything but Spanish then a home stay would be ideal. Nevertheless CPI also offers stay in one of its fully equipped and furnished studios, which are located close to the school.

Take advantage of the exotic paradise In which you room. When you have free time be it an hour, a day or a weekend, why not get out there and explore those surreal surroundings, Because I promise you that there is nowhere in the world quite like Costa Rica. It is a country that possesses beautiful beaches, xxx jungles, mysterious mountains and vicious volcanoes.

Costa Rica is a wonderful place to visit, filled with much beauty and magic. The author has resided for many years in Monteverde Costa Rica. If you ever decide to visit Monteverde make sure to check out Monteverde, Costa Rica 5 Day Package Tours in Costa Rica.

Need To Knows Before Heading To Costa Rica

Friday, January 15th, 2010

It’s always a great idea to do some research of the country you are traveling to when going abroad. Laws change and sometimes travel guides have out of date information. Since Costa Rica is on the rise for travel destinations, I thought I would share some important facts with you.

As with most boarder crossing, it is required for you to present a passport. Central America is no different when traveling through its amazing destinations. Once you reach your final destination, it is ok to just copy your passport and the stamp page then leave your passport in the safe at your hotel.

If you choose to rent a car in Costa Rica, be sure that you bring your current driver’s license and carry your passport copy with you at all times. Expect to pay high deposits for renting a car, which is fully refundable; meaning you better examine the car thoroughly before leaving the car lot. Additionally, gas stations can be hard to find in remote locations, so gas up in the bigger cities.

Costa Rica has some driving laws that we were not familiar with. The law states that if you get into an accident, not only are you to wait for the police but you must also wait for the adjuster for the insurance company to arrive. As you can imagine, this can take a long time so best to drive defensively so you won’t have this delay on vacation.

Another driving fact you should know is that that in Costa Rica, like many other Central American countries, there are not typical number and names as street addresses. Addressed can be something like 250 metros este y Fabrica de Queso so keep your eyes open when driving.

Costa Rican currency is called a colon or colones for plural, however US dollars are accepted most anywhere. The highest denomination in bills is the 10,000 colones then ranges down to c5,000, c2,000, and c1,000. If the exchange rate is c500 at the time of your visit then a 10,000 colon is equivalent to $20 US dollars.

As of December 2009, the exchange rate in Costa Rica was 570 colones to one American dollar. When you want to figure the price of something listed in colones, you would divide that price in colones by the current exchange rate. If you need to figure out the price listed in dollars, you take the dollar amount and multiply it by the exchange rate and that will give you the price in colones.

Driving in Costa Rica can be tricky because all the street and road signs are in Spanish. You might want to brush up on your recognition of those signs before your trip. Spanish is the native language of Costa Rica but there are many locals who speak English, especially in the more popular spots.

As we all know, tourists are prime targets for petty theft. As for Costa Rica, this amazingly peaceful country abolished its army back in 1947 and to this day is a very safe country. However, we suggest you always keep an eye on your things to ward off petty thieves who prey on the unsuspecting.

Visiting Costa Rica? Leslie J. Riannen Asks that you visit in style while staying Eco Friendly by picking the only Green Costa Rica Car Rental Company. Mapache offers Car Rental in Liberia for its total fleet of low emission cars. Visit their website to reserve safely and securely before your next trip.

Hotels Are Finally Catching On The Trend On the Environment

Sunday, December 20th, 2009

The environmental trend is stealing headlines all over the world. People are finally realizing the damage that is being done to the environment and are starting to change the way things are done at home and the business world. The travel industry is no different and a positive environmental trend is sweeping through the hotel industry as a whole including airport hotels.

Not so long ago using renewable energy and having a recycling program were not profitable things to do. Because of this Corporate America was not willing to jump in with both feet. While there were some companies that did this anyway (and they should be applauded), others were waiting to see where the environmental trend would lead before they started to make changes.

The travel industry, specifically the hotel niche of it, was infamous for literally pouring money down the drain. There was literally tons of unnecessary laundry being done every day that was not only costing the hotel owners a lot of money, but was using unnecessary energy and water as well. Over the last few years, this whole process has changed for the better.

When a guest checks into their room today, they are going to see something that is not even close to what it was as little as 10 years ago. Hotels will now usually have signs up that suggests to guests to keep their towels for an extra day or to keep the sheets on instead of having them changed out every day. It is impossible to understand the impact that this immediately has on energy and water consumption.

Energy savings is always as hot topic and one that was always assumed to be wasted in hotels. Lights were left on all the time and bulbs were bright and energy wasting. Today, hotels rarely have unused rooms lit up and have gone the way of energy efficient lighting to try and cut down on their bills. This all adds up to enormous amounts of energy that is now being saved instead of wasted.

While most neighborhoods started recycling years ago, not all hotels were with the program. There was a time when the back of a hotel looked more like a trash dump than anything else. Unless you have worked in one, it is hard to imagine the amount of waste that is generated each and every day. Drive in the back of the hotel today and it is an organized area that has all of their trash separated for recycling.

Hotels have always had brightly lit parking lots and extra signage up to let people know that they are open for business. While this is understandable, it has also been excessive. Solar trees are popping up all over the place to replace standard parking lot lighting and more and more hotels are making use of perimeter solar lighting to light pool areas and such that used to burn standard bulbs.

When the corporate world steps up and makes a statement that it is time to start saving energy, people tend to take notice. The trickledown effect is enormous as ideas get put into the heads of guests and staff alike. It is great to finally see the travel industry have and promote a healthier environmental trend.

As Markham hotels and Toronto hotels offer quality service and comfort, Toronto airport hotels have not only proven to be luxurious but also greatly convenient for business travelers. With its convenient location, dealing business has been a lot more cost-effective.

Summer Camp Advice

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009

There may be several months between the time that you select your and Overnight Summer Camp and send in your deposit and opening day. However, helping your child prepare for camp involves more than just packing their trunk. You want to make sure that your child is ready emotionally for this new adventure.

Getting your child ready for camp requires a delicate balance. Talking about this exciting new experience is great but, you also don’t want to overdo it. Over discussing Summer Camp can cause, children to loose a sense of reality, lead to expectations and fantasies that can’t be met, thus, leading to disappointment. It’s also possible that these discussions continually highlight fears which, lead only to an increase of homesickness. Several months before the beginning of camp you may want to start yur disscussions but not much before April. As receive pre-camp information it’s wise to share these with your child.

Camp Conversations: Choose your words wisely when you are talking about overnight summer camp. Children are very perceptive, and they feel your concerns and fears. You don’t even have to make a negative comment and they know. Visit your library, rent a movie or pick up books about camp. Watch or read them together. Remember, most of the storylines are exaggerated, but they can be a good segway on how to handle situations at camp.

However, make sure to pick up on the subtle signals that your child sends. If they seem put off by the books or videos, then drop the subject. Most importantly, make sure that you never use camp as a threat or in anger. It’s important that you never seem like you’re counting the days until your child leaves for camp. The words can linger longer than you think, and it will confuse your child about what camp is supposed to be. Your child should believe that camp is a fun experience and that is why you have chosen it.

Some Dos * Meet the camp director before camp begins.

* Arrange a play date with another camper before camp.

* Do try and arrange a play date with a fellow camper before camp. If this is not possible, try and establish a link through mail, e-mail, or phone.

* Do continue to have short separations, such as sleepovers with family and friends for good practice.

* Do allow your child to verbalize her concerns, even if they sound silly. You may learn about worries that you can easily resolve.

* Do talk to an experienced camper about the program. He or she can tell you what you will really need to pack, what you can leave at home, and what kids really wear, and do at camp.

Some Don’ts: * Minimize change as camp comes close. Keep things as normal as possible, especially in the time close to the first day.

* Don’t try to squeeze in a family vacation just before camp starts. Plan to be at home for at least five days before your child leaves for camp to provide the comfort of a usual routine.

*Never let your child think you are worried about their adjustment to the camp environment.

These are just a few ideas on sending your child to Summer Camp. Learn more and visit Summer Camp Advice

About the author: Jeff Lorenz is the director of Swift Nature Camp a non-competitive, Wisconsin Summer Camp that offers a traditional summer camp for Boy and Girls ages 6-15. Campers enjoy camp activities as they learn at this Science Summer Camp.

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