Most of our blogs are about campers (of course). But now, it’s the parents’ turn. Day 1 Drop your child off at Centauri. Let’s face it, this person is one of the most precious (perhaps THE most precious) person in your life – so don’t just drop them off. Bring them to camp, and meet [...]
In times past, it was usual for families to be ‘extended’. Young people were more likely to experience closeness to - and respect for - family members of different ages. Today, many youth live on the other side of the world from grandparents, uncles and aunts. Meanwhile, families are smaller - meaning that children are [...]
Recently I came across a terrific book about summer camp by bestselling author and speaker, Michael Thompson, entitled, ‘Homesick and Happy’, Thompson argues that in today’s world, when many parents consider it unsafe even to let their child walk to school by themselves, overnight camp has never been more important. Children are rarely away from [...]
It's the middle of the summer now, and we have a little tradition at Centauri Arts Camp: for one day, half way through the season, regular activities are suspended. We take off to a water park for the afternoon, and conclude the day with a concert! Our special day began with a pyjama breakfast, and [...]
This year saw the publication, in England, of a fascinating book about childhood - KITH, by Jay Griffiths. In this book the author asserts that children in today's developed societies are unhappier, more anxious, more prone to suicidal thoughts and generally less emotionally healthy than their counterparts in other parts of the world and certainly [...]
A great summer camp comes into existence the week or two before campers arrive... right? WRONG! Exceptional summer camps are 12-month operations, and Centauri Arts Camp is no exception. What we do to make camp the best it can be is pretty obvious during the summer months... walk on to camp at any time in [...]
10 Questions to Ask a Camp Director The Ontario Camps Association suggests all families should ask the following questions of their camp director. To make your life easier, we're answering them right here! 1. What are the qualifications of your camp staff? All our program directors have degrees in their specialty area, or equivalent professional [...]
Overnight Camp: An Essential Childhood Experience Overnight camp is just like day camp, but with the kids sleeping over... right? WRONG. Giving your child a day camp experience is nothing at all like signing them up for overnight camp. In fact, the two camp experiences are barely comparable. Here are ten advantages children receive from [...]
These days, the reasons young people opt out of attending overnight camps can be somewhat worrying, and present new trends and issues that camp directors are doing their best to address. I'm a guest blogger today for Camp Easy - check out my blog on this subject here...http://blog.campeasy.com/ Julie Hartley Camp Director www.centauriartscamp.com
Aaron Alviano: An Interview Aaron Alviano has headed our Fine Art Department at Centauri Arts Camp for 7 years now. It wasn't hard to get his answers to these questions, because he also works with us part time in the camp office! Julie: What is your history at Centauri? Aaron: Unlike many staff, I was [...]