New twist on summer camps

Elyria, OH, USA  (2006-07-06)

CINCINNATI — Youngsters are analyzing fingerprints, swinging from trapezes and learning hip-hop dance moves at summer camp, where the adventure no longer is limited to hiking, swimming and toasting marshmallows.

The popularity of specialty camps has flourished in the past several years to meet children’s evolving interests, although traditional camps remain the mainstay of the 18,000 operating in 80 countries. The majority of camps are in the U.S., where they are a $20 billion industry.

About 75 percent of camp directors were adding new programs such as cave exploring and rock wall climbing, according to a 2001 American Camp Association survey.

Independent Lake Camp in the Pocono Mountains of eastern Pennsylvania maintains traditional water sports and crafts but also offers campers opportunities to role play in sci-fi fantasy games, walk tight ropes and learn how to entertain people as clowns, magicians and jugglers.

Camp activities may change, but traditional goals such as teaching leadership and responsibility and just allowing children to have fun remain the same, said camp experts.

“Young people are surrounded by more sophistication now,� said Peg Smith, chief executive officer of the American Camp Association. “But when they get to camp, they just want to be kids.�
———
On the Net: American Camp Association: http://www.acacamps.org Camp Business: http://www.northstarpubs.com Online camp directory: MySummerCamps.com The Chronicle Telegram has a weekly circulation on 25,000 on weekdays. This syndicated Associated Press (AP) article also appeared in the Dayton Daily News (circulation 73,101) and the Akron Beacon Journal (138,592) — over 235,000 Ohioans.