Helping Children Become Better Citizens Through Summer Camps
by Jessie Marshall

“The original summer camp is the most important step in education, in the broadest sense, that America is giving the world,” said Harvard University President Charles W. Eliot, over seventy years ago. On this basis we have developed the philosophy of summer camping in which we strongly believe, based on the theory that a democracy cannot flourish without men and women of virtue who will conduct themselves wisely and honorably in public and private life, and who will influence their fellow citizens to follow their example.

Independent private camps have exceptional opportunities to cultivate faith, integrity, and learning in their campers through a program touching every aspect of their lives. It is our duty to make the most of these opportunities.

We believe that camps must do everything possible to promote our program and to encourage them to think and act rationally, critically, and independently. The goal of summer camp is to promote good health to provide training in and opportunities for various activities, and to develop an interest in nature and outdoor living and the wonders of the great natural environment found in the hills and valleys of our great country.

Summer camps are a unique community of men and women, living together in the great outdoors, learning how to get along with their neighbors and learning respect for others and the responsibility that goes with living closely together.

In the words of Nancy Regan, “camps can make a difference in the development of children when we try.” At summer camps we should try very hard to build self-esteem and love for each other amongst our campers.

I think that summer camp is a wonderful opportunity and in the 70 years since my first trip to a boys’ camp in West Virginia, camp has been the thing which has supported me through all these long years. The friends that I made as a camper 70 years ago are still my friends. I now see their granddaughters and great granddaughters at the girls’ summer camp I own and operate alongside my son. The love and support of the many friends I have made through my camping years has brought me to my 85^th year. I still get much enjoyment when I hear how our camp has helped guide a young girl in the right direction.

The spirit of camp, without sounding trite to those who have felt it or vague to those that haven’t, is something that is shared by many people. Here are a few quotes that help demonstrate what a summer camp can provide:

Girls…come from Colorado to Czechoslovakia, from Texas to New York and everywhere in between. Some come from abusive homes, others “Leave it to Beaver” families. Some do not have a lot of money and others live in mansions. Yet, we spend seven weeks together and our friendships strengthen every day and will probably last forever.

[Summer] camp taught me that it’s okay to be me and that there are people who like me for me. It taught me that importance of friendship and open-mindedness…it’s the best place on earth. I can never thank my mother enough for passing the tradition on to me.#

Copyright @1995-1996 and reprinted from The Educational Register with permission by VincentCurtis, Boston.

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