3 Benefits of Summer Camp

“Camp Potawotami allows my child to learn valuable skills and develop relationships with people who have diverse backgrounds and it builds my son’s self-confidence. He loved the experience.” –Parent of a Youth Camper

Summer Camp keeps campers growing, exploring and learning all summer.  When a session of camp ends parents want their children to say it was the best week ever and parents want to see how camp has impacted their children. To help make that happen Camp Potawotami focuses on the ABCs of camp, Accomplishment, Belonging, and Character. The staff strives to offer programs that are fun and meaningful experiences with an opportunity to try new things, spend time in the outdoors, connect with other people, and make lifelong memories. There are three top reasons why children and teens should attend summer camp:

 3.Accomplishment: Campers gain a sense of accomplishment by trying activities and developing new skills. For many campers, being away from home for a week is an important accomplishment in itself. We hope these real world accomplishments will raise the self-confidence and self- esteem of each camper.
 
 2.Belonging: Making new friends and being a good friend helps campers learn about a sense of belonging. Living in a cabin with other children and counselors gives each camper a lesson in friendship building and teamwork. Each person has responsibilities and is a valued part of the YMCA Camp Potawotami community.
 
 1.Character: We discuss character traits and values in many ways during the week and place an emphasis on learning, growing and doing your best. Our core values are Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility. Our unique Wampum Bead program also encourages campers to choose a character trait to work on during camp and the entire year.
 Wampum Bead Characteristics: 
RED (FRIENDSHIP): To build on strong friendships by learning and growing as a person.

GREEN (ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP): To be a steward to the environment by being responsible and conscious about minimizing my waste and caring for the natural environment.

BLUE (HONESTY/INTEGRITY): To be trustworthy and honest with every person I meet.

CREAM (INITIATIVE): To take initiative and do what needs to be done without being asked, because that is what I expect from others.

PURPLE (CHALLENGE): To challenge my life head-on by trying my best at everything I set out to do, because that is the best I can do.

LIGHT BROWN (KINDNESS): To be good hearted and always offer others in need a helping hand by letting them feel my happiness.

YELLOW (SPIRITUALITY): To look into myself and search for what I truly believe, and to stand by my beliefs.

DARK BROWN (HUMILITY): To admit my faults and look to others for help in improving them, so that I can become a better person.

LIGHT GREEN (Patience): To accept trouble, or delay without getting angry or upset.