| Since Frederick W. Gunn founded the first | | | | riding to ropes and drama) have changed |
| American summer camp in 1861 summer summer | | | | considerably over the years, especially to |
| camps have have evolved from an outdoor | | | | include shorter stays and camp stays in |
| wilderness experience where boys paddled | | | | weekly increments. |
| canoes and built campfires to a now | | | | |
| astoundingly broad "Camp" term, that also | | | | Does that mean that the positive forces of |
| signifies niche and specialty. | | | | the traditional camp experience, such as: |
| | | | bonding with other campers, improved |
| Thanks to Mr. Gunn, the great American | | | | self-esteem and greater independence, are |
| tradition of summer camp continues to exist | | | | gone from today's summer camp experience? The |
| today. And even though the campfire spirit of | | | | answer is no, and especially for overnight |
| summer camp is still alive; a greater | | | | camps with longer stays. |
| diversity of camp types (film, horseback | | | | |
| riding, adventure, computer) are around for | | | | And specialty camps? Kids and teens love |
| boys, girls and teens to choose from. | | | | these too, and these types of camps provide |
| | | | kids with an opportunity to focus on |
| Keeping an ear to the ground and an eye on | | | | something that interests them. Just like |
| changing trends, traditional overnight summer | | | | traditional camps, kids are usually put with |
| camps (the ones that have a wide range of | | | | others in their age group; but sometimes |
| activities: from tennis, swimming, horseback | | | | skill level is a determining factor. |