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Camps for gifted teens

© Heather Ringrose

Camps for Gifted Teens

Whether as a volunteer, counselor or camper a gifted teen will profit immensely from a holiday session at a special camp designed for the improvement of a certain talent. Such camps are all around the country and most of them have Internet sites for easy reference. The experience will help a teen to grow and develop even more than he or she already is.

There are a variety of specialty camps which teens can attend. There are music camps for those who passionately play the piano or sing soprano. There are computer camps for children who can't learn enough about them. Such camps are greatly increasing in numbers. There are sport camps, of course, which range in sports from gymnastics to summer hockey. There are camps for trampoline jumping and horseback riding. There are also art camps, where budding Picassos can paint all summer long.

With all of these camps there shouldn't be a single person who could complain. The camp experience not only enriches the talents it advertises, but it enriches its participants mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally. Spending time with peers who are the same age in rustic cabins helps teens to develop necessary life skills in the social aspects. Doing communal chores helps teens to learn the requirements of the workplace. Often counselors gain invaluable leadership experience by spending a summer at camp. There are camps run by religions of all types, as well as other organizations. Camps create a family atmosphere and spending time in the beauty of nature and in fresh air will help anyone to feel their best.

What is the downfall of such an experience? Homesickness? . . . not too much, Breeched safety?. . . nope, Costs? . . . Unfortunately these are the main problem. For campers there are weekly rates of 250- 500 dollars and a summer away can cost upwards of $5000 at the best camps. There are subsidies for families who have financial troubles, although they never pay the whole way. On the other side are camp staff who are paid next to nothing. Few teens can afford not to work at a better paying job if they are saving for university. The only encouragement is that they are not paying $5000 to go to camp, and they are gaining invaluable experience while having all the fun that paying campers have. It is worthwhile to look at the online websites of various camps and to see what they have to offer. Most have FAQs on employment, location and activities. Www.summercamp.com is a

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