The American Camp Association is makes a concerted effort in Washington DC in an effort for the US

Government to recognize Camps as part of a child’s Year-Round education. While progress is slow, we are seeing efforts at the State and National Department of Education levels to integrate character education, and Camp-style methodologies into our children’s traditional education system. The way that we make progress in these areas, convincing NON-CAMP people about what we do, is through outcomes research and hard data, which Liberty Lake began this summer with both Campers and Parents.

For a small taste, check out what we learned from our 2014 Parent Surveys:

INDEPENDENCE

Have you seen an improvement in your child(ren)’s independence at home, in regards to completing tasks, problem solving, responsibility, resiliency, outgoingness, and overall self-confidence?

• 33%- a lot, 28%- some/little (61% increase)

INTEGRITY

Have you seen an improvement in your child(ren)’s integrity at home, in regards to responsibility, sportsmanship, doing the right thing, respect for parents, siblings and surroundings, and pitching in more often?

• 23% – a lot, 50% – some/little (73% increase)

ASPIRATION

Have you seen an improvement in your child(ren)’s aspirations in regards to trying new things, discovering new talents, creating goals, being creative, and/or exploring new ideas?

• 43% – a lot, 45% – some/little (88% increase)

TEAMWORK

Have you seen an improvement in your child(ren)’s teamwork skills in regards to interpersonal skills, ability to effectively communicate, cooperation, collaboration, leadership and/or supporting or helping others?

• 32% – a lot, 49% some/little (81% increase)

FRIENDSHIP

Have you seen an improvement in your child(ren)’s friendship skills, for example: making and maintaining friendships, sharing, being polite and friendly, patience, empathy, and understanding others?

• 39% – a lot, 41% some/little (80% increase)

This certainly helps affirm what we do at Liberty Lake, and helps prove to the neophytes that Camp is more than kickball and bug juice.

Thanks to everyone who filled out the surveys- they were all read by the directors, and we promise to both relay the kudos, and address the critiques! We welcome all suggestions as to how we can improve ourselves, as we strive to be the Best Camp in the World!

Sincerely,

Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director, Liberty Lake Day Camp

President, American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey