As summer approaches, the age-old question arises: how do we select camps for our kids that are worth the financial commitment? While I might be considering shelling out for my teenager’s soccer camp (seriously, $500, and I’m still on the hook for lunch?), I can’t help but think about the kinds of camps that would provide real value. Sure, my kid adores soccer, but let’s face it—he’s no Messi. It feels frivolous to spend our limited resources on something that may only serve as a casual hobby in adulthood.
Instead, let’s focus on essential life skills that will benefit our children long after their childhood playdates are a distant memory. Skills that will aid them in forming friendships, navigating relationships, and securing invitations to social gatherings. After all, isn’t it more likely that Bob and Karen’s happy marriage stems from practical skills like laundry folding and understanding technology rather than a fleeting summer riding horses?
Here are some camp ideas that I think would be a much better investment:
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Camp Close the Door
Let’s be real: the phrase “when one door closes, a window opens” doesn’t apply in my house. My kids leave doors wide open, from the fridge to the garage. At Camp Close the Door, they’ll learn the importance of closing things behind them. Lesson one? Leaving things as you found them is a skill that will serve them well.
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Ikea Survivor Camp
Imagine a camp where kids spend their days exploring an Ikea store, mastering the art of assembling furniture using nothing but an Allen wrench and their own ingenuity. They’ll also uncover the quirky meanings behind product names and learn to whip up those famous Swedish meatballs. Future roommates will thank you.
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Mocktail Mastery Camp
Before you panic, this camp won’t involve any actual alcohol. Instead, it will arm kids with the knowledge to craft delicious mocktails. They’ll learn how to salt a rim like a pro, pop open tonic bottles without a mess, and master lime cutting. Family gatherings will be a breeze when your child knows how to mix a great drink!
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Social Media Etiquette Camp
While Facebook may be the domain of older generations, it’s crucial to prepare the next wave for a positive online experience. This camp will focus on guidelines like “Nobody Wants to See Your Feet,” and “Like Responsibly.” Counselors will also teach kids how to shoot videos in the proper format and organize clever memes for social media battles.
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Target Strategy Camp
At this camp, kids will learn the art of navigating a Target store like seasoned pros. They will become experts in spotting deals, utilizing Cartwheel discounts, and knowing the best times for fresh popcorn. With these skills, you might find yourself enjoying those shopping trips rather than dreading them.
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Towel Management Camp
This is where kids discover the ins and outs of towel care. From folding techniques to understanding the science behind drying, they’ll learn it all. They’ll also participate in hands-on classes about appropriate towel usage, ensuring they know the difference between drying off and hiding evidence under a bed.
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Aspiring Blogger Boot Camp
In a world where blogging continues to thrive, we need to prepare the next generation. This camp will cover essential topics like crafting catchy headlines, writing listicles, and even meme creation. The future influencers will learn how to navigate various blogging niches, ensuring a legacy of relatable content.
While these camp ideas are purely imaginative and not currently available, they reflect the kind of practical life lessons that can truly benefit our kids. If you do stumble across a camp like any of these, please share! In the meantime, I’ll be budgeting carefully so that my little athlete can pursue his passion without sacrificing dinner!
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In summary, it’s essential to prioritize camps that offer valuable life skills over traditional sports or arts-focused camps. With the right guidance, our children can emerge from summer not just entertained, but equipped for the future.
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