The unsold items (with an estimated re-sale value of about $400) were donated to the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of Methodist Churches, which will see to it that the items are passed on to needy families. People shopping at the sale got some great deals, and knowing that what didn't sell will go those in need is an added bonus. For my part, I have a less-cluttered attic, I had a chance to reminisce about when the boys were littler and wearing all those clothes, and I got a tax deduction. A pretty good deal, overall. And I plan to do it all again for the Fall/Winter sale.
So, now it's time to look ahead to summer. In our house, that means summer camp. All three of my sons started camp when they started pre-school – just after age two. At first, they went to camp at their nursery school, for a few hours each morning. Once they got a little older, they went to full-day day camps, including at the Kaiserman JCC, ESF, and Arrowhead Day Camp. And the summer after third grade, the boys started overnight camp. Micah - who's now a third-grader - will be starting overnight camp for four weeks this summer.
I went to summer camp myself. And I think camp is one of the best gifts a parent can give their children. Camps expose children to many things, including nature, children from outside their schools, and counselors who serve as adult and young-adult role models other than teachers and parents, not to mention just plain fun, in the form of sports, swimming, arts and crafts, etc. Author Mari Milan, who's written extensively about summer camps, describes the benefits of summer camps this way, "When these young kids attend summer camps they develop social skills, build confidence, self respect and service skills. Social skills help them to develop their leadership skills, communication and participation. Other skills that they develop are responsibility, and resourcefulness. They learn to trust others. If your child can find a perfect summer camp, he will (make) loads of friends, discover new things about him/herself, do new things every day. A summer camp spent in the mountains or woods can develop child's awareness of the relationship between humans and nature. It is great fun to attend summer camp."
Clearly, camp can be a big expense. Jenny Silva, founder of the website SignUpForCamp.com has tips for how parents can save money on summer camps, but taking advantage of partial-day camps, scholarships, and sibling discounts. To hear some of her tips, watch her interview here.
The American Camp Association promotes summer camping nationwide, and accredits camps that meets its standards. It is also a great resource for parents considering summer camps. On their website, they have tips for deciding if your child is ready for camp, choosing a camp that's a good fit for your child, and more.
In an upcoming blog, we'll talk about preventing homesickness, which children who go to overnight camp sometimes experience. As we say on TV, stay tuned!
Read more Parenting Perspective blogs by visiting the Parenting Channel on 6abc.com.
