This post is part of a partnership with YMCA Camp Takodah. All opinions are my own.
Summer is a time for children to play and have fun. For others, it’s an opportunity for kids to learn new skills, make new friends, and create lifelong memories.
There’s a single destination that covers it all. Summer camp!
I have very fond memories of my time at overnight camp as a child. Meeting new friends from all over the world, crafts, campfires, canoeing, hikes, swimming, and of course the camp songs (some still pop into my mind from time-to-time), archery, sleeping in a cabin, and the excitement of receiving a care package from home!
Camp Takodah
Camp Takodah has been awarded the Best Overnight Camp in New Hampshire, and known for its wonderful staff, Takodah combines a rustic charm with a stunning waterfront and impressive activity choices, in a community marked by rich traditions and a “Friendly to All” way of life. With an emphasis on fostering lifelong friendships, developing enduring character and skills, and creating memories that last a lifetime, Takodah gives children some of the best days of their lives.
Takodah specializes in separate Boys and Girls programs, where children ages 7-17 can visit for 2-8 weeks.
Takodah also features a special 1-Week Camp for children ages 7-12 that is perfect for campers who are not ready or able to attend a longer session.
The summer ends with Family Camp, where families gather for a week of spending quality time together, while enjoying a fun and relaxing experience of Takodah.
The benefits of a child’s camp experience are numerous; they will be taught and practice foundational principles that they will rely on as adults. When your child attends summer camp, they learn how to work with others, build meaningful relationships, accept guidance and develop decision-making skills. All of these life skills nurture independence and confidence, creating a foundation that will serve them and grow with them for the rest of their lives.
How can your child benefit from summer camp?
Build Confidence and Self-Esteem
Separation from parents gives a child the ability to think independently, which builds self-esteem. Participating in a wide variety of activities, children become a community as they learn both how to be more independent and how to contribute to a group.
Takodah teaches self-reliance, a love for nature and the outdoors, and the development of attitudes and practices that build character and leadership.
Unplug from technology
A stay at Camp Takodah is the perfect opportunity for your child to “unplug”. Your child’s typical day at Camp Takodah will follow a schedule carefully designed to balance individual, cabin-based, and camp-wide programs.
The programs are about helping campers experience connection, autonomy, and mastery (critical psychological and developmental needs for youth), and the schedule maximizes camper exposure to those areas.
Here’s a look at the daily schedule:
7:00 Rise & Shine
7:25 Flag Raising Ceremony
7:30 Breakfast
8:30 Kapers (Camp Cleanup)
9:00 Skill Area Class 1
10:00 Skill Area Class 2
11:00 Skill Area Class 3
12:15 Cabin Inspection
12:30 Lunch
1:30 Siesta (Rest Hour)
2:30 Camper Choice (Supervised Free Time)
4:00 Cabin Activity Time
5:25 Flag Lowering Ceremony
5:30 Dinner
6:30 After-Dinner Free Choice Time
7:00 Evening Program
8:45 Prepare for Bed
9:00 Reflections
Camp promotes friendship and independence
When children go to camp, they are given the opportunity to grow more independent. Whether for a day or an entire summer, separation from one’s parents means a camper has to learn to rely on himself and other trusted adults and peers.
It can be difficult for kids to go away to overnight camp when they don’t know anyone else there. Camp Takodah will make it easy for kids to find friends fast. A camp friendship can last a lifetime, or only a summer, but either way camp offers children the opportunity to branch out from their regular circle of friends and learn to connect with other peers in positive ways.
Learning through play and exploration
Summer camp offers lots of opportunities to try new things and explore. Living in a cabin, learning to kayak, nature & outdoor living skills, performing arts, arts & crafts, climbing ropes, and overcoming obstacles are accomplishments young people can develop that build strength of character, courage, and determination.
Through new experiences, your child is pushed into positions to grow in life.
Establish new traditions
“Traditions are the glue that hold families together.” That’s so true at Takodah. Many of Camp Takodah’s traditions stretch back 100 years, and they bind the generations of campers together.
Takodah has countless traditions for nearly every part of the day. Here are the most timeless and beloved traditions at camp:
–CT and Jacket Ceremonies:
Every year, campers receive a CT (Camp Takodah), a 6″ felt triangular patch representing the numbers of years they’ve attended camp. They pin them together in a chain. See the photo: Ian. After 10 years at camp, they receive a special 10-Year Jacket. Astonishingly, most of our campers and staff make it to 10 years at camp. The CT and Jacket Ceremonies essentially recognize that after 10 years, Takodah has had a profound impact on their lives, and they’ve had a profound impact on our entire camp family too. Both the CT chains and jackets are cherished by Takodah, and you’ll see them in prominent places in their homes.
–Candlelight Ceremonies:
At the end of every session, everyone joins in a special Candlelight Ceremony, filled with songs, poems, and stories, where campers reflect on what the camp has meant to them. Every camper receives a lit candle and joins in an impressive outdoor Circle of Friendship. Campers then take their candles home, and they light them on Christmas Eve, in a worldwide circle of friendship.
–Singing at Meals:
Singing is arguably the best way of bringing people together. At the end of each meal, while clearing the tables, everyone joins in camp songs. Some of them are old folk songs, others are twists on popular songs, and some are just wacky camp songs. Aside from being a lot of fun, singing together makes campers feel like part of something much bigger than themselves.
Parent testimonials:
“I really love that Takodah is steeped in tradition. Both my boys love it there. Takodah is a safe place where kids have the opportunity to choose their classes. It is a safe place for kids to spread their wings. Kids need those opportunities; it helps them gain confidence in themselves!” – Maria, Mom of Boys Campers
“Takodah is a safe, nurturing, supportive environment that encourages exploration and imagination. Our children are making memories and lifelong friendships, while learning independence and fostering self-esteem.” – Jean, Mom of Girls and Boys Campers
*Camp registration is now open for Camp Takodah! Head over now to Register Online, campers enrolled no later than February 14 are recognized with a special limited edition tee-shirt awarded during their summer camp sessions.
If you would like assistance, please contact Sarah at 603-352-0447 or email: sarah@cheshireymca.org.
Contact Camp Takdodah:
June-August
Camp Takodah
55 Fitzwilliam Road
Richmond, NH 03470
Voice: (603) 239-4781
Fax: (603) 239-6772
September-May
Camp Takodah
32 Lake Street
North Swanzey, NH 03431
Voice: (603) 352-0447
Fax: (603) 352-0516
Email: info@camptakodah.org
Address:
YMCA Camp Takodah
55 Fitzwilliam Rd
Richmond, New Hampshire
My favorite memory is performing in the camp talent show!
I myself never went to camp but I was a camp counsellor when I got older. So fun! Meeting new kids from everywhere is so neat.
Meeting new people is the best. Making new friends.
I never went to camp but I hope my child comes back with some amazing memories, if we win!
Camp fires, especially at the end of a session, were some of my favorite memories.
I went to camp when I joined boyscout. It was exciting though!
The friendships you have with camp friends is like no other! They are with you near or far for the rest of your life. Camp is amazing for growth!
I’ve been to the Y for scouting events, never heard of this one. Thanks for sharing.
We used to do this kinda thing in primary school when we went on team building adventures. I loved going on our mini-adventures.
I am totally not ready to let my kids go to sleep away camp. I am sure they would love it, but I would be sick to my stomach with worry the whole time 🙁
Robin,
Camp Tokadoh also has a Family Camp!
And for campers heading to Camp T, the parent handbook has some great tips to prepare you both for your child’s first time away. 🙂
I absolutely love camping! It is actually where my husband and I met (we were both camp counselors at a summer camp). I have so many amazing memories growing up and going to camp in the summers. Of course, now that I am a parent, I am scared to death to send my oldest! She will be 8 and officially old enough for camp…yikes!
I definitely think unplugging from technology is very important! Going to overnight camps as a kid definitely helped build my independence.
I only camped one time without my parents and that was with the girl scouts. All I really remember is kid’s making fun of me for things that I brought. Like it’s just awful to want to be comfy while you sleep!? Anyway, I’d like for my son to try a camp one day. Maybe space camp. I think he’d love it!
It looks like quite an amazing experience! I always loved going to camp when I was a kid.
I loved overnight camp. A tradition I continued with my kids.
I never went to camp as a kid and I always wanted to! I hope to send my kids at some point!
I definitely wish I had attended more camps as a child. I agree that they build a lot of self confidence and trust, being away from the safety of home!
Oh my gosh, I guess I would have to let my kids go to a camp some day. I hope that day is not anywhere near yet. I’m not ready!
Looks like they are having a great time. I remember my camp days, so much fun.
I went to a camp just like this through the YMCA when I was younger! It’s a great way to build confidence in your kids!
What a great adventure. I would love to bring my family there one day.
Only one of my children went away to camp for dance. She had a great time and I barely slept the whole week.
I always wished I and gone to camp as a kid, seems like an amazing experience ❤
Seems like a blast, although I know I wouldn’t like it. My experience in Spain was enough haha.
What a wonderful time for kids. There is a special needs camp run by my son’s preschool that I hope for him to attend this summer.
Omg when I was a kiddo I loved going to camp!!! It was something I looked forward to every summer!
I remember having a crush on one of my counselors and then getting to dance with him at the end of camp celebration. Blush!
I never did overnight camp. I was, however an overnight camp counselor for inner city kids from Rhode Island. It was an interesting experience to say the least.
First of all, I’m happy it’s time to talk about summer camp! YAY for summer! I never went away to sleep away camp, but Chris did. He can’t wait to let our kids go! It’s true, it’s so good for them! It’s like learning LIFE.
Never went to overnight camp when I was younger, my daughter is very excited to attend this summer
My favorite camp memory is swimming until we were wrinkled.
I never went to sleepaway camp as a child, but I worked at one in college. It was the best experience for me and I saw how much the kids grew and loved it there. I remember it felt so wonderful to be part of something so special. That’s why sending my kids to Camp Takodah is so important for me, it is such a fantastic opportunity for them. My husband could not understand why I wanted to send them to sleepaway camp to play. Ha, it is so much more than that. Great article. Send your kids, it’s worth it! They will love you for it.
Never went to camp, but would love for my son to go!