The Intentional Parent - Rediscover Summer Camp with Michael Thompson

EPISODE SYNOPSIS:
The Intentional Parent opens up the studio this week to talk with Mike Thompson, the director of Camp Chippewa, about the lessons and advantages of sending kids to a sleep away camp during the summer.
Though parents sometimes feel apprehensive about time apart from their kids (just as kids are skittish about new experiences), sleep away camps can help socialize and add independence to growing minds. We talked about some of the dynamics of this summer rite of passage.

GUEST BIO:
A former camper, graduated counselor and, now, director of Camp Chippewa, Mike Thompson has been focused on the formative experience of camp since 1981. With a discerning eye for talent and a dedication to helping form better men of tomorrow, Mike has been a key contributor of many life-lessons for campers for a solid generation.

ADD'L LINKS:
http://www.campchippewa.com/
http://www.campresource.com/
http://www.summercampsandtrips.com/
http://www.acacamps.org/
http://www.aiccamps.org/

EPISODE BREAKDOWN:
00:01 Introduction.
00:43 Welcoming Michael Thompson.
01:39 Video of Camp Chippewa.
03:43 Why sleep away camp?
04:50 Going beyond activities to develop character.
07:09 Parent's priorities for the camp experience.
08:35 An opportunity to decide to have fun.
09:40 Parent's biggest reservations towards sending kids to camp.
11:42 The transformative process from homesickness to resilience.
14:35 Providing a positive context for risk.
16:13 A steady progression of adventure.
17:23 Rites of passage for boys.
18:42 How to help kids deal with homesickness.
19:14 What age should kids start going to camp?
21:22 The trip during camp and coming back changed men.
23:11 A few standout campers: Overcoming shyness.
27:05 More information about Camp Chippewa and resources for camp info.
29:23 Thanks.