For a lot of people, summer camp conjures up images of mosquito-filled cabins, rickety canoe rides, and tear-stained pillow cases when homesickness settles in. But those same people also remember friendships and memories to last a lifetime.
And now families can do this together!
While overnight summer camps are still in vogue, there is a new trend in camps that lets families enjoy the experience together in far-from-rustic places. Family summer camps include the whole family, even mom and dad, and focus on creating experiences and spending time together.
Some family camps offer traditional summer camp activities like swimming, rowing, and horseback riding, and others have unique offerings like wine tastings for parents or jewelry making for kids.
These family camps typically include activities that are specific to both the parents or the children because even the closest knit families need a break from each other once in awhile.
Here are three family camp options that epitomize the uniqueness this type of vacation can offer.
Camp Loggerhead at The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach
Set among the multiple-million dollar homes in the jet set capitol of Palm Beach, Florida, is the Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach. It may not be the first place one thinks of as being family-friendly but they are working to change that opinion.
This year they are introducing an innovative, family-oriented summer camp amid the luxury of the Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach. Throughout June, July and August of 2013, Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach Camp Loggerhead" will bring families together for a week long summer camp experience.
Memories will be made during the three-legged races, scavenger hunts, sing-alongs, pillow fights, S'mores and marshmallows galore. They have even included a date night and spa treatments for the parents. The supervised kids' events are from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily and include things like photography class, jewelry making and beach games.
The week-long stay includes overnight accommodations, all children's meals and activities, adult spa treatments, one adult dinner and one family dinner.
Pricing for the six night camp is $5600 based on two adults and one child. The price is $150 for additional children under 18 years.
Callaway Gardens Summer Family Adventure
Callaway Gardens, a nature preserve and resort in central Georgia, was among the first purveyors of family summer camp in 1960. The Callaway Gardens Summer Family Adventure is a four-to-seven-day summer vacation that connects loved ones and offers countless options for fun in a beautiful natural environment.
Callaway Gardens is unique because of its partnerships with the Florida State University Flying High Circus, whose members lead guests ages 3-17 in a variety of exciting day-camp activities. Adults have their own eclectic lineup of offerings, and late afternoons and evenings reunite families to enjoy beach parties and competitions, bingo and trivia games, educational shows and outings, and much more.
Generations of families have been coming to this camp and have formed lifelong friendships and memories. Packages start at $2,052 and include accommodations in well-appointed neighborhood-style cottage or villas, participation in Summer Family Adventure Camp and evening programs, and daily admission to Callaway Gardens.
Pine Cove Family Camp
For families looking to build religion into their summer, look no further than the Pine Cove Family Camps
in Texas. They advertise their family camp as the ultimate, all-inclusive family vacation.
Pine Cove Christian Camps offers three Christian Family Camps (Pine Cove Woods, Bluffs, and Crier Creek) which provide an ideal setting for the whole family. At each camp, their goal is to have families "refresh their journey with the Lord", strengthen their bond as a family, and be "surrounded by God's beautiful creation".
Pine Cove offers activities and programs for all ages. The camp days are filled with fun programming, meaningful Bible studies, crazy theme nights, great food and accommodations.
But leave computers, cell phones, and iPads behind as the camp wants families to focus on each other. The cost varies depending on location but starts around $3,000 for a family of four which includes all activities, housing, meals, a highlight video and insurance. Unlike most summer camps, financial assistance is available.
Sources:
Pinedove.com. Web. 3 April 2013. "Family camps".
http://www.pinecove.com/family-camps
Callawaygardens.com. Web. 3 April 2013. "Summer family adventure."
http://www.callawaygardens.com/events/signature-events/summer-family-adventure
Ritzcarlton.com. Web. 3 April 2013. "Camp Loggerhead Package".
http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/PalmBeach/Reservations/Packages/Detail/camp_loggerhead_package.htm
Reviewed April 4, 2013
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith