Though my children are still pretty young, I feel quite strongly about one day sending them to an overnight summer camp, even if it’s only for a week or two. I went, but not until I was older, and I wish I’d had the chance at a younger age — because overnight camp is pretty amazing. In fact, according to an article in the Washington Post, sleep-away camp gives kids a competitive advantage in life by encouraging them to develop and foster creativity. Even William Fitzsimmons, dean of admissions at Harvard, asks parents to “bring summer back,” allowing children “to gather strength for the school year ahead.”
Though I have plenty of time on my side, I am definitely considering a single-sex camp, which will allow my kids to have a summer free from some of the boy/girl drama I remember at a young age. Plus, they’ll probably want a break from each other by the time summer rolls around! I already see the gender separation at play with my 5 1/2-year-old and know that by the time he’s overnight camp age, having a break from girls will be just what he needs.
A single-sex overnight camp is the perfect opportunity to broaden horizons, form new friendships (it’s impossible to not bond at camp!), and make memories. Ask anyone who went to overnight camp, and they will talk your ear off about the strong bonds they created, the trouble they got into, and all the fun they had. More than 50 years later, my mom still talks about how amazing her summers at an all-girls camp were (and she’s still best friends with a fellow counselor).
Fleur de Lis Camp is a traditional sleep-away camp for girls ages 8 to 15, located on the shore of Laurel Lake in Fitzwilliam, NH. For more than 85 years, girls have made new friends, developed self-confidence, learned cooperation, and tried new things, all while having fun. Fleur de Lis’ reputation is built on its strong program, close-knit community, and more than 85 years of tradition. Plus, it’s beautiful and has so much to keep the girls busy, active, and engaged all summer long.
You can even test the camp out at Fleur de Lis’ Big and Little Weekend. It’s a great opportunity to experience camp with mom or another female family member, all while having fun!
