Eric D. Naftulin is the owner/operator of Aloha Beach Camp, an aquatic sports summer day camp for kids and teens ages 4 to 15 in Los Angeles, California. Try Aloha Beach Camp and learn to surf, boogie board, wakeboard, jet ski and more.
Could this be the end of summer camp as we know it?
Have traditional summer camps -- where kids enjoy horseback riding, archery, take nature hikes, sing songs and make s'mores around the campfire -- seen their final days?
Probably not. But given the way specialty camps are gaining traction among today's youth, traditional camps may be losing their foothold.
According to Theresa Torrone, a volunteer for the American Camp Association and the owner/operator of her own beach and surf specialty camp in Los Angeles, California, "Specialty camps appeal to kids with very specific interests. Rather than participate in a wide variety of general camp activities, they'd rather spend their summer focusing on just one specialty activity instead."
Torrone cited cooking camps, dramatic arts camps, and surf (also known as surfing) camps among some of the fastest growing genres in the specialty summer camp field.
"As a volunteer for the American Camp Association, I visit various types of camps each summer, and I'm intimately familiar with many others. I can tell you that the specialty camp sector is growing like gangbusters," Torrone said.
Given the fact surf camps - where kids learn not only how to surf, but also about surf etiquette, wave judgment and selection, ocean science and water safety - are becoming more prevalent, is Torrone concerned about the inevitable added competition for her own camp?
"Nah," she said with a smile. "The more kids who experience camp at the beach, the better. If they come to my camp, great. But the most important thing is that they get to experience the ocean environment somewhere. I'm glad there are so many available opportunities for kids to learn to surf at camp."
Most likely, the traditional camp experience will last forever because many parents feel that sending their kids to a traditional summer camp is a virtual an American pastime.
But specialty camps are gaining ground fast...of that there is no doubt.
Copyright Eric D. Naftulin and Aloha Beach Camp. All rights reserved.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Can Teen Bootcamps Really Help Kids & Teens With Behavioral Issues?
- Vacation With Kids - All-Inclusive Resort Beaches
- Suicide Attempts Link Statistics About Teen Suicide and Teen Depression
- Going on an Adventure Vacation with Teens
- Credit Cards For Teens - How to Get One
- Summer Camps for Teens
- Teen Safety a Big Issue
- Things to Consider Before Your Teen Goes to Work
Fitness Expert Reveals Top Five Safe Shoveling Tips
By: Justin Yule | 02/01/2010In the midst of another winter season, many people are ticking time bombs for another debilitating shoveling injury. Top personal trainer & fitness expert, Justin Yule, shares his shoveling secrets to best prevent injuries this winter.
The Advantages of Having Rugs in Your Home
By: Gregory Garner | 02/01/2010Rugs are protectors for hardwood floors. If you have these kinds of floors, these home accessories will keep them from getting scratches and scuffs. They can also prevent your floors from being stained and blemished with food and drink spills.
The Four Popular Styles of Rugs You Can Use to Decorate Your Home
By: Gregory Garner | 02/01/2010Oriental rugs originated in China and were created by hand using the weaving process. These rugs are beautiful and can provide a warm atmosphere to your home. You will also find that they provide an atmosphere of richness and luxury with their blend of colors.
What Are Kids Area Rugs?
By: Gregory Garner | 02/01/2010Decorating a child's room is often contingent on safety, amalgamated with the personal tastes of the child. It is a known fact that the formative years of a youngster are positively influenced by the kind of paint, furniture, and the rugs used in his/her room. This is because kids area rugs are much more than floor protector's. They are high activity centers for the kids.
Home Security For Seniors
By: Richard Armen | 02/01/2010Though age brings wisdom, it also brings its own set of challenges, many of which are not well understood by those who are not used to caring for older people. Even when assisted living or nursing home-type assistance is not required, there are still a few important safety precautions for...
Three Traditional Scottish Recipes
By: Patrick Carpen | 02/01/2010Longing for the tastes of Scottish cuisine? Try these three traditional recipes!
Medical Alert Systems - How to Choose the Right One
By: Mark Thomas Walters | 02/01/2010People now have a much longer life expectancy than they did a few decades ago, and in most developed countries the average person commonly lives beyond 70 years of age. Whilst this is clearly a good situation, it does require people to be cared for in their later years; something...
Where Can You Access Marriage Records In Oklahoma To Lookup Peoples Marriage Certificate
By: James Nash | 02/01/2010To find all sorts of records isn’t hard as you think. In fact finding records is simpler that you think if you know the right place to search them for. You can save a lot of your time and money when you’re searching for marriage records if you simply search for them on the internet.
Has Your Child Outgrown Traditional Summer Camp? Try An Extreme Sports Camp!
By: Eric D. Naftulin | 11/03/2009 | Extreme SportsFor kids who've outgrown traditional summer camps, extreme sports camps are where it's at!
How to Know When Your Child is Ready for Camp
By: Eric D. Naftulin | 27/01/2009 | ParentingIs your child ready for their first camp experience?
Attend a Summer Camp Open House to Find the Right Camp for Your Child
By: Eric D. Naftulin | 24/01/2009 | Home & FamilyIf you're looking for a summer camp, attending an open house may be the best way learn about it.
Is Your Child's Camp Accredited by the American Camp Assocation?
By: Eric D. Naftulin | 19/01/2009 | ParentingConsidering a summer camp for your child? Make sure it's an American Camp Assocation accredited camp.
How to Get Free Summer Camp
By: Eric D. Naftulin | 14/01/2009 | ParentingHow to Send Your Child to Camp for Free
Do You Make These Mistakes When Choosing a Summer Camp for Your Kids?
By: Eric D. Naftulin | 01/01/2009 | ParentingSummer camp enrollment season is here. Do you make these mistakes when choosing a camp for your kids?
Is Your Child Too Old for Summer Camp
By: Eric D. Naftulin | 29/12/2008 | TeenagersIf you think your teenager has outgrown summer camp, think again! There are many quality summer camp options available to you!