by Mel Schroeder
WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. – As the school year winds down, many parents look for worthwhile summer activities for their children. According to the American Camp Association (ACA), camp provides children with a community of caring adults who nurture experiential education that results in self-respect and appreciation for human value.
All of the outcomes — self-identity, self-worth, self-esteem, leadership, and self-respect build personal competencies. These personal competencies are reflected in the four “C’s” of the camp community: compassion, contribution, commitment, and character! For years, campers’ parents have reported that when their children return home from camp they are more caring, understand the importance of giving, are more equipped to stand up for what they know is right and are willing to be more responsible. These are the qualities that will help build a successful nation and a civil society.*
Hidden Valley 4-H Camp was recently recognized by a national survey, ranking it among the top 500 camps within the United States according to Newsweek Magazine who partnered with a research team surveying 30,000 parents; along with analysis of over 70,000 public social media reviews.** The list included 300 overnight camps and 200-day camps. Camp officials were pleased to see the camp make the list and receive a 4-star review. Hidden Valley 4-H Camp has been providing camp experiences to young people in Schuyler County and beyond since 1945 and staff are looking forward to celebrating their 80th season next year!
The camp offers a camping program that connects youth to the outdoor classroom through nature, archery, and swimming along with arts and crafts, rocketry and in more recent years, the creation of Master Camps which provide older campers with specialty camp projects. Hidden Valley 4-H Camp also offers a Counselor in Training (CIT) and a Leadership in Training (LIT) program that strives to teach older youth the skills needed to become counselors within the camping world.
Camp is right around the corner for our upcoming season, and we are looking forward to welcoming new and seasoned staff, volunteers, parents, and can’t wait for campers to arrive on July 7.
Reservations for our upcoming season are still open. Learn more about Hidden Valley 4-H Camp here: Cornell Cooperative Extension | Hidden Valley 4-H Camp (cceschuyler.org)
Registration information, including available weeks can be found on our online registration platform, UltraCamp: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schuyler County (ultracamp.com)
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*Benefits of Camp/American CAMP Association: https://www.acacamps.org/parents-families/benefits-camp#
**Finger Lakes Daily News: https://www.fingerlakesdailynews.com/local/yates-schuyler-steuben-tompkins/watkins-glen-camp-named-one-of-the-countrys-best
**Newsweek: https://www.newsweek.com/rankings/americas-best-summer-camps-2024
