| My children have had a very different experience of this camp
than the previous reviewer. Both began young (my first in 4th
grade and my second, who always wants to do what her sister
does, only sooner) right after 2nd grade. While I have not
always been completely thrilled with the activities provided, my
children have been, and have never been bored. Even when
they have not gotten their first activity choices, they have
learned
something new, or made a new friend, or been able to
appreciate a different counselor. In all our years there my kids
have never not eventually gotten the activities they requested--
they
just don't get them all the first week.
Far more important than the activities throughout the day,
though, are the relationships made at camp, between
bunkmates, with older (or younger kids and "Cove Pals") and
with counselors, who come from all over (in the past few years
my daughter has had counselors from Australia, New Zealand,
Scotland, Israel, Denmark, and many others.) There have been
one or 2 less than cuddly counselors (not everyone is perfect)
but on the whole they have been supportive, fun loving, zany,
inspiring, creative, skilled, and above all, very present.
Neither of my kids ever had any issues with bullying or being
left out-- in fact, my sense is that a huge amount of care goes
into insuring that all the girls are included and accepted. My
daughters have loved becoming friends with kids that they
might not have been friendly with at school-- my daughters
carefully explain to us that there do not exist the kinds of
cliques or labels at FC that there are in the "real world," and
they love that about camp.
ANother thing about this camp that I have really appreciated is
the fact that they have 2 discrete sessions, each about 3.5
weeks long. This means that my kids can have a camp
experience, but it does not monopolize our entire summer. The
2 separate sessions mean that no child has to either leave an
ongoing experience early (while others stay on) or jump into a
moving river, where relationships have already formed and the
dynamics of a bunk are already set. Here everyone begins and
ends together.
Clearly, the previous reviewer thinks in absolutes. While any
camp may have 'pushy, cold spoiled kids" our experience over
the last 11 years has been quite the contrary. It is such a kind,
caring, and supportive atmosphere that my elder daughter, now
finishing her 2nd year in college, is about to return as a
counselor so that she can help other kids have the wonderful
experience she has so cherished. Nothing "cold" about that.
No place is perfect, and certainly each child has to find the right
atmosphere to nurture her individuality. Fortunately for us, FC
has been the right place for my children, and they have looked
forward to returning each summer. In fact, they might even tell
you that they just put in time the other 11 months of the year
so that they can get back to "the 04040." |
| This camp has wonderful marketing materials, but as my
daughter told me in her letters home, the camp is nothing like
the video. First, the activities in the handbook are not really
offered. Second, older girls seem to get priority when it comes
to anything performing arts while the younger girls are
stationed at arts and crafts -- BORING. Third, this camp does
not believe in communication even when a child is having
problems. And, instead of learning who a camper is and why
they might be homesick, the staff just decided that "blunt" was
best. My daughter survived this experience, but I feel so
cheated. This was an expensive camp. Our other daughter
attended a camp much less costly, but with a completely
different outcome. We have a basis on which to compare.
Don't send your daughter here if you think your daughter is
smart, happy, sweet or fun to be with. She won't be happy.
This is a place for pushy, cold spoiled kids. |
Couldn't be more happy-2 girls and 11 years at this camp., Apr 29, 2012