All that considered, the hard truth of parenting is that we are in much less control than we want to be. Our children are part of an imperfect world that is growing and changing faster than most of us can keep up with. There are times when our parenting choices feel more reactive than proactive and despite all efforts, time just keeps moving forward.

So what can we do? What choices can we make for our children that help them build self-esteem and independence, resilience, and relationships that will help them grow into happy healthy humans? Isn’t that what we all wish for them?

To me the answer is simple… let them grow up at Everwood.

The Everwood Day Camp experience is so much more than fun and recreation. It’s a program designed to be a road map for the social and emotional foundations our children need to take them beyond where they are today. Here are just some of the features of our map…

PROGRAM PROGRESSION: From 4 to 15, Everwood campers engage in dynamic program options that are formulated intentionally around their developmental needs. The Everwood Day Camp program builds and changes as campers get older including increased opportunities for independent choice, autonomy and responsibility, and leadership. With that, the Everwood experience is designed to be place where children can return year-after-year and grow up with us.

SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL MENTORSHIP: Through every step, our campers are  led by role models and mentors (our stellar camp staff) and coached through uncomfortable moments that other programs (even our schools) can overlook. We hold children accountable for their behaviors, help them problem solve, and celebrate their achievements.

SCREEN-FREE CONNECTION: In a world where screens constantly compete for our children’s attention, camp offers something increasingly rare: the chance to look up, lean in, and be fully present. Without devices getting in the way, campers (AND STAFF!) engage in conversations, navigate challenges, create their own fun, and build genuine relationships.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUTDOOR ADVENTURE and to try NEW THINGS! 72 Acres of picturesque, traditional New England summer camp on the shores of a glistening 350 acre lake. Ropes course, archery, boating, sports, performing and creative arts, science, yoga, nature… and MORE! Taking safe risks at Everwood can help children feel more confident and brave, resilient and proud and can help them realize that they CAN.

FRIENDSHIP FOUNDATIONS: According to psychologist Christine Carter, author of Raising Happiness, “a person’s happiness is best predicted by the breadth and depth of their social connections- their ties to other people. Camp gives kids a wonderfully rich opportunity to extend both the breadth and depth of their relationships.” Camp friends can truly be the best friends in a child’s life, thanks to the foundation of shared experiences and goals.

COMMUNITY: Strong communities are critical for our children because they are an important source of social connection and foster a sense of belonging. With traditions and values focused on growing better humans, Everwood is a community where we work to ensure that every one of our members feels empowered, valued, and supported.

Save yourself the stress of waiting and wondering what your kids will do next summer. Complete your enrollment to save your spot today….and rest assured that this gift you are giving them will last a lifetime.

The feeling of capability is a foundational building block for everything that comes with growing up. Think about those early moments… learning to walk, learning to meet needs with new words, learning to use a fork—and the moments that come later… going on a school bus, making your first scrambled egg, staying home by yourself for the first time…. All of these moments help our children build confidence and a sense that they are very much “able.” 

All that being said, from our kid’s perspective, the world right now is full of more opportunities for rejection and failure than there seem to be for building capability, especially as they age.  Trying out for teams they may get cut from, auditioning for plays they may not get a part in, being one of the last picked for a team during recess, being excluded from friend groups because of something they had no control over…. The list is endless.  

And the funnel of opportunities for building confidence and a sense of capability keeps narrowing. By 6th grade, if your child hasn’t already found their “track,” it seems virtually impossible for them to try something new.  I mean, can someone truly begin gymnastics or touch football, at 11? What do you do if the track they are on isn’t quite right for them, or if they are falling behind their peers in performance or ability? 

We try hard to help keep our kid’s spirits up with conversations around “growth mindset” and other simple tropes like “practice makes perfect,”  yet it can still feel like there is a leaking hole in the confidence cup we are trying to fill.  

Here’s where Camp can help.  A quality summer camp experience is all about building strong and confident humans.  At Everwood, Camp is specifically designed to be a place where campers can try new things, EVEN IF THEY HAVEN’T DONE THEM BEFORE.  Getting to try something for the first time in an environment where no one expects you to know how to do it, is a rare opportunity in our growing children’s world. 

At Everwood, there are no expectations someone will be perfect at it the first time.  And our campers are surrounded by peers who are experiencing new things the same way. Taking these kinds of risks feels safe, and encouragement from happy counselors and specialists feels valuable.  At Everwood, our children develop a sense of confidence and capability without being under our wing, while we are crossing our fingers that everything goes right.  Nothing can compare with the moment our children decide to DO something they thought they couldn’t WITHOUT our help.  

In a world where kids face constant pressure to perform and conform, Everwood offers something truly special—a place where trying is celebrated, growth is the goal, and confidence blossoms naturally. It’s not about being the best or catching up to peers; it’s about discovering new strengths in a supportive, judgment-free environment. When children experience success on their own terms—whether it’s hitting a bullseye, paddling across the lake, or dancing on stage—they realize they are more capable than they ever imagined. That spark of confidence, ignited at camp, follows them home, reminding them that they can tackle life’s challenges with resilience and self-belief.

While one person may use it to describe a life changing event like a wedding, another may use it to describe the cool hoodie they just bought online.  

Teachers try all the time to make learning “fun,” but for many of our kids… especially as they get older, it’s the kind of fun that feels like playing a board game in a cage. 

Coaches try to make skill development “fun,” but for many kids, the pressure of performance or  screaming sideline parents, or an aggressive opposing coach can shift the experience from “fun” to most certainly “NOT fun.”

Clubs and after-school activities may be “fun”, but they are short in duration and always wedged in between other responsibilities resulting in a limited opportunity to build relationships/connections.

Most parents work to make family time “fun,” but this kind of fun may only complete one piece of a child’s developing ego.  As parents we know that our job isn’t just to make today fun, but to build heathy and capable humans who can thrive in the world without us.  If home is the only place kids have fun, there will be a problem. 

As a camp professionals we are in the business of “fun” and I’m on a mission to better describe/define the kind of “fun” we have here at Camp. 

So…When I think of the kind of “fun” we have at Camp I think of….

• Rolling laughter with friends that seems to continue indefinitely.
• Dancing like no one is watching with other people who, not only are watching but are dancing the same way.
• Playing with inspirational role models who are genuinely excited to play with you.
• Having autonomy in decision making and support in problem solving leading to independence and a clearer sense of self (having confidence feels FUN!)
• Trying things you always wanted to try and trying things you never even thought about before (tug’o’ war in Jell-o anyone?) 
• Surprising yourself with new passions and interests (I didn’t think I’d like that but I DO!).
• Feeling capable to do things you never thought you could do (build a shelf in woodworking, climb a mountain, dance on a stage)
• Freedom to be lighthearted without pressure of performance… for extended periods of time…. like hours, days even weeks.
• Being surrounded by people who root for you, and who are ALL-IN for your success.
• Participating in creative and compelling ways to fill in the downtime.
• Feeling like a smile on your face is well received and mirrored by those around you (not in a creepy way).
• Seeing all stakeholders want to participate in the fun the same way.  Leaders get messy, wear costumes and experience the genuine joy other participants do.

This is core memory making fun.

This is the kind of fun that our kids will tell their kids and grandkids about.  

At Everwood, our community protects this kind of fun with everything thing we are.  And while it can’t always be sunshine and rainbows, we structure supports for all our community members to ensure that hard moments are met with compassion and empathy.  This kind of human social/emotional safety net means that facing challenges will mean positive growth… and guess what… growing in positive ways feels… (you guessed it..) FUN! 

In this sometimes not-so-fun grown-up world, we can still give our kids what their childhood is entitled to. 

Our kids deserve to have this kind of fun. Our kids deserve Camp.

Here, kids can take a breather, rediscover joy, and grow into their best selves in a way that feels natural and fun. Let’s talk about why Everwood is exactly what kids need right now.

A Place to Build Confidence Without Fear
One of Haidt’s biggest takeaways? Overprotecting kids can backfire, keeping them from building resilience. At Everwood, we strike the perfect balance between support and independence. Campers get to try new things, push past their comfort zones, and feel the thrill of accomplishment—all with a safety net of caring staff who’ve got their backs.

Whether it’s tackling a climbing wall, learning a new skill (e.g., archery, stand-up-paddleboarding, etc), or working as a team to pull off a group challenge, kids walk away feeling proud of what they’ve done. And those lessons? They stick.

Play, Pure and Simple
Kids don’t get enough unstructured play anymore. Haidt points out how crucial free play is for creativity and problem-solving, and that’s something Everwood takes seriously (in the most fun way possible).

From pickup soccer games to arts-and-crafts sessions where imagination runs wild, play is built into everything we do.  No screens, dedicated time for play—just the kind of good times that remind kids what it means to simply *be a kid*.

Real Friendships, Not Just Follows
Haidt talks about how social media leaves kids feeling lonelier, even when they’re “connected” online. At Everwood, we go back to basics: face-to-face connections, shared adventures, and lots of laughs.

Campers form bonds that are deeper than likes or snaps—they’re built on real moments, whether it’s a campfire singalong or teaming up to win the camp Olympics.

Boosting Mental Health, One Happy Camper at a Time
Everwood doesn’t just focus on physical activities; we’re all about emotional well-being too. With group discussions, and an inclusive culture that celebrates everyone, campers learn to handle their emotions and build resilience.

The mix of structured activities and high-energy fun gives kids a chance to breathe, reset, and just enjoy being themselves.

Learning Grit the Fun Way
At Everwood, kids discover that trying (and trying again) is where the magic happens. Whether it’s aiming for a bullseye in archery or nailing a new dance move, every effort is celebrated.

It’s about more than winning—it’s about growing a mindset that says, “I can do hard things,” which is something they’ll carry with them long after summer ends.

Let’s Get Outside!
Too many kids spend their days glued to screens, but nature has a way of working wonders. At Everwood, we’re surrounded by beautiful woodlands and a 350 acre lake, where campers can hike, kayak, and explore to their heart’s content. It’s a chance to unplug, breathe fresh air, and feel connected to the world around them.

A Team That Truly Cares
What makes Everwood special isn’t just the activities—it’s the people. Our counselors and staff are the heart of camp, bringing kindness, patience, and all-out enthusiasm to everything they do. They see every camper as an individual and make sure each child feels included, supported, and celebrated.

The Bottom Line
In a world that often feels too fast, too stressful, and too focused on screens, Everwood Day Camp is a breath of fresh air. It’s where kids can laugh, learn, and grow into confident, happy humans.

So, if you’re looking for a summer experience that’s more than just fun—one that truly helps your child thrive—Everwood Day Camp is the place to be. Let them play, explore, and shine. It’s the antidote to stress, the joy of childhood, and the start of something unforgettable.

Although I wrote about the Phases of Emotional Response to the pandemic last year (https://www.educationalconsultingpc.com/phases-of-emotional-response), it was difficult to anticipate the significance of the collective anxiety and malaise we would all be feeling mid-way through 2021. This past year has been traumatic on so many levels. So many people are coping with the effects of chronic unmitigated stress that has accumulated over time.  It has left us weary, if not completely exhausted.

This year has been especially challenging for kids, teens, and young adults who are naturally in the developmental process of becoming interdependent individuals. They are figuring out who they are and what kinds of relationships they want to have outside of the family unit. Yet, in this year, as they are growing and changing, they have been faced with a reality that is based surrounded by fear, anxiety, and social isolation. Every decision and action has been met with a degree of mortality that young people are not supposed to think about. If I visit with friends or go to school, will I get sick? If I socialize without a mask, will I bring illness into my home and put others at risk? Even small decisions carry risk, and with risk comes an underpinning of fear and anxiety. As humans, we are not made for the level of chronic stress we have experienced this year. And for young people, who do not have the same breadth of life experience as adults, this year feels like it will go on without end leaving many with a powerful sense of bleakness.

My concern is that schools will push curriculum demands onto vulnerable young people in order to meet some arbitrary guidelines of where they think kids need to be academically by September. Instead, educators should be looking to realign curriculum and, in concert with families, help young people with age-appropriate developmental tasks in social and emotional areas.

It is incumbent on adults to help restore a sense of joy for young people and the feelings of wonder, love, and happiness that we all strive for throughout our lives. So much joy has been lost this past year and it is important to recapture that feeling as we heal from the past year.

Find ways to notice moments of joy each day. Look for the small things— flowers that are blooming, a trip to the beach, sitting with friends, a moonlit walk, or your favorite foods. Appreciating the little things can lead to renewed joy.

We need to give kids room to play this summer. Kids need to be with others in ways that are effortless and they need to be with other people who make them laugh and feel unburdened. This will be the best way to rekindle joy. Camps and summer programs can offer so much of this in safe and organized ways with staff that are ready to help kids form connections, learn and explore through play.

Schoolwork will be waiting for kids in the Fall. But for the summer, the focus needs to be on healing our collective trauma. Connection is the cure for the havoc caused by social isolation this past year. Doing something fun with people we like, will help to rekindle joy for our kids and for ourselves.

Let us all take time to heal from the very difficult year and seek joy where ever possible.

Melinda Macht-Greenberg, PhD is a Clinical, Developmental, School and Camp Psychologist offering consultation to parents, community leaders and business owners, individual and family therapy, and educational advising.  Learn more about her work at www.educationalconsultingpc.com

For a decade, we’ve been heralding the importance of Summer Camp to families who have never attended. Years before COVID-19, there existed a world-wide outbreak amongst our youth in technology addiction, social skill deficiency, indoors isolation, and over-parenting. And now, since March 2020, our kids have been living an increasingly bizarre, unnatural life of screens and quarantines, hybrid schooling (if they’re lucky), and enough fear and disappointment to last them into adulthood. However, in the midst of the insanity, we learned that Summer Camp can become a beacon of hope, a lifeline towing them back to their normal selves.

Over 400 lucky children, and 125 staff attended Everwood Day Camp in summer 2020. While strict safety guidelines and a modified program where necessary, the fundamental essence of camp remained intact: Kids, playing together, mentored by caring staff, and in most cases- outdoors. According to the campers, parents, and staff at camps that ran last summer, it was by far their most meaningful camp experience ever, as well as an impactful life event. And think about it, that was after only FOUR months of screens and quarantines- Imagine what it’s going to be like in 2021?

In 2020, 70% of camps didn’t open, many due to government restrictions, others by choice. The camps that did open showed great resilience and creativity in adapting and flourishing within their new parameters, doing it better than most schools. While some families and staff chose to postpone their camp attendance until 2021- many didn’t want to miss out, even in the midst of a pandemic, despite apprehensions. Were these people, crazy? Absolutely not. They strongly believed that the benefits outweighed the perceived risk. This June, after two compromised school years and everything that’s gone along with it, our children’s need for the benefits of Summer Camp will be crucially important:

REAL HUMAN CONNECTION- Zoom and remote learning have saved us in so many ways. But there’s NO substitute for real human connection. Making and strengthening relationships while being guided by loving people is what camp is all about. The essence of camp is in the friendships we forge, something we are all lacking and craving these days.

REACQUAINTING OURSELVES WITH NATURE- While society has been trapped indoors for the past year, most of the world is OUTDOORS, and it is amazingly beautiful, and fills our soul with joy. From picture perfect days, to “liquid sunshine” washouts- it’s REAL living- the way our ancestors lived for thousands of years, until the advent of central air, video screens, and the internet. Our bodies yearn for the outdoors, and that’s where most Summer Camps happen.

RESILIENCY- Our kids are certainly developing it; experiencing disappointments that will make them stronger. Learning to be brave and confronting challenges and fears are also important facets of resiliency. It’s easier to stay at home and stare at screens – but we want our kids to grow up with the kind of courage and “can-do” attitude that our health care, essential workers, and superhero school-teachers have learned and cultivated.

*MENTAL HEALTH* – While Summer Camp is widely known for its physical health benefits, according to the CDC, “Children’s mental health during public health emergencies can have both short and long term consequences to their overall health and well-being,” so it’s no surprise that hospital visits related to mental health have risen dramatically for school age children and adolescents. Kids are resilient and can bounce back quickly. But a year and a half of stress and anxiety is bound to leave a mark. Extroverted kids are suffering, missing the energy of their peers. Introverted kids may seem to enjoy sitting in their homes, away from life’s normal pressures – but they need social interaction just as much. 

A set of camp parents shared this analogy regarding observations of their children and their 2020 experience:  “Despite their best efforts, after months of isolation and the ambient stress of the spring, their children were like wilted flowers.  Camp, with the sunshine, fresh air, and social connection has brought these wilted beauties back to life.”  As both a parents and a camp directors, this imagery is spot on. 

Why can Summer Camps be successful during a pandemic? 

Good camps breed creative adaptability, and get things done- We always have. How do you get a group of 3rd grade boys to listen? What do we do about the incoming storm? The bus is running late, animals got into the supplies, no electricity in the kitchen…Camp people don’t complain- WE FIGURE IT OUT, and make it happen. Last summer, we were able to facilitate a large part of what we normally do at camp- including a variety of activities and assemblies. Were they a little different than usual? Sure- but all were accomplished, with smiles and appreciation, and no transmission of COVID-19.  

Camp offers kids the unique opportunity to step back into a simpler time, with no internet connection or mute button needed. A place where a small community can have faith in the human spirit and support from one another without judgment, simply because it’s the right thing to do. Our kids need to be out of our homes, playing with other kids, and camps have proven that it can be done safely, even under the most challenging circumstances.

Andy Pritikin is the Director of Liberty Lake Day Camp, in Mansfield Township, NJ www.LibertyLakeDayCamp.com, as well as Founding Partner of Everwood Day Camp, Past President of the American Camp Association NY/NJ, and Host of the Day Camp Podcast

You can find a lot of great natural painting ideas at Hands On As We Grow and Kids Craft Room !  Here are a few ideas to get you started!