Many summer camps in the US are exclusive to a single gender. For example, there are summer camps that cater only to female campers.
While all summer camps offer the same kind of enjoyment and adventure, summer camps for girls have a different set of rules. That is because girls have different needs than boys.
Generally, summer camps for girls are located separately from a boy’s summer camp. This is true even if both camps are owned and administered by the same organization. Even if the both camps are in the same location, there is usually a demarcation wherein boys are prohibited from entering a girl’s camp.
However, camp administrators do allow boys to visit a girl’s camp and vice versa for bonding and friendship. After visiting hours, boys and girls return to their respective areas.
In a summer camp for girls, the staff is mostly composed of female counselors. The only males would probably be janitors and cooks. Some camps do not even have male employees at all! The administrators of these camps believe that the presence of males disrupt the harmony of the camp.
In a summer camp for girls, visitations are encouraged on weekends only. During this time, there are special events such as mother-daughter backpacking trips.
Parents who can’t visit their daughter on weekends may phone their daughters. However, camp administrators strongly recommend emailing their daughters rather than calling them. Calls from home can be more of a reminder that the girl is away from home, missing more the parents and family.
Most summer camps for girls have complete programs that ensure fun and learning. These programs provide the girls with a great community experience. In light of this, campers are not allowed to break camping sessions. In other words, the girls are not allowed to skip part of the camping session.
Many camps have noted that skipping a part or parts of the camping period disturbs a girl’s skill development, social and community growth. This is also disruptive to their fellow campers, especially those who have developed good friendships. Fellow campers feel sad seeing their camp friends leave.
However, administrators are quite reasonable. They would allow a girl to skip part of the program if there are family emergencies. Avoiding these leaves are preferred but if cannot be controlled and these events pop out, then camps need to be informed about the situation the moment it happens or favorably ahead of time if this is already a known event.
Leave a Reply