Why enrollment opens Feb 1

One of the questions I hear most often at this time of year is "Why do you open enrollment on Feb 1?".  Some people want us to begin enrollment earlier so that our enrollment begins when some other camps begin theirs.  Other people want us to start enrollment later so that they don't have to plan their summer in January.  I have resisted opening enrollment earlier because I think it puts too much pressure on parents to make summer plans in December.  And I can't wait much past Feb 1 to open enrollment because we need to make plans based on enrollment and we need time to do that.  I would love to hear back from parents about their thoughts on when we should open enrollment.  

Jeff

Jefunira: Behind the Scenes

Directors Ben and Jamie: What REALLY happens in the office after campers leave...

Importance of play

As you might imagine, given that I have chose to run camps as my career, I believe in the value of play.  I think the discussion should probably be framed as "need for play" instead of "value of play".  I see each summer how much kids enjoy coming to Jefunira Camp and playing.  I can see how a child's self confidence and self esteem can grow in a really short amount of time when placed in a supportive environment where he or she can just play.  

I recently came across this quote,  "Play is to the child what thinking, planning, and blueprinting are to the adult, a trial universe in which conditions are simplified and methods exploratory, so that past failures can be thought through, expectations tested."  Eric Erikson, 1902 - 1994

I see everyday how important play is to children, but I often wonder what others think.  I am always asked by parents what kids get from Jefunira Camp.  I would love to know what you think you children have taken away from their time at Jefunira Camp.