Howcast

How to Convince Your Parents Summer Camp Stinks

Howcast — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 04:36:47 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Start a whisper campaign Start a whisper campaign about the camp your parents plan to send you to. Hint that supervision is sloppy, the food is unhealthy, and the facilities are dirty.
Step 2: Offer alternatives Offer alternatives to summer camp. Are you old enough to get a job, like a paper route? What about music lessons or summer school?
Step 3: Exhibit disturbing behavior Convince your parents that summer camp stinks by turning into the crude camper every counselor hates. When your folks ask what’s gotten into you, say you’re just getting ready for camp.
Step 4: Try reverse psychology Suddenly act like you can’t wait to get to camp. With any luck, your parents will be so worried about what you’re up to that they’ll cancel your stay.
TIP: Let them overhear you telling a friend that you plan to “push the envelope” at camp this year.
Step 5: Plan an escape If you end up at summer camp, send your parents an alarming message about an outbreak that the counselors are supposedly trying to keep quiet. That should convince your parents that summer camp stinks and they need to break you out ASAP.
Step 6: Show signs of PCSD If nothing works, display signs of PCSD — post-camp stress disorder — when you get home. If you’re convincing, they just may let you off the hook next year.
FACT: There are more than 12,000 day and resident camps in the U.S.

You Will Need

Whisper campaign
Attractive alternatives
Disturbing behavior
Reverse psychology
Manufactured outbreak
Post-camp stress disorder

How to Pack for Summer Camp

Howcast — Fri, 21 May 2010 08:15:54 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Get camper involved Get your camper involved in packing for summer camp so they are aware of what items they will have with them.
Step 2: Use the camp list Use the packing list provided by the camp as your guide. It will likely include comfortable clothing, wet-weather gear, toiletries, needed medication, bedding, socks, underwear, and any gear needed for camping or special trips.
TIP: Pack items in a large duffel bag rather than a hard-shell suitcase for easy handling under diverse conditions campers may encounter during transit.
Step 3: Label items Label all items according to camp rules. If labeling guidance is not provided, use a permanent marking pen to label clothing and other belongings.
TIP: Avoid packing expensive clothing, shoes, or electronics, which could be lost, stolen, or damaged.
Step 4: Pack the extras Pack the extras for summer camp to keep campers connected to home, including favorite stuffed toys, family photos, emergency phone numbers, and stamped stationery.
Step 5: Double check Double-check that you have packed everything on the required list. Add a disposable camera so your camper can share their great camping trip moments when they return home.
FACT: Summer camps are no longer just for kids, as canine camps now provide outdoor experiences and training for the family pet.

You Will Need

Camp packing list
Preferred luggage
Permanent marker
Favorite items from home
Stamped stationery
Emergency phone numbers
Disposable camera
Duffel bag (optional)

How to Survive Summer Camp

Howcast — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 04:03:10 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Give out self-addressed envelopes Before you leave, give your friends at home stamped envelopes addressed to you at camp—that way you’ll be sure to get lots of mail.
Step 2: Pack the essentials The fastest way to make friends at camp is to have cool stuff. Girls, that means magazines and cute clothes to trade. Boys, bring cards and a secret stash of candy. And everyone always needs a fan.
Step 3: Pack some extras Pack extra flashlight batteries and more socks and underwear than suggested. And toss in a few funky items—like a crazy wig or mask—that might come in handy for camp skits.
Step 4: Bring a disposable camera Bring a disposable camera or two so you can take photos without worrying about breaking or losing a good one.
TIP: Girls, bring your best lotions and potions, plus fun hair accessories. Sharing them can help you bond with your cabinmates–and maybe even spark some romance with the guys.
Step 5: Make the first move Once you’re there, make the first move. Many campers are going to be too shy to speak to you first, but they’ll be incredibly relieved if you simply say ‘Hi’ and introduce yourself.
Step 6: Pay compliments Pay compliments. It’s one of the fastest ways to make friends.
TIP: If you really want someone to like you, praise their character–it’s the most memorable compliment of all.
Step 7: Volunteer as much as possible Without being a suck-up, volunteer for everything you can. Counselors like the helpful kids—they might sneak you treats or look the other way when you sneak out at night.
Step 8: Stick it out Don’t panic if you start to feel homesick. The feeling quickly passes for most campers. Try to keep busy!
FACT: Research shows that going to summer camp can increase children’s self-esteem, make them more independent, and improve their social skills.

You Will Need

Self-addressed
stamped envelopes
Candy
Magazines
A fan
Some cute clothes
Cards
Flashlight batteries
Extra socks and underwear
A disposable camera
A journal