| Summer Camps |
GUIDED DISCOVERIES 232 Harrison Avenue, Claremont, CA. 91711 • www.guideddiscoveries.org Review by Linda Foster Choosing a summer camp is an important decision in a child’s life. The program, staff, safety, social setting and reputation of the camp are all essential considerations during the decision making process. Realizing the importance of these concerns, Guided Discoveries has developed and operates a variety of summer camps designed with the health and safety of campers as its top priority. Around-the-clock counselor supervision, the best and newest safety equipment, comprehensive staff training and on-site medical personnel are standard elements of the Guided Discoveries summer programs. And, most importantly, the Guided Discoveries programs are designed to provide unique, fun, once-in-a-lifetime experiences that will not soon be forgotten. Since 1978, the founders of Guided Discoveries have aspired to make a difference in the lives of children through unique opportunities of discovery. Each summer program is developed to ensure the goals of having fun, developing life-long friendships, taking managed risks, developing self-confidence, sufficiency and strong decision-making skill, cultivating social skills and respect for one’s self and others, developing a love of learning, and developing an appreciation of the environment. Two of the exciting summer camps offered by Guided Discoveries are Sea Camp and Astrocamp. There are two levels of Sea Camp, each built around the extraordinary marine and land environment of Catalina Island and each offering rich, satisfying camping experiences for campers of all ages. Junior Sea Camp offers 3, week long sessions for campers ages 8 – 12. Each week, campers will participate in snorkeling, hiking, and learning about the ocean through awesome shark, algae, and invertebrate touch tanks. The unique variety of Sea Camp activities are guaranteed to entertain the brain and challenge campers mentally and physically as they experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with nature and each other. Catalina Sea Camp offers 2, 3 week sessions for campers 12 – 17 years of age. During these 3 week sessions, campers can involve themselves in activities ranging from SCUBA to sailing, marine science to seafood cookery. Beginners and experts alike will be challenged and excited by the offerings of the Guided Discoveries programs. Traditional summer camp activities are also a vital part of the Catalina Sea Camp program. Dances, carnivals, color wars, campfires, beach parties and other social events all contribute to the unbelievable Sea Camp experience. For campers desiring an experience in space exploration, Astrocamp offers a variety of activities equally as challenging and enriching as Sea Camp. Set in the beautiful surroundings of the San Jacinto Mountains, Astrocamp is nestled amongst giant pine trees, huge boulders, and scenic meadows. State-of-the art facilities and premier equipment offer campers everything they need for exploring science and the natural world. Astrocamp Explorer offers 3, week long sessions for campers 8 – 14 years of age. Each week campers will have the opportunity to explore space, train like NASA astronauts in a microgravity pool, take a look into the cosmos through state-of-the-art telescopes, rock climb on Mars, fly through the air on rope courses and zip lines, and much, much more. Each fun filled experience will help campers develop self-reliance and self-confidence as well as a community spirit guaranteed to develop lifelong friendships. Astrocamp Voyager offers 2, two week long sessions for campers 10 – 16 years of age. Voyager campers will engage in such activities as building rockets, mountain biking on some of the best trails in Southern California, treasure hunting using hand-held GPS computers, exploring microgravity using SCUBA, climbing an enormous rock wall, flying through the air on a zip line and getting dirty in a mud pit. Unlike other camps with pre-determined schedules and activities, Astrocamp allows campers to choose what classes they want to take over the course of the two weeks. As with Sea Camp, traditional activities are an important part of Astrocamp with camp activities such as Olympics, dances, camp fires, and camp outs being offered. All Guided Discoveries’ programs emphasize hands-on programs that encourage campers to use “toys” and unique educational settings to truly connect with the camping experience. And, while campers are enjoying their summer sessions, parents can be confident that their campers are in the care of top-notch, trained instructors and reliable, responsible counselors. Thinking outside the box has made Guided Discoveries a leader in outdoor education and summer camps. If you are looking for an unparalleled camping experience for your child, don’t waste time—visit www.guideddiscoveries.org today. L.F. |
