Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Speak with Good Purpose
Now that the summer has turned to fall and almost time for the holidays, I'm eager to find out how the lessons learned will carry over the year end.
Speaking with good purpose is good advice for all ages, not just teenagers.
I learned about the 4 part apology this summer from my daughters. Ask your teen if they have heard of it and try to guess what are the four distinct parts. The answer is below:
http://www.youtube.com/supercampvideos#p/u/42/zUVykLPhAaM
AAMR: All About My Relationship.
It's a communications framework. The video link above can help you find the parts and put it together.
Answer: 1) Acknowledge, 2) Apologise, 3) Make it Right, and 4)Re-Commit
Thank you for reading, sharing, and thinking before you speak. That's what Speaking with Good Purpose is all about.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
A Teenage Super Summer, Super Camp
Super Camp guest blogger: Can you name the guest?
Supercamp is the best camp I have ever been to, and the most difficult to leave. The name Supercamp really defines this camp to the greatest extent. The things you learn here benefit you for the rest of your life, and the experiences you go through are like nothing else. Even though the Senior Forum only lasts for ten days (ten days!), the emotional bonds and trust you build with those around you are comparable to those you have with your best friends. You learn to push yourself both mentally and physically, and with all of the skills you pick up at Supercamp, you return home well-prepared to continue the pattern in school, at home, around your friends, wherever you go. The tears, the sweat, the hunger for learning—this is all created by the bonds you create with those around you, and the team leaders and facilitators help and support you in every way. This camp has changed my life in so many ways, and I can guarantee you that the people who leave the camp are different than the people who came into this camp.
This camp is not what changed my life though, it is what I did at this camp that has helped me. While I struggled to accomplish certain tasks, questioned whether I was able to complete an activity, my team had my back the whole time. They were the ones to help me see what I can accomplish with a strong group of friends who’ll be there, whenever I need them. The people here give you all their support and trust, and you give back all that you can—not because you’re forced to, but because you want to help your friends out when they need a hand too. Your teammates are always there for you, and the team leaders give up so much just so they can make your time at Supercamp… super, really. You might only be at this camp for ten days, but the people you meet are so comfortable around you that it feels like you’ve known them for years. What you build and learn at camp never leaves you if you keep working at it, and you’re certainly given enough tools and options for implementing the techniques when you leave. Remember to remember, focus on the important, focus on your life, but most importantly, don’t give up hope. If you are given a great opportunity, don’t turn it down; I mean, what’s the worst that can happen? Anything is possible if you just believe. No matter how corny it sounds, it’s true.
The experiences at camp are honestly one-in-a-lifetime adventure. One decision can change your life completely. Going to this camp will change your life forever. It’s not just the activities you participate in, the study tips you learn, the life-long lessons you are taught, but also the people you get to know. Although you’ve only known them for barely ten days, it seems like you’re known them since childhood. To be honest, I am a very outgoing person, so it’s easy for me to make friends and start a conversation, but the bonds you create at Supercamp are so much more fulfilling than many I have with friends from home that I’ve known for much longer. The teams are groups of about eleven to thirteen campers, as well as two team leaders. They soon become your best friends, and they’re your comfort/safety zone whenever you’re out of your comfort zone. Supercamp helps you with your physical needs, your mental capabilities, and your emotional cries. I got more out of ten days at camp than months of my life back at home, the experiences were so unique. When you achieve your goals at camp, it isn’t only a statement saying that “I did this,” it’s a statement that says “I can do this for the rest of my life if I keep my mind set on this, focus, and believe in myself.” At camp, you learn how to believe in yourself and give support to others, returning the physical and verbal support—by lifting them up, making sure that they don’t hurt themselves, and complimenting them on something that they’re proud of accomplishing. It’s appreciated in many ways, and the more you give, the more you get back.
Every day you learn something different, but everything you learn there is so important and helpful in life. Every day at camp there was a different topic or every time you entered the room, there was a different mood to help you get ready to learn your next topic. On one night, there was a poetry night and we were given a little time to create a poem. Whether it was good or not you were given a chance to share. I did not share my poem because I was writing the whole entire time and I unfortunately made many errors while writing and I ended up correcting my poem when I got back from camp. The topic of my poem was about time and how you want to use your time to live on earth. Each of us are only given so much time to live on Earth and some of us do not use it to potential. My poem was explaining many ways you can use your time and what memories you create, but there are some times where you do something and the next day you forget what you did because it was so uneventful or not interesting. The last statement I made was, what do you want to do with the time you have on Earth? When you go home, are you going to give your time to be committed to the things or people that mean a lot to you, or are you going to waste your time wishing you had done this or thought of that? After I wrote this poem, I started to think about my life and what I want to do with it. At camp, there is another night where we spent creating a list of what our goals are and what we want to accomplish. I realized what I want to do with my life. I want to help others in any way I can and every way they need my help, I want to be supportive of my family, my friends, my God, and I really want to build my relationships with the people I love and the people I care for and fully commit to these goals of mine. Without going to Super Camp, I most likely would have not given any thought to these goals of mine and I would have been living life just because I was put on this planet and not living in the moment. This is it people, we are not given a second life, use it to your potential.
For me, Supercamp was a very personal experience. I learned so many things about myself that I never knew, and they can be useful now and when I’m older. The school tips and strategies I learned will significantly increase my grades and my attitude towards school. I’ll never forget the physical accomplishments I achieved, like climbing 30 feet in the air and walking across a little piece of wood, or jumping into the sky, or even walking across a rope with a partner saying, “look at me, we are not going to fall, just keep going.” And of course, the emotional skills like the four-part apology, the affinity process, OTFD, even goal-setting skills will help me so much in my social life and who I want to become. It’s my choice in who I want to be in life, and what I want to do. But there’s only one life, and it is worth living with no regrets. So take a stand in what you believe in. If this does not excite you, then ignore it, but if this has given you a better taste of what camp is like from the viewpoint of a camper, and you want to learn more-explore. If you don’t feel like going, that’s a waste of time because I can promise you that almost all of the campers didn’t want to be there on Day One, and didn’t want to leave on Day Ten. It’s your choice, live life how you want to—no regrets. Earlier I talked about my poem that I wrote and I asked many questions about what you want to do with your life. I do not know if you realize this but, life seems like forever, but that is only because you live your life doing the same thing over and over again. If you are doing something you do not enjoy change it. If you have a dream or a goal, achieve it. What you put into the camp is what you get out of it, so give it your all. Maybe by the end of Supercamp you’ll think it really lives up to its name and you can question yourself whether it was worthwhile or not. The moments you let yourself engage in can change your life forever. We have one life on this Earth, how do you want to live it?
Supercamp is the best camp I have ever been to, and the most difficult to leave. The name Supercamp really defines this camp to the greatest extent. The things you learn here benefit you for the rest of your life, and the experiences you go through are like nothing else. Even though the Senior Forum only lasts for ten days (ten days!), the emotional bonds and trust you build with those around you are comparable to those you have with your best friends. You learn to push yourself both mentally and physically, and with all of the skills you pick up at Supercamp, you return home well-prepared to continue the pattern in school, at home, around your friends, wherever you go. The tears, the sweat, the hunger for learning—this is all created by the bonds you create with those around you, and the team leaders and facilitators help and support you in every way. This camp has changed my life in so many ways, and I can guarantee you that the people who leave the camp are different than the people who came into this camp.
This camp is not what changed my life though, it is what I did at this camp that has helped me. While I struggled to accomplish certain tasks, questioned whether I was able to complete an activity, my team had my back the whole time. They were the ones to help me see what I can accomplish with a strong group of friends who’ll be there, whenever I need them. The people here give you all their support and trust, and you give back all that you can—not because you’re forced to, but because you want to help your friends out when they need a hand too. Your teammates are always there for you, and the team leaders give up so much just so they can make your time at Supercamp… super, really. You might only be at this camp for ten days, but the people you meet are so comfortable around you that it feels like you’ve known them for years. What you build and learn at camp never leaves you if you keep working at it, and you’re certainly given enough tools and options for implementing the techniques when you leave. Remember to remember, focus on the important, focus on your life, but most importantly, don’t give up hope. If you are given a great opportunity, don’t turn it down; I mean, what’s the worst that can happen? Anything is possible if you just believe. No matter how corny it sounds, it’s true.
The experiences at camp are honestly one-in-a-lifetime adventure. One decision can change your life completely. Going to this camp will change your life forever. It’s not just the activities you participate in, the study tips you learn, the life-long lessons you are taught, but also the people you get to know. Although you’ve only known them for barely ten days, it seems like you’re known them since childhood. To be honest, I am a very outgoing person, so it’s easy for me to make friends and start a conversation, but the bonds you create at Supercamp are so much more fulfilling than many I have with friends from home that I’ve known for much longer. The teams are groups of about eleven to thirteen campers, as well as two team leaders. They soon become your best friends, and they’re your comfort/safety zone whenever you’re out of your comfort zone. Supercamp helps you with your physical needs, your mental capabilities, and your emotional cries. I got more out of ten days at camp than months of my life back at home, the experiences were so unique. When you achieve your goals at camp, it isn’t only a statement saying that “I did this,” it’s a statement that says “I can do this for the rest of my life if I keep my mind set on this, focus, and believe in myself.” At camp, you learn how to believe in yourself and give support to others, returning the physical and verbal support—by lifting them up, making sure that they don’t hurt themselves, and complimenting them on something that they’re proud of accomplishing. It’s appreciated in many ways, and the more you give, the more you get back.
Every day you learn something different, but everything you learn there is so important and helpful in life. Every day at camp there was a different topic or every time you entered the room, there was a different mood to help you get ready to learn your next topic. On one night, there was a poetry night and we were given a little time to create a poem. Whether it was good or not you were given a chance to share. I did not share my poem because I was writing the whole entire time and I unfortunately made many errors while writing and I ended up correcting my poem when I got back from camp. The topic of my poem was about time and how you want to use your time to live on earth. Each of us are only given so much time to live on Earth and some of us do not use it to potential. My poem was explaining many ways you can use your time and what memories you create, but there are some times where you do something and the next day you forget what you did because it was so uneventful or not interesting. The last statement I made was, what do you want to do with the time you have on Earth? When you go home, are you going to give your time to be committed to the things or people that mean a lot to you, or are you going to waste your time wishing you had done this or thought of that? After I wrote this poem, I started to think about my life and what I want to do with it. At camp, there is another night where we spent creating a list of what our goals are and what we want to accomplish. I realized what I want to do with my life. I want to help others in any way I can and every way they need my help, I want to be supportive of my family, my friends, my God, and I really want to build my relationships with the people I love and the people I care for and fully commit to these goals of mine. Without going to Super Camp, I most likely would have not given any thought to these goals of mine and I would have been living life just because I was put on this planet and not living in the moment. This is it people, we are not given a second life, use it to your potential.
For me, Supercamp was a very personal experience. I learned so many things about myself that I never knew, and they can be useful now and when I’m older. The school tips and strategies I learned will significantly increase my grades and my attitude towards school. I’ll never forget the physical accomplishments I achieved, like climbing 30 feet in the air and walking across a little piece of wood, or jumping into the sky, or even walking across a rope with a partner saying, “look at me, we are not going to fall, just keep going.” And of course, the emotional skills like the four-part apology, the affinity process, OTFD, even goal-setting skills will help me so much in my social life and who I want to become. It’s my choice in who I want to be in life, and what I want to do. But there’s only one life, and it is worth living with no regrets. So take a stand in what you believe in. If this does not excite you, then ignore it, but if this has given you a better taste of what camp is like from the viewpoint of a camper, and you want to learn more-explore. If you don’t feel like going, that’s a waste of time because I can promise you that almost all of the campers didn’t want to be there on Day One, and didn’t want to leave on Day Ten. It’s your choice, live life how you want to—no regrets. Earlier I talked about my poem that I wrote and I asked many questions about what you want to do with your life. I do not know if you realize this but, life seems like forever, but that is only because you live your life doing the same thing over and over again. If you are doing something you do not enjoy change it. If you have a dream or a goal, achieve it. What you put into the camp is what you get out of it, so give it your all. Maybe by the end of Supercamp you’ll think it really lives up to its name and you can question yourself whether it was worthwhile or not. The moments you let yourself engage in can change your life forever. We have one life on this Earth, how do you want to live it?
Thursday, September 8, 2011
So how was your summer vacation?
Summer Vacation, unfortunately is over. The heat remains, but the fact that school has begun, homework is the rule and Labor Day has passed us by are serious clues that we're losing our evenings once again this fall.
It's been a good year for summer, and for summer with teenagers, I think it's been my favorite. We pass through seasons, and this one lasted a long 13 weeks.
We took two trips to Northern California. One was to see the nature and family reunion and one was to see the City of San Francisco and Stanford University where we went to SuperCamp.
We'll have some guest columns soon about experiences from those teenagers. It's good to have them back, and even better that they're learning how to apply the skills.
Vacation is many days away, but the memories are with us.
It's been a good year for summer, and for summer with teenagers, I think it's been my favorite. We pass through seasons, and this one lasted a long 13 weeks.
We took two trips to Northern California. One was to see the nature and family reunion and one was to see the City of San Francisco and Stanford University where we went to SuperCamp.
We'll have some guest columns soon about experiences from those teenagers. It's good to have them back, and even better that they're learning how to apply the skills.
Vacation is many days away, but the memories are with us.
Friday, August 26, 2011
What a great experience!
They went to the mountain and they had the time of their life. SuperCamp was a great teenage experience. It's one trip they will always remember.
My girls had so much fun at the camp, I don't think they know how much they really learned.
They came back talking about friends they'd made and experiences of breaking barriers. They constantly Facebook the new friends and are growing in many ways since. I want them to teach me how to speed read! Wouldn't that be good for adults, too.
With school starting up again next week, I think they are more excited than ever about going. Summer is not over, so this is not the final chapter. I'll have the girls write their own story next.
My girls had so much fun at the camp, I don't think they know how much they really learned.
They came back talking about friends they'd made and experiences of breaking barriers. They constantly Facebook the new friends and are growing in many ways since. I want them to teach me how to speed read! Wouldn't that be good for adults, too.
With school starting up again next week, I think they are more excited than ever about going. Summer is not over, so this is not the final chapter. I'll have the girls write their own story next.
Monday, August 1, 2011
What will we do while they are away?
All summer, we're talking about how to deal with teenagers. As camp time approaches, the question turns to: What about the parents? What do they do when kids are away at camp?
If you've ever been a parent of teenagers, you know what I'm talking about. They rule the home in many ways, and when they are gone, the home seems empty. So....with that in mind, we have come up with a list.
Here are the things you can do while your teens are at camp:
1. Clean your closets (you know it)
2. While you're at it, clean out your kitchen drawers.
3. Now, fun stuff. Go on a trip yourself.
4. Pick up the guitar and teach yourself a tune (or any instrument)
5. Read that novel you've been saving for a long time.
6. Read the newspaper (leisurely)
7. Go for a walk in your neighborhooe.
8. Read your Bible. It won't hurt to pray for your teen while they're gone.
9. Try a new hairstyle or outfit.
10. Go FISHING! Why not!
If you have exhausted your options, you don't have enough of them. Make a second list of ten and send them to us at Summer with Teenagers.
If you've ever been a parent of teenagers, you know what I'm talking about. They rule the home in many ways, and when they are gone, the home seems empty. So....with that in mind, we have come up with a list.
Here are the things you can do while your teens are at camp:
1. Clean your closets (you know it)
2. While you're at it, clean out your kitchen drawers.
3. Now, fun stuff. Go on a trip yourself.
4. Pick up the guitar and teach yourself a tune (or any instrument)
5. Read that novel you've been saving for a long time.
6. Read the newspaper (leisurely)
7. Go for a walk in your neighborhooe.
8. Read your Bible. It won't hurt to pray for your teen while they're gone.
9. Try a new hairstyle or outfit.
10. Go FISHING! Why not!
If you have exhausted your options, you don't have enough of them. Make a second list of ten and send them to us at Summer with Teenagers.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Countdown to camp
Passing July 15 means there's only about six weeks left of summer, but there's still time to get my kids off to camp. This summer has been rewarding in many ways for my teenagers. They have part-time jobs at the local snack bar and they are tutoring some kids in English.
We've taken some family trips to Northern California and seen the sights of our Golden State. It's ao far been a great "Summer with Teenagers."
On August 5, my teenagers will go to SuperCamp at Stanford, in California. It's a ten day experience that I've been excited about for them for a long time. This is their time to have a great "college" experience while still in high school. They will study for the SAT/ACT and they will do challenge exercises individually and as a part of a team. They will master something new. They will make friends and mature.
As I countdown the summer and the days until camp, I know that they are not going to pass this way again. It's a time for them to grow, and for me as a parent to become more of a coach and less of a guide.
Here's more on the camp. http://www.supercamp.com
We've taken some family trips to Northern California and seen the sights of our Golden State. It's ao far been a great "Summer with Teenagers."
On August 5, my teenagers will go to SuperCamp at Stanford, in California. It's a ten day experience that I've been excited about for them for a long time. This is their time to have a great "college" experience while still in high school. They will study for the SAT/ACT and they will do challenge exercises individually and as a part of a team. They will master something new. They will make friends and mature.
As I countdown the summer and the days until camp, I know that they are not going to pass this way again. It's a time for them to grow, and for me as a parent to become more of a coach and less of a guide.
Here's more on the camp. http://www.supercamp.com
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Six Weeks 'til Camp
Summer with Teenagers has been good so far. Only six weeks until Katie and Tina go to SuperCamp, which is located at Stanford University. They will be there for ten days and that time is when I predict that they will enrich and blossom with peers and return to us as more like themselves.
God has blessed us in so many ways that are not even known. Each day we grow up a little more, and so do our teenagers. It's up to us to show them and act in ways that reflect our values to our children, no matter what age they are.
So in the next six weeks, we're planning to pray for our children, to spend time with them, and to love them. Then when they're away, we'll get a short break.
Teenagers are unique in that they so want to become independent, yet they want to be exactly like their peers. What a conflicting world to live in.
I wish all parents and grandparents a good summer and will be checking in with any comments or suggestions frequently.
God has blessed us in so many ways that are not even known. Each day we grow up a little more, and so do our teenagers. It's up to us to show them and act in ways that reflect our values to our children, no matter what age they are.
So in the next six weeks, we're planning to pray for our children, to spend time with them, and to love them. Then when they're away, we'll get a short break.
Teenagers are unique in that they so want to become independent, yet they want to be exactly like their peers. What a conflicting world to live in.
I wish all parents and grandparents a good summer and will be checking in with any comments or suggestions frequently.
Monday, June 13, 2011
What parents can do this summer
What parents can do this summer is written by Ceaser Brijandez, youth and family counselor who works with teens for SAY San Diego in partnership with the County of San Diego.
Here's what Ceaser had to say about our topic today:
"Spending a summer with teenagers can be challenging. One of the greatest challenges comes from teenagers thinking they are adults but are not quite there yet. Here are some tips on how teenagers think and plan their activities, and how parents can help:
• Most teenagers lack experience in making decisions and tend to procrastinate.
• Most teenagers are in “limbo” when making decisions on activities to take on.
• As you discuss plans for your summer, the important thing to do is listen to teenagers when they talk about an interest or potential hobby.
• Teenagers want to be heard before they are told what to do.
• When teenagers talk about an issue or concern it is important to encourage them. Teenagers need encouragement to make the decisions and embark on a new activity.
• Remember to model appropriate behavior to your teenager. The best way for them to learn is for them to see how patient you are or how to handle yourself in a difficult moment.
• Allow for “last minute changes in plans! Teens may not share all of the information you need at first, or they may not even have all the information as they start making their plans…. so it helps if parents can be flexible and adjust to last minute changes …. surprise, surprise: teens, like everyone else, aren’t perfect !!"
At Summer with Teenagers, we welcome this type of content. If you want to share your thoughts as well, just let us know. We are open to your suggestions and positive ideas.
Here's what Ceaser had to say about our topic today:
"Spending a summer with teenagers can be challenging. One of the greatest challenges comes from teenagers thinking they are adults but are not quite there yet. Here are some tips on how teenagers think and plan their activities, and how parents can help:
• Most teenagers lack experience in making decisions and tend to procrastinate.
• Most teenagers are in “limbo” when making decisions on activities to take on.
• As you discuss plans for your summer, the important thing to do is listen to teenagers when they talk about an interest or potential hobby.
• Teenagers want to be heard before they are told what to do.
• When teenagers talk about an issue or concern it is important to encourage them. Teenagers need encouragement to make the decisions and embark on a new activity.
• Remember to model appropriate behavior to your teenager. The best way for them to learn is for them to see how patient you are or how to handle yourself in a difficult moment.
• Allow for “last minute changes in plans! Teens may not share all of the information you need at first, or they may not even have all the information as they start making their plans…. so it helps if parents can be flexible and adjust to last minute changes …. surprise, surprise: teens, like everyone else, aren’t perfect !!"
At Summer with Teenagers, we welcome this type of content. If you want to share your thoughts as well, just let us know. We are open to your suggestions and positive ideas.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Letters to Campers
Girls, this is my advice for you as you go to SuperCamp this summer =)
Every experience is what you make of it. For example, you could go through high school being really angst ridden, not making friends and not joining any groups, clubs, or sports. In doing so, you probably wouldn’t have a very good high school experience. You would be angry, lonely and frustrated. You will find that SuperCamp is very similar to that – as are most experiences in life – you can choose to engage and take advantage of every learning opportunity and live every moment to the fullest, or you can sit back and be a bystander.
There will be kids at SuperCamp that don’t want to be there. Don’t worry about them. You want to be there and you SHOULD want to be there. It is an absolutely awesome experience. You will learn a lot about yourselves as well as learning lots of cool techniques that will make school a whole heck of a lot easier for you. (I’ll just call them Jedi Mind Tricks, you’ll have to wait and see what they are!).
I know being in high school is rough. Middle school was probably even tougher (or at least it was for me). I was always worried about what people were thinking of me. “I just KNOW everyone is looking at the zit on my chin!” or “I really wish I knew how to talk to boys and not sound like an absolute idiot” or “Will they notice that I am wearing the same shirt twice in one week?” or even better, “My parents in no way understand me.” It is hard constantly worrying about what other people are thinking about you. And honestly, you are thinking about them so how could they not be thinking about you? Because of this, there is a chance (if you were anything like me) that you are guarded. That you don’t go out and act silly because you are kinda worried what people will think of you, that you don’t share all of the tough stuff in your life with everyone. SuperCamp is a real opportunity to depart from that. Yes you will make friends but there is a very real chance that outside of Facebook (if you choose to accept their friend requests), you will never see these people again. In a way that makes it awesome. You can be so incredibly honest during your time at SuperCamp. You can be honest with yourself, honest with others and really embrace the experience and not worry what other people will think of you because after 10 days you never have to see any of them ever again (with the exception of one another).
With that said, you will meet tons of amazing people and really bond with them. You are going to go through an experience with them that is like no other. Remember though, that these people aren’t any different than the kids at your school; the popular kids, the dorks, the hipsters, the skaters, etc.
Now telling you anything specific about your time there would be not very cool because one of the best things for SuperCamp is not knowing what to expect. However, I will recommend that you bring rubber flip flops for the shower, a little fan for your room (because it gets HOT) and a really open heart and mind.
I can’t wait to hear what you think of your time there. It changed my life and I am confident that it will do the same for you!
Hugs from your long ago babysitter,
Julie
Every experience is what you make of it. For example, you could go through high school being really angst ridden, not making friends and not joining any groups, clubs, or sports. In doing so, you probably wouldn’t have a very good high school experience. You would be angry, lonely and frustrated. You will find that SuperCamp is very similar to that – as are most experiences in life – you can choose to engage and take advantage of every learning opportunity and live every moment to the fullest, or you can sit back and be a bystander.
There will be kids at SuperCamp that don’t want to be there. Don’t worry about them. You want to be there and you SHOULD want to be there. It is an absolutely awesome experience. You will learn a lot about yourselves as well as learning lots of cool techniques that will make school a whole heck of a lot easier for you. (I’ll just call them Jedi Mind Tricks, you’ll have to wait and see what they are!).
I know being in high school is rough. Middle school was probably even tougher (or at least it was for me). I was always worried about what people were thinking of me. “I just KNOW everyone is looking at the zit on my chin!” or “I really wish I knew how to talk to boys and not sound like an absolute idiot” or “Will they notice that I am wearing the same shirt twice in one week?” or even better, “My parents in no way understand me.” It is hard constantly worrying about what other people are thinking about you. And honestly, you are thinking about them so how could they not be thinking about you? Because of this, there is a chance (if you were anything like me) that you are guarded. That you don’t go out and act silly because you are kinda worried what people will think of you, that you don’t share all of the tough stuff in your life with everyone. SuperCamp is a real opportunity to depart from that. Yes you will make friends but there is a very real chance that outside of Facebook (if you choose to accept their friend requests), you will never see these people again. In a way that makes it awesome. You can be so incredibly honest during your time at SuperCamp. You can be honest with yourself, honest with others and really embrace the experience and not worry what other people will think of you because after 10 days you never have to see any of them ever again (with the exception of one another).
With that said, you will meet tons of amazing people and really bond with them. You are going to go through an experience with them that is like no other. Remember though, that these people aren’t any different than the kids at your school; the popular kids, the dorks, the hipsters, the skaters, etc.
Now telling you anything specific about your time there would be not very cool because one of the best things for SuperCamp is not knowing what to expect. However, I will recommend that you bring rubber flip flops for the shower, a little fan for your room (because it gets HOT) and a really open heart and mind.
I can’t wait to hear what you think of your time there. It changed my life and I am confident that it will do the same for you!
Hugs from your long ago babysitter,
Julie
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Teenage Babysitters
When times are tough, even a babysitting job can be a lifesaver for many teens. So what's the best way for teens to find and keep those hard to find jobs?
The mommy network is the best way to infiltrate that job market. Teens need to tell the moms in the neighborhood that they are responsible, available and reliable. They should not set a price for their services too early, because the job may vary depending upon the circumstances.
The mommy network works because moms ask each other who is good as a babysitter, informally. So teens are pre-screened by moms without looking at a resume or list of requirements.
I have a great deal of experience in babysitting as well as hiring babysitters. From the age of 12, I remember getting paid fifty cents an hour to babysit kids across the street. My mom was home, of course, in case I needed help. That job let to babysitting up and down Maple Street, in Garden City, New York. As far as hiring babysitters, we started hiring them when our first daughter was about six months old. Often, the sitter was here when I was home, working. So that way I could be around to observe the sitter and feel comfortable once we did go out. Before long, we had four children, and that's when I needed to have a database of babysitters to call upon. I kept a spreadsheet of sitters and updated it regularly. Moms from my neighborhood relied upon me to give them names and numbers of the good sitters. And willingly, I shared. The sitters I used appreciated my referrals and told me that. That's the mommy network.
My neighbors wanted to know how I found all of the sitters. I went to the local universities and schools and I found the "Job Board" and contacted the sitters myself. Then I had them come to the house and I interviewed them, getting at least three referrals from each. Most of them had come from a different city, so they had experience, but no current work opportunities. Thus, I was a welcome employer for a few hours a week.
Teenagers grow up when they babysit. They consider themselves responsible when they step into this role. They have fun playing with young children, too. It's a time for them to extend their imaginations through the eyes of others. And children like teens because they are like smaller grownups and more closely related to their ages.
Before a teen should consider babysitting, they should take training classes in infant CPR, as well as basic training in babysitting needs and expectations. Teens' fees for babysitting should depend upon how much training, as well as experience. Other factors are how many children will they be watching, and for how many hours? Of course, there are factors, such as , what's the current typical wage in your neighborhood, which again, will be found from the mommy network.
Teenagers need to balance their babysitting hours with their other responsibilities, including academics, service, and family obligations. They need to be aware that their parents may have planned something for the family, such as an outing, so they need to check before accepting jobs.
Overall, babysitting offers freedom for teenagers. They are not tied into a long term work, but have the flexibilty to say "yes" or "no." with few consequences. And the money is usually good value for fun work.
The mommy network is the best way to infiltrate that job market. Teens need to tell the moms in the neighborhood that they are responsible, available and reliable. They should not set a price for their services too early, because the job may vary depending upon the circumstances.
The mommy network works because moms ask each other who is good as a babysitter, informally. So teens are pre-screened by moms without looking at a resume or list of requirements.
I have a great deal of experience in babysitting as well as hiring babysitters. From the age of 12, I remember getting paid fifty cents an hour to babysit kids across the street. My mom was home, of course, in case I needed help. That job let to babysitting up and down Maple Street, in Garden City, New York. As far as hiring babysitters, we started hiring them when our first daughter was about six months old. Often, the sitter was here when I was home, working. So that way I could be around to observe the sitter and feel comfortable once we did go out. Before long, we had four children, and that's when I needed to have a database of babysitters to call upon. I kept a spreadsheet of sitters and updated it regularly. Moms from my neighborhood relied upon me to give them names and numbers of the good sitters. And willingly, I shared. The sitters I used appreciated my referrals and told me that. That's the mommy network.
My neighbors wanted to know how I found all of the sitters. I went to the local universities and schools and I found the "Job Board" and contacted the sitters myself. Then I had them come to the house and I interviewed them, getting at least three referrals from each. Most of them had come from a different city, so they had experience, but no current work opportunities. Thus, I was a welcome employer for a few hours a week.
Teenagers grow up when they babysit. They consider themselves responsible when they step into this role. They have fun playing with young children, too. It's a time for them to extend their imaginations through the eyes of others. And children like teens because they are like smaller grownups and more closely related to their ages.
Before a teen should consider babysitting, they should take training classes in infant CPR, as well as basic training in babysitting needs and expectations. Teens' fees for babysitting should depend upon how much training, as well as experience. Other factors are how many children will they be watching, and for how many hours? Of course, there are factors, such as , what's the current typical wage in your neighborhood, which again, will be found from the mommy network.
Teenagers need to balance their babysitting hours with their other responsibilities, including academics, service, and family obligations. They need to be aware that their parents may have planned something for the family, such as an outing, so they need to check before accepting jobs.
Overall, babysitting offers freedom for teenagers. They are not tied into a long term work, but have the flexibilty to say "yes" or "no." with few consequences. And the money is usually good value for fun work.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Teenage Drivers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxKMRLP_tGc
This video is one of the most viewed on YouTube about teenage drivers. It's inexperience. They don't anticipate what other drivers may do.
"Two accidents within a nine hour period." That person was overconfident in their abilities.
If you have teenagers, be sure you have them watch this video about teenagers who drive.
Parents, too, if you have kids who will be driving or are already driving, be sure to have a look at this video.
So many crashes involve their attitudes, not their skills, they say. Find out what they mean by listening while watching.
I hope you know you're not invincible.
God loves teens, too. If he was giving Ten Commandments for Teenage Drivers, here's what he'd include:
1. Don't race.
2. Stay off the phone while on the road.
3. Don't drive unless you need to after 9pm.
4. Drive alone if possible (safer).
5. Follow the rules of your parents, as well as the law.
6. Remember that driving is a not a right, but can be earned.
7. Keep your attitude in check, out of the vehicle.
8. Don't drive distracted.
9. Don't get in the car if you're not sure of the driver is safe.
10. Eliminate recreational driving.
This video is one of the most viewed on YouTube about teenage drivers. It's inexperience. They don't anticipate what other drivers may do.
"Two accidents within a nine hour period." That person was overconfident in their abilities.
If you have teenagers, be sure you have them watch this video about teenagers who drive.
Parents, too, if you have kids who will be driving or are already driving, be sure to have a look at this video.
So many crashes involve their attitudes, not their skills, they say. Find out what they mean by listening while watching.
I hope you know you're not invincible.
God loves teens, too. If he was giving Ten Commandments for Teenage Drivers, here's what he'd include:
1. Don't race.
2. Stay off the phone while on the road.
3. Don't drive unless you need to after 9pm.
4. Drive alone if possible (safer).
5. Follow the rules of your parents, as well as the law.
6. Remember that driving is a not a right, but can be earned.
7. Keep your attitude in check, out of the vehicle.
8. Don't drive distracted.
9. Don't get in the car if you're not sure of the driver is safe.
10. Eliminate recreational driving.
How to make money as a teenager?
As summer approaches, many teens will be looking to get a paycheck. What's the best way for the teenagers of today to find employment?
Here are a few ideas about how to make money, and enjoy your summer.
Here are a few ideas about how to make money, and enjoy your summer.
- Cranberry Juice stand (instead of lemonade)
- Bake Sale (stand in front of your local grocery store)
- Odd jobs. Make a list of 20 things you can do and post it around the neighborhood. Someone will find it and hire you. You'll see.
- Walk the dog, cat, or fish. As people are planning their vacations, you can approach them with an offer to take care of their pets, at their house.
- Babysitting pays for both boys and girls.
- Offer your internet skills as a paid internship. Maybe they need you just a few hours a week. but that would be good money. And it could lead to more work.
Now you can think of a few items yourself and go make summer money. Tell me what you're thinking about that should be on this list.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Special Age, Special Teen Needs
So I've got my hands full with young adults. Special treatment is in store for these special growing up-sters.
They are adolescents, aged 13 to 19, born between 1993 and 1999.
The oldest teens were four years old when the first Harry Potter book came out. Many teens have only gotten music through Web downloads.
Things have changed.
Nearly one in five teenagers is obese, more than triple the rate from 1980, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. High blood pressure and cholesterol, now affect young people, including teens. Diseases and mental health issues are of concern, too. 80% of teen deaths are related to behavioral issues such as alcohol and drug use that results in injury and accidents, says a specialist at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
So what are you doing with your teen this summer?
You may want to consider registering them for a summer enrichment experience. What's that? In four letters, "CAMP" but not just any old camp, it's SuperCamp.
They can't guarantee your teenager will be free from mental or physical ailments, but they can unlock your child's potential for learning and personal growth. They've done it more than 50,000 times, so we know what we're doing.
Your teenager (ages 11-18 accepted) entering grades 6-12 will have a summer to remember making friends they never imagined exist for them.
My teenagers will be attending Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA from August 5-14. There are six other Senior Forum schools to choose from across the USA. And there are also seven colleges that have a Junior Forum for 6th-8th graders.
Let's face it, teenagers are full of potential. How will you best guide that potential?
As a mother, I'll want my kids to have opportunities to grow and develop. I believe that SuperCamp will allow them the freedow and the environment in which they can thrive. What do you want for your teenager?
http://www.supercamp.com
They are adolescents, aged 13 to 19, born between 1993 and 1999.
The oldest teens were four years old when the first Harry Potter book came out. Many teens have only gotten music through Web downloads.
Things have changed.
Nearly one in five teenagers is obese, more than triple the rate from 1980, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. High blood pressure and cholesterol, now affect young people, including teens. Diseases and mental health issues are of concern, too. 80% of teen deaths are related to behavioral issues such as alcohol and drug use that results in injury and accidents, says a specialist at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
So what are you doing with your teen this summer?
You may want to consider registering them for a summer enrichment experience. What's that? In four letters, "CAMP" but not just any old camp, it's SuperCamp.
They can't guarantee your teenager will be free from mental or physical ailments, but they can unlock your child's potential for learning and personal growth. They've done it more than 50,000 times, so we know what we're doing.
Your teenager (ages 11-18 accepted) entering grades 6-12 will have a summer to remember making friends they never imagined exist for them.
My teenagers will be attending Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA from August 5-14. There are six other Senior Forum schools to choose from across the USA. And there are also seven colleges that have a Junior Forum for 6th-8th graders.
Let's face it, teenagers are full of potential. How will you best guide that potential?
As a mother, I'll want my kids to have opportunities to grow and develop. I believe that SuperCamp will allow them the freedow and the environment in which they can thrive. What do you want for your teenager?
http://www.supercamp.com
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