The Need for a Different Type of Camp. The Inclusion of Specialty Camps at Highlands.

Summer camp is not a one size fits all, nor should it be. Just like schools offer electives to spark individual passions, specialty summer camps dive deep into specific interests, offering an immersive adventure unlike any other. Specialty camps focus on an area of interest where your child can spend their days completely absorbed in a topic they love, receiving expert guidance, and forming connections with others who share their enthusiasm. These camps help youth develop new skills and give them opportunities to explore their passion that might otherwise remain undiscovered. This year, Highlands is thrilled to offer two such unique camps: All About the Arts Camp and Outdoor Living Skills Camp —each designed to ignite a specific spark and create unforgettable summer memories.  

Thrive Outside  

Let’s take a closer look at our Outdoor Living Skills Camp. This camp is offered to students entering the seventh grade up to students who have completed the twelfth grade. Led by an experienced environmental educator and hiking guide, Outdoor Living Skills Camp is ideal for the kid who enjoys being outdoors in the wilderness and learning about survival skills. During this camp, campers will learn how to use a topographical map and compass, learning to read contour lines, determining contour intervals, identifying terrain shapes and using map scale to related distances on the ground. Campers will also learn safe fire building skills, including how to start a fire without matches, and safe fire dousing. Perhaps one of the most anticipated skill campers will acquire is learning about the different types of survival shelters and having the opportunity to build one themselves. Our traditional camp activities such as rock climbing, canoeing, archery and hiking will also be offered to Outdoor Living Skills campers, providing campers with a wide range of experiences.   

The Benefits of Learning Outdoor Living Skills  

Besides the obvious benefit of survival skills in an outdoor environment, participation in an outdoor living camp can benefit youth in several ways.  For instance, map reading skills require the use of critical thinking to analyze and interpret information. Map reading increases a person’s understanding of special relationships and can be applied to subjects such as geography, history, math, and science.   

There is no denying that younger generations are dependent on technology to understand the world around them. Causing them to lack the critical skill of discissions making without an electronic device. Basic knowledge such as the sun rises in the east can be lost with dependance on apps and the internet. Why retain knowledge when we can always look it up? Learning how to apply knowledge without relying on technology is vital to survival. Nationwide, we have seen an increase in fire danger and have witnessed the devastation wildfires can cause. Because of this, having the skills to responsibly build and extinguish a campfire is a crucial skill for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. The best part of knowing campfire safety is that it is an easy skill you can pass on to others, preventing potential devastating consequences.    

Building a survival shelter in the wilderness demands resourcefulness, problem-solving, and physical dexterity. It requires the ability to assess the environment for suitable materials and natural formations and then employ techniques to construct a sturdy and protective structure. For youth, having the chance to practice these skills fosters self-reliance, the capacity to overcome challenges, teamwork, and building confidence. These are all transferable life skills which build resilience, enhance problem-solving abilities, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the importance of preparedness in any situation life may present.  

Artistic Adventure Awaits  

Highlands is excited to provide an additional specialty camp this year: All About the Arts Camp, designed for students entering seventh grade through twelfth grade. Led by an exhibited artist and art educator with 20 years of experience, this camp immerses young creative campers in a diverse range of techniques and mediums. Campers will have the opportunity to learn blackout poetry, sun photography, mindful line drawings, origami, watercolors, and so much more. Each camper will have the time to dive deeper into the prosses that captivate them the most and receive personalized guidance to refine their abilities and cultivate their unique artistic voice. Drawing inspiration from their Rocky Mountain surroundings, campers will keep daily nature sketchbooks. Moreover, the opportunities to share their art journey with their peers will undoubtedly foster longlisting connections. Rock climbing, canoeing, and archery round out the camp experience for our young artist.  

The Benefits of Art and Nature  

In today’s tech-driven world, we often lose sight of our fundamental connection to nature. Similarly, the profound impact of art on our well-being can be easily overlooked. Actively combining these two elements yields distinct benefits for our minds and bodies.   

Nature, in its boundless beauty, is a constant source of ideas for artists. Its colors, forms, and rhythms inspire creativity and offer new ways of seeing. Spending time in nature can stimulate fresh thinking. Being present outdoors, away from distractions and technology, can calm the mind and allow for new insights. Nature jolts us out of creative ruts and fosters innovative thinking. The simple act of being in nature stimulates the part of the brain that facilitates insights and novel ideas.   

Combining art with nature also improves our mental well-being. Spending time in natural environments has been proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and improve mood. Similarly, engaging in creative activities, whether painting a landscape or crafting with natural materials, can lower cortisol levels and promote a sense of calm. Combining these two powerful mood-boosting forces amplifies their therapeutic effects. Immersing ourselves in nature while creating art allows for a unique form of mindfulness, fostering a sense of presence and connection to both our inner selves and the world around us, restoring our sense of self-worth.  

In short, art and nature offer clear advantages. Nature inspires creativity, while art deepens our appreciation for the environment. Together, they reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and foster a stronger connection to ourselves and the world around us. Actively seeking out these experiences enriches our lives in meaningful ways.  

How to Take Part  

If you feel like your child would thrive at either of our specialty camps this year, you are in luck, there is still time to register for both Outdoor Living Skills Camp taking place June 22^nd – 27^th and All About the Arts Camp on July 6^th – 11^th. Also, camp scholarships are currently still available. Highlands believes camp should be attenable for all children and we encourage you to apply. We look forward to giving your child a summer they will never forget.