Thoughtful and Inexpensive Christmas Gifts

Filed Under : by Navajo Trails Summer Camp

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

1. Kitchen creations. If you are skilled in cooking or baking, put it to good use by whipping up one of your specialties. Give your best friend a box of cookies she always praised or your sister a tray of her favorite home-cooked meal.

2. Handmade crafts. Handcrafted gifts have a personal touch on them that store-bought gifts don’t have. If you have the eye for design, you can make gift items like beaded accessories, paper bookmarks, painted containers, needlework and other decorative stuff.

3. Coupon favors. If you are absolutely out of budget or out of time to look for a suitable gift, the easiest yet meaningful gift you can give is a set of favor coupons. Simply print on a small portion of paper some things you’d be willing to do and spend time on for your loved one such as washing the car, surrendering the remote or cooking for a week.

4. Grocery goods. Wonderful gifts can also be found in the aisles of grocery stores, hardware stores or the dollar store. Think about what your recipient loves to do and gather related items to make an inexpensive gift basket. Here are some examples:

For the coffee lover – a mug, gourmet coffee, sugar cubes, creamer and a cup sleeve.
For the green thumb – Seed packets, garden tools, pots, wind toys and gloves.
For the pet lover – pet food, grooming tools, leash and other applicable accessories depending on the animal.

5. Donation. This is a classic gift for your loved ones who seem to have everything in terms of material belongings. Make a donation to your recipient’s favorite charity and have it named to that person as a tribute or gift.

6. Intangible gifts. Some gifts may not come in a wrapped box. Instead of buying material presents, you can also give intangible but meaningful gifts. How about transferring airline miles to your cousin who loves to travel? You can also give ebooks and music download coupons which cost much less than an actual book or CD.

7. Artwork. Talented or not, anybody can make a decent artwork as long as they put their heart into it. Compose music or write a poem for a special someone. Try to create an abstract painting with your child and have it framed to give to the grandparents. They’ll surely appreciate the effort you put into it.

8. Homemade kits. A DIY kit is a memorable gift you can give to friends and family. These are similar to gift baskets, except the recipient needs to follow a process to be able to appreciate the gift even more. These can be ingredients to a delicious recipe or crafting kit like a recycled paper kit.

0 comments

Top 10 reasons to give the Gift of Camp

Filed Under : Camp Information by Navajo Trails Summer Camp

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Top 10 Reasons to Give the Gift of Camp

Camp is truly a life-changing experience — one that provides a lifetime of memories, and develops real life skills needed to be a leader in today’s changing world. For many families, camp is already a holiday tradition. For those families who haven’t considered camp yet this season, the American Camp Association® (ACA) lists the top ten reasons to give the gift of camp:

10. Gift-wrapping a pony has never been easy. Trust us, we’ve tried.

9. Aunt Maude’s fruitcake is still on the top shelf of the pantry.

8. According to research from The Children’s Mutual, 41 percent of toys and presents given during the December holidays are broken by March.

7. No waiting in line! The average American spends 25 percent of holiday shopping time in line.

6. No assembly or batteries required.

5. Camp helps boost confidence! According to ACA research, 92 percent of campers reported that camp helped them feel better about themselves.

4. First-hand experiences with nature! From insects to vegetation and woodland critters to fish, the camp experience surrounds children with nature and develops a hands-on appreciation for the environment and the natural world.

3. Friends come in all shapes and sizes, and from all different backgrounds. ACA research indicates that 96 percent of campers made new friends, and 93 percent of campers met people that were different from them. The camp experience helps develop authentic friendships and a sense of community, while making children more aware of the world around them.

2. Camp helps stem summer learning loss. According to the National Summer Learning Association, most children experience some degree of learning loss in the summer months. Research has shown that participation in an experiential education program, like camp, has a positive effect on children while helping to stem learning loss.

1. Camp is FUN!

Families ready to give the gift of camp can visit www.CampParents.org for resources, expert advice, or ACA’s Find A Camp database of over 2,400 ACA-accredited® camps. A printable gift certificate is also available — families can tuck it in a new backpack, roll it in a new sleeping bag, wrap it around a new flashlight, or put it in a traditional gift box complete with colorful paper and a bow. No matter how it's delivered, the gift of camp is the gift of a lifetime.

About ACA

The American Camp Association® (ACA) works to preserve, promote, and enhance the camp experience for children and adults. ACA-Accredited® camp programs ensure that children are provided with a diversity of educational and developmentally challenging learning opportunities. There are over 2,400 ACA-accredited camps that meet up to 300 health and safety standards. For more information, visit www.ACAcamps.org.

0 comments

Seven Questions Parents Should Ask when Choosing a Camp

Filed Under : Camp Information by Navajo Trails Summer Camp

Friday, December 17, 2010

From the American Camp Association April 17, 2009

As summer vacation gets closer, many parents—in fact, parents of more than 10 million children— make the decision to send their children to summer camp. While some families have already decided on a camp, others are still exploring their options. For these families, it can be difficult to choose – especially when the diversity of camps today reflects the diversity of America. There is truly a camp for every child, every interest, and every budget. The American Camp Association® (ACA) recommends that parents ask the following questions to get a better feel for which camp experience best suits their child:

1.What is the camp's philosophy and program emphasis? – Each camp has its own method of constructing programs based on its philosophy. Does it complement your family’s philosophy? Does the camp focus on learning through competition, or through cooperative learning? How does the camp handle homesickness and other adjustment issues?

2.What is the camp director's background? – ACA recommends directors possess a bachelor's degree, have completed in-service training within the past three years, and have at least sixteen weeks of camp administrative experience before assuming the responsibilities of director.

3.What training do counselors receive? – At a minimum, camp staff should be trained in safety regulations, emergency procedures and communication, behavior management techniques, child abuse prevention, appropriate staff and camper behavior, and specific procedures for supervision.

4.How are behavioral and disciplinary problems handled? – This is where the director's philosophy comes through loud and clear. Do they use positive reinforcement? What are the rules and consequences?

5.How does the camp handle special needs? – For a child with special requirements, parents should ask the camp director about needed provisions and facilities. Is there a nurse on staff? A designated place to store insulin or allergy medicine? Are special foods available for campers with restricted diets? Every question is important.

6.What about references? – Parents shouldn’t be afraid to ask for references. This is generally one of the best ways to check a camp's reputation and service record.

7.Is the camp accredited by the American Camp Association? Why? Why not? – ACA-Accredited® camps meet up to 300 health and safety standards. This does not guarantee a risk-free environment, but it's some of the best evidence parents have of a camp's commitment to a safe and nurturing environment for their children.

About ACA

The American Camp Association® (ACA) works to preserve, promote, and enhance the camp experience for children and adults. ACA-Accredited® camp programs ensure that children are provided with a diversity of educational and developmentally challenging learning opportunities. There are over 2,400 ACA-accredited camps that meet up to 300 health and safety standards. For more information, visit www.ACAcamps.org.

0 comments

Gee Whiz about Bicknell Utah (home to base camp)

Filed Under : History by Navajo Trails Summer Camp

Friday, December 10, 2010

Did you know Bicknell was not the town's orignal name? It's true.

The town was originally called Thurber after A.K. Thurber who built the first house in the area in 1875.

Thomas Bicknell, a prominent educator and historian of Providence, Rhode Island, wished to perpetuate his name to Utah and offered a library of 1,000 books to the town that would take his name. The town's name was changed in April, 1916.

And now you know!

0 comments