Posts Tagged ‘Travel’

Overnight Camp Safety issues

February 7th, 2010

Shortly, nearly 10 million children be going to Summer Camps. But before they go, health experts are issuing strong new advice to both parents and camp directors, and recommending new precautions to protect campers’ health.

The new guideline, published in the June issue of the journal Pediatrics, was written by a team led by a University of Michigan Health System physician who specializes in camp health. Edward Walton, M.D., FAAP, FACEP, is lead author of the paper, which is an official policy statement of the American Academy of Pediatrics and was produced in conjunction with the American Camp Association.

This new policy suggests parents thoroughly determine if they are sending their child to the “right ” summer camp. Does it meet the child’s mental, emotional and physical well-being, as well as their interests and skills.

Walton says, “camps should provide parents with a complete picture of what their programs involve”. Look at the total package and be sure it is safe an healthy for your child.

Homesickness prevention, the authors write, should start weeks before a child goes off to camp, and can be led by parents with the help of the doctor or other health care provider who performs the child’s pre-camp health assessment.

Parents should also avoid making pre-arranged plans with their children about picking them up if they get homesick. This only gets kids thinking about the way out of camp. Only should parents discuss camp positively, avoid expressing doubts about a child’s ability to avoid homesickness.

The American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines say the pediatricians need to be involved with camps in their local have up to date protocols and help as medical backups for camp health personnel.

The increasing numbers of children who have asthma and allergies also bring new challenges for camps. The new guideline recommends that parents teach their children how to use rescue inhalers or EpiPens (allergy-calming epinephrine injection devices) long before the kids go to camp, and to work with camp officials to specify what situations might require children to use the devices. And camp officials are advised to allow children who know how to use such devices to carry them or have them nearby at all times.

“The delay that can occur when another camper or counselor has to run to the camp nurse’s office to grab an inhaler for a child who is having an asthma attack or an EpiPen for a child who has been stung by a bee can have real health consequences,” says Walton.

These guideline are set for traditional summer camps not for those camps with special needs. Yet it is recommend that all camps work with local pediatricians and health professionals to ensure that the best health care is in place for the children.

Selecting the best Summer Camp for your child is easier with a FREE resource Summer Camp Advice Find a Summer Camp

Swift Nature Camp is a Minnesota Summer Camp for boys and girls ages 6-15. Our focus is to blend traditional outdoors summer camp activities with that of a Science Summer Camp. that promotes an appreciation for nature.

Camp Is a Place for Nature

February 6th, 2010

Say Yes to Letting your kids play with animals this summer as a part of the fun they can have at summer camp. Find a science camp, or a more broadly defined summer camp that includes animals as a part of their program offerings.

For many children making a connection with animals is a great way to reconnect with nature. Campers can find and develop a desire to know more about the nature they find all around them. When they follow that desire, they begin to acquire a deep respect for nature that will serve them all their lives.

Swift Nature Camp, is often seen as a Animal Camp that offers a variety of ways for campers to meet and enjoy daily contact with animals. Natures Neighbors is a live animal collection, campers are encouraged to bring their own small animals to live in the camps Nature Center, and a unique pond aquarium shows life as a frog sees it.

Swift Nature Camp offers campers wider experience to understand animals and how we coexist with them by arranging field trips to a fish hatchery, goose banding projects and butterfly counts. And what child will ever forget a close up visit with a live owl?

Animals are a part of Swift Nature Camps voluntary merit program, in which campers can earn special patches by learning skills in categories such as insects, bird watching, pet care, and horseback riding. Acquiring skills is never separate from the fun and play that is a part of being a camper.

Todays children grow up too fast and need time to play. The summer camp you are looking for should challenge your child to try new things, but not in a stressful way. Camp is not school! Interaction with animals can be a perfect way for a child to learn by the natural discovery of play. Besides all the fun and excitement of a traditional camp, the kids have the joy of discovering Nature and the world we live in.

to accomodate that range with a voluntary merit program that includes experience with animals. A camper’s interaction with animals can be refined into skills involving horseback riding, insects, pet care and bird watching. These opportunities never come at the expense of fun!

Discovering nature and the world we live in. Living in a natural environment Like camp is a perfect way for kids to play and grow. When children play with animals rather than just receiving information, they learn. Camp is more about fun and has far less stressful than school.

You can learn more about selecting a wonderful summer camp by visiting SummerCampAdvice.com Children’s Summer Camp

Swift Nature Camp is a non-competitive, traditional coed Illinois Summer Camps Boys and Girls Ages 6-15 enjoy nature, animals & science along with traditional camping activities. Swift specializes in programs for the First Time Camper as well as Teen Adventure Programs.

Take a Summer Camp Visit

January 8th, 2010

Worried about sending your child off to camp without knowing enough about that camp? Take a journey to your child’s summer camp while it is in session. You will learn enough through direct observation and conversations to make you feel more comfortable, especially if you have reviewed the information about the camp and arrive prepared to ask questions.

Keep in mind that summer camp is always in motion! Campers may be out of camp, or it may be visiting day or between sessions. In those cases a camp director may ask you to choose another day. Review the camp’s promotional materials before the visit and have your questions ready.

Plan on taking at least three hours at the camp so that you will have time to observe activities at length and chat with campers and staff.
The settings, facilities and activities matter, but more important to your child’s experience will be how the administration and the staff behave in action. Watch how the camp’s counselors juggle the demands of campers. Of course, be sure to observe that safety precautions are consistently being taken.

During a visit, you should observe not only the facilities and the settings, but also look closely at how the administration and the staff behave in action. If your child is with you on the tour, pay attention to how the tour guide interacts with and includes your child. The way a guide interacts with your child will reveal a lot about the camp’s attitude and relationship with children.

Make a point to meet the camp director before you leave if he or she isn’t your tour guide. Be sure that you feel comfortable with the idea of that director taking care of your child for the summer. Check a few details. Does the director seem to be a hands-on administrator, or does he or she appear to spend more time at the office desk with paperwork? Does the director know the names of most campers? Does the director live on camp property?

Watch the counselors’ interaction with the campers in their care. If they aren’t kind, caring, sensitive, imaginative, patient and skilled, then nothing else will matter. Who is responsible for making sure your child has a safe and fun summer? Counselors. Watch the counselors during activities: counselors should be supervising and interacting with the kids rather than talking with other staff. Be sure counselors praise all campers in activities, not just the the best children. Counselors who teach a specialty should not just show their own skills but also show enthusiasm to the campers.

If you feel parental concern about sending your child to a summer camp this year, be sure to take the time and visit that camp. It will help you feel more comfortable about your wise choice for sending your child to a summer of great fun.

Additional information can be found at Summer Camp Advisor, a FREE Summer Camp website filled with information to help parent select the best summer camp for their child

Swift Nature Camp, a non-competitive, traditional overnightCoed Summer Camp. Boys and Girls Ages 6-15 enjoy nature, animals and science along with traditional camping activities. Swift specializes in programs for the first time camper as well as adventures for teens. Jeff and Lonnie Lorenz have been the owners since 1996.

Unique Wedding Venues For Less

November 20th, 2009

Don’t get caught up in spending thousands of dollars on a wedding venue. Brides sometimes get tricked into believing it has to be expensive to look gorgeous. This is not the case. By saving money on the location of the wedding you will have extra money to spend in other areas of your wedding, including the dress, the cake, or the honeymoon.

A Friend Or Family Members Home

Do you know of a friend or family member with a wedding worthy home? This can be one of the most affordable locations to have your wedding. You can have the ceremony inside and a late evening reception by candlelight. Affordable, easy, and your friend will feel honored by you selecting their home for your big day.

A Small Church

Many times couples go after big city cathedral type venues. This is a great idea if you have a big budget, but if you would like to save some money, yet have a beautiful location, find a small country church to have your wedding. These quaint churches are many times a historical structure so they are well maintained, yet much cheaper than larger, more extravagant big city churches.

A Local Museum

Did you know that many museums have certain areas that are available for weddings? These areas are marked off and rented by the hour. Since many couples do not know this is an option, the museum rates are usually quite a bit cheaper than a well known wedding venue.

In the Forest

For the adventurous couple, why not exchange wedding vows in a beautiful clearing in the forest. If the land is privately owned by someone you know you can save a bundle of cash. Being surrounded by nature, fresh air, and great people sounds like the perfect wedding.

Mountaintop

A wedding on top of a mountain will not soon be forgotten. Couples love this location because it is surprisingly affordable and makes a beautiful statement of their love for one another.

Read Steph’s articles about Wedding Favors.

categories: advice,entertainment,family,free,marriage,outdoors,travel,women’s issues

Destination Wedding Spots All Over the World

November 14th, 2009

Having a great wedding location is a major part of planning your wedding. If you are looking for something unique and personal a destination wedding maybe just what you have been looking for. Here are a few of the most popular destination wedding locations from all over the world.

Tuscany, Italy

Everyone dreams of visiting Italy. Why not treat yourself and your hubby to be to a truly romantic and magical wedding in Tuscany? Be amidst fine wine and food, friendly Italians, and begin your happily ever after in pleasant harmony.

The Yucatan

Have an outdoor adventure and relax on the sandy beaches. All this is possible on a Yucatan destination wedding. You can even have a traditional Mayan wedding ceremony for a unique twist to your big day.

Maui, Hawaii

If you are looking to relax on some of the best beaches of the world why not consider Maui, Hawaii for your big day. Maui is a great location for couples and their guests. The island is a true paradise with breathtaking beaches, clear waters, and top notch resorts.

Las Vegas

If you are a fun loving bunch why not spend a few nights in Vegas before exchanging vows? Las Vegas is more bang for your buck. You can see comedy shows, musicals, and unique shows that can’t be seen anywhere else in the world. Don’t forget there are also plenty of slots to be played as well.

Jamaica

For ritzy to rural, Jamaica has something for everyone, including you and your guests. Jamaica offers beautiful coastline, inviting locals, and top rate resorts. Want live music during your wedding? Jamaica has some of the liveliest music in the world, give them a listen.

Belize

Tucked beneath Mexico is Belize. Scuba diving, snorkeling, and warm water lovers in general love this spot. If that is not enough there is also the rainforests full of tropical birds, crocodiles, and underground streams. There are also many archaeological sites to explore. So much to do and so little time

Scotland

Scotland offers a vast history, melodic music, and galleries of art that will take your breath away. The beautiful country side is doused with old castles and cathedrals. While in Scotland, don’t forget to check out the Queens’ residence in Edinburgh, the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Read articles about Wedding Centerpieces

categories: advice,entertainment,family,food,gambling,marriage,music,outdoors,self help,travel,women’s issues

Home Interior Design Using High-End Luxury Bedcovers

November 5th, 2009

It is true that we spend about a third of our lives in bed, so doesn’t it seem right to purchase only good quality bedding to experience a good, restful sleep? Good sleep attributes to good quality of life so make sure to purchase the best of what you can afford.

Let’s talk about linen and thread count. You’ve probably heard the term a time or two, so let me explain. Your bed sheets come in different grades of quality. The higher the thread count means your sheets have more threads per square inch, which of course means a tighter weave, therefore a better quality of fabric.

The higher the thread count also means a more lustrous and softer bed sheet, and of course more durable and less prone to shrinkage. Egyptian cotton is the King of cotton and this high quality fabric has extra long fiber that creates the superior durability and silky feel that one can’t help but notice. You can expect to find higher thread counts, from 300 to 400 even to 600 in luxury quality Egyptian sheets.

Pima or Suprima is another fine choice of long fiber staple, high thread count quality fabric. This fiber is grown in the American Southwest as the Egyptian fiber is grown along the Nile. It is certainly another luxury fabric high in thread count perhaps not as costly as its counterpart.

If your pocket book says no to the higher thread count, you can choose a more affordable percale fabric sheets, which is typically around 180 to 200 thread count.

Your lower quality but more affordable is percale sheets. The thread count is not as high, typically around 180 to 200 and can be found as 100% cotton or a mix blend of 50/50 cotton and polyester blend. Your 200 thread count of course will give you a softer feel.

Your mattress will be a big decision for you because you’ll find tons of different sizes, quality and thicknesses. First determine if you want a softer mattress or firmer mattress. It’s a personal preference and you’ll want to purchase the one that will accompany the two of you. Memory foam is popular but the user will find that it is a bit warmer than most. If you are one to kick off your covers all the time, this may not be right for you.

Also consider a mattress pad or cover when you purchase your mattress. This will protect your mattress from any sweat or stains which in turn will prolong the life of the mattress. Pillow-top mattresses are soft and warm, but a bit pricey. Some users say they are too soft and warm. Buying an extra thick pad for your mattress will definitely be cheaper than buying a pillow-top.

Lastly, you’ll want to consider a warm, soft blanket or comforter for those cold nights. There are tons to choose from, so which one is right for you? Perhaps a warm velour blanket is all you need. Maybe you live in a very cold climate and a high-end goose down comforter will fit the bill. They are comparable to the high-end Egyptian cotton sheets and will give you plenty of years of enjoyment.

See resource link: room redecorating for more relating to room redecorating today.

Dallas Wedding Reception: Great Hotel Rates

November 5th, 2009

A once in a lifetime wedding reception should be hosted at the most elegant boutique hotel in Dallas. Wedding receptions in Texas have to be bigger than life and as stylish as possible. If you want your wedding reception to be the talk of the town you need a hotel where the ballrooms are breathtakingly glamorous, the dining areas look fit for royalty, and the experienced staff can help makes things go like clockwork.

If you want your wedding reception to be the happy, joyous event you’ve been dreaming of there are just a few details you need to attend too. Here are some helpful tips for booking unique amenities and various services that you won’t find anywhere else. Following these tips can insure you and all of your guests enjoy the wedding reception.

Make sure the hotel’s style matches the unique personal touch you want your reception to have. Historic hotels can offer a sophisticated charm reminiscent of the Old South. If you want distinctive character and a romantic background these historic hotels have intricate architecture and antique furnishings that are a perfect fit. If you want a more modern looking reception you need a boutique hotel that can combine stylish elegance with a chic air that will produce a trendy yet luxurious atmosphere that will leave a lasting impression.

Inspect the hotel where you want your reception to be held. Make a drawing if necessary, but definitely take notes on the area and layout. Any columns or obstructions should be studied intently to make sure they don’t create problems of any kind. Remember you need room for people to dance but you also need room for guests to relax and mingle.

Always ask if the hotel has an onsite wedding coordinator available if needed. If so, do they have certain services they provide? Some coordinators will help you plan your wedding rehearsal dinner and the post-wedding brunch. They can also usually recommend trustworthy vendors for flowers, photography, music and other reception needs. They can often get these at a discount for you.

Planning the actual day of your wedding may figure into what hotel is available. Saturday is the most popular day to hold a wedding nationwide, including Dallas. The best wedding reception locations are usually booked months, in some cases years, in advance. There are also a few holidays that are obviously popular days for weddings, like Valentine’s Day and New Year’s Eve. If you want to get married on one of these days it will require a lot of advanced planning.

Chris Linch has a website that has Great Hotel Rates. If you want to save a lot of money on your booking, follow the tips above and visit his website. They have the low price guarantee and all rooms are prepaid, save 40%!

Camp Blog

October 23rd, 2009

Before you send your child to a summer camp it is a good idea to get a good feeling about a particular camp. Checking out a camp blog can help. Here are just a few things you might find at Swift Nature Camp’s Blog. Camp Blog

Expect to capsize and swim occasionally when paddling a canoe, kayak or raft – it’s part of the sport! But when you hit the water unexpectedly, even strong swimmers need a lifejacket, also known as a personal flotation device (PFD). It allows you to concentrate on doing what’s needed to execute a self rescue and will allow you to assist others. Nearly 70% of all drownings involving canoes, kayaks or rafts might have been avoided if the victim had been wearing a lifejacket!

It seems as if we are learning more that Summer Camp helps children grow into mature adults. A new British study finds that most modern parents overprotect their kids. Half of all kids have stopped climbing trees, and 17 percent have been told that they can’t play tag or chase. Even hide-and-seek has been deemed dangerous. And that dreaded stick…”will put out someone’s eye”. It is easy to blame technology for the decline in outdoor play, but it may well be mom and dad. Adrian Voce of Play England says ‘Children are not being allowed many of the freedoms that were taken for granted when we were children,’ ‘They are not enjoying the opportunities to play outside that most people would have thought of as normal when they were growing up.’ According to the Guardian, “Voce argued that it was becoming a ’social norm’ for younger children to be allowed out only when accompanied by an adult. ‘Logistically that is very difficult for parents to manage because of the time pressures on normal family life,’ he said. ‘If you don’t want your children to play out alone and you have not got the time to take them out then they will spend more time on the computer.’ The Play England study quotes a number of play providers who highlight the benefits to children of taking risks. ‘Risk-taking increases the resilience of children,’ said one. ‘It helps them make judgments,’ said another. We as parents want to play it safe and we need to rethink safety vs adventure. The research also lists examples of risky play that should be encouraged including fire-building, den-making, watersports, paintballing, boxing and climbing trees. Summer camp provides an excellent opportunity for children to get outside take risks and play, all while still while being supervised by concerned young adults…we call counselors. See how Swift Nature Camp can put Adventure back into your childs life.

The Russell W. Hogrefe Fresh Start Fund was established by Russell W. Hogrefe during his tenure as Executive Director of the American Camp Association, Illinois Section. He served in that position from 1979 until his retirement in 1996. Russ spent his entire professional career providing children’s summer camp and other services to families with very low income. Teachers, social workers, counselors or other professionals refer campers. ACA Illinois Section staff and the person making the referral select an appropriate day or resident camp program. Camps must be accredited by the American Camp Association. The camper’s family is encouraged to pay whatever they can afford for the camping experience. The camp provides a partial campership and the Fund pays the balance. If you would like to donate fund to help an underprivileged child attend summer camp in 2009 please send a check or make an online donation. Summer camp is an experience that enriches lives and all children should have the opportunity to attend kids summer camp. To learn how Swift Nature Camp can help your child attend camp visit our website.

So what can you do a camp that you cant do at Home? How bout shooting guns? Yep, one of the fun activity at this kids camp is riflery. This is one area at camp where there is no clowning around. We take teaching riflery very seriously. It may be a tradition at many summer camp. But we are very proud that our riflery range is our safest area at camp. At Swift Nature Camp we only shoot at targets and we shoot from the prone position (thats lying down) , our guns are single shot .22 caliber rifles. Our campers try to earn our camp Marksman awards. Often parents ask why have rifles at camp? The answer is …we want to teach children how to properly and safely operate a gun. Campers also learn life lessons, like you need to practice and as you do practice bit by bit, you improve and before you know it you are loving Riflery.

We at Swift Nature Camp believe that your child’s safety is the most important part of camp. That is why we have a strict Lifejacket rule. Everyone must wear a PDF when in a boat. No exceptions, staff and campers alike. THis is true if on a river canoe trip or on on our own camp lake. Water is so much fun and kids love it but it is dangerous and we must be prepared. We even have a special “titanic test” to ensure that our lifejacket fits nice and snug in case of an emergency. Campers learn this the first day of camp.

For additional information on how to pick the perfect camp for your camper see Find a Summer Camp

About the authors: Jeff and Lonnie Lorenz are the directors of Swift Nature Camp, a non-competitive, traditional coed Overnight Summer Camp. Boys and Girls Ages 6-15 enjoy nature, animals and science along with traditional camping activities. Swift specializes in programs for the first time camper as well as wonderful Adventure Teen Camp.

categories: Family,Parenting,Children,Home life,Vacation,Travel,outdoors,women issues,Kids,education,leisure

Keeping Pride Handy

October 18th, 2009

Duffel bags were originally created in a place in Belgium where their main trade was the production of thick cloths; thus the name Duffel was derived from.

These bags are easily recognized by its standard cylindrical form, standard top closures and a durable and thick cloth material.

Various names and terms were used to also refer to these bags such as kit bags, sea bags, hold alls and gym bags. Over time, these bags have been further developed to be able to provide optimum utility. In terms of use, these bags are commonly seen around athletes, gym goers and people who engage in sports for recreation. There are also those who use these bags to maintain efficient transport and storage of their personal belongings as part of their jobs ? much like those of military personnel or sailors.

In any apparel store, one will find Duffel Bags to actually be part of sporting equipment. This completes the requirements in the necessities of some activities. As these bags are known to be spacious, one can be able to fit all of their sporting needs inside such as their clothes, shoes, towels, water bottles and other accessories.

For those who serve in any sector of the military service such as the navy, army and the air force, these bags are the most common piece of personal equipment one will find. These are quite efficient for them as these can carry a great deal of items. And these would normally come in a single color, uniform to all of those in service.

Duffel Bags no longer come as a simple cliche or that of a generic item as even big names in the apparel and sporting industry has taken part in producing these bags which bear their company’s names and logos as well and made according to their preferred design. The designers would often make these bags with a bit of variety in terms of size, closures and the materials used.

These Duffel Bags are as easy to find as shoes are in Italy. These can be found in most shops and stores in malls and other places which cater to sporting apparel and equipment. One can also find these in any store which carries bags and luggage or other general traveling needs.

The Duffel Bags are not only meant to be used by athletes and those who serve the country’s defense groups but as well as for other purposes such as outdoor activities which may require one to pack a number of items along like rock climbing and hiking – where the need for a reliable and durable bag is either required or an advantage.

Leatehr duffel bags are one of the more practical types of luggage that you can buy today.

categories: duffel bags,sports bags,luggage,travel tips,travel,sports,clothing

Tips You Should Know Before You Hire An Interior Designer

October 17th, 2009

Many have asked me over my years of design practice what they should know when they are ready to hire an Interior Designer. My hope is that after reading my article you will take from this the answer you were searching for.

Always ask yourself the 5 questions contained in this article.

– Do you feel inadequate when it comes to home decorating?

– Do you buy home accessories, furniture, fabric, etc. on impulse, and now you don’t know what to do or where to put everything?

– Are you too busy with work and family and can’t find the time for home projects?

– Do you and your spouse or roommate disagree on design styles when it comes to home or apartment decorating?

– Are you unsure of your personal style and exactly what you like when it comes to home decorating?

Your answers to the questions will help you determine if you should take on the assistance of an Interior Designer. The services of a designer will help you immensely.

One of the biggest reasons to hiring the consultation services of a Designer is that they have the expertise to turn your vision of comfort and beauty into a living reality. This could mean buying the wrong furniture or choosing the wrong paint colors. Mistakes can be costly! Interior Designers are experts in their field just like plumbers or electricians. Each has a particular set of trade skills they have learned through education and experience.

Of course not all Interior Designers are alike each one is uniquely qualified in my opinion, but if you ask five Designers to design an interior space, you will get five different design concepts.

Many people have a natural talent for interior design. The difference in using the services of a Designer extends far beyond natural abilities. Sometimes there are architectural specifications that must be met in order to complete a project. At other times, there are elements that only an experienced Designer can perceive and bring into the project.

A good characteristic to look for in a Designer is confidence in his or her abilities. Also a Designer should respect YOU as a Client and listen to your desires and needs for your design project.

Many Designers will advertise their services on the internet. Some will offer free consultations, which is an informal meeting to get to know your Designer, as your Designer will want to meet and get to know you.

A good characteristic to look for in a Designer is confidence in his or her abilities. Also a Designer should be a good listener to your desires and needs for your design project. State clearly what it is you are hoping for and your Designer will know exactly your personal style.

It is not so important as to how long the Designer has been in practice, rather that he or she is on the “same page” as you.

Your Designer should connect with you. This “synergy” should exist between Designer and Client. Personalities do matter.

Interior Designers are also valuable because they have a variety of special vendors at their fingertips that can help get the job done. They know the “Who’s Who” in the industry, who to go to, and more importantly, who not to go to. The consumer does not have this in-depth knowledge, so therefore this is invaluable.

You can ask for referrals from your Designer, although some may not give that information out due to client privacy.

Interior Designers work with many budgets and at many different price ranges. They usually charge by the hour and at prices as low as $50 dollars an hour to $300 dollars an hour.

See link for scottsdale az interior design for more on scottsdale az interior design.