This camp was great for our son. His self confidence and general maturity notably increased, and this carried over into the school year. Counselors (several of whom were from the UK) were great. Drop-off was easy and painless. Our son enjoyed the activities and games, and liked being recognized for his progress in various activities. Shortcomings--primitive bath facilities (no big deal); limited number of awards at the end of session made for a disappointing end of camp (for example, kids with a really good attitude, but not the "best attitude" don't feel recognized). Overall, though, we were very pleased and are sending him back for a second year.
Our son felt very confident and independent at the opportunity to go to his first sleep over camp and, completely shocking us, had no separation issues at all. I credit the camp set-up, counselors and administrators. Very organized check in, loved the rustic setting and the activities were pretty well rounded. Some aspects could be improved upon. I believe the food quality wasn't as great as they state; and some of the stories about discipline sounded a bit punitive. There was evidence of very positive feedback and messages to our son and he loved the experience. I'm not sure the counselors employed as much social skill building as I would have liked. Overall a very positive experience.
My son returned home for a week this summer after attending the first session at the camp. He enjoyed being home but could not wait to get back to the second session. He loved everything he did at camp, but most of all he enjoyed the friendships he made and the guidance of the very competent counselors. Our son needs help with social skills and we could see a difference in him during the short week he was home. Somehow he seemed more sure of himself and more introspective about the things he said and did. My husband and I spent some time with the counselors and director and are most impressed. We will make our plans to send our son again next year. It has been a wonderful experience for him.
Thank you everyone for making this the best summer I ever had. I loved making friends and all the campfires and the canoeing and the swimming. I even liked to do reading because the counselors make it fun. I am very proud of all the awards I got, especially the one I got for having the biggest smile and for making good progress in archery. I made so many new friends and the counselors are really cool. Everything I did this summer was great. My mom and dad are really proud of me for all the awards I got and for learning so much. I can't wait to come back to Camp Buckskin every summer. I thought the 4th of July was awesome when we did the Olympic games and stuff. I miss the friends I made and want to see them next year. Higgins, even though you are busy being Camp Director,you make all the kids feel like we can talk to you anytime we need you. You help me a lot and I learn so much from you. We learn from all the counselors like the ones in our cabins too. I love Camp Buckskin.
I picked up our son from Camp Buckskin yesterday and I just could not wait to write and thank everyone there for the fantantic summer everyone at the camp gave my son. He has not stopped talking about the camp since I picked him up. He is so confident about himself and made so many friends. He raved about the counselors and all the activities that were planned. His summer was exciting, fun, educational and taught him so much about responsibiitiy and making friends. He loved his counselors and all his activity coaches. His favorite activities were canoeing and archery. He said all the healthy food was cooked at camp and even the bread was freshly baked. He looks wonderful and happy and my husband and I know that sending him to Camp Buckskin was the best thing we could have ever done for him this summer. I wish every child with any social or academic challenges could have the chance to attend! This is a great camp and we will send our son there for sure next summer.
Although I do not have a child who attends Camp Buckskin, the son of my law partners (husband and wife) do. To him I am "Uncle Alan" and we share a close personal relationship. I am writing because of the remarkable changes I saw in him after attending Camp Buckskin and because I personally know the positive effects the camp had on him and his entire family. After attending Camp Buckskin, I saw a child whose self-esteem and maturity sky-rocketed. When he excitingly told me about the things he did at camp, his new friends, and his counselors, I knew that something wonderful had happened to "our boy." Having two children of my own, I have a keen understanding of the importance of a quality camp. Camp Buckskin is now being recommended to others by the social worker, the academic tutor, and the academic consultant of this great kid--not only because of what his parents related to them about the camp, but because of the notable changes they each saw in a him. What a great camp!
Our son is currently attending Camp Buckskin for the second consecutive year. We are truly grateful that he can spend his summers at a camp where the administration and staff consists of such exceptionally dedicated, caring and professionally qualified individuals. We have no doubt whatsoever that what he accomplished last summer at Camp Buckskin carried over into his 2006-2007 school year--his most successful ever, both academically and socially. Our son came home last summer so much more mature and self-confident. Most importantly, he was filled with joy about his camp experience. There are truly not enough words to fully describe our deep appreciation for the countless ways Camp Buckskin helped our son. We intend to send him to the camp for years to come. (As extremely satisfied parents, we read with dismay and bewilderment the one unduly negative rating. We sincerely hope that it will not deter any parents from sending their child to this superbly extraordinary camp.)
