Welcome Parents

Thank you for considering the Sierra Sleep-Away. Making the decision to send your child to camp is not always easy. We, along with many concerned parents, want the very best camp experience. We value the impact a camp experience has on a child and believe that every child should have the opportunity to experience camp. There are many life lessons that can only be learned at an overnight camp and we take the responsibility of caring, nurturing, and guiding your child, seriously.

The Sierra Sleep-Away provides campers a foundation for independence where children learn to believe in themselves, try new things, challenge themselves, and go outside of their comfort zone. Campers emerge with a "can-do" confidence! The lessons learned at camp are invaluable and benefits them at home, school and throughout their lives.

Yes, an overnight camp is exciting, fun, adventurous. But there is so much more. The environment teaches 21st Century skills our children need to be successful. These skills include:

1. Critical thinking and Problem Solving
2. Creativity and Innovation
3. Communication and Collaboration
4. Flexibility & Adaptability
5. Initiative and Self Direction
6. Leadership and Responsibility

A Sleep-Away Camp acknowledges 21st Century Life Skill (excerpt from p21.org):

1. Parents sign-up and children anticipate what it will be like, keeping emotions in check (self-control, emotional control, self-distraction)
2. Children are dropped at a meet point and are transported to camp with other campers, embarking on new experiences (independence, initiative, courage, optimism)
3. Children become part of a group, sharing responsibilities and working together (teamwork, responsibility, collaboration, accountability, integrity)
4. Children participate in activities. They try new things, challenge themselves, listen to staff (aspiration, curiosity, respect, leadership)
5. Children experience the ups and downs of being in a group or making new friends and maintaining friendships (integrity, communication, adaptability, patience)

The Sierra Sleep-Away provides campers with Nature. Being in nature is very beneficial to children. Research shows that "nature experiences significantly reduce children's stress. Free play in natural areas enhances children's cognitive flexibility, problem solving ability, creativity, self-esteem, and self-discipline....Children are simply happier and healthier..." (Richard Louv, Children & Nature Network, Author Last Child in the Woods). In modern times, children rarely have the opportunity for outdoor free play. Camp provides a safe environment for free play.

Being at camp is like reuniting with the extended family as camp gives children a sense of belonging. They learn who they are at camp. They are willing to try new activities and with the support of their Group, Leader, and Instructor, they become more comfortable with themsleves. They are part of a community. They have positive role models to relate to.

Campers and Staff return year after year to experience it once again! Many campers have said that camp is "the best two weeks of the year!" Finding the right camp is important. We hope you choose the Sierra Sleep-Away. However, when choosing the right program, be sure the camp is accredited by the American Camp Association.

Please do not hesitate to call us at 310.541.3664, so we may talk with you and answer any questions.

Sincerely, Heather Hibbeler Director

Want to read more?....

• Camp: The Ultimate 21st Century Skills Learning Environment
• Five Reasons Every Teen Should go to Summer Cam
• Last Child in the Woods: Saving our children from Nature Deficit Disorder
• Five Reasons Great Parents Send Their Kids to Camp
• Dear Parents and Guardians