GUIDE TO SUMMER CAMPS AND SUMMER SCHOOLS
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Reviews
American Reference Books Annual
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“...the Guide to Summer Camps is published every 2 years in the interest of helping parents, their children, teachers, doctors, counselors, and other interested people in the choice of a camp or school for the summer months. It has a most unusual, partly geographic arrangement for a reference book. Within the descriptive main body of the text, summer camps and schools are pigeonholed by emphasis: academic programs, unusual programs, summer study and travel abroad, programs for special needs, and that age-old favorite, the recreational camp. It is here that camp listings are presented geographically. This arrangement seems to reflect the greater density of population in the eastern half of the country, and the naturally larger number of summer camps in that area. Descriptive entries are listed from east to west in the United States; this is followed by Canadian camps and schools. Thus, in certain descriptive sections, entries obtained information from camp directors by questionnaire, and later follow-up, if necessary. Camp accreditation may be included in the description, but it is not stressed, as it is in the American Camping Association’s Guide to Accredited Camps.
The features of a camp or school are one means of access. For example, religious education, diving, weight loss, military training, preschools, English as a Second Language, and wilderness are some of the types. Librarians will also appreciate the complete master index that is provided. The information presented is well organized and everything is well written. Layout is neat and complete; readability is high. Still, one wishes for more detail in the text. Perhaps that is the purpose of the so-called announcements illustrated section, in which summer programs have paid for the space. This fine book has previously been reviewed in ARBA 84 and 80 (see entries 555 and 621, respectively), as well as ARBA 72 (see entry 619).”
“A valuable tool for parents, educators and advisors seeking information on summer programs and opportunities. Its range is broad covering a wide spectrum from primary grade level to college age. A good starting point for those looking for academic and tutorial programs, study and travel in U.S. and abroad, and other unusual opportunities and special programs. Recommended for academic and public libraries.” - Mary E. Gallagher
“Over 1,200 camping, travel, and academic programs in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and abroad for kids through high school age. Special programs for the handicapped and maladjusted. Indexed by special features and unusual emphases. Excellent resource.”
“Over
1100 camps and schools offering particular and general programs
in various studies and activities for different types of people
e.g.,
handicapped, maladjusted, foreigners wishing to learn
English-are listed. Camps and schools or all ages are included
from children as young as four and five up to post-graduate
students. The Guide's objective is “to make
available comparative facts on a selected number of summer
programs of varying types”; “organization, day, adult and
public camps are not included in this edition.” The Guide's
editors were selective as to what camps and schools are
included; beyond this, they offer no judgments on them. Nor do
their notes cover the ambience, facilities, or staff of any of
the places. The notes stick to recounting addresses and director’s
addresses; costs; who the camp or school is for; what age
groups; and activities, programs, and special help that is
available. More information on many of the places can for a fee,
provide an 'announcement' i.e., an advertisement.
The value of this reference is largely in its classification of
many camps and schools. The classifications help the reader find
some or many schools, which meet his criteria. Programs for the
visually handicapped, deaf, and brain damaged, among other
handicaps, are specified. But the Guide is equally
good in breaking down other larger categories. Places for
training in the arts of painting, dance, drama, and music
combinations of these are cited. French, aviation instruction,
weight reducing, oceanography, survival training, woodcraft, and
riding are just some of the studies and activities such a s
boating, hiking, and crafts can also be found.
The Guide requires regular updating because social
changes lead to the appearance of new summer programs and
activities. Programs and activities relating to computers and
ecology are expanded in this 25th edition of the Guide.”
“Over 1,100 camping, travel, and academic programs in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and abroad for kids through high school age. Special programs for the handicapped and maladjusted. Indexed by special features and unusual emphases. An ultimate resource.” - Carolyn Lindquist
11 Beacon St. Ste 1400 Boston, MA 02108-3099 USA Tel: 617-523-1670 Fax: 617-523-1021