Selection for projects is based on interest, age and skill level. After your daughter has indicated her activity preferences, our staff places her in those classes, (we call them "projects"). A wide variety of activities are available to our campers for skills, instruction and for fun.
Our program combines freedom of choice—and the resulting sense of independence for our campers—with the structure of a balanced and coordinated schedule. Lesson plans for projects are geared to each camper's age and skill level, with schedules that alternate on an every-other-day basis for variety.
A typical day of activities includes three 70 minute periods of instruction in three different areas, with an additional 60 minutes of organized free time. This organized play period (we call it "Prime Time") gives the girls a chance to practice decision-making skills, supplement their learning, further improve their skills and have fun in a more lightly structured format. Prime Time allows each camper to let loose and follow whatever inclination suits her on that particular day, thereby helping her to practice using her spare time wisely—a skill that will serve every camper well as she heads into adulthood.
Within this broad array of activities is something to let every girl sparkle, to have success and to gain recognition; no prior experience is necessary to enjoy any activity at Birch Trail!
We are committed to encouraging and helping each girl do the very best she can, and activity incentives are structured on that basis. We have tennis rankings, water-skiing achievement levels and the like, all rooted on an objective, non-competitive framework. Praise for effort and achievement is given to all our girls—not just to the best competitors.
At Birch Trail, competition is not seen as an "end" itself, but rather as one of several means to an end. We believe in competition to test one's skills, to learn the benefits of teamwork and to have fun. Within the positive setting that camp provides, we have special fun days and nights with contests, races and relays. Here we can capitalize on the benefits of competition through teamwork and without the attendant stigma of losing. At Birch Trail, everyone enjoys the satisfaction of success!
Within this broad array of activities is something to let every girl sparkle, to have success and to gain recognition; no prior experience is necessary to enjoy any activity at Birch Trail!
* The 1st, 2nd and 3rd Activity periods are assigned based on the selections you and your daughter make together in March.
