Summer camps are a unique place. They provide time and space for organic (that is, real life, born-through-mutual-experiences-and-memories) friendships. They take kids outside to have off-screen, hands-on activities. Campers have opportunities to try new things, bond over outdoor adventures, share stories at group time, and overcome many of their insecurities.
What makes Men-O-Lan unique?
There are three things that make Men-O-Lan truly unique.
Our counselors: we go through a rigorous selection and screening process to find people who don’t just want a summer job, but actually enjoy spending time with children and genuinely care about their well-being. We go through character references, application form(s), and interview(s) with each counselor before they are invited to join our team. In addition, most of our year-round staff has children or grandchildren at Camp, so if a counselor is hired, that means we would trust them with our own most precious treasures (our children). We love our camp staff and know that without them Camp couldn’t do what it does.
The outdoors: we keep our campers outdoors as much as possible. Unless it’s a downpour or a heatwave, we are outside for almost all our activities. Read along to find out why.
Jesus: we have experienced, so we believe that Jesus can change a person’s life for the better. While our counselors share this belief, we invite every family, regardless their religious background to join in our summer camp program. Campers will never be forced to actively participate in any faith-based activities. Rather, they will hear lots of stories (both from the Bible and from personal testimonies) that show them God’s character and His love for us. They will see how our young adult staff live out their own relationship with God. They will be invited to ask questions, and even to express their disbelief. We are here to create an environment where this life change through Christ can happen, and we are delighted to be used by Him in any ways during this process.
The wander of the outdoors
Research shows that being in nature and engaging in activities outside has several positive benefits for physical and mental health, and it also plays a necessary role in healthy development.
Being in nature is therapeutic. Research shows the positive effects of nature on people’s emotional and mental health. Patients in a hospital heal faster when they see nature through their window. Even a meager 10 minute walk daily in nature improves mental health. Nature is calming and relaxing for children, even if they can at least see it through a window, but especially being in it.
Playing in nature improves physical health and motor skills. Both large and fine motor skills improve when children regularly play in nature. Walking on natural terrain, a stroll up or downhill, climbing on giant boulders, building a fort with natural material, collecting small objects with various textures, all contribute to a rich experience and the strengthening of various muscles and senses in the body.
Nature is the perfect sensory experience. In nature we are in a calm but alert state, which is the most ideal condition to bring together the “puzzle pieces” of each of our senses. Stimuli from nature is typically more gentle than indoor experiences: a gentle breeze, chirping birds, natural light through the leaves of the trees, mild smells of flowers, various textures, and so on. Playing in nature not only improves the senses, but it also helps with sensory integration.
Unstructured outdoor play expands imagination. Outside play offers limitless inspiration. A stick can be a horse, a pen, a building material, a conducting baton, or a fishing pole. A pinecone can be used for decoration, or as pretend food, currency, or special treasure. There is no limit to a child’s imagination when they are in nature.
Playing outside improves social and emotional skills. When children are allowed unstructured time in nature, they naturally start making up their own games. Through this they quickly assume roles, make up rules, negotiate ideas, and solve problems. Through this they organically learn to collaborate, handle disagreements, and deal with their and others’ big feelings.
Freedom within Limits
We believe that allowing children choices within certain limits helps them grow and mature emotionally, socially, and personally. During the day there are specific times when campers either choose their own activity from several available options or come up with their own game during a certain time and place. We often see our campers make up the most fun activities when we take them to a bunch of big boulders surrounded by various natural elements. Within minutes a game forms, many are involved, and they make their own rules as they go.
Activities are never forced on campers. Even when we have a specific event we created for the children, they are always allowed to choose to stay on the sideline and simply observe, until they feel comfortable enough to join.
"I love Men-O-Lan because it gives me a break from my phone and screens for a week."
Actual Camper, 2024
So, what do you think?
If you feel like this is just the place you have been looking for, we would love to have your family join our summer camp.
If you would like to see Men-O-Lan and ask your questions in person, please schedule a camp tour by emailing our Program Director, Szonja Saddel at szonja@menolan.org.