Happy New Year!!!!!

Happy New Year!!!!!

As we approach 2011, many of us are thinking about New Year’s resolutions and what we want to achieve in the upcoming year. And if you are, you are not alone; approximately 45 percent of American adults will set at least one resolution. They will start off with determination, but by February or even mid-January, the majority will have abandoned their goals altogether as they get caught up in busy lives, distractions etc.

So why do we continue to make resolutions year after year?
One reason is excitement of starting from scratch. Another is the idea of bettering ourselves. It may also have something to do with tradition. Setting New Year’s resolutions is believed to go as far back as Babylonian times. It is believed that Julius Caesar started the tradition of making resolutions on January 1st as a way to honor the Roman mythical god Janus, whose two faces allowed him to look back into the past year and forward to the new year.
Bringing this back to camp, as we ring in 2011, we are thinking about how Stonybrook Day Camp and resolutions go hand in hand. Camp is a place where campers set and achieve goals every day. Whether it is improving swimming, tennis or golf; trying a new art technique; or going tubing or zipping for the first time; we see campers excel and try new things everyday. They show up to camp with lots of thoughts about what they want to do and usually by the end of the summer, they have exceeded their own expectations.

So, why are our campers able to achieve so much when so many grown adults can’t keep their New Years resolutions (approx 10% keep their resolutions 1 year later)? Because campers have their friends, counselors and specialists, cheering them on every step of the way. Our counselors and specialists work hard to help our campers achieve their goals; they celebrate when goals are met or campers try new things, and they encourage them to keep trying if they miss the mark. We also try very hard to keep our parents informed so the cheering can continue at home.

Maybe adults can learn a thing or two from our campers as they set their own New Year’s resolutions: BE SURE TO HAVE A BIG CHEERING SECTION ENCOURAGING YOU AS YOU SET YOUR GOALS! AND BE SURE TO SET UP A STRONG SUPPORT SYSTEM TO KEEP YOU GOING! And we are so sorry; Stonybrook Day Camp is only for kids (unless you are part of our fabulous staff)!!!!!

And one more thing…. As you think about Summer 2011, be sure to let us know what your child is looking to accomplish or achieve at camp. We will be sure to ask them ourselves but feel free to start the conversation with us.

Good luck with your own resolutions!

Happy New Year!

http://www.youtube.com/stonybrookdaycamp#p/a/u/1/6-gTWlebRTU


Don't forget to check out http://www.facebook.com/stonybrook to see all of the pictures from camp!