The value of summer camp
As we head into the last few weeks of school, parents are beginning to think about summer plans for their children. While days spent at the town pool and beach are certainly enjoyable, I firmly believe that children need summer camp now more than ever before to become successful and independent adults.
Today’s children are tech addicted, spending an average of 7 ½ hours a day engaged in media according to the Kaiser Family Foundation study. Young people need a place where they can disconnect and camp happens to be one of the last remaining environments where they are screen free. Camp allows campers to live in the moment, communicate face-to-face, fully participate in new activities, form true friendships and put the anxiety inducing social media aside for a few weeks.
Children are also over scheduled during the school year, with many parents afraid that their child won’t be successful if their schedule isn’t packed with private lessons, team sports or tutoring. This leaves children with very little time to just play. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, play is an important part of children learning 21st century skills they will need in future employment including creativity, communication, problem solving and collaboration—all skills practiced at camp.
Perhaps one of the greatest aspects of camp is the independence children gain. While done from a place of love, parents can often hinder their child’s personal development such as helping them pick out clothing, choosing their afterschool activities, or being on the receiving end of a text to answer any questions their child might have. At camp, children learn to make their own decisions and solve problems on their own, which leads to confidence and trust in themselves.
When making summer plans for your child, don’t underestimate the value of summer camp for your child’s development.
Susie Lupert, American Camp Association, NY & NJ
Stack deserves a raise
Mayor and State Senator Brian P.Stack is not only reliable but he is the solution to every problem that exist in any community that is overly populated.
Mayor Stack is unique in getting state aid from both current Democratic Governor Phil Murphy and former Republican Governor Chris Christie.
It is an understatement to say that mayor and state senator is under paid and it is not fair. For the last 19 years as mayor, Brian has worked 84 hours a week and only making $16,000 annually. At the same time over 90 percent of other elected officials in Hudson County are making in the neighborhood of $150,000 annually. We urge Brian to pass an ordinance that will pay him $125,000.
The community will welcome this urgent proposal with open arms. Because everyone in this community is aware of the dedication of this unselfish leader. Mayor Stack has spend his entire life giving his heart and blood to the community he truly loves.
Oscar Cordero and Raul “Pico” Marquez, Union City
Sacco: Your support helped win
I am honored and humbled that you have once again placed your trust in me and our team and I want to express my appreciation to the residents of North Bergen for re-electing me as your Mayor.
This election was historic in many ways and we could not have done it without your support. Thank you for all your help throughout the past several months. To the volunteers who came forward to assist with our campaign, I am extremely grateful and will always be thankful. We could not have succeeded without all of your effort, time and dedication to this election. Many of you spent hundreds of hours knocking on doors, making phone calls and talking to your neighbors, and I sincerely thank each of you for your hard work.
Again, I appreciate you taking the time to help and support us every step of the way. Your support will allow our team to continue leading our community forward. If there is any way I can be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to call my office.
Nicholas J. Sacco, Mayor, North Bergen
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