EVERYONE NEEDS ASUPER HERO Specially themed days where children play color wars , dress up as their favorite super heroes or even enjoy a watermelon seed-spitting competition are just part of the fun .

BERNADETTE MARCINIAK

In recent years , campshave expanded their programs and offerings to appeal to children who may want to spend part of their summer pursuing aparticular passionorskill , as well as to thosewho may want adifferent experience beyond campfires and color war .

Donna Weintraub , an independent camp consultant with Camp Specialists , is passionate about the benefitsoftraditional sleepaway camp for children . “ It helpschildren foster independence and developasense of themselves . At camp , kids learn about things that are important to them and learn about their own character ,” she says . “ They get to reinvent themselves . They do not have to assume the role that they take in their family dynamic . There is no preconceived notion of them ; they start from scratch . They can try new activities in asafe space , be mentored by older kids , socializeand develop lifelong friendships .”

Laurie Kaiden is the Maine Camp Experience “ Campcierge .” The Maine Camp Experience is acommunity of more than 30 premier overnight camps

in Maine for kids ages 7-17 . In addition to the usual benefitsofcamp suchas the chance “ to unplug from technology , make new friends , have fun , learn new skills , and gain confidenceand independence ,” Kaiden addsthat “ Maine camps offer incredible natural beauty , strong traditions and values and top-notch activities , instruction and out-of-camp trips .”

Some camps specialize in certain areas , which can offer an advantage , as Weintraub explains , “ Kids can hone their skills in an activity of their choice , while continuing their social skills development . They can develop close friendships withkids with the same or different interests , depending uponthe bunk arrangements .”

Specialty camps can incorporate one or moreinterests . For example ,