I am carefully watching and monitoring all of the discussions around school ‘transformation’.  I agree, year round learning is imperative.  However, I do not agree with the concept of traditional year round school.  It seems odd to me that at a time when we are candidly discussing the woes of our current, traditional school system - we are also talking about sending kids to school longer.

When I worked in state government, we noticed that  young people who got in trouble  either went into the mental health system or the juvenile justice system.  The choice between the two systems was, more often than not, based on ‘access’.  Access to money and influence sent the young person into the mental health system.  If a young person lacked ‘access’, they went into the juvenile justice system.

I fear the same may happen to young people today.  If a young person has ‘access’, their parents will secure ‘enrichment’ opportunities for them - such as camp.  If not, they will stay in school - year round.  Of course, I know this is a gross assessment of the situation but nonetheless worth consideration. 

Two of our oldest institutions are schools and prisons.  I am not suggesting they are one in the same but both are clearly in need of reform.  Let’s not warehouse children and youth in either institution without understood intentionality.  Human development is progressive with a number of ages and stages each with significant import related to healthy adulthood.  Play is developmental in that it allows one to practice being an adult.  Enrichment programs, such as camp, that have been designed to allow young people to play, practice, explore, and experience new actitivites in a safe environment that is intentional and replete with supportive relationships are critical to human development.  Leadership, environmental stewardship, life skills, health and wellness habits, and experiential education that are designed to support and complement academic achievement are cornerstones of the camp community.  Appreciation of the arts and literature (including song), social skills and contribution, citizenship and community responsiblity, physical and emotional health, as well as opportunities to practice critical thinking are important components of a positive camp experience.  These competencies are still important to the American public.  Kids should have the chance to exercise these rights in environments that have demonstrated success.  If we are going to invest dollars - let’s send more kids to enrichment programs like camp.