Betty Lutt: A Camping Legend

Posted By: Kelly Marston on 3/9/2010

This evening I got to meet Betty Lutt who founded Camp Cazadero with her husband Bob in 1957.  She knew our founders, Abe and Eve Crittenden, as Plantation was just 5 years old when the Lutt's founded their camp.  She is a visionary and a person who is dedicated to creating an excellent camp experience year in and year out.  Over the years that I've run Plantation, many people have asked if it is "Camp Caz", a music camp that is nestled in the redwoods about 45 minutes inland from Plantation.  While I've explained the difference and that we are out on the coast, etc it has also given me a sense of connection with Camp Cazadero.

So, you can imagine how gratifying it was when Betty not only knew of our program, but commented that it was a special place and that she thought it was an excellent camp.  Our camps focus on very different program elements (we don't have symphony musicians on staff and they aren't on a farm nor do they have the range of activities) yet, at the core, we are camps that are committed to helping kids have a rewarding summer where they grow, learn new skills, and become more confident individuals.

The freedom to wonder

Posted By: Kelly Marston on 3/5/2010

Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods, has shown how important it is to allow kids to connect with nature.  In doing so we let their imagination's grow, they learn more (and retain it), and become more resilient.  In this interview he talks about the simple quality of wonder that a child experiences while exploring under rocks, trees, in the grass, out in nature.

Want to be a better person?

Posted By: Kelly Marston on 3/1/2010

New research from four studies shows that spending time in nature will help make you a better person.  So on top of all the benefits that have been proven for going to camp, a wilderness program like Plantation's will make you a more caring person. "Stopping to experience our natural surroundings can have social as well as personal benefits," says Richard Ryan, coauthor and professor of psychology, psychiatry and education at the University of Rochester.

Being exposed to natural as opposed to man-made environments leads people to value community and close relationships and to be more generous with money. The richness and complexity of natural environments may encourage introspection and the lack of man-made structures provide a safe haven from the man-made pressures of society. "Nature in a way strips away the artifices of society that alienate us from one another," says Przybylski.

We're finding out more ways that being outdoors and in direct contact with nature benefits every child. A session at camp provides one of the richest opportunities for a chlld today to immerse themselves in nature. As camp provides time to hike, swim, try new activities, and make new friends, it is helping to shape more compassionate and caring people.

Why summer camp according to the Chicago Tribune

Posted By: Kelly Marston on 2/25/2010

The title "Making a case for camp: This summer institution is old-fashioned — and as relevant as ever", speaks for itself.  In his article Josh Noel talks about the daily rituals, special moments, and the overall quailty of feeling a part of a genuine community.  Even though the article is talking about a camp in Michigan, it very well could have been Plantation.  The very sentiments that are expressed by campers in the article are deeply held at Plantation too.

"In the togetherness, idiosyncrasies are forgiven. Peer pressure dissipates, or as much as it can at the age of 14. Material things prized back home are made moot. What good is a PS3 at camp?

And judgment is withheld. Don't believe it?

"I don't have many friends at school," said Roberto Soto, 13, of Guadalajara, Mexico. "I like to read, and in Mexico reading is considered nerdy, and if you're a nerd, you're considered an outcast. Here, people are from a lot more places and everyone is open."

Anyone who has been to summer camp knows that the relationships are like few others. Friendships form quickly, intensely and with open minds."

And, what would a day be like without John's puns, the seventh "thank you" announcement, a reminder that pigs don't eat peach pits, and the knowledge that everyone is listening to you with respect.  From the outside, camp can seem like a bunch of people living outside, doing chores, making craft projects, and hiking in the woods.  What can be missed is the magic essence of the community that forms while at camp that allows kids the space to grow, restores energy and builds the foundation for future pursuits.  While that might seem like lofty goals for summer camp, that is what we strive to provide each and every day at Plantation Farm Camp.

www.chicagotribune.com/features/family/sc-fam-0218-camp-20100221,0,7845865,full.story

Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the American Camp Association

Posted By: Kelly Marston on 2/23/2010

Camps and the ACA have come a long way, but the heart of camping is still the deeply held belief that a summer at camp will transform a child's life.  Every day at camp is a chance to grow, learn, explore, and develop the skills that help us become the people who can and do change the world.

Congratulations ACA!

Camp Standards and Accreditation

Posted By: Kelly Marston on 1/22/2010

Who makes sure a camp is run safely? Are you a licensed camp?  Who licenses summer camps?  The truth is that in most states, including California, do not have any oversight beyond the health department's visit. Unless, of course they are accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA), the national organization of camp professionals dedicated to defining the most important best practices of quality camp programs.

This is an elective program that is rigorous and one that the best camps in the country undergo. The ACA provides best practices that have been gathered from thousands of member camps over 100 year and has defined industry and government-recognized standards for summer camps.

So, what does that mean to campers and their families? 

In my opinion, everything!  The safety and well-being of every camper at Plantation is always John and my first priority.  Being an accredited camp means all aspects of our camp -- our program, business, and food service, and staff training -- have been evaluated by independent professionals. 

As a parent, that means that you have the ACA's assurance that we are running camp to the highest standards.  The ACA website's Parent Home where you can learn more.  You know that we meet or exceed industry standards for safety, training, camper supervision, to name a few.

As an "ACA accredited" summer camp, it means that Plantation is run according to the policies, procedures, and practices that have been accepted as the best in the industry.  We have regular inspections of the site and have outside professionals review our camp practices, our last one was just this past summer in 2009.

If it seems daunting to have someone come in and look over your shoulder, it is a bit.  But, then again when you are caring for someones children that only seems reasonable to me. The scrutiny of accreditation is an important part of every quality camp program.  I know that we are in good hands as this is John's 16th year overseeing Plantation's accreditation and we have always gotten 100%!

Welcoming 2010 at the farm

Posted By: Kelly Marston on 1/3/2010

The blue skies, green fields, and then a bright moon rising over the trees greeted us. Quite a way to ring in 2010.  We had work to do with the 15 new lambs, the ones in the picture are just 2 days old, as well the rest of the flock. So we herded them into the corral, docked tails, trimmed hooves, and gave medicine.

All of this was done with the help of much of our senior staff.  Some are from the Bay Area and so it was an easy trip to visit, but others were in from Illinois and even England (yes, that really is Oliver).  It was so great to see everyone -- as good as it gets!

Summer still feels distant, but our staff is is already coming together and getting excited for another fabulous season.  Campers are signing up, and we will be hosting more open houses at camp this spring.  Stay tuned for more updates soon!

2010 Camp Calendar

Posted By: Kelly Marston on 12/29/2009

Looking forward to the new year is the perfect time to reflect on the wonderful memories from last year.  The 2010 calendar has pictures from the 2009 summer and important dates for the coming year -- when First and Second Session begin and end, Visitor Day, enrollment deadlines.  We hope that you enjoy it!

Help the Milo Foundation

Posted By: Kelly Marston on 5/24/2009

Plantation has a strong connection to the Milo Foundation -- many of our camp puppies and kittens over the past five years are from Milo and Lynne Tingle, the founder, and her family have been a part of the Plantation family for years as campers, parents, and staff. Lynne founded the Milo Foundation "to rescue adoptable at-risk animals, match them to homes best suited to provide lifetime care, rehabilitate those who need it, offer sanctuary to those who are not placed, and educate the public about responsible pet guardianship, including spay/neuter".

Now, the Milo Foundation needs our help to conitnue its amazing mission. Watch this ABC News video to learn more: