The Ultimate Fine Arts Experience at Long Lake Camp for the Arts

Long Lake Camp for the Arts transcends the typical summer camp experience to become an extraordinary sanctuary of creativity, self-expression, and individual growth within the natural wonder of the Adirondacks. Each child’s artistic narrative is not only embraced but also celebrated every day of the summer. Continue reading “The Ultimate Fine Arts Experience at Long Lake Camp for the Arts”

Odyssey Teen Camp

girls smiling at summer camp

2024 update:

Odyssey Teen Camp: Transformative Journeys Begin Here

Piecing together the recipe for a truly unique summer camp experience, Odyssey Teen Camp (OTC) lays down a foundation built on kindness, compassion, and the celebration of diversity. Born in 2002, OTC aimed to cultivate a space where judgment and competition bow out to make room for an environment that radiates acceptance and understanding. The legacy stretches beyond a ‘just another summer camp’ experience to a transformative journey.

Embrace Your Best Self

Crowning the camp’s greatest asset is its absolute absence of judgment, a sentiment echoed repeatedly over the years. As camp founder and executive director, Adam Simon states, “When teens are freed from judgment and emotional stress, they have the opportunity to relax and become their best selves.” This mantra fuels the core essence of OTC, making it a million miles more than a mere summer retreat.

A Look Back: The Odyssey Journey

Quickly blooming from a modest gathering of 70 campers in its inaugural year, OTC ascended to averaging 250 campers annually under Simon’s dynamic leadership. Never faulted from its mission, OTC prides itself on offering teens the best summer of their lives. The camp represents more than summer fun—it’s an arena where teenagers can find their own tribe, leave self-doubt behind, and walk away as a more confident version of themselves.

Camp Life: More than Just Activities

Each session brings together approximately 150 campers from ages 13 to 18 for 2- or 4-week sessions, with over half being first-time campers. Within the camp’s safe fold, the custodianship of two full-time, experienced registered nurses ensures holistic care right from dispensing medications to addressing emergencies. Housing accommodations respectfully consider each camper’s unique identity, helping everyone feel right at home.

Embracing the ‘Unplugged’ Experience

OTC distinguishes itself by adhering to a no-electronics policy, encouraging face-to-face connections amongst campers over the convenience of tech-led communications. Amid the cacophony of a digital-age life, campers thrive in the tranquility of simplicity, fostering genuine relationships and creating memories that last a lifetime.

Find out more about how OTC can transform your teen’s summer experience today!

Original blog 2020:

Odyssey Teen Camp, a sleep-away camp in the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts, offers a safe, judgment-free summer home for teenagers to blossom and have fun. Continue reading “Odyssey Teen Camp”

Explore the Diversity of Fishing: Types and Practices Across the USA

The United States boasts some of the world’s most diverse and compelling fishing opportunities, with a vast array of species and environments to explore. Whether you’re a seasoned angler seeking new challenges or a novice eager to learn, now is the time to discover the multitude of fishing types that the USA has to offer.

The Types of Fishing Common in the USA

There’s a significantly broad range of fishing types practiced across the USA, each with its unique allure, techniques, and preferred locations.

Freshwater Fishing

From tranquil lakes to winding rivers, freshwater fishing is an angler’s gateway to a world teeming with game fish species like bass, trout, and crappie. Techniques vary from conventional rod and reel combinations to fly fishing, offering endless opportunities for exploration.

Saltwater Fishing

The coastal waters of the USA present exciting challenges and lucrative catches such as tuna, sea bass, and marlin. Saltwater fishing includes shore fishing, pier fishing, and deep-sea fishing, promising adrenaline-fueled adventures and picturesque views.

Ice Fishing

Popular in the northern states during winter, ice fishing invites hearty anglers to brave the cold in pursuit of species like walleye, pike, and perch. Essential equipment includes an ice auger, shelter, and a spirit of adventure.

Popular Fishing Destinations in the USA for Each Fishing Type

Freshwater Destinations

  • Lake St. Clair, Michigan: Renowned for stellar bass fishing.
  • White River, Arkansas: A mecca for fly fishermen seeking brown trout.

fly fishing USA summer camps

Saltwater Destinations

  • Outer Banks, North Carolina: Offers excellent shore fishing opportunities.
  • Gulf of Mexico in Florida: A hub for deep-sea fishing aficionados.

salt water fishing gulf coast florida summer camps

Ice Fishing Destinations

  • Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin: Considered one of the best ice fishing spots.

Tips and Techniques for Different Types of Fishing

Imparting advice for every type of fishing would be a herculean task, but here are a few general tips:

  • Consult local regulations and respect the environment and marine life.
  • Use appropriate gear for the type of fishing and species you’re targeting.
  • Learn essential knots and handling practices to ensure the safety and health of your catch.
  • Practice patience. Fishing is as much about the overall experience as it is about the catch.

From the icy stillness of northern lakes to the sun-drenched shores of coastal seas, the USA offers diverse and exciting fishing opportunities. With so many options to explore and places to visit, every fishing trip is a chance for a new adventure. So gear up, practice your technique, and get ready to cast — there’s plenty of fish in America’s waters. For more insights on fishing, gear recommendations, and location guides, check out our other blog posts or subscribe to our monthly newsletter. Happy fishing!

Learn How To Fish: Candlewood Fishing Summer Camp

Ultimate fishing experience for young anglers.

Dr. Rand Certain’s Van Alstyne Music Academy: Unleashing Musical Potential

Van Alstyne, Texas is home to a vibrant historic downtown, beautiful city parks, and unique shops and businesses—but until recently, the town did not have a school of music.

When Dr. Rand Certain, Owner of Plano-based Certain Music, moved to Van Alstyne in 2020, he decided to open a second location in the town, teaching students from his home studio. Certain Music also hired an assistant piano and violin teacher, Gabby Aguirre, and a  viola viola and assistant piano teacher, Dr. Steven Beall, to help with the Plano Studio, and began offering virtual lessons. After teaching private violin and piano lessons to North Texas students for more than 27 years, Dr. Certain is excited to bring his growing music school to the Van Alstyne community.

Image

“Music is a universal language, and the spirit of learning music helps any individual grow exponentially—emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually,” says Dr. Certain. “I am always proud to see the progress a student makes on their instrument, and in their confidence.”

 By providing virtual classes, Certain Music offers its students a safe, contactless way to learn a new instrument. Through one-on-one video instruction with a live instructor, students can enjoy a personalized learning experience that is very similar to an in-person private lesson.

“In the midst of the pandemic, I was looking for something different and interesting to do—and since we had a piano at home, I thought I would give learning it a try,” says Ketan Ambani, a new Certain Music student. “At the age of 47, and without a single ‘musical bone’ in my body, I wasn’t sure where this would go—but I am so glad I decided to do it. We are doing sessions by video, and yet Dr. Certain has an uncanny ability to understand how I am feeling and adjust his teaching style accordingly. I have been very happy with the lessons, and have learned a lot under his tutelage.”

Although many students are choosing virtual lessons, private face-to-face classes are still available. Certain Music offers one-on-one classes, which can reduce potential exposure compared to group classes. The music school teaches students as young as three, up to age 93, and many families have multiple students enrolled.

“We have been with Certain Music for almost 14 years now, and our three children play both the piano and the violin interchangeably,” says Gabriella Aguirre. “It has been such a delight to see them growing with music as their friend under Dr. Certain’s guidance and teaching.”

Prior to the pandemic, Certain Music held annual student recitals at Plano Courtyard Theater in Plano—and for 13 years in a row, students played at the Plano Starbucks on Coit Road each December. In 2020, formal recitals were suspended, but students still took advantage of opportunities to perform, while following COVID-19 safety protocols. St. Paul Lutheran Church in Plano invited the school’s violin students to play for their congregation in September. Students prepared and practiced the music individually, and spread out to practice and perform, wearing masks and practicing proper social distancing. In December, 14 violin students from Certain Music played at the outdoor Christmas tree lighting in downtown Van Alstyne. The large stage provided plenty of space for students and their teachers to stand safely spaced apart, and all Certain Music participants wore masks.

For Madelyn Wheat, a new Certain Music student from Van Alstyne, the performance was an opportunity to challenge herself. “A public performance wasn’t really something I’d have thought I’d do when I set out to learn, but it was a great experience and I look forward to doing it again,” she said.

Wheat had originally been a brass player in her school band but wanted to learn violin because she enjoyed Celtic / folk fiddle music. “At first, a delicate stringed instrument terrified me and I had no idea where to begin. In just six months, I have come a long way in learning to play. Dr. Certain is kind and patient with me, and has gone out of his way to make sure I have access to Irish/Celtic tunes, knowing they are what and why I want to play.”

Certain Music proves a traditional style of music education, offering private lessons in Violin, Piano, Music Theory, and Conducting. For younger students, the studio provides family-style teaching, including the parent or parents, who can participate in learning the instrument along with their children. This may mean re-introducing an instrument to a parent who has previously played or studied the violin, and giving them the opportunity to accompany their child. Lessons balance music theory and technical skills with music playing.

“It has been more than three months since Dr. Certain began mentoring my son, Arjun, in piano, and I already see great progress in his technical abilities and musicality as a whole,” says Sriram Guruswamy. “Arjun has started to love piano and never misses his practice time, thanks to Dr. Certain’s frequent encouragement.”

Dr. Certain himself began learning violin at age two, during a lesson with the famed Shinichi Suzuki, founder of the international Suzuki method of music education. He went on to train under many of the world’s most respected teachers, including Franklin and Dorothy Washburn, Laura Crawford, Samuel Applebaum, Yehudi Menuhin, and Ivan Galamian. Dr. Certain holds Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in Violin Performance from Centenary College’s Hurley School of Music, as well as a Ph.D. in Musicology from the University of North Texas.

Dr. Certain has performed with the Dallas Symphony, Richardson Symphony, East Texas Symphony, Marshall Symphony, and Shreveport Symphony. He has shared the stage with Violinists Itzhak Perlman, Sir Yehudi Menuhin, and Eugene Fodor, as well as Pianist Dave Brubeck, Fiddlin’ Frenchie Burk, Chubby Wise, and Randy Travis. He is a member of the Grayson County Music Teachers Association, Plano Music Teachers Association, National Music Teachers Association, American String Teachers Association, and the National Association of Schools of Music.

Dr. Certain is also an ordained minister and is grateful to God for the gift of music. “Whether I’m teaching Violin, Piano, or the Bible, God has given me the ability to connect with individuals, sense what they are feeling, and have a down-to-earth conversation with them,” Dr. Certain says. “I will be loving, caring, and respectful, and will listen to them and help them learn. First, trust is created. Then, there is a connection of gently teaching that student. When you are in an environment that is caring, loving and respectful, you will feel at ease and able to learn. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to share the joy of music with others.”

View business profile

Serenity Show Stables

Serenity Show Stables Summer Camp

Looking for a summer camp near you that offers a unique learning experience focused on horsemanship? Look no further than our Summer Camp! Our day camp offers much more than just riding lessons. Campers will learn about all aspects of horsemanship in a safe, fun, and friendly environment. Our goal is to create memories that will last a lifetime. So if you’re searching for summer camps near me, consider enrolling your child in our Summer Camp for an unforgettable experience. Continue reading “Serenity Show Stables”