Camp Cyber Camp The best way to search on the Internet for the right camp and some interesting spots to check out. ELIZABETH APPLEBAUM AppleTree Editor I n the beginning, there was the seemingly unambiguous word, camp." To just about everyone, it conjured fond memories — or future dreams — of hot summer days at the pool, drinking lemonade, new friends and bunks, sing-alongs and campfires. Then the Internet came along. Type in the word "camp" on any search engine and you will receive literally thousands — sometimes up to 50,000 — potential sites. On the Internet camp" can mean anything from Girl Scout cookbooks to the best trout-fish- ing spots for retired seniors. And, of course, there are the dreaded homepages, where you can actually find something like "Ed's Camp Page," a col- lection of photos including Ed's son and "his beautiful wife Liz," plus daughter Melanie and all the grandparents. Even if you limit your list to, say, "Jewish camps," you're likely to be over- whelmed. The search engine HotBot alone will bring in more than 10,060 possibilities. So how does a parent make the best use of the Internet when looking for camps, and maybe even have a little fun, too? The first step is narrowing your list down before even getting on the computer. Here are some questions to consider: • Do you want to send your child to a Jewish camp? If so, your best bet is to visit the homepage or camp information page of the movement to which you are affiliated. Jewish camp people are virtu- ally always pleasant, and most will be more than willing to help you find the perfect camp for you — even if it's not affiliated with their movement. REFORM — shamash.org/reform/uahc/youth/camps .html CONSERVATIVE — camprarnah.comPtesting.htm ORTHODOX — www.ou.org./NCSY/default.htm " " Other key words to type in if you're in search of a Jewish camp: B'nai B'rith and Jewish Federation, both of which sponsor a number of overnight and day camps nationwide. Or, try the Camps Page on Kosher Delight, which has information on vari- ous camps throughout the United States and Israel. This great site has informa- tion about Reform, Conservative and Orthodox camps, Young Judea and YMHA/YWHA camps and many more. See: wwvv.kosherdelight.com/jewish- campspage.htm. • Ifyou're looking for a sports camp, narrow it down to a single, or primary, field of interest. Whatever you do, don't type in the words "sports camp" on the Internet because the list is never-ending. (At latest count, there are 12,600 spots for "horseback riding camp" alone.) One good general site to check out is offered by the Athletes Edge, where you can select sport, location and gender. Visit: wwvv.athletesecige.com/sports- camps.htm • Consider whether you want your child nearby, or whether distance is not an issue. If you prefer that your child stay in Michigan, type in the state name, along with "camp," when you start browsing the Internet. • Think derail, detail, detail. Words you might want to type in alongside camp" include "overnight," "day" and/or "summer. • Consult the experts. Professional organizations often sponsor camps, or can give you excellent advice about the best ones to consider. Independent groups also have Web sites that are useful. For example, there's a great spot for fans of soccer at: (vvww.soccercampguide.com), which includes both a directory and review of many camps and soccer clinics. • Try one of the Web sites that offer general information about all kinds of camps worldwide. Here, you can type in a keyword that will give you more infor- mation, and be able to select from " Nerszatie: Lamp.sweat - summer tamp se4rettuto 3 .fa Home Q4 St•erctl Nelsoair knaws Forward Reload Locat on a Pflot Stottritsi Stc9 tolet's Related [Mir, livsire.carnpsearch.corn/ CAMP SEARCH •• 711<^...coo,c;', Enoloq$ Fes' Caer.p.:<' "MMOMIVARVAM: 4-1kitAR4490t "N. Residential Camps Outdoor Education taiiiing : Environmental . USA : Canada. 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N','..:Mia::RN2`24.4MR,Mii:ia'a:*Anw:z&Vgi,W*V4VMLA.XwMs\V:::Wg-302,k,W overnight or day camps, specific regions and various costs. www.summercamp/com and vvww.campsearch.com (The introducto- ry page provides information on resi- dential and day camps, specialty camps — including opportunities for children with attention and learning disabilities — adult camps and more. To request specific information, though, it's best to check on the "CampMall" and type in a keyword.) Now that all those pesky little chores are out of the way, it's time for adventure. What's fun about searching for camps on the Internet is what's always most fun about being on the Internet: you never know quite what you'll find, and you can find just about everything. If you, or your child, has ever had a dream of trying something new and unusual, camp is a great place to get started. And where else could you find camps to develop new and unusual skills but on the Internet? Consider some of these: • Baseball in Israel: This sleep- away camp would have been par- adise for the young Hank Greenberg. Check it out at: www.campsearch.corn/test/N491_Gra nd_Slam_Baseball_Camp.cfm (also accessible through wwwcampsearch). • Up In The Air: Ever envision your- self high on the flying trapeze? See Lake Greeley Camp in the Pocono I z (Pennsylvania) Mountains. The Web site shows daring souls high up in the air and promises, "It's Fun!" "It's Unique!" "It's a Thrill!" Visit Lake Greeley Camp at: vvwvv.lakegreeley.com/trap.htm • A Slide Show Worth Watching: Learn about Camp Tzion in Israel by visiting its online slideshow at: www.intertournet.co.ilhzion/ • What's Up Your Sleeve?: If your child is a budding David Copperfield, "The Magic Camp" may be just what you're looking for. You can see it at: www.magiccamp.corn. • Oh Romeo, Wherefore Art Thou?: Perhaps at this camp, Juliet. Looking for a camp that will help your budding young thespian? See Shakespeare's Company at: wvvw.giftedandtalented.org/ORG/cam ps/shakespeare.html • C'est Bon: If you're looking for an international, but not too distant, opportunity, see Ekocamp in Canada, where children will enjoy many sports activities and learn French. Visit: www.campsearch.com/test/F48_Ekoca mp_International.cfrn (also accessible through www.campsearch). • Home, Home On The Farm: Future farmers, check out this Colorado working farm and ranch where you will participate in all the real farm activities: www.summer camps.com/LittleCrow.html fl