Table of Contents
Foreword Tina Payne Bryson, PhD ix
Introduction: What Parents Can Learn from Summer Camp xv
The "Magic" of Summer Camp 1
They Call Me "Sunshine" 4
Strategies for Bringing the Magic of Camp Home 7
Camp Secret #1 Connection Comes First 10
Camp Secret #2 Catch Them Doing Something Right 37
Camp Secret #3 Positive Practices Produce Optimistic Kids 65
Camp Secret #4 All Kids Can Be More Independent (Even Clingy Homebodies!) 82
Camp Secret #5 Grit Is Grown Outside the Comfort Zone 102
Camp Secret #6 Kids Are More Capable Than Parents Think They Are 129
Camp Secret #7 Kids Thrive with Structure 153
Camp Secret #8 Make It Cool to Be Kind 173
Camp Secret #9 Coach Kids to Better Friendships 195
Final Thoughts: The Magic of Family 217
Acknowledgments 221
Resources:
Bringing Camp Home Activities 225
Camp Secrets Recap 226
Family Meetings 230
Questions for Connection 232
Undesired Behaviors and Skills to Build 234
VIA Character Strengths 235
Household Task Audit 236
Ready for Adulthood Checklist 237
Social Skills Checklist 242
Notes 243