Angelyn Paradises

Basically, if you can think of any subject of interest, there's probably a camp that specializes in it. There are camps with activities as traditional as model rocketry and riflery, to those nontraditional as aviation, computers, language studies, golf, martial arts or community service. Each summer, more than 10 million children and counselors attend day camps and overnight summer camps across the country.

The variety of camps available today is almost innumerable, meaning there will be some specialized camps that may have availability left even into the summer. Camps often focus on specialties that include: adventure, art, computer, dance, music, religion, horse riding, sports, theatre, and many others. There are overnight summer camps that are co-ed camps, boy's camps, girl's camps or brother-sister camps where boys and girls may have separate venues and activities.

Some camps have a targeted focus like religious study, academics, and competitive sports. There are overnight summer camps with a focus on self-improvement, weight loss and grief counseling. Selecting the right camp that fits into your child or teen's interests, special interests, needs, special needs and abilities will be one of the first steps

The best overnight summer sports camps do much more than just improve a camper's soccer, tennis, lacrosse, or wrestling skills - they help each child become a more skillful athlete, a more gracious competitor, a more committed team player, and a more confident person. Camps should have at least a 40% to 60% return staff ratio, which shows that the camp is seen as a good place to spend a summer. Some camps are often called adventure camps - having a very specific theme or interest; many of these programs emphasize skill development and personal growth through the adventures the offer.

Children or teens could typically explore subjects new to them like marine science, photography, creative writing, community service, drama, magic, scuba diving, video production, comic book design, crime scene forensics, cooking, yoga, rappelling, etc. College credit courses are very popular at overnight summer camps that typically offer students the opportunity to explore a pre-college experience; usually, students entering grades 10 through 12 stay in college dormitories and attend summer classes run by the college faculty. Check the camper-counselor ratio to determine the number of campers for each counselor.

Although camp counselor jobs don't usually pay very well, usually minimum wage or less, counselors receive free room and board; many take the job primarily for the camping experience. Weight loss camps are for children and teens in order to help them learn about how to lose weight and how to keep it off while having a great overnight summer camp experience. Is there a special topic (e.g. religion, sports, educational, performing arts, arts and crafts) that you hope your child will gain ability and experience in?

Camp tuition can be expensive; similar to travel insurance, there are now insurance policies for families sending their children to overnight summer camp to cover last minute cancellations, homesickness, medical emergencies and emergency evacuations. Get to know the camp director from an in-person visit to your home if possible, phone conversations, email or other correspondence. Consider these industry-recommended guidelines - for smaller children ages 7 and 8, there should be one counselor for every six campers; by age 15, there should be one counselor for every 10 campers.

If you think your child may not be ready for a sleepaway or overnight summer camp, choose a local camp in case you end up having to make a late night pickup in the event he or she gets homesick. Overnight summer camp is often the first time that most children spend a long period of time away from home. The camp experience will have a lasting impression on a child or teen, so there are a number of issues that should be seriously considered when choosing an overnight summer camp or sleepaway camp. Typically an overnight summer camp experience will leave a lot of wonderful memories for the child or teen camper.

It is necessary that you know about various things and keep them in your mind while vacationing with your child. This would ensure that not only you but also the entire family has an enjoyable trip. For example, if the baby is in diapers then you need ample supply of diapers and baby wipes. Safe drinking water for drinking and rinsing out cups is a must. Always take pillows and blankets so that the child is comfortable during the journey.

For children who are old enough, you could carry coloring books, games, and toys which are hassle free and can be played without disturbing others. Interesting books and puzzles for children come in handy to keep them busy. The most important tip of all, of course would be setting up a realistic driving schedule for the day. Most babies and children find it difficult to handle long hours confined in a particular place. Driving more than eight hours per day could affect your health. Try halting every two hours to distress your self.

A mother of two, Jill enjoyed traveling with her children even when they were very small. The entire family enjoyed trips to the park, the lake, beaches and to Disneyland as well. Since most parents enjoy having their children around on a holiday, Jill recommends thoughtful planning for making the trip more fun. That way both children and their parents could have fun.

These days many rest stops have baby changing stations in both men's and women's rest rooms. As a result both the parents can help in changing the child and share the child work.

Sally, a friend and neighbor of Jill's, has also traveled with small children. She suggests, that it is necessary to take frequent breaks so that children do not get bored and irritable. Allowing them to munch on snacks they like fruits or crackers is a sure good way to keep them busy and out of trouble.

You should be careful while traveling with infants. Ask your friends for practical tips on managing small children through out the trip. You could also gather information from what they did on their vacations with kids. Hearing about their experiences would give you ideas and ample scope of learning what to avoid. You could always ask your parents for baby advice as well as consult the local public library for books and magazines related to parenting

Traveling along with your child or other youngsters could make your trip really enjoyable if you can handle it well and make it a happy occasion for everyone involved. Take along a camera or video camcorder so that you can keep a record of the happy memories of the trip for viewing later. Your happy memories and camera pictures could be enjoyed by the kids when they grow up too. Do not forsake the joys of being with your children. Just plan ahead for a fantastic holidays with babies and the entire family together.

When Bangkok residents and those in neighboring provinces like Ayutthaya, Hua Hin and Ratchaburi were gearing up for the hottest season in Thailand, 6 young, adventurous Pinoys set out from Manila to fulfill part of their goal – to tour the whole of South East Asia. Their destination? Thailand!

But little did they know it's going to be more than just a taste of the spiciest meal they've ever had in their life, or that it's going to be more than just a beach experience. Here is a story of six friends who came to Thailand for the first time. Their experiences have been so much more than they hoped and planned for, and how they did it would be something you could learn from if you yourself plans to travel Thailand.

Mark, Vangie, Hencel, Hil, Jeff and Sheryll thought they have done all the research they could lay their hands on to arm them with all that they needed for their Thailand trip. But although they did see parts of Thailand they expected,

nothing prepared them for the scorching, energy-draining heat Thailand is famous for especially in the months of March and April.

"Umaga pa lang, mainit na" (in the morning, it's already hot), the group was saying. And that had an impact on their sight seeing plans. They wanted to do more and see more, but the heat was just too much so they had to catch up on some sleep their first couple of days to have the energy to tackle Bangkok streets thereafter.

Nonetheless, those first couple of days, they experienced the historical architecture of Ayutthaya – Thailand's capital before the Thais moved it to Bangkok, also known as Krungthep in the local language. They also had a taste of Thailand waters and sand in tranquil Hua Hin, which is the King's choice of residence for the summer season. Though they didn't have a chance to bump into royalty while there, they were not the least disappointed. They had a chance to see and experience parts of Thailand other than Bangkok even though it's only their first time to travel Thailand.

The morning after their travels in Ayutthaya and Hua Hin, we met the Pinoy travelers at Wat Pho (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha), and took them to the ever famous Floating Market in Damnoen Saduak.

While having a picturesque moment watching the array of Thai fruits, food and crafts along what is known to some as the 'Venice of the East', the group had some regular Thai noodles (bam-i nam) and enjoyed sticky rice topped with ripe mango (kaw niew ma muang) and the cheap, yet very fresh fruits being sold along the khlong (canal). The sellers were cramped with their goods in narrow wooden boats. Not much time to haggle there for customers, lest the boat with the goods you have your eyes on gets swept by other boats.

And of course, the adventure wouldn't be complete without the boat ride along the khlong (canal).

But the most unforgettable experiences the group had came in contrasts. Nearly at the end of their Thailand travels, the group visited the Grand Palace. There, they were awed by the intricacy of the Thais' handiwork on the walls of the temples.

Literally everything spelled "majestic", and they wondered whether the bright colors and the intricate work are true for all Buddhists or is it only in Thailand.

Apart from the grandiosity of the palaces and temples, the Thais' reverence for their King also made a great impression on the group. To them, it's amazing that despite the apparent modern technology in Thailand, people still have a deep respect for and that they still follow their King.

That same night, the group had an 180-degree turn when their travels took them to yet another infamous place to visit in Thailand – Patpong! There they saw another side of Bangkok that is equally amazing but in a totally different way. Though they had a forewarning that they might meet quite aggressive people who would try to convince them they have the best "pingpong" show that side of the city, nothing prepared them for the real experience.

"They really force you to buy their wares", was one of the comments from the group. "Nakakatakot yung inaapproach ka nila tapos hindi ka nila talaga titigilan.Tsaka hindi ko ininom yung soda (when we watched the show), kasi natatakot ako kung ano yung nakalagay doon"

it's scary when they approach you and they don't easily let you go. And I didn't drink the soda because it's scary to think what could be in it), was yet another member's memory of the group's Patpong experience.

What was unexpected by the group was how the women who worked in Patpong reacted to their work situation: "Nakakagulat sa kanila, parang wala lang" (What was surprising was that it seemed like nothing to them). "In fact, nagtatawanan sila (they were laughing). Parang they don't see it as work na; just something natural. They don't see anything wrong about it".

Before the group came for this trip, they heard many stories about Thailand. Surprisingly though, not much was told about Patpong. Many of the stories the group read in blogs and heard about Thailand were scary, but they've found out, they're not all true. One of them says, just be practical. Have the common sense to take the same precautions sensible travelers would take in any country they visit for the first time.

The group also advises, "Do not limit yourself to Bangkok. Thailand is not beaches. Thailand is not Patpong. Thailand is not temples. Thailand is everything!"

And because of that, this group of 6 friends vows to come back. There is yet more to Thailand that they have not experienced. Next time, they would like to go south and explore the island beaches like Krabi and Phuket. They might also go north where the long-neck tribe and the like lives, and where the climate is so much more forgiving especially for travelers.

In the Philippines the group has also seen many beautiful places. And their Thailand experience has only enhanced whatever is good and beautiful about our country.

And that is one message they would like to convey to others back home: to go places beyond the 7,107 islands (or more) of the Philippines. The purpose is not to promote tourism in other countries, but for Pinoys to appreciate what is good about our own.
And that is one message they would like to convey to others back home: to go places beyond the 7,107 islands (or more) of the Philippines. The purpose is not to promote tourism in other countries, but for Pinoys to appreciate what is good about our own. This way people will have a better understanding of what works in our country and what does not. From there, it would be easier to correct our mistakes because we will have tangible points of comparison.

As the group leaves Thailand with thought provoking memories, they have this to say to Siam Pinoy, "Thank you sa experience sa Thailand. Yung hospitality, hindi namin expected. Pumunta na kami sa ibang lugar na may kakilala pa kami (we've already gone to places where we even know people). But here, we don't even know you, you
don't know us. Yet you spent time for us."

For us in Siam Pinoy, it has been a pleasure. It's not everyday we meet like-minded people. And for those adventurous spirits left back home who plan to unleash themselves in Thailand, here's their piece of advice, "Prepare themselves. Keep an open mind. Ang Thailand, hindi mo right away mahal, e (you don't get to love it right away). But it grows on you. And when they get here, respeto lang sa kultura nila" (just respect their culture).

Pinoy travelers Thailand
The Venice of the East
As the group of 6 friends go back to their different lives in Manila, they will always have their extreme experiences of Thailand to look back to. A part of them would remember the 'cigarette-smoking' and 'pingpong' ladies of the Thailand nightlife who sell entertainment of another kind.

Another part of the group would look back with awe and wonder at the nationalism of a people and the love they have for their King and country. And that national pride is the part of them, which gives rise to those majestic and intricately decorated temples and palaces Thailand is known for the world over. But for one thing, they are a more proud group of Filipino travelers, appreciating more what is Philippines after learning and experiencing what lies beyond our borders.

No matter what the season, Murcia is always a wonderful place to visit. Like all of the cities along the Costa Blanca, the weather is relatively mild all year round. Special natural blessings help to keep the average temperature of the Costa Blanca around 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 Celsius). These blessings include the warm ocean breezes crossing the Mediterranean from Africa and mountains to the west that protect the area from the cold air of the rest of Europe.

The temperatures drop a little during the winter months, but still stay at a temperate 50 degrees Fahrenheit, 10 Celsius. Warm enough to golf, hike or do many other outdoor activities. A light sweater is all you will need during the day, and a jacket at night when it gets a little cooler.

The fall is one of the most times for Murcia weather. Many tourists are gone, so you can enjoy the sights and attractions without the crowds, but still be comfortable with temperatures in the 75 degree range (24 Celsius). Even the water is kind enough to stay warm so late season vacationers can still swim.
You will decide that there is no bad time to visit Murcia and the Alicante. You can't ask for more than predictable, consistent weather ranging from 50 degrees in the winter to 75 degrees in the spring.
What do you pack for your trip to Murcia? One thing for sure, don't leave your bathing suit home. The sun is almost always out, so you will also want a light cover up for on the beach.
Pack a light jacket for almost any time of year, and then add a few layers if you are traveling in fall or winter.

Don't forget about the consistent sunshine, it's a blessing on vacation, but you do have to be careful of your skin. Wear a hat with a brim, as well as sunscreen.

Since there is so much to see and do in Murcia, you will want to have a pair of comfortable walking shoes along on your trip. The city is made for walking and sightseeing, and you can always take your shoes off for those long jaunts along the beach. If you forget any of these items, don't let it bother you. There are many lovely shops in the downtown area where you can buy your essentials reasonably.
What not to pack? An umbrella! The average rainfall in Murcia is a paltry 3 cm a month. You may get as much as 6 cm in the fall or winter, but just duck into a museum if you hit a rainy day.