Moms Talk Around Town: Camps, Proms, Gadgets & Bullying

West Bloomfield, Farmington, Farmington Hills

Christy Forhan: "Our family has been a fan of YMCA camps for years. Metro Detoit operates 2 traditional summer camps, one near Holly -- Camp Ohiyesa, and one in Oscoda -- Camp Nissokone. Both offer day camp and resident camp, plus specialty camps such as Leaders in Training for young high schoolers and Ranch Camp for horse fans. Family Camp is held Memorial Weekend and Labor Day Weekend and is always a sell-out. Get more information at http://www.ymcadetroit.org.
"For a great family camping experience, we look to the State Recreation Areas. Each one is established next to some body of water, so you can fish, boat, or just float the day away on a dollar-store raft. If you aren't afraid to survive w/out electricity and plumbing, SRAs are wonderful--serene, usually uncrowded, and as close to nature as you can get. We especially enjoyed Lake Leverentz and the one near Rose City. If you need more amenities when you camp, the State Parks offer showers and electric hook-ups, but you'll have to tent among the motorhomes and trailers." 

Vera Lucksted: "We've had many positive experiences with the Heritage Park Camps offered through Farmington Hills Special Services. Also, if you have a child in 5th grade - 8th grade the summer program at the Ice Arena Youth Center is an absolute BARGAIN. Cannot beat it. I haven't paid attention to accreditation for day camps, I look at the camper/counselor ratio and the activities offered for children. Also, I really wish they'd offered that MAGIC camp at OCC when I was a kid. Can they do one for grown up women? Please?" 

Fenton

Ellie Shansky: "Much of that teenage experience is about independence, struggling for a way to distinguish themselves from their parents and the adult world in general, while still striving to be adults themselves. The best we can do is alert them to all the factors involved in the most neutral way possible. Renee Hard: My husband and I would give our child the same advice for any other outing; we don’t think prom should be the only time parents give advice about dancing, drinking, drugs, and sex. We would reiterate the importance of contacting us, another adult, or trusted friend if any out of control situations occurred."

Birmingham

Pam Houghton: "The only gadgets my kids have are smartphones and laptops (funny how I say ONLY). But I hear some kids do bring iPads, Kindles, notebooks (those smaller laptop thingies), etc. I think it's okay. The kids are so much more computer/tech literate than we are - and they need the mindset that keeps them up to speed with technology."

Rochester

Dawn: "What is included in the policy is exactly what all experts in this subject suggest. The policy is appropriate, how it will be implemented is where break downs can occur."

Joshua Raymond: "Actually, it is taken from federal guidelines regarding non-discrimination. While the list may be appropriate for adults in the workplace, I don't believe it reflects the reality of social life in school. I would doubt that most of the characteristics listed in the policy are the ones children are being bullied over in our schools."