New Camp Kid-Again strong-arms aging

Release Date: 06/09/06
Sarah Fleener
Budgeteer News

Nature hikes, roasting s'mores, river rafting and bug bites.
Ah ... the sweet subtleties of summer camp.
And things will be no different at the College of St. Scholastica's new Camp Kid-Again - except the kids will be exactly that - kids, again.
Camp Kid-Again is a brand new initiative aiming to give minimally active adults the opportunity to engage in all of Duluth's outdoor activities.
Local founders, Judy and Gary Gordon, hope to redefine ideas about aging through Camp Kid-Again. In fact, Carol Cohen, the camp's 75-year-old camp instructor, doesn't even relate to the term "senior citizen."
"I don't think the term 'senior citizen' means the same thing anymore," she said. "I'd like to just take the senior part off for a while longer."
The camp focuses on physical, mental and spiritual wellness, all with an air of playfulness.
"Physical activity should be fun - not work or drudgery," said Judy Gordon, the camp's activity director and co-founder. Judy's focus will be on behavioral and lifestyle changes.
The line up of activities includes: yoga, tai chi, aerobics, white water rafting, meditation, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, biking and naps.
Campers will stay for a week, July 23 to 29, in the CSS's new on-campus apartments. The cost is $600 and includes three healthy meals a day, all the activities and housing.
Judy's husband, Gary, is a exercise physiologist and a former physical therapist. He is also a professor at the CSS, and it was this connection that allowed Camp Kid-Again to receive $5,000 from the college's Venture Fund. The fund grants money annually to innovative and self-sustaining projects.
CSS's psychology, gerontology and nursing departments are also lending expertise to the camp.
"If I could do anything for people, it would be to delay chronic pain to the last week of their lives. An active lifestyle helps to keep all functions a go, and it keeps attitudes positive," said Gary, who is the camp's director.
The Gordon's believe the camp is certainly innovative and self-sustaining because there is nothing like it in the area, and it is already gaining the attention of locals and active adults around the country.
"I think this is a great opportunity for the tourism industry in this area," Judy said.
The camp also realizes the importance of rest and safety and has scheduled ample time for rest and relaxation as well as a graduated activity level for the participants.
"There is also a physical assessment test that will determine whether or not a participant needs to see a doctor before camp," Gary said.
Though this year is the pilot program for Camp Kid-Again, the Gordon's already have plans to expand the program next year into four sessions including a singles, couples and mother/daughter week. This year's camp is for women only.
For more information on Camp Kid-Again, visit, http://www.css.edu/Campkid-again.xml. There is still limited space available, if interested, call (800) 447-5444 or e-mail Gary at ggordon @css.edu.