The OTC Chronicles Stories From a Unique Summer Camp

Two campers. One with snow cone and pink hair. The other with funky hat and blue teeth from snow cone.

Connection, Belonging and the Importance of Having Anchors in Teenagers’ Lives

By Adam Simon | January 23, 2019 |

The positive impact of even one adult in a teen’s world can be life-changing. In video 6 of 8, Amy talks about our need for connection and the importance of teens having at least one person who sees and “gets” them. Amy calls these people anchors. I know all parents want to be anchors in…

Do Cell Phones Belong at Summer Camp?

By Adam Simon | December 27, 2018 |

The trauma of taking away kids’ “magic phones” at camp I know that’s a little dramatic, but that’s how it feels watching kids hand their cell phones over to their parents when they are dropped off at camp. I think I got that “magic phone” term from the comedian Norm McDonald (one of my favorites).…

The Dark Tunnel of Adolescent Evolution (Part 1): Why Parents Need to Stay in The Game

By Adam Simon | May 14, 2018 |

  Introducing an 8-part series to help parents This is the first of an eight-part interview series I conducted with Amy Frisch, a wonderful therapist who has been leading teenage girls’ groups for over twenty years. In this segment, we discuss teenagers’ challenges as they leave their childhood behind. The dark tunnel Amy calls it…

Nurturing the Teen Spirit While Living in a Uncertain World

By Adam Simon | May 10, 2018 |

  One of the things that struck me in this segment (#7) with Amy is the importance of recognizing that while teenagers may look and sound like adults, they are not. Our world may feel more unpredictable and more dangerous than ever, and kids may grow up quicker than ever, but we still need to…

Thoughts on Gender and How Kids Can Help us Grow if We Allow it to Happen

By Adam Simon | May 9, 2018 |

  I love this segment with Amy. It’s short, but she touches on several things we, as parents, would be well served to keep in mind. When talking about gender and sexuality, Amy says, almost as an aside …   I love that she said that, and it is something I will keep in mind…

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Find Out About Odyssey Teen Camp

A Non-Profit Overnight Summer Camp For Teens Ages 13-18
Located in the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts.

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