For parents who group up in the 60’s and 70’s, camp involved extended stays in log cabins, cold showers, limited range of food options, inspiring raids on the camp kitchen, in what seemed like the middle of the night, and ravaging of any delivery of brownies in a box from home. Today, the range of opportunities for our children to experience a variety of sports in a specialized setting, like a college or prep school campus, to international trips to study languages, build structures and take part in preservation of ecological communities in South America and elsewhere is almost incomprehensible. The globalization of camps is here! A one-stop site for parents who want to view an amazing assortment of summer experiences, formerly; known as “camp,” can be found at http://www.kidscamps.com. The site has a plethory of choices, from traditional day camps to adventure, arts, academic, special interest and special needs camps, as well as ;lengthy list of tween and teen programs and tours. One in particular caught my eye, and if time travel were possible this is what I would choose, the teen leadership experience at LifeWorks Service Adventures in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Galapagos (http://www.lifeworks-international.com/galapagos). The program is for children on the cusp of the tween/teen divide starting with age 14 going up to 19. Its goal is to combine community service with cultural exposure and outdoor activities, with a focus on environmental aid through the Galapagos National Parks program. I traveled to Quito and white water rafted down one of the rivers in the Amazon decades ago, and can personally attest to the absolute wonder and beauty of Ecuador. The city of Quito is gorgeous and intimate with its historic architecture and burst of colors that are emblematic of South America. Other interesting sites to check out: http://www.goabroad.com, http://www.westcoastconnection.com and http://www.weissmantours.com. Of course, a properly prepared authorization with important travel details and dates, which is notarized is essential when a child is traveling across U.S.border whether by air, land or sea. Medical authorization should also be in place in the unforeseen emergency with your child’s medical and doctor information handy. Written authorization is necessary whether your child is traveling alone or traveling with a tween or teen tour or summer abroad program, grandparent, relative, sitter or if only one of two parents are traveling with a child abroad. ➢ For information & updates go to: http://travel.state.gov/travel Linda S. Kagan Forms4Travel.com Founder & CEO