Upcoming Etiquette Camps

Etiquette & Life Skills Training Summer Camp Details

Who: Children, ages 5-13. Space for each week of camp is limited to 12 students!

Children’s Etiquette and Why it Matters

All family members desire a “well-brought-up” child. In reality, children are boisterous with anarchic energy. While we love our children, society does not accept bad manners, and children who display disorderly conduct are frowned upon. Misbehaved children are not acceptable (even if people act as if they accept them). Society often sees children as monstrous when they are desperate for attention.

Manners are quintessential. Children are like sponges…if they see it, they will follow. As a parent, the more time you invest in them, the more they will display social graces. It is the responsibility of all parents to brief their children, to teach them manners and to equip them for society. Every parent must carry the responsibility to teach manners to their child. You can make an invaluable difference in your children’s lives by setting a good example for them. Remember, instruct them and invest your love and time.

In my camp, I focus on teaching foundational manners through example, and emphasize respect, consideration and poise in all settings. My lessons include proper table manners such as using cutlery, chewing with mouth closed, proper conversation and polite behavior when visiting restaurants. I emphasize that games, iPads and all electronics are never acceptable at the table. This is rude, since the table is a time for connections and building relationships with family and friends.

I also teach a session on gracious conduct during sports events, travel and on how to be the Perfect Guest. The last day is about respect for family, teachers and authority. Essentials such as “Yes Sir” and “Yes Ma’am” are taught as well as proper introductions and the importance of standing when someone enters the room.

Key Principles of Camp with Lisa Burdette

Respect – Honor your father, mother and authority figures such as teachers, police and firefighters. Special attention is placed why it is important to honor grandparents.

Visiting / Travel Behavior – In my class, the emphasis is not as much on protocols as it is on teaching the importance of a servant’s heart. Focus is placed on how to have an attitude of “What can I do to serve?” and not on “What do you have for me?” I teach children how to display a sincere interest in those they are visiting (grandparents, friends or anyone on their travels) and to accept graciously whatever is served to them.

Sportsmanship – I will teach children how to be gracious winners and losers, and to be thankful when receiving gifts or awards. We will cover the need to avoid bragging and tantrums.

Social Occasions – A lesson is taught on how to act at weddings, funerals, religious events and all other social events.

A Servant’s Heart – Manners are the way we make others feel. In this lesson, I will discuss the importance of showing an interest in the lives of others (and not focusing on ourselves). Young or old, everyone seeks attention. When we focus on the needs of others, we are happy people who thrive on the happiness of others. In those moments, we will find true joy. A theme for this lesson will be, “How to keep your bucket full so that you can fill the buckets of others.”

Student Requirements:

• Children will dress in their “Sunday Best” attire every day.
• Assignments will be given daily to students.
• Children will give a presentation of themselves for 3-5 minutes.
• Children will be prepared to experience fine dining and will learn proper etiquette for afternoon tea (food costs not included).

Parental Responsibilities:

On the last day of each week of camp, parents are invited to attend lunch with their child so that all lessons can be reiterated in the home. When practiced in the home with Mom and Dad, manners will be evident with all.