Who Wants To Go To Makeover Camp?

writergirl
wrote on June 23 2009 @ 06:48 am: [report]

“they will learn to improve their posture, voice, table manners, conversation skills, wardrobe choices, makeup application, hostessing skills and music appreciation.”

How is any of that anti-feminism?  Even the last two aren’t against feminism—hosting events is something that takes skill to do (I’m not talking back yard BBQ’s—but business events) and is an art within itself.  Music appreciation is important if only to be well rounded.

The other skills are necessary when trying to break into the work force.  YOu can’t be dressin’ like a ho and expect to get a job with that Wall Street law firm. 

I think it is great.  It is teaching girls—and boys—manners.  SOmething that is wholly abesent these days. 

I know of an etiquette class being taught near me.  When my son is old enough—he’s going.  All of this is important to know.

writergirl
wrote on June 23 2009 @ 06:49 am: [report]

*absent

Riley
wrote on June 23 2009 @ 06:53 am: [report]

@Writergirl - I agree completely.  There are a lot of people I know/work with that could stand an etiquette lesson.  All the small things add up eventually.

Naneenya
wrote on June 23 2009 @ 07:01 am: [report]

I think I would have loved to go to something like this as an 11 year old girl.

sweetswissjenn
wrote on June 23 2009 @ 07:04 am: [report]

So, can anyone tell me where this camp is? I live in Switzerland, and it would be a great place to send my 14 year-old sister to…

Naneenya
wrote on June 23 2009 @ 07:13 am: [report]

@sweetswissjenn - I did a quick Google search and I think it’s in Montreal.  I’ll do some further research.  Stay tuned.

angelspinning
wrote on June 23 2009 @ 08:40 am: [report]

This sounds like fun! Are there cooking classes, cause I could use some of those…

duckie
wrote on June 23 2009 @ 08:46 am: [report]

I’m not so sure applying makeup is a skill to teach to 10- year-olds to get ahead in life.  While learning to get along in the world is very important, I would like to see a camp who’s goals weren’t so antiquated. Lets say one one that covers critical thinking skill, humanitarian efforts, how to speak your opinion effectively, healthy nutrition and proper exercise, tolerance…

freudxslipped
wrote on June 23 2009 @ 08:54 am: [report]

I feel like most young adults should be sent to these programs.
I’d have loved to myself at that age.

Makeup application doesn’t seem that bad, seeing all of the trashy looking pre-teens/teens running amok with poorly applied purple lidded eyes I would say it’d be rather useful.

VannaMarie
wrote on June 23 2009 @ 08:59 am: [report]

I think someone should have a camp that includes the stuff from the article and what duckie stated! That would be a great way to learn lots of important stuff, and in the right atmosphere (like a summer camp) could be a lot of fun for a girl of that age! Yay for preserving some important etiquette skills (which are missing for so many) and promoting a healthy individual and world!

powplz
wrote on June 23 2009 @ 09:13 am: [report]

I saw this on motherjones the other day, where they were referring to it as “wife camp.”  It just makes me wonder how many people applauding this (not previous commenters, just out there in general) are praising this as a great way to equip kids with life skill that will help them out as adults but hold the opinion I keep hearing over and over that it’s the parents’ job to teach life skills and not schools/other institutions when it comes to sex ed.

duckie
wrote on June 23 2009 @ 09:24 am: [report]

makeup in itself isn’t bad, but teaching young girls that applying makeup at their age (or any age) is an appropriate “power tool”- that was my only point.

@joyy- that is also an excellent point. 

You know the old adage it takes a village to raise a child…
I think that etiquette, morals, values, behavior… all should be taught at home, but it is also helpful to learn things from other people, and in groups of peers.  Sex education done in groups with peers that explores developmental changes, relationships, STIs/prevention of, and birth control methods, how sex fits into their own person morals and values, etc would give young women (and men) the tools they need to make responsible choice, and in a setting where its made apparent that what they are not alone.  And besides- sometimes its hard to talk to your parents- or hard for your parents to talk to you effectively.

bittermelon
wrote on June 23 2009 @ 10:59 am: [report]

I think this could be helpful before interviewing for colleges. Or before going into the work force.

I’m rather uncouth and ill-mannered and it would have been nice to at least learn conversation skills with an adult. My parents (coming from abroad) basically taught me not to ask for anything except water when we ever visited anyone. And to say thank you. That was the extent of my lessons on manners.

writergirl
wrote on June 23 2009 @ 02:54 pm: [report]

Parents definately have a responsibility to teach manners, and I didn’t mean to imply that I am passing that off—my son is very polite.  But from the etiquette class I was referring to, it went further than just please and thank you, open doors for ladies, (don’t criticize me for that one) don’t put your elbows on the table and the like.  I can teach the basics, but because I am constantly reinforcing the basics, the more advanced stuff goes to the wayside.  Also, the more advanced stuff is, to some extent, beyond my ken, so that’s why I want him to take the class.