Etiquette camper: 'I'm more polite'

Cary, N.C. — It's that time of year when many parents start thinking about summer camps or track-out camps for children on year-round schedules.

Many camps feature sports or arts or computers, but one Cary business owner is teaching kids a different set of skills at her camp: etiquette.

On the weekends, Carmen Miller runs themed birthday parties for girls at “Pinky Toes Party Palace.” During the week, she runs behavior camps for girls and boys, ages 10 to 13.

Children are taught to keep their elbows off the table while eating, how to use the correct utensils and to pass bread and cut food properly, among other things.

“The point about etiquette is to make people more comfortable. I think the more knowledge you have, the more empowered you are,” Miller said.

The weeklong class teaches kids about confidence as well, she said. Kaileigh Grande said her mom wanted her to attend the camp to learn table manners.

“I kinda usually don’t use a fork,” Kaileigh said. “(My mom) likes that when I’m eating (now), I’m more polite.”

The gentlemen in the class also learn to pull out chairs for the young ladies.

“It’s kind of embarrassing the first time, because (the girls) practically think you like them,” said one camper.

Tuesday, on WRAL’s Morning News at 6, Reporter Kim Dean attends an infant massage class for moms and babies.