Sleepaway Camp Blog | Summer Camps For Teenagers

ZOOMING TO SUMMER

January 26, 2021 by Eve Leave a Comment

Join us for a fun and new way to plan your child’s summer – our Zoom Summer Camp and Trip Fairs are the perfect antidotes to the current stay at home recommendations. We’ve combined our fifty years of advising experience with the twists and turns of the past year and created activity-specific fairs so our families can get the information they need to plan for the upcoming summer. Each virtual fair features directors from several programs and they will speak for 10 minutes about who they are, what they offer, and how they will safely run in 2021. Coming up are fairs for Community Service, Arts Camps, Dance Camps, Tennis, Golf, and Sailing programs.

Here’s the link to the upcoming zoom fair schedule. As always, we’re happy to help you find just the right program even if you cannot attend a fair.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1aoZ-nrQoBl_Lk53rdmOO55PmxK89DB8mXStEzv4ivPA/viewform?edit_requested=true

Farewell 2020 – Hello 2021!

January 1, 2021 by Lois Leave a Comment

It is with open arms that I welcome 2021. I feel as if this last year has been a decade long and I embrace 2021 with outstretched arms. I am filled with excitement at the possibility of a normal summer for kids.

I have spoken to many parents over the last few weeks and they are surprised to learn that some camps ran last summer and that they were hugely successful. I can hear the excitement in their voice as we begin to discuss the kinds of programs that they want for next summer. They know the importance of being unplugged, being outside, and spending time with friends. Everyone needs a sense of normal now. Directors have spent hours and hours learning about best practices as related to Covid-19 and they are enthusiastic and well- prepared to welcome campers.

The door to normal is slowly opening and many families want to go through. They are ready to “step outside the box” that has been home. Hindsight is said to be 2020……. It is the past – I look forward to a bright future.

Happy camping in 2021!

The Tips on Trips and Camps 2020 Gift Guide is Back!

December 9, 2020 by Jen Cippoletti Leave a Comment

While we eagerly await the end of 2020 and cross our fingers for the return to normalcy in 2021, the holiday season is upon us, pandemic or not. We’ve got gift ideas for your camper, traveler and student, and even a treat just for you! These gifts are guaranteed to keep your family screen-free and enjoying time together until summer adventures return.

Camp swag is always a big hit at the holidays – check out this fuzzy fleece camp blanket by LoveKess Clothing that can be personalized for your child’s camp. Trick out your cabin or dorm with LED lights that stick to bunks or walls or these fairy lights that could be used in a camp talent show or dress up lunch. And nothing says camp like tie dye! How about these great tie dye socks and customizable sweatshirts

Travelers will love these colorful passport cases and essential packing cubes, and check out this duffle bag from Out of the Box NY – a great idea for the hard-to-shop-for men and boys in your house! For adventure seekers heading out on a wilderness trip in 2021, this ENO hammock is a must-have, as is this backpack rain cover for rainy days on the trail.

Get everyone off the couch with some fun indoor and outdoor games: pickle ball, spike ball, knee hockey, mini basketball, lacrosse mini sticks – and many of these can be packed to go to camp next summer! Sports enthusiasts will love these one-of-a-kind customized cleats and other sports items from Kicks by Carly.

If being stuck at home has your kids dreaming about camp, check out these s’mores kits that are great for getting the perfect golden roast. Crafters can hone their friendship bracelet skills and send gifts to camp friends around the world. Do your kids wish they could play gaga ball year-round? We found a fantastic source for building your own gaga pit at home.

Don we now our plague apparel…we are still in a pandemic, so check out these great finds: fabulous Chainz Boca mask chains and a deliciously scented, moisturizing hand sanitizer by LimeLife!

And finally, how about a gift for YOU? Raise a glass to the end of 2020 and gift yourself a bottle or two of our favorite clean wine, Avaline. Transparently produced, vegan-friendly and made with organic grapes.

We wish you a healthy, happy holiday season, in whatever form it takes! Bring on 2021!

CELEBRATING OUR 50TH YEAR!

November 11, 2020 by Eve Leave a Comment

Did you know Tips on Trips and Camps has helped kids have amazing summers for 50 years? We love thinking back on the thousands of happy kids we’ve helped since 1970 (many who are now parents asking us to help them find summer camps and teen trips for their children).

At Tips on Trips and Camps, we’re always tracking the trends and news from the camping industry and closely following and communicating with the camps and trips we represent so that we can share the newest and most accurate information with families. Our half-century of experience has prepared us to help families with the complexities and challenges of planning in the time of Covid. The camping industry unanimously says camps, programs, and trips are running during summer 2021. Directors have the ingenuity, creativity, and flexibility to make this happen no matter what. Our recent Zoom Annual Meeting was full of presentations and updates from our programs about all the new options for teens and the protocols for camps so that families can choose an experience that makes them feel comfortable. We will continue to do what we have always done for 50 years: make a difference in student’s lives by advising families about wonderful summer options. HBD Tips!

You’ve Got This!

September 10, 2020 by Stephanie Vordick Leave a Comment

Everyone at Tips on Trips and Camps thinks you’re doing a great job parenting through these crazy times. We thought you needed to hear that today. We’re all parents too, and we know how not having any control over how the future looks or feels for our children (or ourselves) is a challenging place to live. As summer program advisors, we are feeling hopeful about sending kids off on their adventures next summer. Every day we hear from our directors about their plans for a safe and fun summer 2021. While next summer may still look different than pre-COVID days, every sleepaway camp and teen program is working hard to create pandemic-proof plans for your children. Please let us know if you want to indulge in some escapist summer planning – we’re ready to chat whenever you feel ready.

WHAT CAMP CAN OFFER NOW

August 4, 2020 by Debbie Smith Leave a Comment

As the sun shines brightly through a summer like no other, camps have much to offer now and this Fall. With August underway, camps are out in front with a myriad of offerings designed to meet the ever-changing needs of families attempting to make optimal decisions in a COVID world.

Camps are working hard to meet families where they are right now. Whether your summer has been extended due to pushed back school start dates or you are contemplating the best environment for your kids’ success in ‘school’ this Fall, you might want to have a look at what camps can offer.

TOURS & NEXT SUMMER:

With many camps not running traditional programming this summer, directors are still touring prospective families both in person at camp and/or virtually. If you are interested in exploring for summer 2021, now is a smart time to see if your family can fit in that August or September camp visit. In addition, many camps that are traditionally full season are going to be offering shorter options for first-time campers.

FAMILY FALL DAYS:

This summer, Family Camp has been a popular breath of fresh air! Several camps are offering Family Days this Fall! Consider taking advantage of wonderful ‘campy’ activities that can be enjoyed by all ages come the Fall season.

SCHOOL AT CAMP:

While this school year will be anything but typical, both camps and parents are already getting creative together. Modeling after several camps that did successfully open and proved it could be done this summer, select camps are being creative and offering a ‘school’ at camp option that combines virtual learning and camp activities.

Now more than ever, all of us need to be flexible. We need to juggle. We need to be creative and open-minded as we embrace a positive path forward together. If you may be interested in learning more about what camp can offer your family, please reach out to any of us on the TIPS Team.

Riding the Coronacoaster

July 13, 2020 by Stephanie Vordick Leave a Comment

Have you seen the meme defining a “coronacoaster” – the ups and downs of living in a pandemic? I don’t know about you, but that perfectly captures me and my wildly shifting emotions. Interestingly I’m finding my kids are more even keel than I am. They’re teenagers, and like everyone’s children, they had to abandon their spring and summer plans. I’ve found them to be resilient, creative, and accepting in the faces of the losses they have sustained. As we head towards the fall, and all the uncertainty that brings, they are saying they will be OK no matter what. While a lot of their reactions have to do with their personalities, I can also see that the lessons learned at sleepaway camps and teen programs helped prepare them for this tough time. They are making the best of what the world has to offer and still having fun. They’ve found new ways to meet their goals, follow their interests, and enjoy the summer, all while staying safe. I can connect all the ways they’ve managed during the pandemic to things that a child may navigate away at camp or on a teen trip. The coronacoaster is not my cup of tea, but as it’s the only attraction open this summer, I’m going to do my best to notice the best parts of the ride.

CONSIDERING ONLINE CAMP? TOSS THE ACADEMICS AND BRING OUT CREATIVITY

June 9, 2020 by Eve Leave a Comment

Free Images : laptop, computer, girl, play, floor, boy, sitting ...

As remote school is ending, we know families are wondering what summer options will be available for their children. While the thought of more computer time may make you cringe, the range of virtual programs is worth your consideration. Some online programming even includes social time outside of the classes.

Before you rule out online camp, here are just some of the classes available, and there is something for everyone:

Sock Puppet workshop
Virtual Yoga
Vegan Cooking
Courses for budding Entrepreneurs similar to TV’s Shark Tank
Frontiers in Medicine
Psychology of the Criminal Mind
Shakespeare
Creative Writing
Digital Marketing and Social Media
Dance
Robotics
Acting

There are more options, and we’re happy to help you find a program that fits your child’s interests. Contact us for more information.

Grieving for Summer

May 18, 2020 by Stephanie Vordick Leave a Comment

The camp and summer program cancellations are coming in fast these days, and we know there are many disappointed and grieving kids and families. Whether it was to be a child’s first summer away or they are a seasoned camper, it’s hard to let go of summer plans amid so many other changes in our lives. Here’s some advice we’ve gathered:

Expect that you and your children will go through a range of emotions in the days and weeks ahead. Tell your kids (and remind yourself) that grief comes and goes, and you might all have sad days throughout the summer and beyond. You can also let them know that you’ll all also have happy days and fun moments even while feeling sad about camp.
Recognize the stress that you may feel as a result of your child’s lack of summer plans. Take as many breaths as you need until you can find a way to move forward. There are still some options for kids. We can help you explore if any of the available programs are a good fit.
Encourage your child to express their feelings and memories about camp. Talking, journaling, Zooming, singing and dancing, doing camp arts and crafts, building a campfire, or whatever feels right, are all ways for kids to access their emotions. Kids of all ages can benefit from having their feelings named, so parents can help their kids by identifying what they may be experiencing.
It may be reassuring to talk about how staying home is helping all their dear camp friends and counselors remain safe.
Start making plans for summer 2021! Camp and program directors are already hard at work on next summer, and they are counting the minutes until they are back with your children.

We are right there with your family grieving the loss of all those future memories, experiences, and friendships. We are here to support you – please let us know if we can help.

The New Normal? Hope So!

April 30, 2020 by Eve Leave a Comment

I’m a big walker, and while I usually have my early morning walk all to myself, my afternoon walk seems to have become The Activity for the families in my suburban neighborhood. It is nice to see family groups out walking and talking, and I noticed even my 10 and 12-year-old neighborhood friends riding their bikes are abiding by the 6 feet rule. Another neighbor put up a badminton net and is often with his high school age kids competing in the back yard. Yesterday I saw some middle school girls, 6 feet apart, with laptop open Face Timing with a friend working on cheer-leading moves. This is the new normal during these stay at home days.

It seems parents are increasingly valuing outdoor play in ways that are new and different. Might this newfound appreciation extend to the kinds of summer camp parents select? Will traditional camps be in greater demand than “build resume” camps? Wilderness trips with hiking and camping out be chosen over focused sports camps? Will parents find summer programs with the goals of building relationships, fostering leadership, and appreciation of the outdoors become the most sought after? Perhaps this too will become the new normal, which would be a wonderful shift for our children.

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