Sleepaway Camp Blog | Summer Camps For Teenagers

TIPS WEEKLY SPECIALTY CAMP ZOOM FAIRS 2022!

January 5, 2022 by Debbie Smith Leave a Comment

SAVE THE DATES: TIPS WEEKLY ZOOM FAIRS 2022!

Connecting parents with exceptional summer camps, trips and programs is what we do best! TIPS Zooms are jam-packed with info you need. Learn all about all that’s available from the directors themselves!

Have 1 week or more?

Find out where your child or teen can spend their summer.
Hear directors describe the magic that makes each of their camps special!

Join the Zoom Fair(s) of your choice!

January 11—Performing Arts Camps
January 25—Fine Arts Camps
February 1—Sports Camps
February 15—Career Focus Programs
March 2—Sailing & Scuba Camps

All Zoom Fairs will be 7:00-8:00pm EST.

Please use this link to register:
RSVP HERE

2021 GIFT GIVING, OLDIES BUT GOODIES!

December 11, 2021 by Eve Leave a Comment

As 2021 comes to close, our oldies but goodies gifts are worth a second look!

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

Summer trips for teens will be be perfect with the addition of 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 2022, 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.

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 2021 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 and the very best in 2022!

Looking back on 2021…What are Your Highlights?

December 6, 2021 by Jen Cippoletti Leave a Comment

Just when we thought nothing could be worse than 2020, along came 2021! There were many days (weeks?) this year that felt just as challenging as some of the dark times of 2020, as we navigated the constantly-changing landscape of the pandemic. We continued to worry about its impact on ourselves, and more acutely, on our kids. Did their social lives suffer? How far behind are they academically? What happened to my carefree, worry-free child? I have had all these same concerns over the last year.

However, when I look back on 2021 and to the times when my kids really thrived, my mind immediately goes to their summer experiences and some images I will not soon forget:

Dropping my 14-year old off at Newark Airport to fly to Portland, Oregon for the start of a three-week teen backpacking trip – I could sense her feelings of freedom, independence, and anticipation.
Seeing the pure joy on her face when we saw a post from the summit of Mount Saint Helens – the pride of accomplishment, personal growth, overcoming physical and mental challenges on the way to the top – all were evident.
Photos of her with friends from around the country – kids being kids without the pressures of social media.
Camp drop-off on a hot day in July – watching as they reunited with friends not seen since 2019, as if no time had passed at all.
My 11 year old’s first letter home from sleep away camp in which she declared she was having “the best time EVER”, had already waterskied, jumped off the tower, and hoped the weeks would never end.
Camp pick-up and the drive home – the kids chattering away in the back seat, singing camp songs, and looking healthy and happy from weeks spent outdoors.

I frequently think back to those images from Summer 2021. They are a reminder that through summer camp and summer teen trips we can still fill our kids’ lives with adventure, laughter, and joy even in difficult times.

Spreading Kindness

November 22, 2021 by Gayle Shifrin 1 Comment

Compassion, empathy, kindness and feeling thankful are the core values of every summer camp and program. They make me think of Ted Lasso, a TV show I’ve been watching lately. I believe if everyone, no matter the age, embraced a little bit of the messaging behind this show then we would see a real change of compassion, empathy, and kindness. Sometimes it feels these fundamental human traits have been neglected throughout our recent world of navigating Covid. But with the world slowly returning back to a new normal wouldn’t it be amazing to bring back the humanity aspect of living? Summer 2022 will feel fresh, with camps being less restrictive and trips being able to offer more locations, we can experience these programs with not only new excitement, but a fresh mindset. Let’s welcome 2022 with a fresh mindset to believe in humanity and these core values. I’m suggesting we start with a little bit more kindness. It doesn’t take too much effort to spread some random acts of kindness. Start in your own neighborhood. Drop off a cup of the holiday blend coffee flavor to a neighbor, deliver a card with a positive message in a friend’s mailbox, or simply offer a smile or compliment. Share kindness and be thankful, it doesn’t have to cost anything more than a little thought and time.

Volunteerism For Teens–Learn About Programs that Help Create Societal Change

November 14, 2021 by Debbie Smith Leave a Comment

Climate Change~Endangered Animals & Marine life~Social Issues & Racial Justice~The Environment~Worldwide Hunger~Children in Underserved Communities in the US & Around the Globe….All issues affecting teens and at the forefront of the next generation.

For Summer ’22, if your teen is interested in being an agent of change alongside like-minded others, you’re invited to learn about student volunteerism programs. We welcome you to join Tips on Trips and Camps VIRTUAL COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAMS FAIR—TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16 @ 7PM EST.

Hear from directors as they describe communities in need as well as service projects students will plan, implement and execute. The time to plan for summer is today!

LINK TO SIGN UP GOOGLE FORM

WHAT’S NEW FOR SUMMER ’22

November 2, 2021 by Eve Leave a Comment

The Tips on Trips and Camps team just spent three days meeting with summer camp and teen program directors learning about the successes of summer 2021 and planning for summer 2022. It was wonderful to be together in person as a team and have so many directors come to present.

This is what we learned…

Following the successes of summer 2021, overnight camps for kids and teens will stay true to the values and activities that have been the mainstay of their summer programming. They successfully made adjustment for Covid protocols but reported that camp was still wonderful and more important than ever for children’s development.
Depending on the status of Covid and vaccination recommendations, most teen programs and many camps will require that campers and staff be vaccinated.
Teen travel programs will aim high with many destinations listed on their websites. We feel, and programs agree, it makes sense that families should discuss a second trip choice in case the first-choice trips are not available due to travel restrictions.
There is increased interest from teens for career focused programs and the options to dive deep with hands on experiences in medical, business, law, neuroscience, entrepreneurship, public health, engineering and more will be offered on pre-college campus programs. Some of these are available to middle schoolers as well as high school students.
Parents are enrolling their students now, and camps, pre-college enrichment, language immersion, community service and teen travel experiences are filling earlier than ever before. Many offer generous cancellation guidelines and some offer early enrollment incentives, be sure to ask about them.

To make the most of summer 2022, start your research now!

SUMMER CAMP MEMORIES IN A BOTTLE

August 31, 2021 by Debbie Smith Leave a Comment

As these last days of summer fade into early fall, bottle up some sunshine🌞 and carefree vibes 😊for when the sky turns to gray. For sunny summer reflections that your child can use to get through the winter blues, follow these simple directions to have your son or daughter create his/her own ‘Summer Camp Memories in a Bottle’!

To make:

1. After your child finishes a favorite drink, wash out the bottle and remove outer label. Dry the inside thoroughly.

2. Have your camper write short anecdotes that remind them of favorite times at camp. Use different colored paper for each memory. These anecdotes could be names of friends or favorite counselors, activities, feelings, firsts, ways that camp was empowering.

3. Write one memory on each very small piece of colored paper, fold up and place into bottle. Screw on the top.

4. Design a ‘Summer Camp Memories in a Bottle’ outer label and glue onto outside of bottle.

5. Place on your child’s desk or designated personal space. Encourage him or her to open and shake out one or two folded anecdotes at times throughout the year.

As your child reads and reflects on happy memories from camp, it will help brighten long winter days and keep excitement strong for all that awaits come Summer 2022 🌞

SUMMER 2021 IS FULL OF SURPRISES!

July 24, 2021 by Eve Leave a Comment

Kudos to the many overnight camps that are successfully giving kids the chance to be kids this summer. None of us will likely take for granted again the simplicity of unplugging from devices and having good old-fashioned, in-person fun. As parents we understand how the uncertainty of the past year and a half has made many decisions harder and more complicated than ever before, but we’re so glad that many parents had the confidence to send their kids to summer programs.

We can report that our sleep away camps got off to a great start! They tested kids for Covid, created “safe zones,” and, when quarantine finished, let campers play freely without masks to the delight of all. Many of our families told us that while the transition for both parents and kids to camp was more challenging this year, once camp was in full swing, there was a welcomed sense of calm, normalcy, and routine. Campers and parents both relaxed into their experience and, in all the most important ways, it has been a typical summer at camp.

Around this time in the overnight camp season, in a normal year, there would have been much preparation and planning by camps and parents for visiting day. Most camps decided not to have an in person visiting day due to Covid related concerns. Many chose FaceTime sessions so that kids and parents can have a chance for face-to-face communication, albeit virtual. They put together special treats for the campers and live streamed events around camp for parents to watch. The feedback we have gotten is that it was a good decision and a huge success. While Moms and Dads are only getting virtual hugs, camp bubbles remain intact and after the call, campers are able to jump back in and enjoy their home away from home.

Summer 2021 camp season is full of surprises. The Tips Team hope that summer experiences will leave you and your children re-charged and ready for the fall. We’re looking forward to hearing all about your child’s summer.

THINKING ABOUT A GAP EXPERIENCE (MAYBE)?.…. THIS SUMMER IS THE TIME TO EXPLORE.

July 17, 2021 by Debbie Smith Leave a Comment

Many families are grappling with the repercussions of having had students begin their college experience in this unprecedented year of all years. Bottom line, more students, of all levels, are seriously evaluating alternative, yet productive, ways to spend this Fall (and/or year). A combination of working, interning, and participating in a gap experience (including a service component) offer an array of optimal choices.

Invigorating and immersive, the gap experience builds life skills in every participant. Often life changing, definitely transformative, 17-23 year olds will be hands-on in learning by doing, working alongside others like them and others nothing like them and delving into adventures large and small. Together as a group, college-aged students, create lasting impact both within themselves and upon those with whom they interact. Whatever each student takes away from his/her gap experience is personal, however every student will be touched and therefore, changed in some positive way.

Things to think about when considering a gap year experience:

Region of the Country or world (remote terrain or cities; USA or Abroad)
Adventure activities (what does the student like—this can be a mix of new and/or things he/she has had prior experience with)
Philosophy of the program (this may be found on organizations’ websites or you can speak with directors and ask)
Timing of program (A Summer/Fall job or internship might be worked around the gap program schedule)
Academic credit (if important to you, know that some programs offer academic credit through specific universities; check websites or you can ask directors).

The value of the gap experience is forever. If this is something you might be thinking about, we are more than happy to hear your reasoning, listen and help guide you toward the right program that best meets your criteria.

Please feel free to reach out to any of us on the Tips team @ www.Tipsontripsandcamps.com.

Happy to be part of the Tips Team!

June 30, 2021 by Allison Carneal Leave a Comment

Last week, long, big trucks drove up and down towns everywhere picking up massive sleepaway camp duffle bags filled with a summer’s necessities – from towels to bedding to sports equipment to bug spray – all with different camp destinations. Watching these pick-ups always fills me with emotion as I envision the happy summers the children have in store for them: long hot days filled with exciting new activities and adventures, new friendships and old ones rekindled after a long school year. There are so many opportunities for new discoveries and experiences that will happen in an arts and crafts room, on a beautiful lake or around a campfire.

I am thrilled to join the Tips on Trips and Camps Team for the New York City market as an advisor – a dream job and the perfect fit for me. Having been an avid camper myself, and mother of three campers, I have vast experiences (both good and bad!) and believe my insight will be tremendously helpful as I share summer options with families.

This winter and spring I have done a deep dive on sleepaway camps and summer programs for older children. There are so many incredible opportunities out there waiting to be explored – from academics to sailing to eco-adventures and language immersion. I have seen from personal experience with my own children, how enriching these experiences can be. Companies work all year planning itineraries and experiences and our children are the lucky ones who get to be the beneficiary of all this work!

As we move on to the summer of 2021, the Tips on Trips and Camps Team wish everyone an incredible summer. Savor all the new experiences and friendships, they’ll have a life-long impact and it’s what makes our job as summer program advisors incredibly rewarding.

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