The Power of Camp Friendships

February 4, 2019 by Mindy Horwitz Leave a Comment

Last summer I attended the 30-year reunion of my CIT summer at camp in Northern Wisconsin. Being back together with our tight-knit group brought me right back to 1988. It was as if no time had passed- we all fell right back into the friendships that are over 30 years old. It’s hard to believe that I’ve known this group for so long. We’ve been in each others’ lives from high school graduation through college, through weddings and babies and now sending our own children to camp and on to become counselors as well.

Some of us have seen each other frequently over the years, and others haven’t seen each other at all, but when we got together it felt as if no time had passed. It made me wonder…. why do camp friendships endure? Camp is an intense time, living in close quarters, sharing laughter, tears, inside jokes and amazing activities. When you’re at camp, you can’t rely on your parents to solve things for you. You learn independence, conflict management, and empathy. Twelve kids sleeping in the same bunk get to know each other quickly, in a way that differs from siblings and school friendships. Silly games, ghost stories and creating traditions forge bonds that last a lifetime. Unplugging intensifies the experience even more.

In my day, we had to write “snail mail” letters to keep in touch with our camp friends during the school year. With social media and cell phones, camp bonds are even stronger now because it’s easier to stay connected even when you aren’t sitting around the campfire. Camp fosters these special friendships that will be cherished over a lifetime.

1988 2018

What Did I Forget?

December 9, 2018 by Stephanie Vordick Leave a Comment

How can the calendar already say December?

My mile-long to do list is stuck in September!

The darkness each afternoon makes me long for the sun,

And also reminds me of one to-do I must get done:

It’s not the holiday planning, shopping, or celebrating,

It’s not the decorating, cooking, or ice skating –

It’s choosing a summer camp for each of my kids!

Sitting on their phones all summer heaven forbids.

But how will I get this giant job done?

Without any worries about whether I’ve found the “one?”

I know what I will do without delay –

I will call Tips on Trips and Camps! Yay!

My Tips advisor asks all the right questions,

And sends me an email with excellent suggestions.

Without much fuss, the decision is made!

I’m the best mom; I deserve a parade!

For all you parents who are worrying what to do,

Tips on Trips and Camps will pull you through!

DON’T LOSE THAT CAMPY FEELING

August 20, 2018 by Eve Leave a Comment

Kids are home, school is weeks away, boredom has set in, and your kids typing fingers are the only things moving in your house. Now what? How about you and the kids plan some CAMP DAYS at home. Let your kids help you design some days that mimic favorite camp days. Perhaps they loved Christmas in July or backwards day. Encourage them to share with you how those special camp days played out so you can recreate them at home.

Here are five easy camp activities that you can do with your kids at home:

Have an old fashion scavenger hunt. Make a list of what they need to find in the neighborhood or at the mall. Be creative based on your location. For example, a neighborhood hunt may include:

Two acorns with their caps still on
A leaf turning red or yellow
A neighbor’s autograph
A stick in the shape of a letter of the alphabet

2. Make tie dye tee shirts, look on the internet for instructions. Here is one way:

https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?fr=mcafee&p=how+to+tie+die+tee+shirts#id=37&vid=cc14074344b7c812dbdfb890353a07ce&action=view

3. Have a family or neighborhood water balloon fight. The newest style of water balloons allows you to fill lots at one time from the hose: https://www.target.com/p/zuru-8pk-bunch-o-balloons-block-party/-/A-52034623 Make sure to set the rules of the fight ahead of time like no aiming for the head and the physical boundaries. Follow the fight with everyone picking up the broken balloon scraps.

4. Get a outdoor grill or patio fire pit to cook hot dogs on sticks followed by roasted marshmallows for dessert.

5. Head into your backyard for a camp out or an evening under the stars with your kids. Share with your kids your favorite summer or overnight camp stories from your childhood. Have everyone talk about their experiences – name something that was scary, something that made each of you feel proud, something everyone thought they could not do but eventually did. Kids love to hear parent’s life stories, and it will prompt them to share stories of their own camp experiences.

The school year will start soon enough, so try to make that camp feeling last as long as possible. Only ten months to go until summer camp begins again!

Why Summer Camp Is More Important Than Ever

July 26, 2018 by Michele 1 Comment

As I am sure many parents can relate, social media and cell phones are making me crazy. Have you noticed how all the kids (and adults) are constantly scrolling, texting and watching things on their devices? Not only is this bad for their mental development, we are raising the next group of hunchback adults.

As I was strolling thru camps earlier this summer, I started to notice how happy all the campers looked. They were so happy talking to their friends, playing games and just being outside. Imagine that – all of these smiles and no Snapchat or Instagram to capture it. How amazing!! You know what else was amazing? They all made eye contact because their heads weren’t hunched down starting at a screen. Call me old-fashioned, but I truly believe that kids are happier at camp because it is now the only place where they can disconnect from the world, but more importantly, they are making real life connections. Laughing with their friends, making memories and feeling good about themselves.

My love for camp is stronger than ever. Can anything really replace face to face fun? How about a time for your child to feel good about themselves and doing things they can truly enjoy, not because they want to post it. Let’s take this a step further. Now I know I may get a lot of backlash from my nearest and dearest but maybe it wouldn’t be so bad if camp directors eased up on the camp pictures. I can hear the loud protests. Hear me out – I recently visited a camp that did not post pictures. When I asked the director why not, he said, “kids act differently when they don’t have to be on”. Hmm – that’s true. He then continued, “This is their journey, not their parents”. Even I had to sheepishly admit he was right.

This camp also had the highest percentage of former campers coming back multiple years as counselors. A coincidence? Maybe, but it is something to think about.

Notes From a First Time Camper’s Mom

June 13, 2018 by Eve Leave a Comment

I’m a summer camp advisor and research extensively, right? I visit camps in session and know the directors, right? I chose carefully, right? So why was I feeling bereft as I watched the plane take off for NH with my ten-year-old aboard heading to his first sleep-away camp experience? Because, as the song goes, Letting Go is Hard to Do.

I checked all the pre-camp boxes. I had…

Written a letter in advance so that there would be mail for him at the first mail call.
Packed following the packing list sent by the camp with some additional socks (I just couldn’t help myself).
Gone over with him that his counselors are there for him and what to do if he is worried about something.
Sent up with him, hidden in his trunk, his favorite small stuffed animal, just in case.
Included envelopes with our home address labels and stamps on the front.
Included a few photos of the family.
Bravely assured him he would love camp.

So why, as I laid in bed that first night, was I agitating over the fact that I had forgotten to tell him to keep his flashlight handy in case he needed to get up to use the bathroom in the night? Then it dawned on me that this is just why summer camp is so very important for our kids. They get to figure things out on their own. Advocate for themselves. Make mistakes and celebrate triumphs without Mom and Dad stepping in.

Independence is calling our kids, and overnight camp is a great way to begin that process. Hard as it might be for the mom left waving goodbye.

Forget the Camp Care Packages. Get Creative.

May 21, 2018 by Jill Leave a Comment

Are you thinking about your child leaving for overnight camp? Whether they are first time campers or they’ve attended for many years, you’re likely to miss them more than they will miss you. Here are some fun ideas to keep connected with your camper throughout the summer.

Start a fictitious newspaper from home that journals fake news. For instance, report on the royal wedding but replace Meghan Markle’s face with their favorite teacher and make up a crazy story about the nuptials and how the gym teacher flew to the palace and started a brawl with Prince Harry. Or find a picture of Beyonce on stage and paste a picture of you and your spouse cutting loose on stage with her. My brother-in-law would send these to his kids every summer. After dropping his daughter off at the airport, he actually ran into Selena Gomez and sent a photo of the two of them together. The kids thought it was fake news the whole summer!

This tradition will keep your camper laughing and is a huge bonus if they are feeling homesick (not to mention their cabin mates will think you’re really cool).

Mental Preparedness for “First Time” Camper Parents!

April 21, 2017 by Jenny Wolkowitz Leave a Comment

Now that your child has made the all-important decision to “go away” to camp, you might be wondering how best to prepare for summer. And, often times, it is you – the parent – who is more nervous for their child’s first sleep away camping experience. Don’t worry, though! Here are some tips to ensure a successful summer experience – both for your child and for you:

If you are experiencing fear or anxiety about sending your child off to camp, discuss it with your spouse or friends (not your child). Sensing that you are worried will only worry your child.

Avoid statements like “I’m going to miss you terribly”. While you might believe that you are reassuring your child, you don’t want her to feel guilty about leaving you.

It is okay to let your child know that he might experience some homesickness and that it is normal and natural for most kids. Talk to the camp to find out how they handle homesickness and let your child know that there will be a counselor or even a “camp mom” whose sole job is to comfort homesick campers.

If you were a camper once yourself, you could heighten your child’s interest in camp by pointing out some of the exciting things you remember about your own camping experiences.

Do NOT offer to pick your child up if she is not having a good time. Avoid statements such as “If you don’t like camp, you can come home.”

Arrange times when your child can “practice” being away from home prior to camp, even if it’s just a sleepover at a friend’s house.

Tell the camp administrators that your child may be predisposed to homesickness due to unusual circumstances at home (e.g. a pending divorce, a permanent move, or a serious illness in the family).

Ask how you can find out if your child is having a good time. Each camp is different. Many camps post photos on their website to reassure parents that their children are indeed participating and having fun. Others might arrange to have a first-time camper call home, particularly if you have specific concerns.

Camps’ policies about emails, letters, packages and phone calls also vary. Review these policies with your child in advance, so that they know what to expect once they arrive.

If your child is still attached to a “blankie” or a certain stuffed animal, she might be hesitant to take it with her to camp fearing that she is the only one still with a security item. Pack it in a pillowcase or a bag, however, so that she knows she will have it if she needs it at camp. She might even end up comparing her lovey with her cabin mate’s, once they have bonded and feel a little more comfortable.

Make your child a small photo album with pictures of family members and the family pet, or tape the pictures to the inside of their trunk (where they can always take a peek).

Give your child pre-addressed, stamped envelopes or postcards. And, send a letter in the mail before your child arrives at camp so that a welcome message will be waiting there on their first night of camp.

Unique Gift Options for Your Camper

November 30, 2015 by Ellen Blum Leave a Comment

Thanksgiving has come and gone. We’ve all had our fair share of leftovers. Now, holiday shopping begins. Black Friday…Cyber Monday… where do we get the best deals? While we all brainstorm what to buy, some of the best choices cannot be purchased by standing in line for hours, or by using a coupon code. Give your children a gift that will last them a lifetime.

A summer camp or teen program is an invaluable gift to give your child. Whether it’s through the friendships that are made at camp, engaging in community service, traveling to a faraway location, or a host of other choices, summer programs provide endless possibilities of growth and innumerable memories. Now is the perfect time to contact your local Tips on Trips and Camps advisor and discuss the options available.

Is your child already signed up for camp or a summer travel program? There are many gift options to consider this time of year that will continue your child’s excitement:

A camp sweatshirt or other clothing item
A camp blanket for those chilly nights
Travel accessories (toiletry kit, duffle bag)
Fun stationery
New water bottles or fans

Many camps have links on their websites to companies who sell items specifically for that camp. Go online and check it out. You’ll find fun options.

If you have not yet decided on a summer experience, the holidays are the perfect time for you to look at summer programs with your child. What better gift . . . than the gift of an amazing summer experience!

A Fun Way to Get Your Child to Write Home from Camp

June 29, 2015 by Ellen Blum Leave a Comment

Now that it is summer and kids are away at summer camp, parents often find themselves awaiting the arrival of the mail with the hope that there will be letters from camp. If they’re lucky, they may find some brightly colored stationary with the obligatory sentences “I am having a great time at camp”, “I miss you” or perhaps a truthful “The food stinks”. If any campers are like my son, you will be disappointed to find the envelope is empty or, at best, a quick one word “HI”. Many camps have rules that campers must send home 2-3 letters per week, but what is in the letters is not monitored, much to the dismay of us parents.

It’s exciting to think that campers are having such a great time playing sports, waterskiing, hiking, creating art projects or working on a performance that they don’t have time to write. But, as parents, we long to get a glimpse into their life at camp. I have some help to offer.

One of the best things I ever did while my kids were away at camp was to send them a questionnaire, along with a self-addressed stamped envelope to send it back. Much like the check-off stationary, I formulated questions for them to answer. When they were younger, the questions would be a bit simple where they could circle the answers. Such as, “Circle the activities that you have tried this week” and I would list ones that I know are offered, like Swimming, Boating, Tennis, Dance, Nature etc.

As the kids got older I looked for some fun and creativity asking “What is the funniest thing that has happened at camp so far?” or “What new foods have you tried?” I liked to ask the names of the campers in their bunks and where they are from, or asking them to draw a picture of the bunk and where is their bed.

Each summer I would come up with new questions and, without fail, I would get these letters back. My kids had fun answering the questions and I heard about experiences I may not have.

Have fun with it!

Sleepaway Camp: Should They Go Where You Went?

February 3, 2015 by Barb Leave a Comment

When seeking a summer camp or a teen program for your child, think about asking yourself this: Whose experience is this? Simple, right? It is your child’s experience and not your own.

So when looking for a sleep away camp or teen program, let’s not forget to seek out the experience that best fits your child and not simply replicate what you may have had. There is a distinction between wanting your child to love camp as much as you did, and sending him to a camp that fits what you but maybe not he or she would enjoy.

Many parents call me and say something like “I loved my camp and think I am going to send my child there, but I am calling you to see what else is out there.” While it is natural and appropriate to want your children to love their camp experiences as much as you loved yours, that experience is often found at a place that is different from where you went as a child. Perhaps your camp had a choice schedule, but you feel your child needs more guidance and structure. Perhaps your camp was super sporty , but your child isn’t interested in competitive athletics, likes to play just for fun or is focused more on the arts.

Certain characteristics will be non negotiable no matter what camps you consider; your values, your ideas about supervision and safety, for example. But others will be very child specific, like activity offerings, level of competition and types of programming.

So when beginning your sleepaway camp search, remember, you are looking for a place where your child can be happy and grow, and it may just be different from the place you loved as a child.

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