I went to three different sleep away camps starting in elementary up through high school, and none of them were right. I’d never before or since had trouble making friends, but I didn’t feel like I fit in at any of those camps. And they were terrific high-quality camps that today as a camp advisor I have have no hesitation recommending. I went for eight weeks each summer, and that was a long time to feel out of sorts. All of my friends from home also attended sleep-away camps, and they all had great stories of fun and friendship which I wanted so very much for myself. I loved the idea of sleepaway camp, just not my sleepaway camps. Now as a camp advisor I know that there are camps for every type of child. I would have flourished at a laid-back, not too spirited, non-competitive place with lots of non-team sport options, and where the activities were mixed ages and selected by the campers. And isn’t it great that there camps like that? No matter your child’s personality or needs, there’s a camp for them.
Desperately Seeking Summer
The anticipation of summer not only brings the joy of seeing our kids off to camp but also reminds many of us of our own camp experiences. This never-ending winter has made me long for all the sights, sounds, and smells of summer. Do you feel the same? Take my short quiz to see how badly you need a summer day. Winner gets the hammock first.
- You seriously consider ordering cute label stickers for your clothing
- You spritz yourself in a bit of bug spray just for the smell
- Wet towels out of the washing machine make you feel nostalgic
- You asked the waiter for a bug juice cocktail at dinner last night
- You intentionally smudge a little sunblock on your clothes before you leave the house
However you prepare for summer, Tips on Trips and Camps advisors are here to help you find just the right sleepaway camp or overnight program. It’s not too late to find great options for this summer, and it’s not too early to look for summer 2020.
Camp Websites: “They all look the same to me!”
“They all look the same” is a phrase I hear a lot as a summer program advisor from families who are looking at camp websites. Once you have narrowed your camp search to those that have the basic characteristics you are looking for: size, location, facility, activities, etc, how then do you begin to differentiate them?
Besides speaking with a knowledgeable camp consultant from Tips on Trips and Camps, here are a few tips:
- Click deep into the website. Most programs have web pages describing their philosophy and values. These don’t pop out at you like activities and videos, but they are there if you keep clicking.
- Call the director to chat. It is astonishing how many of my parents choose a program without calling to speak with a director about the nuances and details you simply cannot get from websites and video.
- Call reference families. A call with at least one but preferably more families whose children have attended recently, who live in your town or nearby and who are close to your child’s age is essential to get another point of view about the camp. Ask questions like: What do you like most? and Where, if at all did the camp fall short of your expectations?
- Trust your gut. If a program seems too good to be true it probably should be eliminated. Websites are wonderful and contain lots of valuable information, but in the end remember they are a marketing tool. No camp is perfect. You are looking for the best fit which in most cases means you will have to prioritize. Put your non negotiable needs at the top of the list. Chances are that in order to get those for sure you will probably have to give on some of the less important “wants.”
I always say finding a camp should be fun, not stressful. Enjoy the process, but please look beyond the website!
What Did I Forget?
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!
Why Summer Camp Is More Important Than Ever
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.
Mental Preparedness for “First Time” Camper Parents!
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
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!
Tips on Trips and Camps Announces What’s New In Camps For 2015
Tips On Trips And Camps
Summary: Learn about the current trends in summer overnight camps & programs for kids ages 12 & under. Tips on Trips and Camps can help you find the camp that fits your child’s interests.
Baltimore, Maryland (PRWEB) March 02, 2015
There are more opportunities than ever for kids ages 12 & under to participate in all types of different summer programs. Eve Eifler, co-owner of Tips on Trips and Camps, says, “Traditional camps are still the prevailing choice for parents. Even within that framework, however, specialty instruction can be found.” A parent might want designated time and instruction in tennis or football, for instance, if their child is going back to a fall sport tryout.
Co-owner Carey Rivers adds, “If kids are not interested in traditional camps, because of an aversion to the outdoors or to bugs, there are a multitude of specialty camp offerings.” Housed on boarding school or college campuses, opportunities exist in forensics, filmmaking, culinary arts, emergency medicine, creative writing, or a wide array of the arts.
Food allergies used to be a major hurdle in the decision for some parents to send their children to camp. Canadian camps were way ahead of the curve on dealing with food allergies, but now camps in the Northeast especially are catching on and making accommodations for kids with all types of allergies. Eifler says, “While directors have always taken seriously the charge they have in caring for others’ children, this new layer of responsibility is being met in all sorts of new and formal ways. I visited one camp that has professional chefs trained in cross-contamination and registered dietitians on staff to prepare menus. This camp is peanut, tree nut, shellfish and sesame free and can accommodate campers with dairy, nut, wheat, soy, egg and fish allergies.”
Camps used to be fairly consistent with their communication policies, allowing only letter writing between camper and home and having a “no electronics” policy. Rivers said, “Many camps now allow emails between camper and parent so that campers can have more immediate contact with their parents. And, many camps have photographers taking pictures of the campers and posting daily to the camp website.” Some directors are even loosening the ban on cell phones. If a parent is more comfortable with a camp where a kid has limited use of their cell phone, then there are plenty of options out there. I visited a camp last summer that takes cell phones away for the first week in order for the kids “to bond” and then allows limited use thereafter, but only at certain times of the day. Rivers continues, ”But, for those parents who still believe in no screen time at camp and snail mail only, there are still many traditional camps that have remained true to the ‘back to basics’ formula.”
Some parents are reluctant to allow a child to go the whole summer without academics, commonly known as the “summer brain drain.” To answer this call, there exist many options for summer school enrichment, from the remedial for the struggling student to higher order learning for those kids who want to remain fully engaged over the summer. Eifler shares, “We have seen an uptick in summer programs for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). At one camp, campers can work alongside architects, videographers, builders, engineers, and designers on collaborative projects that serve as the centerpiece of their camp session. One group of campers built the water polo goals for camp and another group built an entire underwater city.”
Since some kids begin overnight camp at the age of 7, they may be looking for a change in atmosphere by the age of 11 or 12. Other kids skip the traditional camp experience altogether, but may be interested in some sort of focused travel. Rivers says, “Teen trip organizations have accommodated this growing trend by offering marine biology, community service, and biking trips (to name a few) for 11 & 12 year olds. Some provide a base camp model whereby the camper can spend 50% of their time in camp and 50% on out on trips.”
Eifler concludes, “There is a summer program out there for any type of child. If your child has never gone to camp and is looking for something out-of-the-box or if your child has gone to camp for years and they are looking for a change, do not fear. There is a camp out there for everyone!”
Tips on Trips and Camps, Inc. is a FREE service specializing in overnight summer experiences for children ages 7-19. Call 866.222.TIPS or visit our website at www.TipsonTripsandCamps.com . Once you register, a local advisor will follow up with you immediately. Rivers adds, “you know your child and we know the camps. Together, we can find the RIGHT match.”
Sleepaway Camp: Should They Go Where You Went?
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.
Camp Prepares Children for College
As a young mother, I was often given the age-old advice “Cherish every moment. They grow up so fast.” What an understatement! As I now prepare myself for the emotional task of sending my daughter to college, I am so glad that I not only cherished every moment, but that I gave her many moments that she will cherish for a lifetime.
Sending a child to college parallels sending a child to sleepaway camp for the first time. It is an emotional rollercoaster of anxiety, excitement, pride, indecision and ultimately pure joy! I find myself looking back to my daughter’s first year as a camper and remembering the changes she went through in just a few short weeks. Her strength, independence, curiosity and willingness to try new activities was astounding. Whether it was waterskiing for the first time, or climbing the rock wall or performing in the camp theatre production, she participated in new activities each year and gained incredible confidence through these opportunities.
Now I have the confidence in knowing that wherever she goes to college, she will be an independent leader and not only strive for excellence in her studies, but also take advantage of all the extracurricular opportunities that are available.
I have spoken with many parents who feel the same way. Their child may not have been to overnight camp, but perhaps went on a community service trip, a language immersion experience, a wilderness adventure or an academic enrichment program. Whatever the experience, these parents feel that some form of summer program, away from home, helped prepare their child for a successful transition to college.
My advice to young parents is to absolutely cherish every moment but to also give your children opportunities that will allow for personal growth to prepare them for college and beyond.