12 minute read
ALL ABOUT CAMP
Welcome to camp season! While the kids won’t head out with their packs for several months, you can start your preparations now, while the camp deals are hot and you can secure your kids’ spots at the camps they love. We’ve written a lot about the camp experience over the years, extolling the virtues of summer camp, from choosing the right camp for your child to getting the kids prepared for their first experience at sleepaway camp, and everything in between. To help you prepare for this year’s camp season, we’ve rounded up great tips from our archives on picking camps, helping kids prepare and make the most of their time at camp. You can find more great camping resources at our website, ChesapeakeFamily.com/camp, including tips on making new friends, how to find camps for kids with special needs, finding the perfect sports camp, and whether your kiddo is ready for sleepaway camp. Of course, the best way to plan your summer camp schedule is by visiting our Camp Fair on March 7. This year’s fair will be at the Westfield Annapolis Mall, where representatives from local day camps and overnight camps will meet with you to talk about what their camps have to offer. Many will be featuring special registration specials for Camp Fair visitors, and all will have fun activities for the kids. This year’s fair will also feature the Camper Experience, in which camps have prepared even more special activities for the kids to enjoy! Check early and often at ChesapeakeFamily.com/campfair for all the latest details. We hope to see you there! Adapted from Chesapeake Family Life articles by Katie Riley, Betsy Stein and Denise Yearian
Local New York Times bestselling author Iris Krasnow “reflects with humor and heart on her summer camp experiences and the lessons she and her fellow campers learned there that have stayed with them throughout their lives.” Camp Girls goes on sale April 7. Keep an ear out for an upcoming Third Floor Views podcast with Iris at thirdfloorviews.com Camp Girls
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Is your child ready for overnight camp? T hat’s a question many parents are wondering around this time of year. Here are some tips from the American Camp Association and some input from our Facebook followers on what age is best to start sending kids to sleep-away camp.
• What is your child’s age? Children under age 7 may not adjust easily to being away from home. Consider the day camp experience to prepare them for future overnight camp.
• How did your child become interested in camp? Does your child talk about camp and camp activities on a sustained basis? How much persuasion is necessary from you?
• Has your child had positive overnight experiences away from home? Visiting relatives or friends? Were these separations easy or difficult?
• What does your child expect to do at camp? Learning about the camp experience ahead of time allows you to create positive expectations.
• Are you able to share consistent and positive messages about camp? Your confidence in a positive experience will be contagious.
5 Ways to Save on Summer Camps 1 2 3 4 5 Check out parks and rec and not-for-profit programs County recreation departments can be a one-stop shop for affordable summer camp. Counties often offer everything from specialty camps to full-day, all-purpose camps perfect for working parents. Call your church or place of worship A day camp at a local church can be a nurturing environment for kids—and most of them are lowcost or even free. Apply for scholarships and financial assistance Most national organizations, like the Boy Scouts of America or the Foundation for Jewish Camp, offer partial or full scholarships for qualifying campers. Contact the billing office before registering to see if your family qualifies for financial assistance. Ask about discounts Start thinking about camp early, and your wallet will reap the rewards. Most camps have early bird pricing for campers registered before the summer rush. Lots of camps are offering discounts on March 7 at our annual Camp Fair! Create your own camp Who says you have to have a cabin and a campfire for summer fun? Parents can opt to create their own camp experience by scheduling a week’s worth of field trips or hosting an overnight backyard campout. Even a trip to a relative’s house for a few days can be a great way for kids to experience something new and beat the summer blues.
Food allergies and bugs often keep edible treats off the list of acceptable items sent from home, and digital communications are a big no-no, but that doesn’t mean you can’t send your kid a rockin’ care package at camp! Here are some ideas to give the kids an awesome mail call. Don’t forget to include a little something for their friends, too. CREATING THE PERFECT CARE PACKAGE
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It may not be the great outdoors, but don’t underestimate the value of a virtual summer camp. Maker Camp.com is a free online camp that encourages building, crafting and DIY; has video tutorials; virtual field trips; and interaction with real counselors. Camp Wonderopolis (camp. wonderopolis.org), the National Center for Family Learning’s online camp, teaches kids to think scientifically about topics like zoology, archeology and chemistry through games and virtual adventures. DIY.org has some of the most fun online camps on the Web. With topics like wizard training, comic book making, filmmaking and a Lego master camp, kids can spend hours testing their creative skills starting at just $15 for an entire month of camp.
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Packing Tips W hether or not you plan to buy all new supplies or pack things you have on hand, packing for camp is a crucial part of the summer camp experience. And sticking to the camp’s unique packing list is a must. The lists will vary from camp to camp, based on specific program needs. Traditional, outdoor camps require different things than sports camps, academic programs require different things than adventure or travel camps, and so forth.
Pack old things and pack lightly for camp New toiletries and incidentals are one thing, but new clothes, towels and linens are another. In fact, when it comes to these items, camp staff members agree—the older, the better.
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Label, Label, Label Jon C. Malinowski and Christopher Thurber, authors of The Summer Camp Handbook, write: “If you haven’t labeled it, there’s no hope of getting it back.” They recommend three methods of labeling: indelible ink stamps, laundry marking pens and iron-on/sew-on labels.
What they don’t tell you to bring Camp packing lists are comprehensive about what campers need. But don’t overlook the things they’ll want. Consider sending a few comfort items along to help ease anxiety. Small stuffed animals and pre-written letters go a long way toward heading homesickness off at the pass.
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Day Camp Decisions W ith so many options for day camps, how can you help your child make the decision of which camp(s) to attend? Here are 7 tips to get you going.
Talk with your child and consider what he wants from camp. Then follow his lead. Ponder program length. Day camps range from several hours to a full day and can run from one-week long to an entire summer. Decide how much your child can handle.
Consider camp location. If you need a camp because both parents work, it may be convenient to find one in the path to your job. But if your child has a specific interest and there isn't a program en route, it may be worth driving a few extra miles. 1
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Ask about structure. Find out how the children are divided up into ages—same age or similar grades? What activities will they be doing? How long will each activity run? 4
Inquire about staff and facility. Ask about counselors' training, experience, how they are selected and if background checks are performed. What is the camper-to-counselor ratio? If your child has health conditions, can they accommodate issues such as asthma, allergies and/or dispensing medicine? 5
Find out exactly what is included in the cost. Some camps charge extra for special activities, materials, food and before- and after-care.
Arrange a visit. Camps often have open houses prior to the season. This is a good time for newcomers or first-time campers to see the facility and meet the staff. 7
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14 th /15 th : Artsy Brownie Evening, 4-7:30 pm
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21 st -22 nd : Maryland Day: $1 Admission, 10 am-4 pm
28 th : Think Like an Engineer, 9 am-1:30 pm, Ages 7-11
31 st : Stress with Children, 6:30-9:30 pm, for adults Ongoing Events: (incld. with $5 admission) Creek Critters: Nature Walk, Thursdays 10:30 am. All Ages Art & Story Time: Fridays 10:30 am. Ages 2-5
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