Sonoma Family Life Summer Camp Spotlight Issue

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Summer Camp Spotlight Issue Find the Best Camp for Your Child!

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Camp Spotlight

SonomaFamilyLife 3

16

Camp Spotlight

8

The Camp Next Door Day Camp Alternatives

12 A Summer to Remember Ready to Find a Camp?

10 Points to Consider

14 Camp is Calling

8

Seven Reasons to Send Your Kids

16 Camp Ready!

Prepare Your Child for First Sleepaway Adventure

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Camp Spotlight

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Dear Reader

W

elcome to Family Life Magazine’s Summer Camp Spotlight issue, designed to help parents find the best camp for their children.

Sharon Gowan Publisher/Editor Summer camps are Sharon@family-life.us an opportunity to let children experience a bit of the world on their own. If you have never sent your kids to a summer camp, this edition offers seven reasons why you should consider it (page 14).

If spending several nights away from home is a little scary for both parents and kids, however, day camp is a great alternative, especially for younger kids, to exercise, stretch their minds, and discover new interests. Check out our day camp story for advice (page 8).

Children who are older and more independent may be ready for overnight camps. Sleepaway camp is the perfect summer activity for children to help them become more independent, build confidence, challenge themselves, learn new skills, and meet new people. This guide shares certain steps to preparing kids before they head off to life without parents by their side (page 16).

Making it a summer to remember starts with selecting the best camp for your child. The easiest way to get started is to check out our Virtual Camp Fair here. From touring campgrounds to interviewing former campers, we’ve also got suggestions to help ensure your family’s expectations are met (page 12). Happy camping!

Marketing/ Sales/Events Patricia Ramos 707-205-1539 patty@family-life.us

Features Editor Angel Jenkins angel@family-life.us

Production Manager Donna Bogener production@family-life.us

Contributing Writers Mary Ann Blair Sarah Lyons Sandi Schwartz Denise Morrison Yearian

Billing Jan Wasson-Smith

Publishing Office

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Camp Spotlight

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Camp Spotlight

SonomaFamilyLife 7

The Camp Day Camp Next Door Alternatives W

By Sarah Lyons

hether you’re beginning to think about Spring Break camps, or longer camps for the summer, the idea of spending several nights away from home is a little scary for both the parent and child. A great alternative, especially for younger kids, is to send them to day camp. Day camp, as the name implies, typically consists of a series of consecutive days where the child is away during daytime hours.

Children leave in the morning and come home in the afternoon or evening to have dinner with their families and sleep in their own beds. Day camp gives kids many of the same learning experiences as a typical sleepover camp.

8 SonomaFamilyLife

Builds Independence — Camp is a place for children to explore their own independence and day camp is no different. Kids are challenged with new activities that they may not get the opportunity to try at home. They will make friends, eat Camp Spotlight

lunch, and follow directions without the help of their parents. Kids start to feel more self confident and independent as the week goes on.

Learn New Skills — Day camps typically offer opportunities to learn and grow in areas that children may not be exposed to at school. Kids can pick camps that tailor to their interest including a variety of sports,

Day camp gives kids many of the same learning experiences as a typical sleepover camp. music, dance, theater, science, art, exploring nature, and more. If your child is drawn to a particular activity or subject, chances are there is a camp that would interest them.

Kids who are not particularly drawn to academics will thrive in day camps because they are rewarded for their talents and interests. www.sonomafamilylife.com

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Make New Friends — While you may sign your child up for a camp with a friend, they will meet many new people their age. Children gain confidence as they learn to talk to and work with people that they have never played with previously. The opportunity to make friends with children that share similar interests and a fun new experience helps kids feel more comfortable when they are in new situations.

Take a Screen Break — When children spend time at day camp, they get a much needed break from screen time. As video games, apps, TV, and tablets take more and more of our free time, getting the kids outside to play or having fun while learning new skills is a priceless benefit to parents. Who

knows? When kids come home from camp, they may realize they don’t need as much screen time as they thought they did.

Lifelong Skills — Day camp provides opportunities for problem solving and leadership, improved

When children spend time at day camp, they get a much needed break from screen time. confidence, and an openness to new things. Depending on the camp, they may learn other skills that will stick with them. My kids learned how to start a fire and cook their own meal at scouting camps. My

daughter gained the confidence to get on stage in front of a room full of parents and peers at theater camp. My kids improved their skills at sport camps and faced fears while trying the camp obstacle course.

These experiences will remain throughout their life as they are faced with challenges in the future.

As you are deciding if day camp is right for your family, consider what type of camp your child would be most interested in. Let your child help you choose and then let them know you think they will do great. ❖ Sarah Lyons is a mom of six children, including a set of triplets. While she is an extrovert, she is a wife and mother to several introverts. She encourages her kids to step out of their comfort zones while also celebrating their unique personalities.

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Camp Spotlight

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Camp Spotlight

SonomaFamilyLife 11

kids in the same program so you can coordinate rides.

4

Focus on friendships.

Friendships are an important part of camp so factor that into your decision. The focus of day

It may be worth driving a few miles out of the way to get what you’re looking for.

A Summer to Remember 5 10 Tips for Choosing the Right Camp

camp is to have fun and learn skills, and a lot of that is done through face-to-face interaction with peers.

Have your children go with a friend but encourage them to make new friends there.

S

By Denise Morrison Yearian

ummer day camp is a place where children can stretch their minds, exercise their bodies, and develop new friendships and interests. Here are 10 suggestions on how you can choose the right day camp for your child.

1

Look, listen, and learn.

Talk with your children to find out what their interests are. As you do, get a list of camps, show them what the options are, and ask if any appeal to them. Need ideas? Come to Sonoma Family Life’s Virtual Camp Fair. Explore camps virtually anytime, anywhere! Once you’ve chosen some camps to explore more deeply, talk with people whose children have attended them to find out if they had good experiences.

2

Value in variety. Ask your children if they want to do

12 SonomaFamilyLife

one activity or have a variety of experiences. A lot of parents think they have to be tied down to one camp, but it is okay to send your children to different places.

3

Consider your family’s needs. If you have two working parents with set schedules, this may be a factor in determining where to send your children.

Check to see if the program you are considering has before- and after-care. Also ask if friends in similar situations want to put their Camp Spotlight

Look at location. Most families want a camp close to home or work or one somewhere along the way, but convenience shouldn’t be the only consideration.

If your child has a specific interest and there isn’t a program close by, it may be worth driving a few miles out of the way to get what you’re looking for.

6

Ponder program length.

Day camps run from several hours to a full day, so consider your children’s ages, developmental levels, and previous camp or group-setting experiences when looking at the program’s duration. Find out how many activities will be done in a day and determine if your kids can keep up the pace. If you still have reservations, ask the camp director what she or he suggests.

7

Ask key questions. Safety is a top priority, so find out what the counselor-to-camper www.sonomafamilylife.com

ratio is. The American Camping Association suggests 1:8 for ages 6–8, 1:10 for ages 9–14, and 1:12 for ages 15–18. Also look at hiring practices: How old are the staff members? Have background checks been done on them? How many hours of camp training do they have?

And how many are CPR and safety certified? Many times an overseeing organization’s accreditation or certification covers health, safety, and staff issues, as well as the quality of the program. Ask if the camp is certified or accredited, and then find out exactly what that means.

10

Peruse policies and procedures. Most camps have a parent handbook or policies and procedures manual. So if you’re undecided on a camp, ask for a copy to see if you agree with the rules and regulations set forth.

It’s equally important to go over

this information with your children so they know and agree to the expectations. ❖ Denise Morrison Yearian is the former editor of two parenting magazines and the mother of three children.

If the camp is more than you can afford, find out if there is a scholarship program.

8

Check out cost. When examining fees, make sure you’re comparing apples to apples.

Some day camps have a base price but charge extra for field trips, special activities, materials, registration, and food. Also ask about a refund policy or transfer of weeks if there is an unforeseen illness or emergency. If the camp is more than you can afford, find out if there is a scholarship program.

9

Plan a pre-visit. If an open house is available, try to attend, even if your child previously went to the camp. It’s an excellent opportunity to meet and discuss things with counselors. If that’s not possible, give yourself a few extra minutes at the start of camp to meet the staff and share information you think is important. www.sonomafamilylife.com

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Camp Spotlight

SonomaFamilyLife 13

Camp is Calling Seven Reasons to Send Your Kids

W

By Mary Ann Blair

ith summer calendars quickly filling up, it can be hard to try and squeeze in one more thing. But if you have never sent your kids to a summer camp, here are seven reasons why you should consider it!

With so many options, it’s easy to find a great fit for your child.

From sports camps and art camps to STEM-based camps and more traditional overnight options, summer camps are designed to serve a variety of ages and interests. The length of camp can range from a few mornings for younger kiddos to week long sleep-away camps for older kids. Local churches, school districts, and other organizations like the YMCA, Girl 14 SonomaFamilyLife

Scouts, Boy Scouts, Camp Fire, and 4-H offer a wide range of camps. With a little bit of research, you can easily find a camp well-suited for your child.

Camps provide kids with experiences they might not have access to in “everyday” life. Horseback riding. Paddling a canoe across the lake. Wilderness survival. Conquering a ropes course.

Sleeping under the stars. Adventures are endless at camp, and your Camp Spotlight

child will have an opportunity to try something brand new. For the youngest campers, trying a new craft activity or learning a new camp song can be so much fun!

Camps are a safe place to practice social skills. It might be awkward or uncomfortable for your child during those first few hours of

With a little bit of research, you can easily find a camp well-suited for your child. camp when they don’t know a single soul. After all, stepping into a new social environment can be challenging.

But the ability to comfortably communicate with new people is a life skill that all kids need, and a camp is a great place to practice! Camps also provide kids an opportunity to form friendships with a whole new group of peers they might never have met otherwise. www.sonomafamilylife.com

Camps give kids a muchneeded technology break. No matter how old your child is, they could probably benefit from a screen hiatus, especially during the summer months. Spending time outdoors, learning a new skill, having fun, and forming new friendships is good for the body and soul!

leadership skills. Your child might have that same opportunity one day.

What a great way to spend a summer!

Camp is just plain fun. So many adults have fond memories from their days spent at camp, and kids who have been to camp often say it’s a favorite

part of their summer. Odds are, your kids are going to love it! And for that reason alone, it’s worth sending them to camp. ❖ Mary Ann Blair is a mom of two boisterous boys. Besides chronicling her adventures in motherhood at maryannblair.com, she loves the outdoors, reading, and all things crafty.

Camps are staffed by amazing counselors who provide kids with all kinds of good, clean fun.

Sending kids to camp is beneficial for you, too.

Driving away from your child(ren) on the first day might be a little gut-wrenching. But entrusting your kids to someone else for a while can be truly beneficial. Maybe it will free up time for some overdue self-care, or give you and your partner time to reconnect. Maybe it will provide an opportunity to hit the reset button with your tween or teen. After all, absence makes the heart grow fonder! Parenting is tough work, so don’t feel guilty if you enjoy this time to yourself.

Chances are, your kids are having a blast without you!

Your child’s experience as a camper could help land a summer job in the future.

Camps are staffed by amazing counselors who provide kids with all kinds of good, clean fun. Most of these counselors were campers once, too. Now they get to help a new set of youngsters make unforgettable summer memories, all while sharpening their own teamwork and www.sonomafamilylife.com

Camp Spotlight

SonomaFamilyLife 15

Camp Ready!

Prepare Your Child for First Sleepaway Adventure

O

By Sandi Schwartz

ne of the best things we can do for our children is to let them spread their wings and experience the world a bit without us by their side. Sleepaway camp is the perfect summer activity for children to help them become more independent, build confidence, challenge themselves, learn new skills, and meet new people. Time away from home can broaden their perspective and lead them to discover who they are and what they want to become.

That first time heading off to sleepaway camp, however, can be intimidating and nerve-wracking for some children. They might feel homesick, experience separation anxiety, or struggle with meeting new friends or adapting to a new environment and schedule. Here are some tips to help you prepare your kids to make the transition from home to camp as smooth as possible.

16 SonomaFamilyLife

Involve Them When Choosing a Camp — Get kids involved early on when camp hunting. Look at camp websites and brochures together. Bring them to camp tours. Involve them in conversations with camp staff, current campers, and parents of campers who you connect with. Some camps even offer a special weekend for kids to try out the camp before registering.

Camp Spotlight

Encourage Independence at Home — Start building their independence by getting them more involved at home, such as picking out their own clothes, making their bed, organizing their room, cleaning up after a meal, and learning basic hygiene so they can do these activities

Time away from home can broaden their perspective and lead them to discover who they are and what they want to become. on their own at camp. It is also helpful for them to have some sleepover trial runs so they can get used to sleeping in other places and build more independence.

Discuss What Camp Will be Like — In the months building up to the first day of camp, casually add camp to conversations. At bedtime, set the scene for how fun it will be to have a sleepover with several friends www.sonomafamilylife.com

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Camp Spotlight

SonomaFamilyLife 17

that lasts weeks. Review the activities and ask what they are excited to try.

Look at the camp’s social media posts from previous summers to show your kids what to expect. If you attended sleepaway camp or had a similar experience like living in a college dorm, share your stories.

Attend Orientation — Even if your child has already seen the camp in-person, it’s critical that you attend the orientation as a family, recommends Jenny Grogan, one of the camp directors at a traditional sleepaway summer camp for campers ages 7–17 on a real working ranch.

“We do a new camper orientation before the summer starts and then post it on our website, so even if you can’t attend, you can still see what

questions were asked and get a general overview,” Grogan shared.

When kids see what the camp is like in advance, it helps reduce anxiety about the first day. It’s also a way to meet some of the staff and other campers, possibly making friends before camp

Don’t hesitate to call the camp for drop-off and first-day details … even starts. Don’t be shy about asking questions during orientation.

Have Them Share Concerns — Make sure the lines of communication are open for kids to express how they are feeling. Let them know it’s normal to miss home but that camp will also

Nature Camp

be full of fun and new adventures.

Reinforce the idea that camp is a safe place where they can grow and learn new things.

Grogan suggests focusing on a goal or purpose for them while they are at camp. “Having a goal or a purpose in mind, like what are their hopes for going to camp, is helpful,” she said.

“During those challenging moments, they are going to be able to think back to that goal.”

She also emphasizes filling out the paperwork to inform staff of what might be an issue or concern for your child at camp.

Teach Coping Skills — In addition to talking about children’s worries, it’s helpful to provide them with tools to help when they are struggling. “Pack

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Exploration makes us explorers.

June 10-14 & 17-21 June 9-13, 6-20 & 17-21 Fun and for rising Fun and educational educational camps week-long camps6thfor 8th graders.

Topics will include: Art,Sonoma Italian rising 6th-8th graders, taught by Academy staff Baking, and alumni, explore a huge Cooking and Speech and Debate, range of topics: Art, Italian Cooking and Outdoor Adventures, Ghost Story PodcastBaking, Dance, Outdoor Adventures, Taiko ing, Storytelling, iPhone Photography, FilmDrumming & Storytelling, Photography, making, Video Game Design, Beauty Brand Filmmaking, Craftopia, and Floral Design!

To in a Box, Sports STEM, and Basketball! find out more andand register online, go to www. sonomaacademy.org Find out more at www.sonomaacademy.org

Mark West stables

Sonoma Family Life 1/4 page: 3.46W x 4.56H DEADLINE: JANUARY 23

SUMMER CAMP

Camps for ages 10-18!

Join us for one week or all four!

GREAT DAY CAMPS FOR KIDS! RIDING & HORSE CARE LESSONS GAMES, GROOMING & MORE! FUN, ENGAGING, & SAFE ACTIVITIES! AGES 7-12

CALL US (707) 538-2000

www.markweststables.com

Sign up at www.willowsworkshop.org

5241 St. Helena Road, Santa Rosa www.sonomafamilylife.com

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postcards in their suitcase so they can write you letters whenever they are missing you,” suggested Grogan.

Other helpful coping skills include breathing exercises, meditating, taking a walk, reading, journaling, using self-talk, listening to music, and talking to a friend or counselor.

Finally, be sure to identify a point person that your child can seek out when feeling uneasy, whether that be a counselor, camp director, or an older camper that you know from home.

Pack Together — The more your campers are involved, the more prepared they will feel. Plus, it will help them get excited to start camp.

Bring them along to shop for camp supplies and let them pick out their favorite items to take for the summer.

Don’t pack their bag; have them go through the packing checklist with you. Including favorite comfort items can also help ease their worries.

When kids see what the camp is like in advance, it helps reduce anxiety about the first day.

Walk Through Drop-off — As the first day of camp approaches, discuss exactly what will happen when you drop them off at the bus stop or at the camp. Some kids board a bus in their local area and travel to camp, so it’s important they know how that works. Don’t hesitate to call the camp for drop-off and first-day details so

KIDS BOUNCING OFF THE WALLS DURING SCHOOL BREAKS? BRING THEM TO THE GYM!

you can describe everything to your kids. When that day arrives, keep your goodbyes brief and avoid becoming too emotional (wear sunglasses to hide your tears if you have to). If they see that you are upset, they may feel guilty or scared about leaving.

By following these helpful tips, both you and your children are sure to have a less stressful experience as they embark on their first trip to sleepaway camp. ❖ Sandi Schwartz is an award-winning author, freelance journalist, and mother of two. She has written extensively about parenting, wellness, and environmental issues. Learn about her efforts to educate families about feeling happier and calmer through nature at ecohappinessproject.com.

Performing Arts Camp

TIME FOR

SUMMER CAMP!

The Stage Is Open!

Trampolines, pit, rings, bars, beams, padded floors and all of our specialized sports and games equipment. Mornings we have gymnastics, games, arts & crafts, and our popular jump zone time.

REDWOOD EMPIRE GYMNASTICS (707) 763-5010 • 434 Payran Street • Petaluma www.regymnastics.com/camps

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Visit sebastianitheatre.com Contact: diana@rhotenproductions.com (707)-484-7759 www.sonomafamilylife.com

NOW ACCEPTING NEW ENROLLMENT

LOVESOTODODANCE? WE! At The Keenan School, we’re passionate about sharing the fun & joy of traditional Irish dance with everyone. Classes offered from 3 years to adults. Come join our dance family!

PLEASE CALL FOR COMPLIMENTARY CLASS 211 Liberty St. Petaluma • (707) 479-1128 Keenan5678@att.net www.keenanirishdanceschool.com

LEARN TO PLAY

GUITAR

20+ years teaching Sonoma County youth • Fun & positive environment

• All levels & ages

102 B Wikiup Drive • Santa Rosa • 707.217.8017 • www.ericcabalo.com www.sonomafamilylife.com

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WHY WAIT? JOIN FAMILIES WHO LOVE EXPLORING & MAKING MEMORIES Sign up for weekly updates & start planning your next adventure!

4-H SUMMER CAMP

Camp 1

June 23rd - June 28th Camp Tamarancho in Fairfax

Camp 2

July 6th - July 11th Mendocino Woodlands

Sonoma County 4-H camps provide an exciting overnight experience for youth aged 9-18, featuring outdoor activities like hiking, archery, and water activities. Campers engage in workshops on environmental science and nature in the world

Pricing Non 4-H Member: $518 Check,$533 Credit Existing 4-H Member: $455 Check,$470 Credit (*$15 Credit Fee*)

Children Must be 9 years old by June 1, 2025 (Ages 5-8 can come accompanied by an Adult Chaperone) You do not need to be a 4-H Club member to attend 4-H Summer Camp

Adult Chaperones Needed!!

If you are Interested in being an adult chaperone email the camp program:

sonomacounty4hcamp@gmail.com

SIGN UP NOW! Go to https://cesonoma.ucanr.edu/4H/4-H_Camp/ or scan the QR code to sign up for our wonderful camps @sonomacounty4hcamp @sonomacounty4hcamp

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www.sonomafamilylife.com