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February 13, 2020
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A guide to year round programs and summer fun
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Outside the classroom t's no secret that after-school activities do wonders for a child's development. They are linked to improving social skills, grades, overall coordination, sense-of-self and relationships with adults other than mom and dad. While it can be fun and beneficial for kids to participate in extracurricular activities, finding the right fit isn't as easy as it sounds. When helping kids find an extracurricular activity, it's best to consider a host of factors —especially keep in mind that not all kids are the same with respect to interests. And what was enjoyed by their parents won't necessarily be enjoyed by them. Sports may be the first thing that comes to mind when many parents think of extracurricular activities for their children, but not all kids are cut out for or interested in competitive athletics. But just because a youngster may not be the next star quarterback or captain of the soccer team does not mean he or she can’t find an extracurricular activity to be passionate about. Parents know that schoolwork comes first, but extracurricular activities can be important to a child’s development, serving as an avenue to meet new people and an opportunity to learn the importance of teamwork. Here some of the key things to consider when trying to help your child find the best bet for after school.
Interests One of the easiest ways to help kids find an extracurricular activity they can be passionate about is to discuss their interests with them. Youngsters with a love of animals might enjoy volunteering at a local animal shelter or hospital, while those who love to write may find writing for the school newspaper is a great way to apply that passion in a practical setting. Even kids with a passion for video games might be interested in learning about computer graphics and what it takes to design games. When trying to determine what’s best for your child, resist the urge to write off any of their interests. Instead, use those interests as jumping off points to further engage their passions.
Extracurricular activities can help youngsters develop into well-rounded adults. Help your student find the right activities while still encouraging him to keep schoolwork atop his priority list.
Availability Parents know that school comes before extracurricular activities, but kids may not be so wise. Keep in mind kids’ existing workloads when helping them find the right afterschool activities. Many organizations are especially flexible with teenage volunteers or employees, but parents still must keep a watchful eye to ensure kids do not overextend themselves. Kids who over-commit to extracurricular activities may end up feeling burnt out, which can have a negative impact on their schoolwork.
Encourage them to find activities they care about, but emphasize that these activities should not become bigger priorities than schoolwork. Let them know that they can get more involved during summer vacation, but make sure they don’t devote too much of their time to after-school activities during the school year. A couple of hours per week and even some additional time on the weekends should not distract kids from their responsibilities at school, and that’s still ample time for them to explore their interests.
Internships Internships were once exclusive to college students, but many organizations now offer internship opportunities to high schoolers as well. Kids who find themselves interested in particular subjects at school, whether it’s graphic design or a beginner’s course on finance, may be eligible for internships with local companies. Such opportunities may even encourage kids to pursue a particular course of study once they enter college. n
Specialized programs in sports, the arts, teen travel, along with a traditional summer program
Daily bus transportation to and from Long Island, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens AND Afternoon drop off available to Atlantic Beach beach clubs
∙ Lunch and 2 Snacks Daily (including Kosher food option) ∙ 2 Heated Pools-American Red Cross Instructional Swim Program ∙ Beautiful Indoor Theater & Gymnasium ∙ Complete Athletics Program with Top Coaches ∙ Special Events-Carnival, Wet n’ Wild Day, Messy Day, Gold Rush, Color War, Game Shows…and so much more! ∙ Sports Clinics ∙Arts & Crafts ∙ Dance ∙ Karate/Martial Arts ∙ Science & Nature ∙ Musical Theater Program ∙ Glee Club ∙ Academic Enrichment ∙ Weekly Day Trips (Grades 3 & Up) ∙Teen Travel Program (Grades 7-9) ∙ Optional Overnight Trips ∙ Center for the Creative Arts & Champion Sports Academy-all-immersion arts & sports camps (Grades 3 & Up) ∙ Camper/Counselor-In-Training (CIT) for grades 9 & 10 THE MOST OUTSTANDING NURSERY PROGRAM ON LONG ISLAND: Adult Staff with Early Childhood Expertise ∙ Outstanding Camper/Staff Ratio…2:1 in our 2-Year-Old Program…3:1 in our 3-5-Year-Old Program ∙Weekly Nursery Parties ∙ Weekly Nursery Cultural Arts Program ∙ Nursery Athletics ∙ Early Childhood School Readiness Program ∙ Nursery Language Program Through Song & Dance
(516)374-5559 lwasummerday@lawrencewoodmere.org ∙ www.lwasd.org
1077918
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Choose extracurriculars that offer skill-building fun — but watch out for over-scheduling
Welcoming summer adventures P
Being away from home can build self-esteem, independence
arents, we know most of the preparation for summer camp falls on your shoulders. Here are some ways to get your camper — and yourself — ready for their summer camp experience.
“wait and see” approach, encouraging them to give it their best shot this year, and promise you will discuss next summer’s camp plans once they return home. Following through on this commitment is bound to give your child a great sense of accomplishment and boost their self-esteem, especially when they realize they have overcome their fears!
Do all the research you need You probably already put a lot of effort into picking the right camp, but doing some further research can help you feel mentally at ease about sending your child to camp. Part of preparing for summer camp is getting as many questions answered as you can. Read through any information packages, web pages or videos you have access to, and talk to other parents who have sent their children to camps similar to the one you selected. Although it’s normal for you to still be anxious about sending your kids away, this can help you feel more secure in your decision. Visit the campsite ahead of time For both your peace of mind and that of your camper, try to visit so you can get a concrete picture of what camp life looks like. During your camp preview day, you can have all your questions answered, and you’ll likely see your child get excited about the fun attractions they see around them. If it isn’t possible to visit the campground before departure, browse their websites or social media pages to get some extra insight. Keep conversations positive and calm Don’t express concern or the issue of homesickness around your child, and remember to stay positive in conversations about packing. Your kid will pick up on any tension you show, which may translate into hostile thoughts about summer camp. Remember, no one is perfect and that even if you do forget to pack something, your kid will make it through — either by borrowing or purchasing at the camp facilities. They may even realize they didn’t need the forgotten item in the first place. Communicate a guilt-free, positive approach and teach your child that when it comes to being responsible, we are all still works in progress. On the other hand, keep your demeanor calm and relaxed, rather than overwhelming your camper with enthusiasm. As parents, you’re probably well aware that kids are notorious for having their own feelings and reactions — and that’s perfectly okay! Rather than providing potentially unrealistic expectations with your glowing childhood memories of camp, keep your child in charge of camp-related conversations. There is a chance they have some reservations to work out on their own, and they’ll let you know when they are ready to talk about them and get excited about camp. Your patience will communicate that you encourage their
Go through a mental pre-departure checklist Attend to any instructions for labeling and packaging medications, and document other medical needs your child has. Take note if there are other forms you can fill out ahead of time to streamline the dropping-off process.
Sleepaway camp is a chance for kids to disconnect, make discoveries and meet new people. increasing independence — at least as far as it relates to heading off to summer camp on their own. Follow the packing list and keep your kids involved It is never too early to begin setting items aside to take to camp. Pack only play clothes that can get ripped and stained without causing you too much distress. Labeling your child’s belongings, especially if they were freshly purchased for the trip, is a great way to help your camper remember which items are theirs to keep track of. Pack plenty of extra socks, t-shirts and underwear, and send ample gear to protect them from the sun. Don’t try to do all the packing yourself — instead, urge your camper to help you. As you pack together, your child will pick up on how to pack when the time comes to return home. On that note, you’ll want to make sure their bag isn’t too heavy for them to carry on their own, along with their sleeping bag or any other bedding they’re required to bring. Encourage independence It can be scary to give your kids more leeway, but try to provide more incentives to build their independence skills in the weeks leading up to camp. Focus on the positive, and reward the progress you see. Your camper will need to have a sense of personal responsibility for their belongings and their hygiene. They should even sense some responsibility in the decision to go to summer camp at all — and remain there without calling for you to pick them up early. Assume they will stay at camp for the entirety of the camp session, rather than encouraging the idea that they can return home early if they get homesick. Use the
Arrive on time, and leave promptly When you depart for camp or the bus pick-up site, arrive as punctually as you can. Keep your goodbyes short and sweet at the door to the bus or cabin, and try not to hover or clog up any entrances or walkways. Deliver your paperwork as instructed, and provide written notices of any lastminute concerns — rather than trying to have a verbal conversation with the camp director. Rest assured, your child will be able to find a seat on the bus on their own and will receive help from their camp counselor to set up their sleeping bag in their cabin. You’re probably not the only parent who is tempted to linger, but this can delay the start of your kid’s fun camp adventure. Just like jumping in a swimming pool, sometimes a quick immersion is the best way to get the fun started. Do your part, say your goodbyes swiftly and trust the system. Lean into the separation as much as you can The camp you choose may have a no cell phone policy. If it does, be a good sport and trust that the camp directors know what they are doing. They have probably seen first-hand that campers are more likely to experience homesickness if Mom and Dad are easy to access. Instead, find out the camp’s mail and care package policies, and put a few happy postcards in the mail shortly after dropping your child off. If care packages are permitted, include some affordable, shareable treats for your child’s cabinmates. The camp will notify you if your child needs you for any serious reason. Remember, no news is good news when it comes to summer camp. Overall, follow the policies in place, and remember that a brief period of missing one another can work wonders for your family. Think about the meaningful conversations you will be able to have, the stories your camper will be eager to Continued on page S-6
Summer camp is a time-honored tradition, rich with activities, newfound friendships and a lifetime of memories.
Prepping for camp season Summers are magical, right? School is out, the days are long, and free time abounds. Yet after a month or so, boredom sets in, and kids and the couch start to become inseparable. Glued to smartphones while binging on Netflix, or just mindlessly mashing buttons as they play video games for hours on end. Where’s the magic in that? If only there was a way for kids to design video games instead of just playing them. Or an opportunity to create the next big app rather than being sucked into someone else’s. Good news—that’s where summer camps come in Great for balancing out the unstructured, school-free months, summer camps are fun, build character, and provide opportunities for campers to meet new friends and reconnect with former classmates. Plus, kids can discover new and stay intellectually engaged. So, where do you start? The good news is, with today’s overabundance of camps, there’s literally a type of camp for every child. On the flip side, with so many options, choosing can make you feel a lot like Goldilocks on the hunt for a camp that’s just right. Set your expectations Before you can pick the right summer camp, you need to first define “right;” and you do so by setting expectations. Start by asking one simple question — what do you want your children to gain from their experience? You send them to school so they can get smarter, and off to baseball practice so they can become a better hitter or pitcher. Sending them to camp shouldn’t be any different. Want your daughter to meet new friends with similar interests? Try a niche all-girls camp in a subject she loves. Looking to keep your son thinking throughout the summer months? With a commonsense balance of indoor and outdoor activities, an academic camp will keep him intellectually stimulated. In carrying out your camp conversations, don’t forget to cater the discussion to your audience. Tweens and teens for instance might immediately shut down at the mere uttering of “summer camp.” But, maybe they’d be interested in a precollege summer program, or a sports academy with likeminded peers? The goal is to get kids excited about summer by finding programs that speak to their current interests. By starting the process with you and your child on the same page and speaking the same language, you’re more likely to find a camp you both love. Select the right genre Once you’ve established what you’re hoping to gain from camp, it’s time to narrow down the types of programs that can meet those needs. Here’s what you can expect from today’s most popular summer camp genres: Continued on page S-6
Camp & SCHOOL
Directory
LOOKING FOR A SHORT SESSION SLEEPAWAY CAMP CLOSE TO HOME?
HERJC Nursery School
2 Night & 5 Night Sessions Dorothy P. Flint 4-H Camp is a 140 acre co-ed sleep away camp located on the Long Island Sound. For campers ages 8 - 16. Farm/Horticulture • Animal Science • Archery Horseback Riding • Ropes Adventure Course Wilderness Survival • Drama • Sports • Fishing
Dorothy P. Flint 4-H Camp
3186 Sound Ave., Riverhead • 516-433-7970 x 11 www.ccenassau.org
1069743 1019645
Dorothy P. Flint 4-H Camp
Dorothy P. Flint 4-H Camp is a 140 acre co-ed short-session sleep away camp for children ages 8 -16, located on Long Island Sound in Riverhead. Campers can stay for a single 5-day session or up to 8 weeks. First-time campers can come for a mini-camp experience of 2 nights/3 days. Perfect to help your child get adjusted to being away from home. Activities are chosen by the camper. We offer Farm/Horticulture, Animal Science, Archery, Horseback Riding, Ropes Adventure Course, Wilderness Survival, Drama, Sports, Fishing and much more! Dorothy P Flint 4-H Camp 516-433-79790 ext 11 ccenassau.org/dorothy-p-flint-4-h-camp
Grace Lutheran School Summer Mini Program
Grace Lutheran School’s summer mini-program offers a supportive, friendly environment for children ages 3-5 years. Children of all faiths and backgrounds are welcome to learn and play. The summer mini-program runs Wednesday July 1st to Friday July 31st. The warm and caring staff provide guidance and direction while encouraging cooperation, resourcefulness, creativity, curiosity and the love of God in a safe and respectful atmosphere. The many activities include daily arts and crafts, music, dancing, movie day in classroom, in-house field trips, outdoor playground, sprinkler day and water fun, indoor gym, end of camp pizza party, and more. All children must be potty trained; no pull-ups are permitted. 400 Hempstead Ave., Malverne (516) 599-6557 Grace Lutheran School Summer Mini Program 516-599-6557
Dr. Helene H. Agatstein Educational Consultant, Inc. “Your school district has a multitude of resources to which your child may be entitled. I can partner with you to design an effective, long-term plan to ensure that your child gets all that he or she requires to achieve academic success.”
Office: (516)791-1324 Cell: (516)445-1705 Helene@Agatstein.com Website: schoolingadvocate.com
1078469
We attend CSE, CPSE, Team Meetings and Disciplinary Hearings. We also do Counseling and Parent Training
Going to school for the first time is one of the most important milestones in a child’s life. The Hewlett East Rockaway Jewish Centre Nursery School offers the very finest programming in a facility designed for young children, emphasizing individual and small group activities. We focus on giving our children a strong foundation upon which to grow socially, emotionally, academically and spiritually, providing them with the tools necessary to be successful as they climb the educational ladder. Our school approaches Judaism as a heritage and a tradition to be celebrated by all who which to participate. Our program takes place in our state of the art facility, including a Parenting Center, Two outdoor playgrounds, a new outdoor classroom, indoor gym, and a brand new state of the art science facility. We are proud to offer Toddler Time, for children and their caretakers, and programs for children ages two through pre-kindergarten. HERJC Nursery School 516-599-1169
Lawrence Woodmere Academy Summer Day
Ages: 2 to 15. Fees: Call for rates. Specialties: Full day, half day, Red Cross swim instruction, arts and crafts, drama, dance, tennis, aeroball, sports, sports clinics, day and overnight trips and, special one week camps in adventure, culinary arts, jewelry making, woodworking, sewing, Lego engineering, Challenge Escape Room, all immersion arts camp; Center for Creative Arts Academy, and all immersion sports camp; Champion Sports Academy. Note: Transportation and meals included, extended days: early drop-off and late pickup available. Open houses: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays, March through June. 336 Woodmere Blvd. Lawrence Woodmere Academy Summer Day 516-374-5559 lwasd.org
Fitting it all in
Managing the after-school activities juggle
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or many families, the morning rush isn’t the most chaotic time of the day. Instead, the sanity-buster is that long stretch from the time school lets out until the final activity ends and everyone is home. Surviving the afternoon activities juggle is all about planning and time management — and it’s also an opportune time to teach kids some valuable skills. “The opportunity with activities is it’s a great time for kids to learn time management,” says Carolyn Dalgliesh, a professional organizer who specializes in helping kids who are anxious or distracted.“It’s a skill that will help them throughout their lives.” Michelle Grey and Michelle Cooper instill the same message through their business, Student Organizers. “They teach kids how to tell time in school,” Cooper says, “but they don’t teach kids how to manage time.” Without preparation, the activities crunch can get kids — and parents — on a quick path to burnout and exhaustion. Here are tips from the experts for making your child’s after-school activities a fun and rewarding part of childhood — and for teaching your child the skill of time management. Choose the right activities. There is no need for everyone to run ragged getting to volleyball practice if your child no longer enjoys it. “We talk about mindful choices,” Dalgliesh says. “You want your child to get value out of any activity, whether it’s a great social outlet or a
Keeping kids busy after school is a good thing, but participating in many activities without advance planning is inviting miscommunication, forgotten homework, and cranky families. Instead, enlist your kids’ efforts each week in planning their time. chance to run off a lot of energy.” Consider timing. If you’re lucky enough to have choices in times, choose wisely. “Think about how well your child does with transitions,” Dalgliesh says. “For some kids, coming home triggers wind-down time, [so] parents may want to go to the library after school to do homework instead of stopping by the house.” Honor the family meeting. There is a central principle when it comes to family time management: Everyone must get together once a week, with calendars in hand, to plan out the next week. Figure out how each kid will get to and from each activity, and make plans for meals and snacks. When doing the planning, try to carve out at least one night when the family can have
dinner together. Make your weekly meeting fun by following it with a family movie or game night. Or, suggests Grey, dole out allowance and lunch money at the end of the meeting. Maintain a family calendar. Each family member needs his or her own week-at-aglance calendar, and you also need a family calendar. Yes, that’s a lot of calendars, but it will help ensure all activities are well-planned. Get the activity bags ready. Get your kids in the habit of packing their activity bags on Sunday night. Designate a place for them to hang or store their bags. For activities requiring a lot of gear, use a checklist to make sure nothing gets left behind. Embrace meal planning. It’s important to
plan simple, consistent meals, especially if you’re a busy family with a lot of activities. For example, kids love theme dinners such as “Taco Tuesday,” and can help with preparation and assembly. Also plan snacks, making sure to have high-protein nibbles available for kids before they embark on a strenuous activity. Make it portable. Keep healthy drinks and snacks in a car cooler. After all,“we’re a portable society,” Dalgliesh says. In addition to food, keep an “activities bin” for kids to rummage through while hanging out at big brother’s karate practice — but only then. “Those activities are special, and they only get pulled out when kids are waiting,” Dalgliesh explains. Make car time special. If you spend a lot of time driving to and from activities, make that time count. Try an audiobook, choosing a story everyone in the family can enjoy. Dalgliesh plays a conversation game with her children. She has a set of cards with prompts such as, “What is the worst meal you ever had in a restaurant?” or “What is your favorite vacation memory?” She passes the deck to her kids has them pick one. “It’s about finding those moments to connect,” she says. Be flexible. Even the most carefully made plans can be rendered useless by a thunderstorm that cancels soccer practice, a sick child, or an unexpected work disaster. “There’s a whole lot of planning that needs to take place,” Cooper says.“Then, you have to go with the flow.” n Courtesy SchoolFamily.com
Summer Fun For Your Little Ones!! Grace Lutheran School Summer Mini Program
Open HOuse sunday, May 17th, 2–4pm pre-school thru Grade 6
Wednesday July 1st - Friday, July 31st. Children ages: 3-5 years MUST BE POTTY TRAINED— NO PULL-UPS! Camper must bring juice and snack daily WHAT DO WE OFFER:
Daily arts and crafts, music, dancing, movie day in classroom, outdoor playground, sprinkler day and water fun, indoor gym, in-house field trips, end of camp pizza party; these are some of the fun activities that happen in our summer program.
Fees: 9am - 12pm $600
Grace Lutheran church and SchooL
400 Hempstead Ave. • Malverne, N.Y.11565 • (516) 599-6557
1078761
9-3pm $1,100.
Being away from home can build self-esteem, independence Continued from page S-3
share and the ability to remind them later how much you missed them when they were away. What child doesn’t love hearing how much their parents love them — and vice versa? Allow for a smooth transition back into normal life After days of high adrenaline and activity, it may take your camper some time to settle back into a routine. Every kid is different — some are sad to leave and will need some space before telling Mom and Dad about their adventures, while others remain high on enthusiasm and probably will be eager to talk your ear off about what they did and learned. You know your children and what they will need to process their experience, so stay positive, don’t rush them and give what you can to
help them recharge with food and rest. It may also take your camper some time to readjust to their usual level of independence after being on their own at camp. Fortunately, you can take this opportunity to discuss any extra responsibilities they had at camp, like making their bed every day or washing their own dishes, and see whether they want to implement these duties at home, too. Finally, you can use this opportunity to have meaningful conversations with your child after they come home. Find ways to bond over the new experiences they had and tell your own stories that relate to theirs. Sometimes, summer camp is not just about growing young minds, but also about creating those beautiful family moments for both parents and children to cherish for years to come. n
Prepping for camp season Continued from page S-3
Traditional: Think back to your own summer camp experiences; bunks, campfires, archery; these co-ed and single-gender camps build self-confidence and character in a traditional outdoor setting. Academic: Your kids can keep learning even when school’s out. Academic camps provide a fun balance of hands-on education and upbeat extracurricular activities. The best
part is, such camps revolve around topics most schools don’t or can’t teach, with skillbuilding in in-demand and lucrative course areas. Academic camps are a great way to supplement education for students who don’t like traditional instruction. Academic camps give students the chance to focus on one particular academic activity or skill and devel-
op it over the length of the camp session. Many camps provide math, language arts, theater, photography or computer-focused areas of study. Cost can vary widely depending on materials used and length of camp. Art: Art camps offer students the chance to explore their artistic interests in a group setting outside of school. Kids sometimes focus on painting, drawing, or the visual arts, while other camps provide the opportunity to learn more about computer-based design and 3D printing. Adventure: Fun, engaging, and high-energy — these camps are great for exploring new experiences. Think of it like a traditional outdoor camp, but with a specialized expedition or exploratory component. Athletic: Athletic camps are perfect for sporty kids who are looking to learn new skills during summer. And, sports camps are great for kids and teens who want an outdoor camp experience at the same time! Special Needs: These camps create a summer camp environment for students who, due to physical, mental, or emotional challenges, might not have the option to attend typical summer camps or activities. Camperto-staff ratios are lower to provide individual attention and create an environment that is comfortable and tailored to the campers’ needs. Decide on day camps or overnight camps Depending on your child’s age and comfort-level with being away from home, day camps can provide the opportunity for kids and teens to socialize, learn new skills, or play sports, minus the overnight commitment. Overnight camps (also called sleepaway or residential camps) provide much of the same,
with the key difference being kids sleep at camp, and don’t return until the camp’s completion, whether that’s a week or a month, etc. Such experiences give students a taste of independence in a supervised setting, and are a great option for students who are comfortable being away from home for longer periods of time. Consider camp setting and experience Some academic, sports, arts, and technology camps team up with universities to provide programs in a collegiate environment. Students meet in the university labs, eat in the dining halls, tour campus, and enjoy recreational time in university facilities. Plus, overnight campers even stay right in the college dorms on campus. Such a setting provides a much different experience and outcome than one that might take place at the local park or elementary school. Don’t be afraid to research — a lot By registering for camp, you’re investing time and trust into the summer camp provider, and you’ll undoubtedly have questions. So don’t be afraid to research, research, research, to ensure you make the correct decision. You can even tap into your own social group for suggestions. Ask around and see where other friends have sent their kids to camp. A personal recommendation is often a great indicator of what your student’s experience will be like. Plus, kids always have a great time when they get to attend camp with a few friends. n
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