Camp and school west 03 09 2017

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Comprehensive section geared to the growth of your children NASSAU HERALD — March 9, 2017

March 9, 2017

A Spec

ial Adve

rtising

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CAMP AND SCHOOL

e d i u G • Nursery School • Pre-K • Dance School • Karate • Music and Me • Mommy and Me • Pediatrics • Gymnastics • Learning Centers • Birthday Parties • Childcare • Camp • Tutoring • Sports, and much more ...

SUMMER SPORTS CAMPS

BASEBALL • BASKETBALL • FENCING FIELD HOCKEY • FOOTBALL • ICE HOCKEY LACROSSE • ROWING • SOCCER SQUASH • TENNIS • VOLLEYBALL WATER POLO • WRESTLING Recent studies show a correlation between improved grades, behavior and work habits as a result of students’ involvement in after-school activities.

Led by Brown’s varsity coaches, their staff and current Brown athletes.

Sponsored by the Brown University Department of Athletics and Brown University Pre-College Programs.

Brown University Sports Camps are open to any and all entrants.

Afternoon rush

The day’s not over once the school bell rings

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Challenge Yourself with Ivy League Academics Prepare to Succeed in a College Environment Meet Exceptional Students from Around the World Choose from More than 300 Academic Courses College Credit Courses One- to Seven-Weeks Long Sessions STEM Programs for Middle & High School Students Summer Sports Camps

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Modern kids are certainly busier than ever before. The increasingly competitive nature of scholastic life combined with the increase of outside of classroom options available to kids means that kids today are much busier than their school-aged counterparts of yesteryear.

Can after-school programs give your children an academic boost? According to a new study of after-school programs serving low-income elementary and middle school students, the answer is yes. Students who regularly participated in after-school programs surpassed their peers in academic performance. They also exhibited notable improvements in work habits and behavior.

“These findings underscore the importance of high quality after-school programs and activities for both elementary and middle school youth,” explains Deborah Lowe Vandell, PhD, Chair of the Department of Education of the University of California at Irvine and the study’s lead author.

It’s no surprise that after-school programs can do much more than keep your children occupied during the afternoon. In fact, afterschool activities can help them in a variety of ways. Children develop time-management skills, build self-esteem, and practice goalsetting. While it may be tough to squeeze in after-school activities for your children, the benefits are well worth the extra effort.

Time management and prioritizing.

Extracurricular activities teach children how to manage their time and prioritize various tasks and commitments.

Exploring diverse interests. The school band, drama club, or any sport may be an activity your children are interested in joining. By allowing your children the opportunity to explore diverse interests, you give them the opportunity to discover what they are passionate about. Once your children find

an activity that they enjoy, succeeding in the activity could ultimately build their confidence and self-esteem.

Making a contribution. Extracurricular activities allow your children to make a contribution to their school or community, which is an important step in preparing them for life outside of academics.

Building self-esteem. Mastering new skills can help create confident kids. By participating in after-school activities, they can build their self-esteem in a relaxed setting as their activities provide the opportunity to be successful in something that they are passionate about.

College applications. After-school activities look great on college applications. In addition to academic performance, most colleges these days want a well-rounded student and look at what activities students are involved in outside of school as a way to fully understand each student.

Setting goals. Participation in extracurricular activities and programs present opportunities for your children to develop their goalsetting skills. Most involve reaching or achieving a goal, whether it be the lead actor in the school play, winning the state championship or coming in first place in the science fair. As a result, these activities help encourage students to work toward achieving those goals, while having fun at the same time.

Teamwork. Sports teams, clubs and activities, like dancing and music, all require children to work together toward a common goal. By participating in these activities, your children develop the skills they need in order to successfully work with others. In addition, extracurricular activities let children to build relationships and socialize with peers who share their interests. n

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NASSAU HERALD — March 9, 2017 Sleepaway camp is a chance for kids to disconnect, make discoveries and meet new people.

Summer adventures Being away from home builds self-esteem, independence

Saying goodbye Ramping up for camp is a process — for families and campers.

Prepare your child — and yourself for camp

For parents, the most heart-racing, adrenalin pumping moments happen when you let go and watch your child try something on his or her own. The moment the training wheels come off, the first trip down the driveway on the skateboard, the time our children ride the school bus — these are more than just memories, these are critical moments that define growth and change.

For many families, the first time they send their child to camp is one of the biggest let go, hold your breath, and watch them soar moments in childhood.

In today’s world of high-tech kids and families who have a constant connection to each other, it’s essential to take the time to emotionally prepare for camp. It is, of course, important to prepare the first-time camper, but families need to make sure that Mom, Dad, younger siblings at home — virtually everyone — is ready to adjust to camp lifeFirst-time families can ease into the camp experience with a minimum of stress by doing some prep beforehand.

the nation's leading experts on camp, cautions it is likely that the child left at home will experience separation anxiety and truly miss his or her sibling. “To help them prepare, be sure to talk about the upcoming separation,” he advises. “Before the eldest child leaves for camp take a picture of your children together that the sibling can keep in their room or carry around. Remind your children about the communication they can have with each other through letters and postcards.”

Other family members Be sure that everyone is aware of the upcoming experience. Let family members know how to contact camper if they are interested through letters and care packages — make sure they are aware of any communication policies the camp may have, i.e. no phone calls or restrictions on what can be sent in a care package. In addition, an increasing number of camps are using websites to display photos or video during the camp session.

Camp is an equal opportunity life-changer.

By sending a child to camp, families are truly giving a gift that lasts a lifetime. By taking steps to mentally prepare for camp, families not only keep from getting “kid-sick” for their camper, but they can stay positive about the camp experience, which goes a long way toward helping first-time campers adjust to life at camp. And just like taking off the training wheels, the moment families see their camper radiating confidence and joy they will feel that burst of pride and gratitude that they allowed their child this experience. n

Parents As parents, it is important to focus on the positive aspects of camp. Remember that separation is natural, necessary, and inevitable — what better place to have that first experience than in a caring and nurturing environment designed specifically for children?

Parents can also focus on the amazing benefits of camp – an experiential education like no other teaching valuable 21st century survival skills like leadership, teamwork, problemsolving, and interpersonal communication.

“The greatest gifts that parents can give Courtesy American their child are independence and resiliency,” Camp Association says Peg Smith, ACA’s former chief executive officer. “Parents should remember that by choosing camp they are giving both.”

Siblings Bob Ditter, a family therapist and one of

Publishers ClIffoRd RIChneR StuaRt RIChneR Executive Editor SCott BRInton

One of the many joys of parenthood is helping children navigate new waters.

And, while often these situations are met with hesitation, slight anxiety — or in the case of some first-time campers, homesickness — it is these moments that develop the 21st century skills needed in adulthood. New situations, such as going away to camp, serve as teachers in life’s classroom — developing leadership, selfesteem, teamwork, independence, and problem-solving.

It’s important, even critical, for parents to help children overcome any feelings of hesitation in order to help them grow.

Take camp, for example. From a child’s perspective, camp is fun, fun, fun! Parents know that camp provides immeasurable growth opportunities, and is a vital part of childhood. As the day approaches, even the most excited campers sometimes get nervous about being away from home.

“Homesickness is completely normal,” Michael Thompson, consultant, author, and psychologist, recently told PBS Parents. “If a child loves his or her parents and has a good home, why wouldn’t he or she feel some longing for mom, for dad, for the dog, or for home cooking?”

It is up to parents, then, to help ease the transition to camp, and help their children grow from the experience. Help alleviate anxiety and get a jumpstart on life’s lessons with some advice from camp professionals.

Encourage independence throughout the year. Practice separations, such as sleepovers at a friend's house, can simulate the camp environment.

Involve children in the process of preparing for camp. The more they own the decision, the more comfortable they will feel being at camp.

Make sure to understand the camp’s philosophy on how issues, such as homesickness, are addressed. Talk candidly with

Section Editor KaRen Bloom Editorial Designer JeffRey a. negRIn Vice President of Sales Rhonda glICKman

the camp director to understand his/her perspective on the adjustment to camp life.

Discuss what to expect at camp before leaving for camp. Consider roleplaying anticipated situations, such as using a flashlight to find the bathroom.

Reach an agreement ahead of time on calling each other, but make sure to honor the camp’s policy on phone calls.

Send a note or care package ahead of time to arrive the first day of camp.

Acknowledge missing the child, in a positive way. For example, saying "I am going to miss you, but I know that you will have a good time at camp," lets the camper know that families are thinking about them, but confident in their ability to adapt to camp.

Pack a personal item or two from home, such as a stuffed animal.

Avoid bribing behaviors. Families send the wrong message when they link a successful stay at camp to a material object. Families should focus on the real rewards — like new found confidence and independence.

Don’t plan an exit strategy. If a "rescue call" comes from the child, offer calm reassurance and put the time frame into perspective.

While most incidents of homesickness pass quickly, parents know their child best. If parents have concerns (for example, the child is not eating or sleeping, or appears overly anxious), they should immediately talk to their camp director. Camp staff are trained to identify and ease homesickness, and are a valuable resource for parents as well as campers. n

Sales Manager SCott evanS Vice President of Operations mIChael Bologna General Manager RoBeRt KeRn

Camp & School is an advertising supplement to the Herald Community Newspapers. Copyright © 2017 Richner Communications, Inc. Published by Richner Communications, Inc. 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530 (516) 569-4000 • www.liherald.com

Comprehensive sectio

n geared to the growt

h of your children.

March 9, 2017

A Speci

al Adver

tising

Sectio

LOOK Inside for the

CAMP AND SCHOOL

Guide

• Nursery School • Pre-K • Dance School • Karate • Music and • Learning Centers Me • Mommy and • Birthday Parties Me • Pediatrics • • Childcare • Camp Gymnastics • Tutoring • Sports, and much more ...

Cover Design JeffRey a. negRIn

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Back at home

Beating the "end of camp" blues

Camp is an action-packed adventure. Each day brings new and exciting opportunities for growth and accomplishment. At the same time, strong bonds of friendship and community are developing.

It truly is a life-changing experience. And when the embers of the last campfire have cooled, and campers make their way home, often children experience a mild case of the "end of camp blues."

The blues are not uncommon — causing some children to be tired, moody, quieter than usual, or even irritable or grumpy. Help ease the transition from camp to home with these tips from camp professionals: Help them relax and adjust to the slower pace of non-camp life. Suggest they take a warm shower and get plenty of rest. Plan to have an "old favorite" for dinner.

Encourage reconnecting with friends from home. Volunteer to set up play dates and get-togethers to help re-establish a sense of belonging with friends they haven't seen in a long time.

Allow your child to write, email, or call camp friends. Many camps encourage campers to exchange e-mail and IM addresses with one another. Parents should make sure to oversee their child's online activities, and make sure that all camp policies are being followed.

Be open and available to talk about camp. Allow your children to reflect on their friends, their favorite moment at camp, and what they miss most about camp. Sharing

Brown University Sports Camps An exceptional camp experience for campers of all ages and skill levels. Residential Camps for athletes ages 12-18. Day Camps for athletes ages 6-18. Sponsored

by Brown University Athletics and Brown University Pre-College Programs. Camps are led by Brown's varsity coaches, their staff and current Brown athletes.

Visit www.brown.edu/sportscamps. www.brown.edu/sportscamps. Brown University Sports Camps 401-863-5988

CAMP & SCHOOL

Post-camp can bring about a range of emotions in your child, from utter joy to sheer sadness, anxiety and exhaustion to laughter, and everything in between. experiences and feelings will help them feel connected to you, and will make the transition easier.

Organize a small "reunion." Getting together with local camp friends can help reassure your child that though his or her friends are out of sight, they are not out of mind!

If your child gets the blues, remember that they miss camp because they had fun — and they enjoyed taking healthy risks in a safe and nurturing environment. And, it is normal for them to miss their camp family the same way they missed their home family at camp.

By being supportive and understanding, families can ease the sadness and help campers adjust to life at home. And, families can help campers remember that next summer is not that far away. n

DireCtOry Dorothy P. Flint 4-H Camp

Adelphi University’s Pre-College Program Adelphi University’s Pre-College Program - for high school students - offers you the opportunity to challenge yourself in a rich academic experience while living and learning like a college student. During your participation, pursue credit and non-credit courses in the following disciplines: nursing, robotics, game programming, psychology, law, filmmaking and the sciences. Attend college-level classes, live in our residence halls and eat in our dining hall - all in our beautiful and safe Garden City campus!

Adelphi University’s Pre-College Program www.precollege.adelphi.edu 516 887-3046

Children Are Our Most Precious Treasures...

Brown University Pre-College Programs

Children Are Our Most Precious Treasures...

Entrust Yours to the Professionals with the Most Experience.

Dorothy P. Flint 4-H Camp is a 140 acre co-ed sleepaway camp for campers ages 8-16, located on Long Island Sound in Riverhead, NY. Campers can stay for a single 5-day session or up to 8 weeks. Firsttime 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, and include Self Defense, Fishing, Sewing, Cricket, Soccer, Horseback Riding, Ropes Challenge, Archery, Drama, Outdoor Cooking and Farm/Horticulture.

Dorothy P. Flint 4-H Camp 516-433-7970 ext 11 summer camp office • 631-727-9762

Star Smiles

Each summer exceptional students from around the world participate in Brown Pre-College Programs.

Brown University is known in the Ivy League for an innovative, open curriculum that challenges students to be actively engaged in their own intellectual development. Middle and high school students can prepare for college success, make new friends and experience college life with more than 300 courses — on-campus, online, or around the world in Alaska, Atlanta, Rhode Island (Narragansett Bay), Rome, and Segovia. Visit www.brown.edu/summer.

Brown University Pre-College Programs www.brown.edu/summer 401-863-7900

Enroll nowtointheour all-inclusive, Entrust Yours Professionals with the Most Experience. language-based pre-school

If you discover that you need braces or other orthodontic treatment, it is important that you find a qualified orthodontist. Dr. Christopher Paladino offers you professional orthodontic in a state-of-the-art office. Initial consultations, follow-up exams and second opinions are offered at no cost to the patient.

Once the determination is made that you or your child require orthodontic services, Dr. Paladino will discuss proposed treatment plans and fees prior to starting treatment. He will work closely with your family dentist to provide an overall dental health care program.

You’re never too old to wear braces. The services here include all aspects of orthodontics from the initial consultation through treatment and follow-up care.

Also offered are Invisalign, Clear Correct and Clear Braces for children and adults. All services provided in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Call 516-7058900 for your initial consultation.

Star Smiles • 516-705-8900

Small staff/student ratio Enroll now•• Full-time in our all-inclusive, nurse • Multi cultural r camp! o f y h t l language-based pre-school a e h t e G now

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NASSAU HERALD — March 9, 2017

The magic of summer camp

By Ilissa Epstein

Camp is more than just a vacation. It’s an opportunity for your child to explore a world bigger than his/her neighborhood and a chance for you and your child to practice "letting go.” child you will be giving them the gift of a lifetime.

Take your time making a decision. Speak to other families about their child’s experience.

Do your research. Meet the camp directors and take a tour of the facility. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and when you are ready, go with your gut and choose the camp that feels like home. On behalf of my camp colleagues, I apologize in advance for the tissues you may need come August. n

Campers enjoy some friendly competition at Malibu. ble, and kind individual.

Summer camp provides a safe and nurturing environment for all children to flourish and take risks. They have endless opportunities to try new things, discovering sports they may never have heard of or unlocking artistic talents they may never have known they had.

They are encouraged to be themselves and leave their comfort zones whenever they are ready. Camp teaches children how to build healthy relationships with one another and often leads to lifelong friendships. In such a

short period of time, extremely tight bonds are forged between campers and counselors of all ages.

There are so many fantastic summer camps out there and choosing the perfect one for your child may not feel easy. Some camps are priced higher than others and some have more impressive facilities. The thing that matters most, however, is the magic.

The best summer camps have heart and that intangible feeling that you simply cannot Ilissa Epstein is director of Malibu Beach Camp describe. When you find that place for your in Lido Beach.

High school students:

IMMERSE YOURSELF

in Adelphi University’s Pre-College Program this summer.

JULY 9–JULY 22, 2017

Experience life as a college student at our beautiful campus near New York City. Pursue credit-bearing and noncredit courses.

OUR PROGRAM INCLUDES: • Law and Society • Digital Filmmaking • Robotics and Technology • Introduction to Nursing • Introduction to Game Programming

• Adelphi/Winthrop-University Hospital Summer Science Institute • Psychology and Pop Culture • NYC Art Lab

For more information, call 1.800.ADELPHI or visit precollege.adelphi.edu.

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Hundreds of children are sobbing at once.

Teenagers, young adults and grown adults are comforting them while wiping away tears of their own. The memories of the past 39 days are replaying in our minds with each long embrace. We are swaying back and forth for one last time trying to get the words out to our favorite summer song. It’s the last day of camp and nobody wants to go home.

This is the magic of summer camp. Only those of us who have been fortunate enough to experience, it either as a camper or counselor, can truly relate witnessing such a heartwarming display of emotion would leave most outsiders scratching their heads.

To some it is assumed that summer camp is merely just swimming, arts and sports. Many often measure a successful summer at camp by the improvement of their child's swing on the tennis court, stroke in the swimming pool, or dance moves during the annual talent show. But it’s time to realize that the true measure of a successful summer at camp is perhaps in things less tangible like smiles, friendships and laughter.

Resilience, self awareness, self confidence, courage and empathy are just some essential character traits and life skills developed in each and every child via activities and experiences throughout the summer months. These fundamental developments help each child to grow into a productive, independent, capa-

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Visit one of our Open House Dates on April 8th or May 6th 11AM-3PM

Ropes Course Horseback Riding Waterfront Archery Farm Animals & Gardening Arts and Crafts Sports & Recreation And Much More!

Located At: 3186 Sound Avenue, Riverhead, NY 11901 516-433-7970 Ext. 11

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Register online at www.ccenassau.org or by scanning the QR code

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