Archives for November 2012

Gifts for your Summer Camper or Teenager

November 30, 2012 by Michele Leave a Comment

I can hardly believe it is December already. I am sure you are all wondering “what can I get my child this holiday season?”. Why not think forward and get them something for sleep away camp or a teen trip? Not only will this get your camper or teen excited for the summer, but it will alleviate some of the stress when you start your summer shopping.

I love a practical, yet fun gift – how about a personalized camp sweatshirt, blanket or hat? You can also take a look at the sleep away camp packing list. Whether you have a first time camper or someone who has been going to overnight camps for years, they will always like new bunk gifts.

Is your teen going on their first trip – how about an overnight bag, toiletry kit or wallet? This would also be a great time to tell family members that your teenager would appreciate a gift card – they could save it for their spending money, again helping you with the cost of an overnight summer trip or camp for your child.

Need some help with ideas or vendors? Feel free to contact your advisor at www.tipsontripsandcamps.com

Summer Programs for 2013

November 26, 2012 by Jill Leave a Comment

Having recently returned from our annual meeting in Baltimore, my head is buzzing with the most up-to-date information on summer programs! There are so many new and exciting summer opportunities for tweens and teens available this year!

Here is just a small sampling of them:

Summer abroad athletic training programs …..
Sports management programs continue to be the rage …..
Culinary Arts, including food to table experiences abroad
Global initiative programs
More opportunities abroad for Middle School students
Fashion and textiles programs
Business programs
And even BOATBUILDING!

Summer options for tweens and teens these days are more abundant than ever. I’m looking forward to sharing all the possibilities with clients this season!

Be sure to check out our website (www.TipsonTripsandCamps.com) and contact the TIPS Advisor closest to you to find an amazing summer for your child!

Summer Camp Success

November 18, 2012 by Lois Leave a Comment

The results are in!

It is with great pride that I can tell you that 96% of the people who went on summer programs with Tips on Trips and Camps rated their experience excellent with a few good. The feedback was fabulous. Parents related funny stories about their campers. One shared that their daughter was most concerned about not having a phone. After getting to camp it became apparent that speaking was so much better than “tweeting”. Phrases such as “camp was super awesome”” and “the most amazing summer program ever” validated the work each of the advisors did. My favorite comment was, “Camp reminds me of Brigadoon – a magical village”. I know camp was that for me but to have someone else have that same level of love of camp is “super awesome”.

Ninety-six percent is certainly a high success rate for advisors but we will continue to improve. We want every child to have an amazing summer experience. We will continue to learn more about the travel, immersion, community service, and academic programs so we can better serve our clients. I love what I do – what can be better when a parent (or child) says, “Thank you for making this the best summer ever!”

HAPPY CAMPING!

THINKING ABOUT SUMMER CAMP . . . Is It TOO Early?

November 9, 2012 by Jill Leave a Comment

Wakeboarding at Camp!

“Sorry to call you so soon!” “Am I too early?” “It’s crazy to be planning for next summer at this time of year!” These are what many of my clients have been saying. But as I assure them, contacting a Tips on Trips and Camps advisor at this time of year — to get a head start on your summer camp and program decision — is NOT a crazy idea!

This is the time of year for “Early Bird Discounts!”

Fall is a great time to explore and decide what your child will be doing next summer. Once you’ve determined which overnight camp or summer program suits your child best, you can often take advantage of discounts. These discounts usually hold the cost of a summer camp down to the previous year’s tuition or take a few hundred dollars off the price of an overnight camp or summer program. And when your neighbors are stressing out about what their child will be doing next summer, you will be very happy your child is already enrolled!

If you have a teenager, you may think it’s impossible to know what he or she will want to do months from now. However, before you know it, the holidays will be upon us and families will be busy with other things. By enrolling in a program early, our kids, whether young or old, can start thinking about their summer months, start planning, and possibly even start getting to know those they will be with next summer.

The best way to learn about summer options for your child is to contact your local Summer Program Advisor. Let them help you find that summer camp or program that will best fit your child’s interests!

Fit matters whether its shoes or summer camps.

November 1, 2012 by Carey Leave a Comment

I was in the Tennis Factory the other day and overheard the owner talking to a mom about how important it is for the shoe to fit for the player to be successful. She was getting expert advice. Often when I am visiting summer camps, I see kids on the tennis court in sandals playing with over-sized racquets. I am struck by the lack of fit to the situation. Makes me wonder how much better a child’s experience would be if the parent had guidance and advice as they research to find the best camp for their child. Summer camps come in all different sizes and cultures and the right fit is what matters, just like with shoes. As part of the process of choosing a summer camp or teen travel or study program, parents should speak with a camp expert to get advice that will ensure the best fit for their child.

Experts on Overnight Camps & Trips for Kids and Teens

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