Archives for 2016

Community Service – Who Really Benefits?

March 16, 2016 by Lois Leave a Comment

Today I was helping a client find a summer community service program. We discussed many issues but the mom’s first instinct was to question what her daughter could bring to the project given that she has no experience in construction or working with children. Would she, in fact, be more of a burden to the community? The question of who really benefitted from these kinds of actions was raised. Our conversation was a good one and I think could give families something to consider when choosing a community service program.

I think it is better to view teen summer community service programs more as “voluntourism”. This means that the sole purpose of the experience is not to offer your service but more a combination of service, cultural exposure, and travel. It is an age-appropriate way to start to “giveback”. Embedded in the service is the opportunity for cross-cultural sharing of ideas, the ability to make observations about other cultures, begin to see how a simple act can make a difference, and learn the importance of giving back.

In all honesty I think participants in community service programs receive more than they give. My daughter has done many service programs and each time has gained new perspectives. Additionally she has made long lasting friendships. In January she was in the Caribbean. She decided that she wanted to return to the island of Dominica – she volunteered there over 15 years ago. While on the street, someone yelled her name. She turned around perplexed….no one knew her here. Amazingly it was a young woman from the village who she had not seen since she was last on the island! After all these years she still recognized her. They had corresponded for about a year or so and then communication stopped. Still, the reunion was so meaningful to both my daughter and her friend. They shared stories and reminisced. They talked about family and “old times”. Clearly an important connection was made. A friendship was established and barriers crossed. This woman took my daughter to the area where she had volunteered and some of their efforts were still being appreciated. The physical evidence of her service on the island remained but even more importantly so did the connections.

SPRING: Is It Too Late To Find a Summer Program?

March 4, 2016 by Jill Leave a Comment

I often get calls this time of year from clients wondering if it’s too late to get into a camp or a summer overnight program. The answer is: No, it’s not too late!

There are always camps that fill up fast, but sometimes there’s flexibility within specific cabins and sessions. You need to be ready to move quickly, though! Additionally, if you’re from a state that does not have a strong presence, many directors will try to find room for your child. Having geographic diversity is important to them.

For teen programs, sometimes waiting to the last minute (May or June) will save you money. During this time of year, programs may be willing to give a financial incentive — reduce tuition if need be to fill a spot. Another advantage of a late enrollment would be that you’d be able to find out more specifics about the trip you’re interested in: male/female ratio, who the leaders are, the ages of the students enrolled and where the participants are from.

The bottom line is: it’s not too late to find a summer program. Spring Break is fast approaching! If you haven’t started looking yet, it’s definitely time to do so!

Give us a call to help you decide on the type of summer you’re looking for: Is it a camp? A community service program? An outdoor adventure program? Teen travel? Or does your child have a specialty they want to focus on?

As advisors with Tips on Trips and Camps, we are waiting to hear from you to help you plan the best summer ever!

How many weeks is right for my camper?

February 22, 2016 by Stephanie Vordick Leave a Comment

First-time sleepaway camper in the family? One of the first considerations is how many weeks will they attend. Here are a few things to think about as you explore camps:

Seven-week camps often offer shorter “rookie” sessions for first-time If you are open to a longer camp but concerned about how you or your camper may handle the first year, this is a great way to go. Camp directors try to pack as much as possible into their rookie weeks to give first timers a true taste of all camp has to offer (and leave them wanting more the next year).

If you want the option to extend to seven weeks in future years, but want to start with a single three or four-week session, then focus on camps with a mix of single session and full summer campers. Ideally, you want your child in a bunk with mostly other campers on the same session schedule to encourage bonding and minimize any sadness when it’s time to go home.

The camping industry has evolved to reflect how family life and kids’ extracurricular commitments have changed in recent years, and there are camps that specialize in giving a full camp experience in two or three weeks. You can focus your search on a program that fits your schedule, without sacrificing all the benefits of longer camp sessions.

Some homesickness is a normal part of the camp experience, and the longer your child has at camp, the better chance they have to get past any sadness and embrace all camp has to offer. One longtime camp director has seen countless campers settle in at the twenty-one-day point, which is when he feels kids really hit their stride. He also recommends reading Homesick and Happy: How Time Away from Parents Can Help a Child Grow by Michael Thompson, D. to get a better understanding of how the ups and downs of a first camping experience contribute to a child’s sense of accomplishment.

If you never went to sleepaway camp, or you are worried about your child’s ability to be independent, then recognize that this process may be extra challenging for you. Knowing you found the right camp is the best way to minimize your concerns. Camp directors agree that listening to your parental intuition is the best guidance when choosing a camp and session length.

If you have chosen the right camp, then it ultimately doesn’t matter how many weeks your child attends. Your camper will return home excited about the fun, friendships, traditions, and activities, and ask you to sign them up for next year!

No matter your family’s schedule and budget, and your child’s interests and personality, there are great camp options. All of the Tips on Trips and Camps advisors can offer expert help on choosing the right camp for you and your child.

Washington DC area advisor Stephanie Vordick grew up in Bethesda, attended sleepaway camps in the Poconos and Maine, and went on high school summer travel programs. Now a mom of two teens, Stephanie loves introducing families to the amazing variety of camps and programs available today.

Helping sort through massive cache of camps!

February 10, 2016 by Lisa Leave a Comment

Dallas teacher gives advice on finding best summer destination

By Deb Silverthorn

Special to the TJP

Saturday night campouts, s’mores, bunkmate besties and what’s on the “other side of the lake” are all memories of summer sleep-away fun, be it a two- or fourweek or all-summer stay away. In Helene Abrams, area families can find the spirit and intuition to help their prospective campers and gap-year program participants make themost of their experiences. As a member of the Tips on Trips and Camps team, the only representative in the state of Texas, Abrams is one of 16 women — also teachers (nursery school, gifted, and special needs kids), camp directors and camp counselors, court reporters, analysts, paralegals, legislative assistants, lawyers, CPAs, graphic artists, bakers, athletic directors, tennis coaches, musicians, volunteers, civic activists, caterers and docents — who travel the country and beyond to find “the” perfect match for their clientele. With more than 140,000 families who have benefited from their advice, there’s nary a need that can’t be met. “Camp provides a positive opportunity for growth that should not be underestimated and it really is an integral part of a child’s education and social development,” said Abrams, who is also a preschool teacher at Temple Emanu-El, a position she previously held at Levine Academy. “Children learn to challenge themselves on levels that they have never explored as they are for the first time forced to leave their secure and restricted neighborhoods, to deal with campmates that may have different values or behaviors than they find acceptable, and they must learn to negotiate and resolve conflict. “Campers must learn to deal with stress in a socially acceptable manner, to include instead of exclude, and in essence they learn about a stronger sense of self. Camp, in almost every form, provides the background for this growth in a safe and controlled environment, and what more do parents want for their children?” Abrams, raised around the world as an Air Force child, never went to summer camp but indeed saw the world living as far away as Bermuda and Japan. Her incamp experience comes from working at Greene Family Camp, an opportunity that arose after picking up her son from his second summer at the camp. Speaking to the camp director, she expressed her desire—off-the-cuff kiddingly — to come to camp too. “Come on down, we’ll find you a place,” said the director who did, and there Abrams remained working in the camp office (allowing her kids their space and individual experiences) for the next 11 summers. Abrams’ camp recommendations trulymatcheach of her clients, ages 8 to 18, looking at traditional camps, internships, travel and gap-year options. For those looking for sports or artsrelated programs, they can be found. For those with culinary interests, an adventurous spirit, a desire for a Jewish connection, and those with academic, wilderness and technology programs — they are out there. “There are thousands of camps and we represent 500 of the best,” said Abrams, whose service is free to her clients, and for whom visiting 20 camps in a four-day jaunt is the norm. In addition to Abrams’ own visits, the team gathers each fall to exchange ideas and information, to have directors come in and share their programs, becoming more than a name —putting a face to the camp.

“There is a camp or program for almost every child and in my eight years doing this, I haven’t really been stumped to find the right fit.” “Helene was my son’s preschool teacher at Levine Academy and we reconnected three years ago when a friend knew I was looking for camps. She didn’t know Gregory’s ‘7-year-old self’ but she took the time to learn about him and help us connect to a great camp,” said Stacy Cushing, whose sons Drew and Gregory are among Abrams’ campers. Drew, 7, is set to attend his first summer at camp in Wisconsin while Gregory, 10, will return for a third year to one of nature’s havens in Maine. “She interviewed my husband Alex and me and our boys. She shared a number of videos and websites with us, and introduced us to the directors of a number of camps. We never would have known about anything outside the ‘Dallas circle’ of camps if not for her. While we’ll miss them both this year — and yes, they’re far away — we feel great about the choices we’ve made and we know it’ll be great.” In addition to camps, Abrams also has great experience at finding gap-year programs, an alternative to straight-to-college for many kids. “So many kids have no idea what they want to do, and there are many options in Israel, working in other countries, service programs, or sailing around the world,” said Abrams. “These experiences can help the child not only learn about the world, but also about themselves.” Abrams’ intuition is strong, as it was when the San Antonio native met her husband Harry while playing racquetball at the Aaron Family JCC. The two were engaged within six weeks and are the proud parents of Molly and Ryan. The family have been longtime members of Temple Shalom. Basis of her analysis Abrams, who interviews parents and children about what they want their summer to be, refers her clients around the country. Secular and Jewishoriented camps make her list. While she is unbiased, her heart beats a bit more warmly at the thought of what Shabbat at a Jewish camp, regardless of levels of observance, means to campers. “There’s something about ‘Shabbat whites,’ and the swaying around a Saturday night Havdalah service.” “I was very open about where to send our kids,” said Wendy Immerman, who alsomet Abrams while she was teaching at Levine Academy. She and husband David — looking for a camp with Jewish identity for their children Hank and Reagan — didn’t know where to start. “Success was reached and they’re going back for a second year.” According to a report from the Foundation for Jewish Camp, as adults those who attended Jewishoriented camps are 10 percent more likely to marry a Jewish partner, 30 percent more likely to donate to a Jewish charity, 45 percent more likely to attend synagogue on a monthly basis, 55 percent more likely to feel very emotionally attached to Israel. Get out the shopping list, get ready for the letters home (maybe) andpackup the bug spray, sleeping bag and satchels. Summer will be here before you know it — homework and tests over, sunsets and Sunday cinnamon rolls on the way. “Camp is not just a place to spend your summer. Other than choosing a college or life mate, camp is really one of the most profound decisions in a person’s life and the impact is everlasting,” said Abrams. “It’s a deep connection with others, becoming part of a supportive community and something you will hold in your heart forever.

How Far is Too Far to Send Your Child to Camp?

February 8, 2016 by Carey 1 Comment

Parents often say to me, “I need a camp close in case I have to rush there if something is wrong.” As a parent, I totally understand how they feel; however, one of the main reasons to send a child off to camp is for them to learn to advocate for themselves. Children learn to solve problems on their own at sleep away camp, and they learn to ask for help from their fellow campers, counselors, and camp director. If you choose the camp with care and trust in the director to nurture your child, then you can begin to let go of your worries over the distance between you and your child. Supportive camp staff is what matters. Location and travel time may be factors in your choice, but should not rule the decision.

What do you hope for your child to gain at camp? Parents often cite exposure to the outdoors. How are the mountains and lakes near your house? Probably not great, right. There is something special about mountain air and sunsets by a beautiful lake with your camp friends. These settings make forever memories. Lifetime passions can develop when you learn to hike, sail, windsurf, kayak, or fish. While many camps near and far can offer your child outdoor experiences, don’t set limitations while you are exploring the options. You may have to go further from home to find the best camp for your child.

The journey to camp can be a fun part of the experience, and the trip to camp is when many kids feel their summer begins. Most likely the trip to camp will take a good part of the day whether it is by car, bus or plane. How nice to arrive at camp with a new friend, who was sitting next to you on the bus or plane. Campers also gain travel savvy that will stand them in good stead as they get older.

Keep an open mind about a camp’s location. Why not make the priority the quality of the environment, facilities, activities, and staff? The one day of travel to and from camp is such a small part of the whole experience. Choosing the right camp setting, philosophy, and culture is so much more important than the distance from home. Be willing to go far enough to find the camp that works best for your child. We also encourage parents to speak to the directors of any camps they are considering so that any specific needs or worries can be discussed during your selection process.

Camp Advisers Can Help Parents Find a Good Fit

February 4, 2016 by Lisa Leave a Comment

With more than 7,000 overnight camps in the United States, parents can feel intimidated about choosing the one that’s right for their child.

Fortunately, there exists an industry ready to help: camp advisers.

“I know people who just send their kids wherever their kids’ friends have gone without investigating other options,” said Stephanie Vordick, a mother of two and an interior designer in Rockville, Maryland. “For me, I had expectations for sleep-away camp that I wanted met.”

Vordick wanted a four-week session at a non-denominational camp on a lake. It needed to have sports but not be too competitive, and it had to be “a camp that had tons of awesome traditions, but was welcoming to new kids,” she said.

With the help of a camp adviser, she found the program in New Hampshire that her son, now 14, attended for four summers.

My decision to try an adviser came when my teenage daughter said she wanted something more specialized than the camp she had attended the past two summers.

I began with a half-hour phone interview with Lois Deckelbaum of Philadelphia, one of 16 advisers working for the Baltimore-based Tips on Trips and Camps.

The 45-year-old company represents about 350 overnight camps and 250 other programs. They make site visits to about 125 per year.

That expertise cost me nothing. The advisers are paid a commission by the camp if a child enrolls.

Deckelbaum asked about our budget, my daughter’s interests, her personality, previous camp experience, what geographical area we would consider, urban or rural setting, allergies and dates, among other things.

A few days later, she emailed me information on four camps — in Vermont, Connecticut, New York City and France — as well as an endorsement of a camp I’d asked about but which isn’t represented by her company. She knew it by reputation and suggested I keep it in the running.

One of the camps on her list sounded promising, and Deckelbaum gave me the director’s contact information and a lengthy list of questions to consider. (Both Tips on Trips and Camps, and another advisory service called Student Camp and Trip Advisors, Inc., that represents 250 camps, have suggested questions posted on their websites.)

As I gathered information, I gained a clearer picture of what type of program would work best for my daughter and asked Deckelbaum for some additional camps. She suggested two more, one in Maine and the other in Iceland.

Nearly 30 percent of the 3,000 overnight and day camps accredited by the American Camping Association have worked with camp advisers, according to a 2014 American Camping Association survey. The advisers allow camps to market to a wider audience, said ACA Chief Executive Tom Holland.

He recommends that parents using camp advisers review their credentials and background to make sure they are a good fit for the family.

Alternatively, the ACA offers a searchable camp database on its website, though only two of the 10 programs I had looked at for my daughter came up in the search.

Although the Internet has made it easier for parents to research a wide variety of camps, it can be even harder to choose from the abundance of options.

Parents will say, “I’ve looked at 25 different programs, how can I tell which is a good program and would suit my child’s needs?” said Eve Eifler, owner of Tips on Trips and Camps.

“Camps have a specific kind of culture and feeling and attitude and inclusiveness, and those are very hard things to glean from a website. Because we send kids to the camps and we know the directors, we can help,” Eifler said.

Diane Borodkin, owner of Student Camp and Trip Advisors, a 40-year-old company based in suburban Boston, recommends that parents try to visit the camp, and meet with the camp director in person.

That wasn’t possible with the camp we favored, but I spoke with the director by phone, exchanged emails, and got the names of some former campers and their parents to contact. Our decision has been made, the deposit sent off and my daughter can’t wait to attend. I can only hope she’s this happy in that first letter home.

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Online:

http://www.tipsontripsandcamps.com

Tips on Trips and Camps: Campaign early to find camp-child match

February 4, 2016 by Eve Leave a Comment

By Jenny Wolkowitz

Parents often come to me too late in the season to find the perfect summer experience for their child. In many cases, the only session in which their child can participate – nestled between baseball season, family vacation and start of school – is already filled.

The camp experience is an opportunity not replicated elsewhere, so it should not be missed. With camp and teen programs that fit the needs of any child, parents should explore the wide range of options.

The way to avoid a mismatch is to plan that summer early. Done fruitfully, the process of finding the right camp can take an entire year’s worth of research. However, the reward is great.

Do the Research (January – May 2016)

With more than 11,000 camps in the United States, it is important to list questions as a guide. Doing so narrows possibilities to a manageable few.

What do my child and I want in a camp?
Single gender or co-ed?
Religious or non-denominational?
Sports-oriented, nature-oriented or mixture of both?
In driving distance or are we willing to fly?
Lakes or mountains (or will just a river suffice)?
How many weeks?
Is the camp competitive or more nurturing?
Is the child required to do every activity (including swim in a lake), or is there more freedom to choose?

To do this research, it is helpful to talk to parents of other children who attend camp. Watching camp DVDs with their children provides parents not only with a feel for the camp, but a response by their future campers. As usual, the Internet abounds with options and ideas.

Camp fairs, held locally, bring information to the doorstep.

Overnight camps, day camps, specialty camps and teen travel programs will be represented locally this weekend. The St. Louis Summer Opportunities Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, at John Burroughs School, 755 S. Price Road, Ladue.

Camp directors are available for one-on-one conversations as well. Do not be afraid to call them or set up a time to do so.

A camp adviser is another option people may not understand. This is a free service. A professional adviser knows camps and you know your child. Together, you could make a perfect match.

Camp Visits (Summer 2016)

Based on your research, narrow camp options and choose a few to visit. All camps should gladly receive guests who schedule an appointment.

If considering camps in Missouri, a stop to see a camp can coincide with a day or overnight trip to that area. If the camp focus is targeted in the Upper Midwest, a family vacation can put you near your stand-outs. Most camps are located in beautiful areas near state parks or resort areas, so these visits can be fun for the whole family.

Another possibility is to take advantage of a family weekend for a vacation at a camp being considered. These visits help a child acclimate to the camp’s environment so deciding to leave home is a lot less scary. In addition, parents’ first-hand observations of facilities, activities and dining hall routine help determine if this would be the right place for your child.

Early Bird Discounts (Fall 2016)

Once a camp which suits your child is determined, there is the advantage of earl- bird discounts. They usually hold a camp’s cost at the previous year’s tuition or take a few hundred dollars off the significant cost of residential camping. Plus, when neighbors stress out about what their child will do in the upcoming summer, you sit pretty with your child already enrolled.

Summer 2017

The work, decisions and plan are behind both parents and children. With a perfect match to a camp, this should be the best summer of your child’s life.

Jenny Wolkowitz is St. Louis adviser for Tips on Trips and Camps. She is married and mother of three daughters, all of them campers, with two currently studying abroad. In her earlier years, she was a day camper, overnight camper, counselor, teen tour participant and teen tour leader. She studied abroad in college and has traveled extensively throughout the world. For a free consultation, call 314-432-8642 or e-mail her at jenny@TipsonTripsandCamps.com.

What’s your New Year’s Resolution? How about: Being a good parent by doing LESS for your child?

January 21, 2016 by laura rumbough Leave a Comment

I’ve been reading a number of articles lately that have to do with the positive outcomes of letting your child fail. Studies have shown that many children who are sheltered and shielded from disappointment and whose parents constantly step in to rescue them, end up being lethargic and underachieving later in life. It’s these same kids that grow up to be lazy with a lack of work ethic. In one article, an employer described this type of young adult as the one who expects a standing ovation if they show up for work.

So what does that mean for us parents? Our natural instinct is to catch our child when he falls. When they were babies we protected them from hitting their heads and falling out of the highchair. But then as toddlers while learning to walk…they needed to stumble and fall, get up, stumble and fall, over and over again before they learned to balance on their own and take those first steps. When, as parents, do we let go?

It’s true; kids today are more sheltered than ever. Parents are more involved, maybe too involved. The “everyone gets a trophy / nobody loses” culture is ever-present, and it may be hurting our kids in the long run. When kids take healthy risks, explore new things, and get out of their comfort zone they end up being more resilient later in life. Failing and then figuring out solutions on their own will help them mature and grow into confident, successful, and happy adults.

Children need time away from their parents, they need that opportunity to be independent and make decisions on their own. They need to stumble and fall, and figure out solutions. Learning from mistakes and recovering from failure is an important skill that our kids can learn. If we, as parents always swoop in to rescue them, our kids won’t learn those coping skills.

An experience away from home is invaluable. It might include going to sleep away camp, spending time with grandparents or close friends, joining a mission trip with the local church group, working on a community service project such as Habitat for Humanity, getting a part time job at the local grocery store, or volunteering at the local food pantry.

Whatever it may be, let’s stop rescuing our children. Let’s encourage them to take responsibility for their mistakes and not blame others. Let’s let them know that we love them unconditionally, whether they get an A in math or a C. Let’s praise them for their efforts and encourage them to try again if they don’t succeed the first time; after all, failure can motivate them to practice harder, study longer, and be creative by finding another solution to the problem!

Is an Away-From-Home Experience Worth the Cost?

January 14, 2016 by Eve Leave a Comment

Occasionally a family will call me for summer advice and we will talk over the many great options available to kids ages 8-19. Their enthusiasm becomes tepid when they get to the costs of these wonderful summer programs and they say to me, “For that amount of money I can take the whole family on a vacation.” The reality is, they can! However they are missing the point of an away from home summer experience. Be it a traditional camp or specialty camp, teen travel, language or enrichment on a campus, the real benefit of all of these is what your child will gain personally. These growth opportunities are not available to a child on a family trip, with parents at their side.

So what will your child gain? Many things! They will learn to cope with the uncertainties they will encounter and adjust to a new setting. They will share housing with strangers and eat food that might be unfamiliar. They will learn to look out for their own belongings, speak up if they need help and make friends with new kids who might be quite different from those they see at school. They will learn that patience and tolerance ensure success faster than outrage. They can explore new passions, and even fail at something and learn that failure is not earth shattering. And even better, they might learn if they will continue to persevere, success might be attainable. They will have peers near by to root them on and share in the defeats and successes .

Summer experiences offer a supportive environment with caring and helpful leaders and a wealth of situations for kids to learn and grow and develop independence.

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