Tips on Trips and Camps

Experts on Overnight Camps & Trips for Kids and Teens

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Summer Camps and Teen Trips, What’s New for 2023

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The Tips Team gathered last week for 3 days to review last summer and learn about what’s new for 2023. Our team visited 66 camps and programs this summer! It was wonderful to see so many happy kids enjoying their summer experiences. They were unplugged, engaged and spending time learning new skills. Over 95% of our reviews from summer experiences were good or excellent!

For summer 2023, some of the teen programs will be returning to destinations they had suspended during Covid. Japan is back on the list, as well as Africa, Thailand, New Zealand and Fiji. For younger campers, there are a number of new sports-oriented camps where over two or three weeks a camper can choose to focus on one or two sports with skills, drills and game play. Many camps have been offering early enrollment discounts, which will end soon. Camps are experiencing higher re-enrollment rates than in previous years, so families should reach out now to plan for next summer.

We are ready and waiting to help!

 

 

THE TIPS TEAM IS ON THE ROAD!

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Tips on Trips and Camps was created in 1971 by two woman who felt that summer camps and teen trips provide more than just “fun”. They are an opportunity for kids to grow in their independence, confidence and ability to problem solve, all skills that are vitally important to children as they develop and grow. Tips is made up of a dynamic team of advisors whose goal is to help families of school-age kids find summer programs that will help them reach those goals. Crucial to our summer advisors’ ability to match a camp or summer trip to a family’s needs is that we really know the programs we represent through relationships with directors and summer visits to programs in action.

After a 2-year hiatus we are thrilled to be out on the road again seeing happy campers as they spend their summer learning and growing. The Tips Team looks forward to sharing what we learn for summer 2023!

Putting Your First Time Campers’ Mind at Ease

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As schools end it is clear, SUMMER IS HERE! With it comes lots of welcome changes, including warmer weather, unscheduled time, and summer trips and camps. It is a time for kids to spread their wings and take a breath. Many parents are sending their children to sleepaway camp for the very first time. Some kids are thrilled and anticipate all the fun they will have. Others are unsure and might be anxious about what making new friends and what to expect at camp.

We have found a new book written by a middle school student that might help put new campers’ minds at ease. It is titled Notes from the Camp Bunk: A Guide for First-Time Campers from a Camper Amazon offers this description: “This young author, Eden Martin, a middle school student and camper, has written a reassuring guide for kids 7-14 who will be attending sleepaway camp for the first time. She offers the unique perspective of a young camper who has been to camp herself for several summers. Topics covered include: what is so great about camp, a day in the life of a camper, sleeping and eating at camp, coping with homesickness and what to pack.”

Parents and campers alike can benefit from this great resource!

SUMMER 2022 IS FAST APPROACHING, WE CAN HELP!

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Over the many years I have been involved with summer programs, I have watched as camps and summer trips change with the times. I have seen the rise and fall of activities that go from being “hot” one summer, to “uncool” or even off the camp activity list entirely the next. As an example, there was a time when teens did not want to hike with their supplies on their back into unspoiled wilderness. The physical challenges were not what kids wanted; they wanted easy and fun summer trips. Last summer, those wilderness trips were the kinds of programs that many parents felt most comfortable with, and our inboxes were filled with stories of teens summiting peaks and rafting white water rapids. Kids, eager to unplug, were happy to lace up hiking boots if it meant they could be with peers.

This year, I’ve advised a number of families with middle school students looking for summer experiences for LGBTQ+ students where they will be comfortable.  Moms have spoken to me with a frankness and advocacy for their children that guide my recommendations to ensure the program will fit their child’s needs and be an inclusive, safe place.

The tides are constantly shifting and we, as summer camp and trip advisors, are always looking for the trends that inform the opportunities we share.

Summer 2022 is approaching quickly, and summer programs are preparing to meet kids’ needs wherever they are in a world that is constantly changing.

Nature Does a World of Good

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Spring has come to my neighborhood! Daffodils are blooming, and I have spent some time cleaning winter from my garden. There is a feeling of excitement  at the change of the season, and it has really helped take me emotionally away from the news and Covid concerns. It reminds me of something I read about the outdoors…

“Spending time in nature increases problem solving abilities, promotes creativity, reduces anxiety, and promotes self-confidence and personal responsibility.”

Summer programs do that for kids. It is important. In this time of so many world problems, we owe it to our kids to give them a respite. Kids need to know that the world is not as dark as it seems on TV.  There is light, hope, and good people doing good things.  There is A LOT of fun to be had.  We owe kids the ability to be themselves and just be kids.

We owe them camp.

Summer 2022: The Next Normal for Overnight Camps and Teen Trips

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Did you know that children who participate in summer programs increase their ability to problem solve? Did you know that summer camp promotes creativity, helps calm anxiety, and increases self-confidence and responsibility? We knew, and it is the reason the Tips on Trips and Camps advisors are so committed to helping families find the best summer overnight options to match their children’s interests and needs.

Though the days are filled with snow and cold weather, summer will be here before we know it. We have all settled in to the Next Normal with the understanding that Covid still plays a featured role in summer planning, but not the main focus. Here are some new trends:

  • Zoom Fairs where directors present their program. Use this link to RSVP for the Tips on Trips and Camps Zoom Fairs:  RSVP HERE
  • 2-week career focused programs that offer students the chance to have hands on experiences in specific career areas.
  • 2-week options at many traditional camps for first year campers.
  • Many more US options for those families more comfortable staying closer to home.
  • Some summer programs will continue to offer online experiences for students.
  • Most overnight camps and summer trips for middle and high school students will require campers and all staff to be fully vaccinated.

Summer overnight camps, teen trips and summer travel programs are filling at a record-breaking pace. Now is the time to make plans so the best options are still available for your children. They will benefit in so many ways!

2021 GIFT GIVING, OLDIES BUT GOODIES!

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As 2021 comes to close, our oldies but goodies gifts are worth a second look!

Camp swag is always a big hit at the holidays – check out this fuzzy fleece camp blanket by LoveKess Clothing that can be personalized for your child’s camp.  Trick out your cabin or dorm with LED lights that stick to bunks or walls or these fairy lights that could be used in a camp talent show or dress up lunch.  And nothing says camp like tie dye!  How about these great tie dye socks and customizable sweatshirts

Summer trips for teens will be be perfect with the addition of  these colorful passport cases and essential packing cubes, and check out this duffle bag from Out of the Box NY – a great idea for the hard-to-shop-for men and boys in your house! For adventure seekers heading out on a wilderness trip in 2022, this ENO hammock is a must-have, as is this backpack rain cover for rainy days on the trail.

Get everyone off the couch with some fun indoor and outdoor games: pickle ball, spike ball, knee hockey, mini basketball, lacrosse mini sticks – and many of these can be packed to go to camp next summer! Sports enthusiasts will love these one-of-a-kind customized cleats and other sports items from Kicks by Carly.

If being stuck at home has your kids dreaming about camp, check out these s’mores kits that are great for getting the perfect golden roast.  Crafters can hone their friendship bracelet skills and send gifts to camp friends around the world.  Do your kids wish they could play gaga ball year-round?  We found a fantastic source for building your own gaga pit at home.

 

 

Check out these great finds: fabulous Chainz Boca mask chains and a deliciously scented, moisturizing hand sanitizer by LimeLife!

And finally, how about a gift for YOU?  Raise a glass to the end of 2021 and gift yourself a bottle or two of our favorite clean wine, Avaline. Transparently produced, vegan-friendly and made with organic grapes.

We wish you a healthy, happy holiday season and the very best in 2022!

WHAT’S NEW FOR SUMMER ’22

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The Tips on Trips and Camps team just spent three days meeting with summer camp and teen program directors learning about the successes of summer 2021 and planning for summer 2022. It was wonderful to be together in person as a team and have so many directors come to present.

This is what we learned…

  • Following the successes of summer 2021, overnight camps for kids and teens will stay true to the values and activities that have been the mainstay of their summer programming. They successfully made adjustment for Covid protocols but reported that camp was still wonderful and more important than ever for children’s development.
  • Depending on the status of Covid and vaccination recommendations, most teen programs and many camps will require that campers and staff be vaccinated.
  • Teen travel programs will aim high with many destinations listed on their websites. We feel, and programs agree, it makes sense that families should discuss a second trip choice in case the first-choice trips are not available due to travel restrictions.
  • There is increased interest from teens for career focused programs and the options to dive deep with hands on experiences in medical, business, law, neuroscience, entrepreneurship, public health, engineering and more will be offered on pre-college campus programs. Some of these are available to middle schoolers as well as high school students.
  • Parents are enrolling their students now, and camps, pre-college enrichment, language immersion, community service and teen travel experiences are filling earlier than ever before. Many offer generous cancellation guidelines and some offer early enrollment incentives, be sure to ask about them.

    To make the most of summer 2022, start your research now!

SUMMER 2021 IS FULL OF SURPRISES!

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Kudos to the many overnight camps that are successfully giving kids the chance to be kids this summer. None of us will likely take for granted again the simplicity of unplugging from devices and having good old-fashioned, in-person fun. As parents we understand how the uncertainty of the past year and a half has made many decisions harder and more complicated than ever before, but we’re so glad that many parents had the confidence to send their kids to summer programs.

We can report that our sleep away camps got off to a great start! They tested kids for Covid, created “safe zones,” and, when quarantine finished, let campers play freely without masks to the delight of all. Many of our families told us that while the transition for both parents and kids to camp was more challenging this year, once camp was in full swing, there was a welcomed sense of calm, normalcy, and routine. Campers and parents both relaxed into their experience and, in all the most important ways, it has been a typical summer at camp.

Around this time in the overnight camp season, in a normal year, there would have been much preparation and planning by camps and parents for visiting day.  Most camps decided not to have an in person visiting day due to Covid related concerns. Many chose FaceTime sessions so that kids and parents can have a chance for face-to-face communication, albeit virtual. They put together special treats for the campers and live streamed events around camp for parents to watch. The feedback we have gotten is that it was a good decision and a huge success.  While Moms and Dads are only getting virtual hugs, camp bubbles remain intact and after the call, campers are able to jump back in and enjoy their home away from home.

Summer 2021 camp season is full of surprises. The Tips Team hope that summer experiences will leave you and your children re-charged and ready for the fall. We’re looking forward to hearing all about your child’s summer.

 

SUMMER IS HERE AND WE ARE CELEBRATING!

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WOW, what a difference a year makes! Tips on Trips and Camps advisors enthusiastically helped thousands of families find overnight camps and teen experiences for summer 2021. It was an interesting ride to get to this moment, and I am so proud of our trusted team. Like the directors of the programs we represent, we are “camp people,” so it’s no surprise that our team figured out new ways to advise and help our families. Camp fairs canceled? No problem, we offered them virtually. Camp visits postponed? We Zoomed and Zoomed and Zoomed some more with hundreds of our programs. Some of our veteran advisors decided the time was right to move on, and we now have two new advisors for New York City and Chicago. They bring new energy and ideas to our team. We are not just bouncing back but bouncing forward as well.

As kids start leaving for their summer experiences, we will be celebrating both the normalcy and specialness of sending kids off on summer adventures. We are proud to play a role in making that happen. New memories are right around the corner!

Experts On Overnight Camps & Trips For Ages 7-18+

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Tips on Trips and Camps has always been and continues to be committed to equality for all. The advice we give endorses inclusion, awareness, sensitivity to others, equality and support to families and their children including but not limited to individuals of varying abilities, cultures, genders, races and religions.