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It’s not too early to start shopping for sleep away camp!

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While most people are happy not to think about camp items right now, having just finished packing away their last duffle, Fall is when I do my best camp shopping.
Many overnight camps require some clothing with camp names/logos, usually sold by specific camp clothing providers. These camp stores often have great deals during the Fall months, with sales of 20% off or more, including basic camping gear. When these sales come I print out my camp required clothing/item lists and dig out last season’s camp clothes. I then have my campers try on one of everything, make my best estimate on how much they will grow by next summer, and place orders for the following year. Required camp clothing costs can add up and the savings can be huge!
Another thing I like to do, again depending on what my child’s sleep away camp activities require, is to start collecting costumes. Immediately after Halloween is the best time to shop for costumes. Everything is at least half off. I have found some awesome headgear for “crazy hat nights,” as well as silly dress-up clothes for when they need something fun to wear for an evening activity. This is the perfect time to stock up on items for color war! Tights, necklaces, wacky tee shirts – all on sale!
The question then becomes: What do I do with all this stuff? It’s only October! My advice is to do one of two things. For items that don’t excite my campers (what kid is going to be thrilled with a new egg crate for their mattress,  I store it in their camp duffels (along with the camp list I just printed) so I remember I have it when I start packing next summer. If it’s something I know my kid will be thrilled to have next summer, I wrap it, label it with a sticky note (to remind me what I bought in October!) and save it for the December holidays. My kids enjoy nothing more than opening camping gifts in December. It starts them dreaming about going to camp next summer!
As always, you can find great items on our website www.tipsontripsandcamps.com under Camp Store. Happy Shopping!

The Gift of Overnight Camp

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Three years ago I was forced into a life changing decision. My type 1 diabetic, 11 year old son, was ready for a “normal” overnight camp experience.

Gulp! Who will give him the same care as the diabetes camps? How can I be certain that someone will make sure his insulin and sugar needs are met?

After talking with several overnight camps I followed my motherly instincts and chose the camp that seemed best equipped. When the director asked me how independent he is with his diabetes, it was difficult for me to answer. On the one hand, I wanted to assure the director that my son was ready to be on his own but on the other hand, I wanted him to take his illness seriously. So I cautiously told him how capable my precious boy was and pleaded with he and the nurses to take good care.

So with a wing and a prayer he was off on his 4 week overnight camp experience. I stayed strong for him but behind the scenes I was the mom hitting the “refresh” button on the camp photo page and checking my email for the nurse’s updates. In the photos, I saw a smiling, happy child waterskiing for the first time, jumping high in the air for tramp ball and leading his camp friends through an intracamp tournament.

Two summers later I can look back and realize that my son’s independence could never have happened without the gift of sleep away camp. His 11 year old person was ready to cut the chord and discover who he was beyond a diabetic kid. I had been looking at him first as a blood sugar number, wondering how to take control so he could have a “normal” life. My son took control of his disease that summer and the following summer he owned it completely. I spoke with the nurses once before he left for camp and he did the rest on his own.

As a now 14 year old boy, we have reached a new “normal” in our home. When I now look at him, I first see a responsible, happy, mature person who has found a good place as a diabetic in a non-diabetic world.

 

Although most kids do not have type 1 diabetes, many of them are working through challenges that they can benefit from the gift of the right overnight camp. The gift is also to us parents as we watch them explore into the best they can be.

How Overnight Camp Can Shape Your Future

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I have a confession. Sometimes I go out to my garage just to take in the wood smells.  You might find this strange but the comfort it evokes is incomparable.

The wood in my garage smells identically to my overnight camp art barn. This is where I first learned to solder jewelry, bake copper enamel jewelry, and silk screen a t-shirt. It’s where I learned as a young teenager, about my passion for the arts.

The opportunities for art classes at a performing arts camp stretched way beyond what I viewed was “forced” in school. It opened my eyes to a new kind of freedom of expression.

Overnight camp helped me through those confusing teenage years. I didn’t feel pigeonholed into the person I thought to be when I was home. It gave me permission to reinvent myself. I watched others do the same. I listened to a friend sing a song she had written. I watched another friend recite a monologue from a short play she had created. I shared in creating a life size human paper mache with other friends. Not only did it help me discover who I was by getting out of my comfort zone, it guided me towards my future.

Several years after camp, I returned as a camp counselor and had the honor of taking charge of that very same art barn that I loved. This was the summer after my first year at college as an art major. I was able to pass on that enthusiasm to a new generation of campers.

So, as strange as it may seem that one would enjoy the smell of their garage, it takes me to a place of discovery in my mind. It reminds me of a path that brought me to who I am today.

SHOULD YOU PUSH A RELUCTANT CHILD TO GO TO AN OVERNIGHT CAMP OR TRIP?

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Sometimes a parent will tell me that while they liked the recommendations I made for their child, he/she was indifferent or reluctant and they are going to stay home for the summer. Summer experiences are expensive. Kids are busy with local obligations and often happy to “hang out”.  Is it important to push?

Yes! If you want your child to learn to…

  • Negotiate with peers and advocate for themselves at summer camp
  • Gain self esteem through testing themselves beyond their perceived limits on a wilderness trip
  • Be part of another culture from the inside out on a language immersion experience
  • See how happy people can be with far less stuff than we have on a community service trip
  • Make friends for life going on a summer experience of any kind

 

A summer program offers students much more than something to do. It helps them grow and develop.

Sleepaway Camp Decisions: How Can You Be Sure?

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March is decision time for so many families looking for sleepaway camps and teen summer programs. So how do you make that final choice? You have spent so much time researching the sleepaway camp options, calling summer programs and checking references. We hope you have also called a Tips on Trips and Camps advisor! How can you be sure? The answer is you can’t, but you can be confident in your decision if you have done at least these things:

–       Call the director. Don’t simply speak to whoever answers the phone; speak to the person who runs the camp!

–       Ask the tough questions: supervision, safety, staff qualifications, facilities, food, medical.

–       Call references

Once you have completed a thorough camp search, go with your gut. There is such a thing as overthinking this decision, so trust your instincts. If you wait too long, camp will be full!

Sleepaway Camp; Get References

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You called a Tips on Trips and Camps advisor because you want to find a sleepaway camp that is the best fit for your child.  You have the brochures, have watched the DVD’s and spoken with the directors. Ready to decide?  Not yet!! Before enrolling your child in any overnight camp or teen summer program, CALL REFERENCES.

There is no substitute for a conversation with a family whose child currently goes to a camp or has gone on a teen travel program. Ask them specific and detailed questions about their child’s experience. What did they love? What was not so good? How did the camp handle any concerns the parents had? How was the staff?

Decisions about where to go to sleepaway camp are multi-year decisions. Close the loop and finish the job by calling references.

Attend a Tips on Trips Camp Fair!

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HOW IS YOUR CHILD SPENDING NEXT SUMMER??

How about…an Internship in Sports Management, Study on a College Campus, Language Immersion, Travel or Study Abroad, Community Service, a Traditional Camp, a Leadership Program, Marine Biology, Turtle Conservation, Sailing in the Caribbean, Creative and Performing Arts, Circus Arts, Hiking, Mountain Biking, White Water Rafting, a Cross Country Tour, a Girls’ Empowerment Program, Horseback Riding, and more!

ATTEND A TIPS ON TRIPS SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES FAIR — LEARN ABOUT QUALITY OVERNIGHT PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS, AGES 8-18.

Take advantage of our 42 years of experience and expertise in helping families find incredible overnight programming for their kids…we are a FREE service for families.

At a Tips on Trips Camp Fair you can meet program directors, collect brochures and DVD’s, and speak with a knowledgeable consultant to design a summer that is just right for your child.  Can’t come?  Not a problem, call your personal Tips Advisor for a free consultation.

To find a Tips on Trips Camp Fair in your area, click here:  https://www.tipsontripsandcamps.com/summer-advice/local-camp-fairs/

Or, to find your personal Tips advisor click here: https://www.tipsontripsandcamps.com/summer-advice/find-an-advisor/

 THINK SUMMER, AND GIVE YOUR CHILD THE GIFT OF CAMP!

 

SUMMER WISHES FOR THE NEW YEAR

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With 2013 almost upon us, here are our top 13 summer wishes for you and your family.

We hope that your child will:

Meet NEW friends at sleepaway camp.

Create NEW memories with old friends at sleepaway camp.

Try NEW activities at your old or new overnight camp

Explore NEW adventures when traveling.

Develop NEW leaderships skills while at an adventure camp or summer college program.

Acquire NEW stamps on their passport.

Develop NEW relationships with group leaders .

Have a reNEWed desire to communicate face to face rather than behind a screen and remember to embrace the outdoors.

Practice NEW language skills gained at a language immersion program.

Enjoy a NEW level of proficiency playing their favorite sport at a summer sports camp.

Sing NEW songs and perform skits for Color War.

Learn NEW games for the bus ride.

And finally, our best wishes for a very Happy NEW Year!!!

How Can You Determine the Quality of Instruction at an Overnight Camp?

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As parents call camp after camp or travel from one summer camp to another making  mental notes of all the differences, similarities, strengths and weaknesses, one question that parents often ask is “ How good is the instruction?” Unfortunately, not until the camper is engaged in camp or relays feedback is the answer known.

There are, however, some questions you can ask when speaking with a director or things to observe if you are on a whirlwind camp tour.

  1. What is the camper/instructor ratio?  Are there long lines and wait time for a turn or use of equipment or supplies?
  2. What is the instructor’s background – Is this a hobby or have they been professionally trained in the specialty and presently teaching during the year?
  3. Returning staff or new to camp?
  4. Is the teacher speaking with confidence and clarity? Do the campers seem engaged, attentive and motivated? Who has control of class – campers or instructor?
  5. Are groups divided by age or skill level? Are teens with younger campers?
  6. Is there a written curriculum? Is it a continuum in which the skills taught build upon each other to reach a goal or desired level of execution?
  7. What is the condition of equipment, supplies and specialty area? Clean, new, old, safe, cluttered, weeds, cracked courts? Are there enough to go around?
  8. Do you hear any positive reinforcement? Any constructive criticism?
  9. Are there examples of work displayed? Cookie cutter or creative?
  10. If outside, who is facing the sun- camper or staff? (Should be staff if giving instruction!
  11.  Are campers having fun???????????

 

Enjoy your conversations and tours, and know that you can ask questions that might help you differentiate summer programs. Happy Camping!

Gifts for your Summer Camper or Teenager

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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

 

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.