sleepaway camps - Tips on Trips and Camps

Sights and Sounds of Summer Camp

January 17, 2023 by Jen Cippoletti Leave a Comment

It’s been decades (gulp!) since I have been at overnight camp. Decades since my younger self walked the paths, sang all the songs, jumped in the lake while morning mist was still rising from it, heard the bugle play reveille to wake us, and heard the loons at night singing us to sleep. And yet, camp is never too far from my mind. It could be on a hike in a forest somewhere in the world, where the smell of pine needles warmed by the sun brings me right back to New Hampshire. Or I hear a crazy song lyric that reminds me of some silly song that we used to sing – and I still remember every word. Or I’m in a lodge that happens to use the exact style of cups and plates we used at camp, and they make the same sound when being stacked and passed. I can’t hear a whistle at a pool without instinctively raising my hand for buddy check. And there is the particular sound of a screen door that slams when the spring attached to the frame stretches and releases that takes me right back to the cabin. But those loons! They have a sound I have only ever heard at sleep away camp, whether as a camper so long ago, or as an adult at family camp. Now I’m a mom to three camp kids, and those sights and sounds belong to them too. They will someday have their own memories that bring them back to camp, just as I do, no matter how far they roam.

Give your child or teen a lifetime of memories to treasure, and let us help you find the perfect match – our advice is free, and the experiences last forever.

Happy to be part of the Tips Team!

June 30, 2021 by Allison Carneal Leave a Comment

Last week, long, big trucks drove up and down towns everywhere picking up massive sleepaway camp duffle bags filled with a summer’s necessities – from towels to bedding to sports equipment to bug spray – all with different camp destinations. Watching these pick-ups always fills me with emotion as I envision the happy summers the children have in store for them: long hot days filled with exciting new activities and adventures, new friendships and old ones rekindled after a long school year. There are so many opportunities for new discoveries and experiences that will happen in an arts and crafts room, on a beautiful lake or around a campfire.

I am thrilled to join the Tips on Trips and Camps Team for the New York City market as an advisor – a dream job and the perfect fit for me. Having been an avid camper myself, and mother of three campers, I have vast experiences (both good and bad!) and believe my insight will be tremendously helpful as I share summer options with families.

This winter and spring I have done a deep dive on sleepaway camps and summer programs for older children. There are so many incredible opportunities out there waiting to be explored – from academics to sailing to eco-adventures and language immersion. I have seen from personal experience with my own children, how enriching these experiences can be. Companies work all year planning itineraries and experiences and our children are the lucky ones who get to be the beneficiary of all this work!

As we move on to the summer of 2021, the Tips on Trips and Camps Team wish everyone an incredible summer. Savor all the new experiences and friendships, they’ll have a life-long impact and it’s what makes our job as summer program advisors incredibly rewarding.

You’ve Got This!

September 10, 2020 by Stephanie Vordick Leave a Comment

Everyone at Tips on Trips and Camps thinks you’re doing a great job parenting through these crazy times. We thought you needed to hear that today. We’re all parents too, and we know how not having any control over how the future looks or feels for our children (or ourselves) is a challenging place to live. As summer program advisors, we are feeling hopeful about sending kids off on their adventures next summer. Every day we hear from our directors about their plans for a safe and fun summer 2021. While next summer may still look different than pre-COVID days, every sleepaway camp and teen program is working hard to create pandemic-proof plans for your children. Please let us know if you want to indulge in some escapist summer planning – we’re ready to chat whenever you feel ready.

What I did on my summer vacation

September 24, 2019 by Stephanie Vordick Leave a Comment

Every Tips on Trips and Camps advisor spends part of their summer checking in with several of the camps we represent. I spent a week in New Hampshire and Vermont this past July visiting some of our camps, including a few that are new to us for 2020. We share our findings, so we all have the most up to date information possible. Together our advisors visited about 100 camps this summer, and we are so excited to tell you about the ones that just right for your child!

I’m not sure my fellow advisors agree with me, but I love eating at the camps I visit. I have food allergies, and it’s great to experience how well the camps care for children that have dietary preferences or restrictions. I’ve found that most camps have terrific tasting healthy food and have a lot of pride in the efforts of their kitchen staff. Every camp is aware of the many different ways people today, and they happily work with families to make sure they meet every camper’s needs.

I also really enjoy peeking into the bunks. Generally, camp directors bring us into tidy bunks, but occasionally we catch sight of a bunk that looks like a tornado went through, and you can imagine how the kids were in such a hurry to get to their next amazing activity. I swear you can feel the excitement they left behind in the chaos.

I’m already keeping my list of where I’ll visit next summer. Can’t wait!

A Fun Way to Get Your Child to Write Home from Camp

June 29, 2015 by Ellen Blum Leave a Comment

Now that it is summer and kids are away at summer camp, parents often find themselves awaiting the arrival of the mail with the hope that there will be letters from camp. If they’re lucky, they may find some brightly colored stationary with the obligatory sentences “I am having a great time at camp”, “I miss you” or perhaps a truthful “The food stinks”. If any campers are like my son, you will be disappointed to find the envelope is empty or, at best, a quick one word “HI”. Many camps have rules that campers must send home 2-3 letters per week, but what is in the letters is not monitored, much to the dismay of us parents.

It’s exciting to think that campers are having such a great time playing sports, waterskiing, hiking, creating art projects or working on a performance that they don’t have time to write. But, as parents, we long to get a glimpse into their life at camp. I have some help to offer.

One of the best things I ever did while my kids were away at camp was to send them a questionnaire, along with a self-addressed stamped envelope to send it back. Much like the check-off stationary, I formulated questions for them to answer. When they were younger, the questions would be a bit simple where they could circle the answers. Such as, “Circle the activities that you have tried this week” and I would list ones that I know are offered, like Swimming, Boating, Tennis, Dance, Nature etc.

As the kids got older I looked for some fun and creativity asking “What is the funniest thing that has happened at camp so far?” or “What new foods have you tried?” I liked to ask the names of the campers in their bunks and where they are from, or asking them to draw a picture of the bunk and where is their bed.

Each summer I would come up with new questions and, without fail, I would get these letters back. My kids had fun answering the questions and I heard about experiences I may not have.

Have fun with it!

WHAT TO SAY WHEN YOUR CHILD WANTS TO GO TO OVERNIGHT CAMP BUT NEEDS A FRIEND TO GO TOO

December 2, 2014 by Eve Leave a Comment

At first blush this is not a bad idea. You’re eager that all go well and, truth be told, having your child go with a friend will seem less scary to both of you. However this is easier said then done. It is challenging to find a friend whose family wants them to attend the same weeks, same location, same costs and with the same focus as you want for your child. Plus, making new friends is an important part of going away to sleep-away camp. What to do?

What a child who will only go away with a friend is saying is that they are uncertain of what to expect and, like the blankie of their early years, the friend will offer the comfort and security. Who can blame them for being unsure, this is unchartered territory. You can certainly try to find a friend and let your child know that you will ask around. Meanwhile begin to share with your child all the reasons going to camp without a friend can be really great.

Tell your child that he/she is a terrific person and will make new friends at camp. Point out their strengths that will make others like them. Help identify some interests that they can explore and share at camp. Let them know how nice the counselors are and how the counselors will take care of them and help them make new camp friends. Talk with them about why others will want to be their friend. Perhaps they are especially kind or funny or smart, point out that this will be very appealing to their bunkmates. Use this opportunity to look objectively at your child and help them assess their strengths which will build their confidence. Have the directors of the camps you are considering come to your home for a visit or speak by phone to your child and ask the question about attending without a friend. They will have wonderful reassuring answers.

It only takes one successful summer experience that your child attends alone to set the stage for empowering them in the future to try things independently.

Sending your Child to Camp without a Friend!

March 10, 2014 by Lisa Leave a Comment

Yes, you can do it. Yes, you should do it.

As a camp and trip advisor I hear it all the time… My child needs a friend to go or they won’t go. Nothing could be farther than the truth.

I sent my children off at 8 years old not knowing anyone attending their camps. They are the happiest campers. They have the best friends from all over the USA! To me this is one of the strengths and benefits of sleepaway camps and trips. They have friendships that will last a lifetime. The skills they developed from meeting new people, learning to cope, and developing independence will enable them to be stronger adults and increase their sense of self. Speak to Camp Directors and Teen Program leaders and you will learn that they concur. Many programs, especially those that involve small group travel, prefer children to attend independently. There are some that also may discourage more than one student attending from a certain school or hometown. The long lasting benefits of students taking a risk and trying new things independently far out-way the security of participating with a friend. Attending programs with a friend may also hinder the experiences for one or both. Often it prevents students from reaching out to others as well as trying activities they might not otherwise engage in. The success stories are numerous. Give it a try, urge your child or teen to venture off solo!

The Benefits of a Camp Visit

April 2, 2013 by Ellen Blum Leave a Comment

I recently was touring colleges with my daughter when it dawned on me how similar college touring was to visiting camps. Seeing the inside of the buildings, touring the grounds and meeting with current students gave me a sense of calm when visualizing where my daughter may be living when she leaves home. I also had so much excitement at knowing that she will be experiencing unique opportunities and activities.

Camp visits give parents unique opportunities to see the facilities, meet the camp Directors and staff, while seeing current campers engaged in their activities. Each child, when thinking about attending a sleepaway camp, will have unique ideas about what is important to them. Perhaps it is necessary to have a riding stable, or a ropes course, or multiple athletic fields. Is it preferable to be on a lake, or to have a swimming pool at the camp? What is the condition of the tennis courts? Are they clay or har-tru? Also important are the conditions of the bunks. How big are they? Are there bathrooms in the bunks? Is there a shower house? Each parent, and child, has a different order of importance regarding facilities of course, visiting a camp is not always possible, depending on schedules and timing. Many camp websites now have “virtual tours”, which are helpful or photos/maps of the camp layout.

With summer 2013 approaching quickly, now is the time to schedule tours if your child is thinking about camp for 2014.

SUMMER WISHES FOR THE NEW YEAR

December 28, 2012 by Michele Leave a Comment

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!!!

Experts on Overnight Camps & Trips for Kids and Teens

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