Home » Coverstory

Help Your Child Be a Happy Camper This Summer
By Carrie Rene

Relating to your children these days can seem as difficult as talking to a space creature. From technology to their ever-changing slang, what could you possibly have in common? Enter the time-honored tradition of summer camp.

Camp has been providing fun adventures for children for years. In fact, the first organized camping experience in history took place in the late 1800's. Could summer camp be right for your child? Read on for a complete camp primer.
Why Should You Send Your Child to Camp?

During these tough economic times, summer camp can seem like an unnecessary expense. However, camp can be a rewarding experience for your child. If summer camp isn't feasible, there also are day camps or camps with shorter sessions such as one-month terms. Consider these benefits:

• Independence. For many kids, camp is their first extended time away from home. They will have to learn how to take care of themselves and make decisions on their own. Parents often are amazed to see a more mature version of their child return home, including one who might help do the dishes or clean his room.
• Emotional growth and development. This includes everything from increased self-esteem, self-reliance, and self-awareness.
• New skills. Camps can expose your child to different activities, sports, and new skills. She may discover something she really loves and wants to pursue long-term or perhaps do for a career.
• Enhanced social skills. In addition to having to live with fellow campers, your child will meet kids and staff members from other regions, states, or even countries. Meeting so many new people can help children develop tolerance and form lifelong friendships. Kids also are free to be themselves and not worry about their "role" at school. They don't have to worry about the usual stereotypes or cliques and can start out fresh.
• Time to relax and be a kid. Everyone seems overscheduled these days but for kids, it can be especially stressful. Children have become so busy that health experts encourage kids to carve out downtime. After spending the school year running from activity to activity, your child will relish being able to kick back and just enjoy herself.
  

Is Your Child Ready for Camp?

Most child development experts agree that children are usually ready for summer camp by age 7. Of course, age should not be the deciding factor. Look at their developmental readiness too. Has your child spent time away from home such as a sleepover at a friend or grandparent's house? Are they able to participate in group activities and follow directions? Is she comfortable in new environments and able to make friends?

If your child isn't quite ready to spend the entire summer at camp, research day camps or those with shorter sessions. Consider sending them to camp with a sibling or friend. Oftentimes, a familiar face can help give young or shy kids the confidence they need to make friends and have a great time. Even if you think your young child can handle camp, let her be the final judge.

Do Your Homework

Picking the perfect summer camp for your child requires a little investigating. First, figure out your child's preferences and needs. Would she rather go to a traditional camp or one that specializes in sports, arts, or other interest area? Is your child comfortable attending a co-ed camp? If your child has a special need, check out the sidebar for other factors you might need to consider.

Now it is time to research camps. Start by finding camps accredited by the American Camping Association (ACA), which is like Good Housekeeping's seal of approval. ACA accreditation means the camp has made a commitment to safety by meeting standards set by experts from youth organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics. Log onto the ACA's website at http://find.acacamps.org/finding_a_camp.php or call 1-800-428-CAMP. To help you get started, here is a list of local ACA-accredited camps.

Resident and Day Camp:

Valley Trails Summer Camp
Phone: 818-345-3002
Email: info@valleytrails.com
Website: www.valleytrails.com
Ages: Coed from 5 to 14
Session Length: 1-2, or 4 week sessions
Sample Activities: kayaking, dance, sports, and academics

Day camps:

Aloha Beach Camp
818-932-4600
info@alohabeachcamp.com
www.alohabeachcamp.com
Ages: Coed from 7 to 14
Session Length: Partial week, 1 to 9 week sessions
Sample Activities: boating, fishing, field trips, and environmental studies

Camp Funtime
818-789-8405
campfuntime07@yahoo.com
www.campfuntime.org
Ages: Coed from 4 to 13
Session Length: 8 week sessions
Sample Activities: dance, sports, environmental studies, and performing arts

Camp Keystone
818-889-2224
info@campkeystone.com
www.campkeystone.com
Ages: Coed from 3 to 13, boys only or girls only from 3 to 14
Session Length: 1-4, or 9 week sessions
Sample Activities: sports, fishing, horseback riding, and martial arts

Camp Kinneret Day Camp
818-706-8255
info@campkinneret.com
www.campkinneret.com
Ages: Coed from 4 to 14
Session Length: 3-5 or 7-9 week sessions
Sample Activities: music, horseback riding, sports, and gymnastics

Camp Summertime
818-706-7335
info@campsummertime.com
www.campsummertime.com
Ages: Coed from 4 to 14
Session Length: 4-5, or 9 week sessions
Sample Activities: sports, fishing, horseback riding, and boating

The Phoenix Ranch Day Camp
805-526-0136
falascano@phoenixranch.org
www.phoenixranch.org
Ages: Coed from 5 to 13
Session Length: 1-9 week sessions
Sample Activities: sports, horseback riding, ranching, and drama

Sierra Canyon Day Camp
818-882-8121
eanderson@sierracanyonschool.org
www.sierracanyondaycamp.com
Ages: Coed from 4 to 14
Session Length: 3-5 week sessions
Sample Activities: dance, sports, hiking, and academics

Sunny Days Camp
818-677-3617
www.usu.csun.edu/sunnydays
Session Length: 1 week sessions
Sample Activities: arts and crafts, swimming, and field trips
Specialty camps:

Camp Alonim
805-582-4450
alonim@thebbi.org
www.alonim.com
Ages: 7 to 15; camp offers co-ed, boys only, or girls only
Session Length: 1-3 week sessions
Sample Activities: sports, hiking, horseback riding, dance, and music
* a program of the American Jewish University that celebrates Jewish life. Day and resident camp.

Camp Hollywoodland
323-467-7193
hollywoodlandgirlscamp@rap.lacity.org
www.lacity.org
Ages: girls only from 6 to 17
Session Length: 1 week sessions
Sample Activities: sports, exercise, field trips, hiking, and dance
* resident camp for girls that specializes in nature studies and social skills

Camp JCA Shalom
818-889-5500
info@shalominstitute.com
www.campjcashalom.com
Ages: Coed from 6 to 17
Session Length: 1-3 week sessions
Sample Activities: hiking, ranching, dance, photography, and wilderness trips
* emphasis on the Jewish culture. Resident camp.

Griffith Park Boys Camp
323-664-0571
gp.boyscamp@lacity.org
www.laparks.org
Ages: boys only from 6 to 14
Session Length: 1 week sessions
Sample Activities: hiking, golf, soccer, football, and performing arts
* resident camp that specializes in sports and outdoor activities for boys

iD Tech Camps
888-709-8324
info@internaldrive.com
www.internaldrive.com
Ages: Coed from 7 to 17
Session Length: 1 week sessions
Sample Activities: academics, performing arts, photography, computer, and language studies
* specialty camp that focuses on visual arts and academics, such as creating video games and robots. Other programs include a sports camp and surf camp. Both a day and resident camp.

Wilshire Blvd Temple Camps
213-388-2401
info@wbtcamps.org
www.wbtcamps.org
Ages: Coed from 8 to 15
Session Length: 1-4 week sessions
Activities: golf, dance, sports, photography, and community service
* focuses on the Jewish culture. Resident camp.

After you have a list of potential candidates, contact the camps for a visit or phone interview. Ask about their requirements for counselors, how long they've been operating, and fellow campers. For instance, are most kids local? Do many kids come back year after year?

Have your child get actively involved in the camp search. Look at camp websites or brochures together and ask them which ones they're most interested in.

Don't Let This Common Problem Ruin Your Child's Fun

According to experts, more than 95 percent of campers will become homesick in some form. If you think your child is at risk, address it before camp begins.

• Ask her to talk about her fears and discuss what she could do if she starts to feel homesick. Tell her that it's OK to feel excited but sad about camp. Try to focus on the positive aspects of camp.
• Have her pick a favorite stuffed animal or other cherished toy to bring to camp. If your child is really close to the family pet, help her pick out a favorite photo. Check with the camp to see if they allow other items from home such as music or favorite foods.
• If camp will be your child's first time away from home, help ease her into the experience by arranging mini-trips away from home weeks before camp starts. For instance, a weekend spent with grandma or a sleepover at a friend's house.
• Talk about the upcoming trip with your child. Let her know when she will be leaving and returning. It might help to give smaller children a calendar with these two dates circled. They then can cross off the days in between so they know when they'll be coming home.
  

If you get a call from the camp, it's usually time to go get your child. If you do have to pick up your child, be sure to keep a positive attitude. Reinforce that you aren't mad at her and help brainstorm ways she can enjoy the rest of her summer.

A Good Camper Is Always Prepared

After weeks of research and figuring out the best place for your little campers, it's finally time to pack up their things and send them off. So what should you pack?

• Clothing. Plan outfits for all types of weather such as a raincoat, umbrella, a sweater or jacket, sunglasses, and a swimsuit. Check with the camp to see if your child might need dress clothes.
• Toiletries. Beyond the basics like toothpaste and shampoo, don't forget any medications your child will need to take while away. Other helpful toiletries include bug spray, sunscreen, lip balm, and anti-itch ointment. Many camps have shared bathrooms so consider buying a plastic shower tote so that your child can easily carry personal items back and forth.
• Laundry needs. Items that your child might need for laundry days include a mesh laundry bag, sample sizes of detergent and fabric sheets, and rolls of quarters. Also, pack extra underwear and socks in case your child doesn't have a chance to do laundry that often.
• Towels and bedding. Find out what the camp provides and what your child should bring. Remember beach towels and sleeping bags too.
• Entertainment. Have your child choose a few favorite books or magazines. Consider giving them a small flashlight if they like to read at night. Ask the camp about what electronics are allowed. If your child can't be plugged in, pack a traditional toy like a Frisbee or coloring book. Don't forget paper or postcards, pens, envelopes, and stamps so they can write home.
  

Other good pointers include:

• Write your child's name on everything with a permanent marker or labels.
• Put a list of important phone numbers in your child's bag.
• If your child is bringing new shoes or hiking boots, have her break them in prior to camp.
• Consider giving your child a small amount of cash in case she needs to buy anything.

back to top