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Summer Camp & Activities Guide 2014 South Bay Edition
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In this issue…. Feature Stories: Hugs from Home ….. Page 10 Keeping in Touch with Campers is Critical Part of Camp Experience
“Gearing” Up for the Perfect Camp Experience…. Page Featured Camps: Academy of Foreign Language……… Advanced Learning Project…………… American Camp Association ………….. Catalina Island Camp…………………. BeachSports…………………………….. Beach Cities Volleyball…………………. Camp for Kids……………………………. Encore Entertainers…………………….. FAB Design Studio……………………… Family Theatre Inc………………………. Guided Discoveries…………………….. Hermosa Beach Chevron Surf Camp… Kids Music N Motion…………………… Learn to Surf……………………………… Music Rhapsody…………………………. Puttin On Productions…………………… RHUMC Kids Zone……………………… Rolling Hills Country Day School………. Savoir Faire Language Institute………… South End Racquet Club……………… Torrance/South Bay YMCA……………. Total Golf Adventures…………………… Dr. Eric T Wong…………………………..
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COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF Cynthia Olkie, Fleur de Lis Photography
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Letter From The Publisher: Publisher Ahhhh—summer time! It’s just around the corner! Long warm days filled with fun in the sun! Or WAIT? Are they filled with “Mom, I’m bored!!” Don’t let that happen to you! Our 2014 edition of the Summer Camp & Activities Guide is filled with amazing opportunities— both day camp and sleepaway camp! From surfing to language to sailing to tennis… there is something for everyone! I never experienced sleep-away camp except for a few weekend Girl Scout camping trips. However my very lucky kids had that opportunity. As a mom, it wasn’t easy to drop them off and leave—kind of reminded me of the pre-school days. However, I credit their sleep -away camp experiences as helping to get them ready to be confident, self-sufficient teens and young adults. I had never left home for any length of time before heading off to college—and I had one heck of a time adjusting being away. That was one of my biggest personal reasons to have my kids experience atleast 2 weeks of sleep-away camp. And guess what—2 out of the 3 who have left for college so far had an easy time of adjusting (who knows if it was really camp—lol)! The South Bay also offers many wonderful day camps. Your kids can make great friendships and experience things they don’t have time for during the regular grind of the school year! So enjoy your summer - let the kids experience something new and create memories that will last a lifetime! And hopefully you won’t hear “Mom, I’m bored”! Happy Summer!
Founder/President/Publisher
Cathy Alessandra cathy@whatsupforkids.com P.O. Box 3893 Palos Verdes, CA 90274 Phone & Fax: (888) 544-1042 Publisher/Editor: Cathy Alessandra cathy@whatsupforkids.com, ext 701 Sales: Cindy Donnelly cindy@whatsupforkids.com, ext 702 Photographer: Cynthia Olkie, Fleur De LIs Photography www.fleurphoto.com
www.WhatsUpForKids.com To inquire about all our advertising options, call our office at (310) 544-1042 or email: cathy@whatsupforkids.com. Deadline for the May/June 2014 What’s Up For Kids magazine, which includes the Got Summer Camp edition, is April 10, 2014.
Disclaimer: What’s Up For Kids and the Summer Camp & Activities Guide is published by Alessandra Media Group LLC. What’s Up For Kids expressly disclaims all warranties as to the contents of this publication and assumes no liability for the contents, including but not limited to any credentials stated or claims made by persons or establishments included in this publication. All rights reserved. What’s Up For Kids copyright 2014. Reproduction in whole in part without written permission is prohibited.
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Hugs from Home Keeping in Touch with Campers is Critical Part of Camp Experience
This summer marks the 150th anniversary of the organized camp experience. And, while much about the camp experience has evolved and adapted to meet the needs of today’s families, at its core the essentials of the camp experience are the same. And, many of the traditions of camp, like letters from home, remain a critical part of the camp experience. Letter writing is quickly becoming a lost art to today’s younger generations. In a world of constant and immediate electronic connection, the letter has become a unique reminder of time spent at camp. In addition to preserving memories, children use language arts and handwriting skills when sending a letter – skills that may not be otherwise used during the summer break. Camp not only provides an opportunity for healthy separation, it also provides an opportunity for families to let campers know just how much they are loved at home. And, words of confidence and encouragement from home reinforce the independence and self-reliance being developed at camp. The American Camp Association® (ACA) provides the following tips to help families communicate with campers, and be a part of the life-changing experience of camp from afar: •
Give your child pre-addressed, stamped envelopes or postcards so that he or she can keep you informed of camp activities.
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Send a note or postcard in advance to the camp so there will be a personalized touch of home when your child arrives. This lets young campers know that the family
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is thinking about them, assures campers that parents know they are having a good time, and expresses enthusiasm for the camp's activities. •
Care packages are always appreciated. Be sure to check with the camp director to see what the camp's policies are regarding what items may or may not be included.
•
Avoid mentioning how much parents, siblings, family, and even pets miss them. While families may think it sends a “we love you so much” message, it may actually cause unnecessary homesickness and worry over loved ones.
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Discuss communication options with camp directors. Many camps offer families the opportunity to check in using technology to post photos and video of daily activities to camp Web sites. In some instances, parents may be able to send an email to the camper that is printed out and delivered with the regular mail. It’s important for families to always check with the camp director prior to camp to get the scoop on policies — from what electronics are allowed at camp to correspondences with home.
For more information on the life-changing experience of camp, or to use ACA’s Find a Camp database to find the perfect camp experience for your child, visit www.CampParents.org. In addition, families can follow ACA on Facebook and Twitter for helpful hints and camp information. About ACA The American Camp Association® (ACA) works to preserve, promote, and enhance the camp experience for children and adults. ACA-Accredited® camp programs ensure that children are provided with a diversity of educational and developmentally challenging learning opportunities. There are over 2,400 ACA-accredited camps that meet up to 300 health and safety standards. For more information, visit www.ACAcamps.org.
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Find the perfect summer camp for your kids!
GotSummerCamp.com
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“Gearing” Up for the Perfect Camp Experience The summer season is right around the corner, and for approximately 10 million children nationwide, this means one thing — it’s time to start gearing up for camp! There is a lot more to consider than just shorts and t-shirts when packing for camp. The American Camp Association® (ACA) provides the following tips to help families get ready for the perfect fun-filled camp experience. Pack Light — Remember your camper will be living out of a duffel bag, trunk, or suitcase for the duration. Packing light helps campers keep track of items and guarantees that they can handle their own luggage at camp. Check Camp Packing Lists — Individual camps should provide a recommended camp packing list, complete with any required equipment, preferred footwear, etc. Be sure to carefully review what is needed, paying special attention to those items that may not be permitted at camp. Label, Label, Label — Laundry pens, iron-on labels, and press and stick labels will distinguish your camper’s belongings from those of other cabin or tent mates. Most camps ask that you label each item, including clothing, personal items, and toiletries. Make sure that your child can identify the label used. Wear Those Shoes! — Make sure that your child’s clothing and footwear are comfortable and appropriate. Sending a camper in brand-new hiking boots can result in sore feet and time spent sitting out of exciting activities. Plan Together — Decisions about camp, like what to pack, should be made together. The more ownership your camper has in these decisions, the easier the adjustment and transition to camp will be. Families should contact their camp director for specific questions and packing suggestions. For more information on preparing and packing for camp, families can also visit ACA’s family resource site at www.CampParents.org. About ACA The American Camp Association® (ACA) works to preserve, promote, and enhance the camp experience for children and adults. ACA-Accredited® camp programs ensure that children are provided with a diversity of educational and developmentally challenging learning opportunities. There are over 2,400 ACA-accredited camps that meet up to 300 health and safety standards. For more information, visit www.ACAcamps.org.
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Play It? We Made It!
Hear yourself and your family learn Spanish, by singing in Spanish. Play the piano in just 4 short weeks. And more. For 30 years, Music Rhapsody has brought the joy of music to babies, children and adults. Or hadn’t you heard? Call or visit our website today!
30 years of music and fun for everyone. 310.376.8646 musicrhapsody.com Two-week Camp 7/14—7/25, register now and SAVE $30!
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Looking for Family Fun?
visit www.WhatsUpForKids.com for the latest, greatest, South Bay family fun!
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