4-H Camp Southwest VA Boys & Girls • Ages 9-18 775 Hermitage Road, Wirtz, VA (540) 721-2759 retreatatsmithmountainlake.com
Summer camp at the Skelton 4-H Center provides countless opportunities for learning more about the natural world around us. Days are filled with instructional-based camp classes, unstructured recreation and swim time, flag ceremonies, and evening programs.
Camp Bethel Boys & Girls • Ages 5-18 328 Bethel Road, Fincastle, VA (540) 992-2940 CampBethelVirginia.org
Camp Bethel in beautiful Fincastle, VA is an ACA-accredited, Christian summer camp offering three- and six-day resident camps, adventures, and trips for ages 4-18, plus day camps and single-evening family adventures. Camp Bethel is also home to Carilion’s Camp Too Sweet for children and youth with diabetes, and the Kevin Jones Performing Arts Studio Camps. Adventure Camps and Trips include backpacking, mountains-to-beachto-bay trip, canoeing (day & weeklong), caving, equestrian, horseback, kayaking, mountain biking, river tubing, rock climbing & whitewater rafting.
Camp Blue Ridge Boys & Girls • Ages 7-17 529 Old Mill Road, Montebello, VA (540) 466-1583
campblueridge.org
Camp Blue Ridge offers six different styles of camp to fit your family! We offer everything from aquatic adventure to arts and crafts! We have a Family Summer Camp so that everyone can enjoy the beautiful nature God has given us.
Bricks 4 Kidz Boys & girls • All Ages 1060 23rd Street SW, Roanoke, VA (540) 380-2485 bricks4kidz.com/virginia-roanoke-salem
Camp Carysbrook Girls Only • Ages 6-16 3500 Camp Carysbrook Road, Riner, VA (540) 382-1670 campcarysbrook.com
EARLY BIRD
REGISTRATION UNTIL APRIL 30
www.ymcavbr.org/camp
Four Camp Locations Near You!
CAMP KIRK Kirk Family YMCA
CAMP BOCO Botetourt Family YMCA
CAMP SALEM Salem Family YMCA
CAMP WOODROW
Woodrow Wilson Middle School
Chatham Hall Riding Camp Girls Only • Ages 10-16
800 Chatham Hall Circle, Chatham, VA (434) 432-5605 chathamhall.org
Childcare Network Summer Camps Boys & Girls • Ages 0-12
4335 Brambleton Avenue, Roanoke, VA (540) 989-3459 childcarenetwork.com/virginia-roanoke-va-65
Childcare Network’s Adventure Summer Camp Program is designed to provide a fun and exciting environment for your child, while continuing to help them explore and discover the world around them. While at our kids’ day camp, your child will have the opportunity to participate in different weekly themes with engaging activities, educational field trips and projects with their friends.
Country Bear Day Care Summer Camps Boys & Girls • Ages 0-12
5220 Starkey Road, Roanoke, VA (540) 774-2547 countrybeardayschool.com
Divine Dance Center Boys & Girls • Ages 3+
3513 Brambleton Avenue, Roanoke, VA (540) 774-0296 divinedancecenter.com
Come learn with an award-winning competitive dance company! Professional staff and friendly atmosphere!
Camp Eagle Boys & Girls • Ages 5-18
458 Camp Eagle Road, Fincastle, VA (540) 473-3117 campeagleva.org
A short drive away from Roanoke, VA, Camp Eagle has been ministering to folks of all ages for more than 30 years through summer camps, retreats, and specialized group events. We desire to use the elements of Christian camping to provide fun and fulfillment
CAMPS AT THE STAR CITY SOCCER CENTER starcitysoccercenter.com
Soccer Shots Summer Camp Dates: June 10-14 June 17-21 July 8-12 July 15-19 July 29 - August 3 August 12-16 Info: Ages 3-7 Half Day: 8:30/9:00-11:30 Full Day: 8:30/9:00-2:30 32
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for the present, hope for the future, and develop strong, impactful leaders who will turn the world upside down.
Camp Easter Seals UCP Boys & Girls • Ages 7-22
201 E. Main Street, Salem, VA (540) 777-5750 campeastersealsucp.com
Ferrum College Camps Boys & Girls • Ages 9-13
215 State Rte 602, Ferrum, VA (888)-508-7822 ferrum.edu/fcsec
Located 35 miles southwest of Roanoke, Virginia, Ferrum College provides a relaxed, informal atmosphere with the conveniences and security of a small campus. Residence halls, classrooms, dining hall, and recreational facilities are located within easy walking distance. Campus security is maintained by campus police officers. Specially selected camp counselors are assigned to each group of eight to ten campers and
(434) 977-3781 400 Holiday Trails Lane, Charlottesville, VA campholidaytrails.org
Hollins University Camps Girls Only • Ages 14-18
7916 Williamson Road, Roanoke, VA (540) 362-6212 hollins.edu/academics/hollinssummer
HoneyTree Summer Camps Boys & Girls • Ages 5-12 Multiple Locations (540) 344-4543 honeytreeelc.com
provide supervision at all times. Campers and staff are housed in an air conditioned residence hall.
Camp Friendship Boys & Girls • Ages 7-17
573 Friendship Road, Palmyra, VA (434) 589-8950 campfriendship.com
Global Youth Village Boys & Girls • Ages 14-18
1020 Legacy Drive, Bedford, VA (540) 871-0882 globalyouthvillage.org
Camp Holiday Trails Boys & Girls • Ages 5-20
The Hive Summer Camp at HoneyTree is for students who have completed kindergarten through age 12. A private swim club, plus special interest groups, arts and science projects, field trips, and more keep The Hive buzzing with activities each weekday. The Hive opens when school is out and lasts for 10 weeks. With more than 35 years of service to Roanoke Valley families, HoneyTree provides a quality program in a safe, supportive environment. Treat your youngster to one active summer—and yourself to peace of mind—at The Hive.
We still have vacancies in Roots & Shoots, our 1 week introductory camp for girls ages 7-12!
We are a small, traditional, overnight camp for girls in Bath County, Virginia.
Creating unforgettable summers since 1927 www.CampMontShenandoah.com info@CampMontShenandoah.com 540-997-5994
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Camp Horizons Boys & Girls • Ages 9-16
3586 Horizons Way, Harrisonburg, VA (540) 896-7600 camphorizonsva.com
Lancerlot Summer Camps Boys & Girls • Ages 5-12
1110 Vinyard Road, Vinton, VA (540) 981-0205 lancerlotsportscomplex.com/ lancerlot-sports-camp
Little Leapers Boys & Girls • Ages 3-9
1460 S. Main Street, Blacksburg, VA (540) 200-8573 thelittleleapers.com
Melody Makers Boys & Girls • Ages 0-5
3540 Brambleton Ave, Roanoke, VA (540) 989-9177 melodymakersroanoke.com
Camp Mont Shenandoah Boys & Girls • Ages 7-12
218 Mont Shenandoah Lane, Millboro Springs, VA (540) 997-5994 campmontshenandoah.com
North Star Childcare Summer Camps Boys & Girls • Ages 5-12 5407 Peters Creek Road, Roanoke, VA (540) 366-3629 northstar4kids.com
Pathway Christian Boys & Girls • Ages 5-18
1550 Roanoke Street, Christiansburg, VA (540) 394-7300 pathway-academy.com
Phoebe Needles Summer Camps Boys & Girls • Ages 12-18
732 Turners Creek Road, Callaway, VA 540-483-1518
Our programs are for rising fifth through
twelfth graders. We operate nine camp sessions during the summer. In addition to our basic camp activities like hiking, arts and crafts, swimming, campfires, etc. We also have special camps focused on nature and the environment, rock climbing and rappelling, community service, backpacking and camping, caving and climbing.
River Rock! Indoor rock climbing promotes confidence, coordination and balance, muscle development, teamwork, and problem solving skills. The social and athletic skills acquired through climbing will last a lifetime. We have camps for all age ranges that will keep your kids moving and having fun.
Camp Rim Rock
Our walls are professionally engineered and certified by the Climbing Wall Association. All our equipment meets or exceeds industry standards. Our River Rock Staff has been carefully selected, extensively trained, loves working with youth, and are certified in first aid and CPR. It is our privilege to work with your children.
Girls • Ages 8-16
343 Camp Rim Rock Road, Yellow Spring, WV (304) 856-2869 camprimrock.com
River Rock Climbing Boys & Girls • Ages 5-18
806 Wasena Avenue SW #100, Roanoke, VA (540) 685-2360 riverrockclimbing.com
Looking for something completely different? We have just the thing at the
Roanoke Children’s Theatre Boys & Girls • Ages 5-18
The Jefferson Center, 541 Luck Ave SW Roanoke, VA (540) 400-7795 roanokechildrenstheatre.org
RCT Theatre Academy seeks to show young people a world where imagination and creative expression thrive: The theatre! Our classes are perfect for serious, aspiring performers, as well as for students who just want to have fun. If you’re not sure which class is right for you, call 540-309-6802 for help. Register early!
Roanoke College Soccer Camp Girls & Boys • Ages 4-18
221 College Lane, Salem, VA (540) 375-4955 roanokesoccerschool.com
Our youth camps offer players from a wide range of ages and abilities an opportunity to develop at Roanoke College. Sessions at the camps are created age-specific to provide knowledge and enthusiasm for the game in a fun and challenging training environment. These camps will feature the staffs and players from the highly successful Roanoke College men’s and women’s soccer programs, as well as top youth and college coaches.
Roanoke City Summer Camps
THE PHOEBE NEEDLES CENTER Residential summer camp programs for rising 5th through 12th graders. Activities include hiking, rock climbing & rappelling, climbing tower, caving, swimming, low & high ropes courses, games, arts & crafts, music, archery, camping, nature activities, and more. Only $225 for a week of camp!!! Middler Camp - June 9th - 15th Rising 7th - 8th Graders Senior Camp June - 16th - 22nd Rising 9th - 12th Graders Drama Camp - June 23rd - 28th - Rising 5th - 8th Graders Outdoor Expedition Camp - June 23rd - 28th Minimum age 13 First Year Camp - June 30th – July 6th Rising 5th - 6th Graders Rock Climbing Camp - July 7th - 13th Minimum age 13 Art Camp - July 14th – 20th Rising 7th - 12th Graders Nature Camp - July 14th - 20th Rising 7th - 12th Graders Outreach Camp - July 21st - 27th Rising 7th - 12th Graders
Boys & Girls • Ages 5-13
215 Church Avenue SW, Roanoke, VA (540) 510-4056 playroanoke.com
Roanoke County Summer Camps Girls & Boys • All Ages
1206 Kessler Mill Road, Salem, VA (540) 387-6078 roanokecountyparks.com
Roanoke Star Soccer Camps Girls & Boys • Ages 5-18
2800 Electric Road SW, Roanoke, VA (540) 345-7820 roanokestar.com
Camp Tall Timbers Boys & Girls • Ages 7-16
1115 Reflection Lane, High View, WV (304) 856-3722 camptalltimbers.com
All Around Camp - June 10th – 14th Rising 1st – 4th Graders Art Day Camp II - July 1st – 5th Rising 1st – 4th Graders Art Day Camp I - June 17th – 21st Rising 1st – 4th Graders Swim Day Camp I - June 24th – 28th Rising 1st – 4th Graders Swim Day Camp II - July 8th - 12th Rising 1st - 4th Graders
CHECK US OUT ON SOCIAL MEDIA...
Day camp programs for rising 1st through 4th graders focusing on ART and SWIMMING. Camp sessions are 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday though Friday. The cost is only $90 per session.
REGISTER TODAY!! Applications are on our web site: www.PhoebeNeedles.org Call ~ 540-483-1518 Email ~ PNCenter@gmail.com Visit ~ 732 Turners Creek Road Callaway, Virginia Need based scholarships are available.
Camp Twin Creeks Boys & Girls • Ages 7-16
9235 Huntersville Road, Marlinton, WV (914) 345-0707 camptwincreeks.com
Camp Tuk-A-Way Boys & Girls • Ages 8-18
2262 Craig Creek Road, Blacksburg, VA (540) 961-4100 camptukaway.com
Located on 65 acres in the heart of the Blue Ridge Montains, Camp Tuk-A-Way seeks to provide a clean, wholesome environment for quality Christian camping. We will engage our teens and children in a fun-filled week of physical, mental and spiritual exercises that will help them grow, like David, into the GiantKillers God has called each of us to be.
Science Museum Boys & Girls • Pre K-5
1 Market Square SE, Roanoke, VA (540) 342-5710 smwv.org
MERMAID CAMP
AGES 4-10
RI OPTIONS, MON -F FULL & HALF DAY Dance & Mermaid swim camp* Mermaid Camp* JUNE 24 - 28 JUNE 17 - 21 JULY 22 -26 JULY 15 - 19
Sign up today!
ONLY AT
Space is limited
540.989.0520
*swimming skills required call for detais
Summer Camp 2019
Find your inspiration
Go to www.smwv.org to register today!
The Science Museum of Western Virginia has Summer Camp programs for PreK5 that encourage critical thinking, problem solving and teamwork. With a huge variety of hands-on day camps to choose from, and trained educators and volunteers offering individual support, parents can easily find programs that will engage and inspire their child. Several programs will also feature excursions to VT and professional guest speakers who demonstrate, educate and motivate. Go to www.smwv.org to see our list of 2019 programs and sign up before spaces run out!
Do you like to sing in the shower? Can you do some awesome jazz hands? Then this is the camp for you! It’s better than Karaoke – it’s SINGING with all your friends!
Valley AFC
Camp Strawderman
The focus of the program is to provide soccer training for boys and girls that would like to improve their technical, tactical, and speed of thought/play abilities during the off season in a professional environment with US Soccer (USSF) licensed instructors.
Girls • Ages 6-17
2494 Dellinger Acres Road, Edinburg, VA (540) 984-4738 campstrawderman.com
Camp Strawderman is about riding horseback, swimming in freshwater streams and hiking on mountain trails. It’s about belly laughs and Indian stories, sitting by roaring campfires and igniting lifelong friendships. It’s about cuddling with four-legged friends, climbing mountains, and singing at the top of your lungs. It’s about being who you are and liking who that is.
SING! Summer Choir Camp Boys & Girls • Grades 2-8
Bethel Baptist Church, Salem singsummercamp.com
An enriching and fun musical camp based on the choral experience of the nationally recognized Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir
Boys & Girls • Ages 3-18
PO Box 20045, Roanoke, VA (540) 774-7272 valleyafc.org
Ferrum College Summer Enrichment Camp MP
MOTTO: I Ca
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JUNE 23-29, 2019 I t!
AGES 8–14 FUN • CHALLENGING • MEMORABLE EDUCATIONAL • AFFORDABLE
ENRICHMENT CLASSES Bon Voyage en Francais I Cooking 101 Creative Crafting Crime Scene Investigators Equine Studies: All About Horses The Ferrum Challenge Hogwarts Academy I: O.W.L. Hogwarts Academy II: N.E.W.T.
Living, 1800 Style Map and Compass The Music in My Head Mythology Play Writing STEM Projects Summer Theater
Camp Virginia Jaycee Boys & Girls • All Ages 2494 Camp Jaycee Road, Blue Ridge, VA (540) 947-2972 campvajc.org
We are a summer camp located in Blue Ridge, VA offering overnight camp, family camp and day camp for children, youth and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or developmental disabilities.
Activities planned at Camp Virginia Jaycee include: arts and crafts, music, boating, fishing, sports, games and Junior Lifeguard training. The evening will be filled with hayrides, dances, carnivals and talent shows – lots of safe fun! Take the time to check our web site out and see what other parents have to say about our very special camp!
combination makes us the ideal program for all boys looking for fun summer focused on their personal interests.
Virginia Western Kids College
Participants will leave Wilderness Adventure with an increase sense of autonomy. Being able to live in the outdoors for a week, carry all you need in a backpack, and get out of your comfort zone with challenging activities will help participants to know their limits and see how capable they are.
Boys & Girls • Grades 4-10
Colonial Avenue, Roanoke, VA (540) 857-6076 virginiawestern.augustsoft.net
STEAM Ahead to Summer Fun. Kids College is our summer enrichment series which offers unique workshops for rising 2nd – 10th graders that are designed to teach new skills, develop new interests and hobbies, and explore future career opportunities.
Camp Watonka
Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing Boys & Girls • Ages 8-17
11176 Peaceful Valley Road, New Castle, VA (540) 864-6792 wilderness-adventure.com
YMCA (Kirk Family) Boys & Girls • All Ages
520 Church Avenue, Roanoke, VA (540) 342 9622 ymcaroanoke.org/kirk-family-ymca
Camps at the Y share one thing: they’re about discovery. Kids have the opportunity to explore nature, find new talents, try new activities, gain independence, and make lasting friendships and memories.
Boys• Ages 8-16
328 Wangum Falls Road, Hawley, PA (570) 226-4779 watonka.com
YMCA (Salem) Boys & Girls • All Ages
Camp Watonka is the only program in America offering the traditional overnight experience combining crafts, sports, dirt-bikes, adventure and waterfront with a hands-on science program. This unique
1126 Kime Lane, Salem, VA (540) 387-9622 ymcaroanoke.org/salem-family-ymca
OPEN HOUSE FREE EVENT SATURDAY, APRIL 13TH 10AM-3PM FREE LUNCH G U I D E D TO U R S C L I M B I N G TO W E R ARCHERY GA M E S CRAFTS
WHERE ADVENTURE BEGINS Give your children a traditional summer camp experience and memories to last a lifetime! Choose from day camps for rising grades K-5 with satellite transportation from Tanglewood Mall or overnight camps for grades 3-11 with progressive adventures and off-site trips.
SAVE $25
Off each week when you sign up 60 days or more in advance!
OVER 200 WEEKS OF FUN C h o o s e f ro m ove r n i g h t , f u l l - d a y, h a l f - d a y s u m m e r f u n a n d a t h l e t i c s p ro g ra m s a t l o c a t i o n s t h ro u g h o u t o u r a re a . We ’re t h e re g i o n ’s l a rg e s t p rov i d e r o f s u m m e r e n r i c h m e n t .
RoanokeCountyParks.com/Camps
A facility of:
Preparing for a Positive Camp Experience by Jamie Lober
Camp is an all-inclusive place where every child is welcome, regardless of whether he’s timid and doesn’t meet people easily or is the chatterbox in the room.
that’s normal. “They will meet people in the same age group with similar interests, and everyone leaves with new friends,” she said.
It’s important to come with an open mind and ready to learn new things.
“The best part about camp for everyone is that they get to meet kids their age and try new things in a laid-back, relaxed, fun, loving, and safe environment. Usually, within the first hour, any kid who is nervous feels very comfortable,” said Stephanie Fallon, education manager at the Taubman Museum of Art. Not knowing anybody can make your child a little apprehensive about camp, and
Sometimes, it can help to show your child a brochure or visit the camp’s website together so she has an idea of what to expect. You may even be able to visit the camp in advance to see it in action. “It’s helpful to have superengaged leaders who have experience working with kids of varying ages with varying needs,” said Fallon.
Parents can find out the camper-tostaff ratio to make sure their child will
receive the right amount of attention. When you read the camps’ itineraries, there is sure to be one that grabs your child’s attention and feels right for him. “We feature specific projects based on themes, and this year we are adding a fashion component, as wll as painting, sculpting, and art venture,” said Fallon. Some museums that host camps open up galleries and spaces where kids can discover new things. Art is always very popular—especially clay—and some camps even let kids use a potter’s wheel. Hands-on camps, where kids can be touching things, moving, and exploring, are the biggest hits. “We strive to make it as hands-on as possible so that the kids get their hands dirty. There’s a big emphasis on fun and adventure,” said Fallon. Some kids want to focus on something they couldn’t do during the school year or advance in something
they began in school. Amy Shirk, of Rappahannock Summer Music Camp, said, “We offer music theory and electives like conducting, composition, music production, dance, and art to give a well-rounded musical experience, [things] they don’t get in school during the year.” Talk to your child to find out where her interest lies. “There are a gazillion camps, and many kids do music because they’re trying to build an appreciation for [it],” said Shirk. Every child has the potential to have a positive camp experience. “It’s important to come with an open mind and ready to learn new things,” said Kim Davidson of Sing! Summer Camp. When your child has a good attitude, he will go further. “The friendlier they are, the more friends they will make, and parents can help them get ready to introduce themselves by teaching them how to say hello to other kids,” Davidson said. If you’re friendly to others yourself, your child will take note. “The kids are cute, nervous, and shy, but when their parents coach them on how to be friendly they will make friends. I love observing that,” she said. Whether it’s growing friendships or new life skills, camp can bring out the best in your child. “I love to see the confidence that grows in the kids and the leadership skills, as there are so many great things they can learn,” said Davidson. Whether your child prefers art, music, sports, or something else altogether, there are benefits to camp. “Creativity, play, and art are helpful for growth and behavioral development. They help build problem-solving skills and show children there are different ways to approach questions,” said Fallon. When your child learns something new or brings home a masterpiece she created, she will feel good about herself. “It gives you a sense of accomplishment and pride when you start with something totally messy and simple and turn it into something beautiful and unique,” Fallon said.
Danielle Hollis, a previous camp counselor, shared, “Veterinary and Pre-Veterinary Summer Camp are important because they give campers the opportunity to see what it takes to become a veterinarian while also giving them a glimpse into a variety of animal fields. I would recommend this camp to anyone interested in becoming a vet, considering any career involving animals, or who simply wants something fun to do over the summer!” Campers get up-close and personal experiences everywhere they go. At Fort Chiswell Animal Park, they go on a guided tour throughout the park. Camels, zebras, and bison walk right up to the windows of the bus, allowing the children to pet and feed them in a safe, educational environment, while learning about the proper care and feeding of wildlife.
Veterinary Science Camp at the Roanoke Valley SPCA
Every summer in the months of June and July, new smiling faces enter the doors of the Roanoke Valley SPCA, ready and waiting to go on adventures to learn about animals. At both the Pre-Veterinary Science Camp (for rising fourth through sixth graders) and Veterinary Science Camp (for rising seventh through tenth graders), children learn about how to help animals and what goes on inside the shelter, and they visit other animal-focused facilities like Fort Chiswell Animal Park, Kentland Farm, and Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke.
in-shelter training. Campers participate in activities like using microscopes to identify parasites, receiving training in giving injections (using oranges as props instead of live animals), and practicing proper veterinary surgical attire. Campers also get to participate in off-site, behind-thescenes visits to local veterinary hospitals, the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech, and the Mountain View Humane spay and neuter clinic, where they’ll view live surgical procedures and more! At Virginia Tech, campers are able to try their hands at mock-intubation, do an internal exam of a cow prop, and even get the opportunity to speak to the Tech veterinary students about their experiences attending veterinary school.
If your child is interested in animals or interested in the animal field as a career, this is a great way to see if they are truly interested for their These summer camps future. are designed to help kids experience what it means to be a veterinarian or work in another pet care field with hands-on demonstrations and
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“My granddaughter really enjoyed all of the fun things that were planned for the campers.” “If your child is interested in animals or interested in the animal field as a career, this is a great way to see if they are truly interested for their future. My daughter loved it!” These are just a couple of many positive comments the summer camps have received. If you look through the albums of previous campers posted on the Roanoke Valley SPCA’s Facebook page, you can see just how excited the children are about the different learning opportunities the veterinary camps have to offer. Staff members at the Roanoke Valley SPCA always enjoy seeing the campers come in bright-eyed and ready to learn on their first day. And by the end of the week, they have all become best buddies with each other and their counselors. The kids are ready to chat excitedly with any staff member willing to listen about their animal lessons and findings from their travels. If you are interested in signing up your child or a loved one for Veterinary Science Camp or Pre-Veterinary Science Camp, head over to RVSPCA.org to claim your spot! Be sure to register your camper soon—early bird rates are available until April 1st, and then rates go up. Scholarships are available on a limited basis. If you have any questions, or to apply for a scholarship, please contact Ruth Pierce at rpierce@rvspca.org or call 540-339-9506.
Shawsville, VA • Phone 540-268-2409 • www.altamons.org STEAM Ahead to Summer Fun. Kids College is our summer enrichment series which offers unique workshops for rising 2nd – 10th graders that are designed to teach new skills, develop new interests and hobbies, and explore future career opportunities.
VWCC Workforce Services Department workforce@virginiawestern.edu • 540.857.6076
Think outside the book. NORTH CROSS SCHOOL was founded on the belief that a classroom is a concept, not a room. With small groups, teachers are inspired and empowered to curate lessons, not follow them. Children pursue their best in a community that supports and respects curiosity and innovation.
With programs designed to engage, question and surprise, every North Cross graduate is a product of our ceaseless evaluation of what works—and, a commitment to embrace what’s next.
BEST OF 2018
Voted Best Private School, Preschool, and Supplemental Learning Program in the Valley three years running.
More happens here.
NORTH CROSS SCHOOL · AN INDEPENDENT, ACCREDITED NON-SECTARIAN JUNIOR KINDERGARTEN THROUGH GRADE 12 DAY & BOARDING PROGRAM · ROANOKE, VIRGINIA · WWW.NORTHCROSS.ORG
Ready for Adventure and Fun at
Summer Camp! by Susan Baldani
Summer is a great time for kids to take a break from routine and have some fun. However, too much time off can leave children bored and frustrated. Today, most parents have to work and cannot spend as much time as they would like doing activities with their children. This is why sending your kids to camp can be a lifesaver. Days spent canoeing, fishing, swimming, and hiking are much better than those spent playing video games and watching television. Being at camp also gives kids a chance to be a little more independent and self-sufficient. If they are going to a sleep-away camp, cell phones are often not allowed, but children can write home (the old-fashioned way, with paper and pencil) to keep their
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parents up-to-date about what they’re doing. Some camps even have cameras so parents can follow their children’s adventures. Of course, for some kids, being away from home can be somewhat intimating and scary. This might be the first time they are away from their family, and homesickness can set in fast. If the camp allows, send them with their favorite stuffed animal, or their pillow, and send pictures so they can see familiar faces. Children are not the only ones who have to prepare themselves for being away for many nights in a row. Some parents also have a hard time letting go. As cited by the American Psychological Association, “children
may observe and mimic parents’ discussion of worries. And when parents frequently provide verbal warnings—for example, ‘be careful’—children may anticipate danger and fear certain situations.” Helping your child look forward to and enjoy camp will help them not just during the summer, but for years to come. They will learn new skills, make new friends, and become more self-reliant. For children whose lives are constantly managed during the year, from their schedules and clothes to the foods they eat, being on their own can be freeing. Psychologist Michael Thompson, in his book Summer Camp: Great for Kids, Even Better for Parents, writes about the benefits for kids. “The number one issue for children is ownership. The thing I heard the most in interviewing hundreds of children is you can really be yourself at camp. When you are in your parent’s presence, there is always shared ownership of your life.”
•If they’re interested, it’s a good chance they’re ready. •Has your child spent the night with a friend or relative before? Children who have been able to be away from parents in the past are more likely to be good candidates for an overnight camp experience. •How responsible is your child? Can they keep track of their own things and wash their clothes if they’re going to be gone for several weeks? Are they responsible enough to use camp money to purchase things they need rather than candy or other junk food?
Children will learn new skills, make new friends, and become more self-reliant.
Many parents often wonder how old a child should be to go away to camp. There is no one answer to this question, since every child is different. However, there are a few guidelines you can use to determine if sleepaway camp is the right decision. In her Summer Camp Guide for Parents, author Pam Myers, BS. Ed, has some useful guidelines:
•Is your child comfortable seeking help from other adults or authority figures if you’re not around? •Picky eaters may also have difficulty at overnight summer camps. However, the staff may prepare special meals for a child with allergies or religious beliefs that limit what they can eat.
•Consider sending your child for a shorter session for their first time at overnight camp. With the right preparations for the child and parents, summer camp can be the perfect answer to the dilemma of what to do with the kids all summer. Parents can enjoy some freedom from the everyday pressures of child-rearing, and children can have experiences they wouldn’t find at home. It’s a win-win situation.
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