Rochester & Genesee Valley Parent - Camp Guide 2016

DAY CAMP  OVERNIGHT CAMP  SPORTS CAMP EDUCATIONAL ENRICHMENT  PERFORMING ARTS SCIENCE (STEM)  OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES SPECIAL NEEDS & MORE!

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inside

40 Capture the Benefits of Sports Camp 42 Preparing Happy Campers

guide index 4-H Camp Bristol Hills - 8 A Magical Journey Thru Stages - 8

Corning Museum of Glass - 15

Doodle Bugs! Child Care Centers - 16

Allendale Columbia School - 9

Drama Kids International - 17

Ballet Prestige - 10

Expressive Beginnings Child Care - 18

Bristol Mt Ski - 11

Lollypop Farm - 22

Created By Us - 16

Alfred University Summer Programs - 9

Best Foot Forward - 10

JCC Camps - 22

Genesee Country Village & Museum - 17

Sylvan Learning Center 30

Mary Therese Friel - 23

Timothy M. Draper Center for Dance Education - 30

Master Kim's Taekwondo - 23

Twelve Corners School Age Program - 31

Nazareth College - Summer Science - 24

U of R - Eastman School of Music - 31

Pinnacle Athletic Campus - 24

U of R - Summer Sports Camps - 32

RIT - Kids on Campus - 25

VistaTeach Instructional Services - 33

Girl Scouts of Western NY Rochester Center - 19

RIT - Margaret's House 26

Greece Community Education - 19

RMSC - Camp Programs - 26

Camp Stella Maris - 2

Gymnastics Training Center - 20

Young Eagles Aviation Camp - 34

Centauri Summer Arts Camp - 14

Rochester Fencing Club - 27

Harley School - 20

Rochester Yacht Club - 27

City of Rochester - 14

Hochstein School of Music & Dance - 21

Rock Ventures - 28

YMCA of Greater Rochester - 35

Camp Hickory Hill - 12 Camp Midtown - 13 Camp Smile - 12

Cornell University Sports School - 15

Inspire Learning Child Care - 21

Wegmans Teen Culinary Camps - 33 Writers & Books - 34

Seneca Park Zoo - 29 Summer Stars @ RBTL - 28

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Capture the Benefits of Sports Camp

BY GAYLA GRACE

"M

y kids have never been to camp." I almost spewed my drink when the mom of seven told me she doesn't see the value of sending kids to camp. "Really?" My answer was short but my mind was reeling as I assessed what her kids miss each summer by never experiencing camp.

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Camp has a unique way of teaching kids values while giving them opportunities of fun they would never experience at home. Sports camps, in particular, offer new adventures as kids explore hidden abilities or build on already-developed skills while making new friends and learning life skills in the process. Sports camps offer benefits that extend far beyond the basics of practicing a sport.

CHARACTER-BUILDING OPPORTUNITIES. Sports camps teach kids what perseverance feels like and what it means to reach outside their comfort zones. "Sports themselves are great for the physical aspect but also teach sportsmanship, camaraderie and discipline," says Matt Davanzo, director of an all sports academy. Tennis pro Eric Fromm says sports, particu-

larly tennis, help kids develop skills they can use their entire lives. "These skills carry over into school work and life skills -- dealing with adversity, problem solving, overcoming obstacles, focusing, learning how to lose and pick yourself up."

EXERCISE. Childhood and adolescent obesity rates continue to climb and lack of exercise contributes significantly to the problem. Technology seduces kids to stay indoors and in front of a screen. Sports camps offer a great alternative as kids choose what sports they're interested in and reap the rewards of exercise in the process. Eric Fromm lists the number one reason to send kids to camp is because "kids are meant to be active over the summer." Regular exercise doesn't happen naturally, however; there must

be planning, intentional effort, and encouragement from parents.

FUN. The fun of summer break wanes if days drag on with nothing to do. Sports camps provide fun and learning at the same time. They often include high school and college students who work with kids in a playful and energetic manner, creating a natural atmosphere for fun.

NEW FRIENDS. Kids find new friends at sports camp who share similar interests and often go to the same school. When our family re-located to another state during the summer months, our elementary-age son found new friends through a baseball camp that helped him acclimate to his new school in the fall. Kids experience natural

2016 summer camp & activity guide and friendly camaraderie with others through sports camps.

Focus on specific skill-building techniques.

An athlete gains more confidence and greater ability in his sport by working on the mechanics of a sport repetitively. Playing a sport through the school year doesn't incorporate everyday skill-building repetition like camps do. As kids move through middle school and high school, it's particularly important they improve in their sport to stay competitive.

FIND NEW SPORTS OF INTEREST. Sports camps are the perfect place to explore sports that a child hasn't tried before or aren't always offered at school. With a friendly camp staff and encouraging environment, kids are less intimidated and more likely to seek new interests.

Develop healthy life-long habits.

Through regular exercise at sports camps, kids also develop accompanying habits of discipline, commitment and responsibility.

These habits translate into leadership skills and strong work ethics when kids begin to move into career-minded opportunities in their middle and high school years.

As a mom to five children, I've watched our kids emerge from summer sports camps with enthusiasm for a new sport, rediscovered self-confidence, like-minded friendships and regular exercise habits that propelled them into a new school year. While unplugged from technology in an active environment, sports camps offer friendly competition and valuable life lessons for kids.

Camp counselor Jodi Lorane says camp increases kids' self-esteem as they try new things, taking them outside their comfort zones and forcing them to work through their fears. Lorane also says kids at camp get acquainted with those who come from varying home situations which allows them to see the world through different eyes.

Sports camps create lifelong memories amidst fun, learning, and exercise. Don't wait! Find a sports camp for your child and watch them thrive.

Gayla Grace seeks out sports camps each summer for her five children and loves to spend her time writing while they're playing.

GIVE PARENTS A BREAK. Whether you're a stay-athome mom, work-at-home dad, or in the workforce outside the home, sports camps give parents a chance to take their mind off their child and focus on their own needs and wants for a change. Every parent deserves a break from the 24/7 parenting responsibilities that summer warrants.

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Preparing Happy Campers

BY CHRISTA MELNYK HINES

S

ummer camp is a time-honored tradition, rich with activities, newfound friendships and a lifetime of memories.

Explore a few ways to make your child's camp experience smooth sailing from start to finish.

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S'MORE THAN JUST FUN. According to the RAND Corporation, a non-profit research organization, children who participate in summer programs, like experiential learning activities offered in an organized camp, are less likely to experience a significant summer learning slide. Camp also enhances a child's physical and emotional well-being. Activities build social skills, teamwork and independence, which all contribute to stronger self-confidence and leadership abilities. "I often hear from parents how amazed they are when their children return home after spending time at camp.... about how they seem older and more mature," says Doug Berkel, a YMCA senior program director of Youth Development Services.

AVOID CAMP RUN AMOK. First, together with your child, decide what skills you want your child to gain and choose a camp that fits her needs and interests, as well as your family's values.

Check out safety guidelines in the camp's parent handbook. Look for overnight camps accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA). "ACA standards are the most universal and wellknown standards adopted by most camps to ensure a quality and safe program," Berkel says.

Day and specialty camps should carry a current state childcare license. Additionally, staff should be trained in emergency, communication and safety procedures, behavior management techniques (including handling the common bout of homesickness), and child abuse prevention.

CAMP SUNSHINE. Day camps are a practical way to introduce children, ages five to 12, to the camp experience.

Most center on a theme, like sports, science, nature, technology and the arts.

Ann Bowley says that when her stepson, Trevor, was younger, he enjoyed planning out the day camps he wanted to attend each summer.

However, as her son got older he grew more apprehensive about starting over with a new group of kids each week.

"We talked to him about it and he never changed his plans. We just looked for school mates that might be in camp with him to help him be more comfortable," she says.

CAMP ABILITY. Specialty camps center around one activity like music, art, sports or science. These camps provide children the space to

2016 summer camp & activity guide Kids' books about camp Froggy Goes to Camp by Jonathan London and Frank Remkiewicz Curious George Goes Camping by H.A. Rey and Margret Rey Fred and Ted Go Camping by Peter Eastman Olivia Goes Camping by Jared Osterhold

further explore and develop a skill that interests them.

"Specialty camps tend to run partial days and could be a nice addition to regular day camps," Berkel says.

CAMP STARLIGHT. Overnight camps, typically in an outdoor setting, can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks and are generally offered for children ages seven and up. If you aren't sure your child is ready, allow him to spend the night at friends' houses occasionally. Or, as Berkel suggests, take advantage of a weekend family camping opportunity, usually offered in the fall and spring to familiarize campers and their families with the facilities and staff.

CONQUER CAMP BLUES. Preparation and an awareness of what to expect can ease the transition from home to camp. Before your child departs, go over a list of everything she will need. Pack a physical connection to home like a favorite sleeping bag, stuffed animal or pillow.

Also, mail a card ahead of time to ensure it arrives before the end of camp. Tell your child how you look forward to hearing her camp stories, but avoid saying how much you miss her which can trigger homesickness and

worry.

Fourteen-year veteran Boy Scout leader, soccer coach and father of eight, John Whiteside, is a camping pro. Over the years, he and his children have participated in multiple camps, including sports, band and weeklong scout camps.

Initial nervousness isn't unusual. If your child asks to come home, Whiteside says to consider the situation, but to encourage him to discuss his anxieties with the camp counselor and take it one day at a time. "Tell him 'Yes, today was hard, but I think it will be better tomorrow' and usually tomorrow is better," he says.

While your child may struggle at first, chances are he'll come home a happy camper with a heightened sense of self-confidence, memorable stories and a passel of new friends to boot.

Freelance writer, Christa Melnyk Hines is a mom of two boys who love choosing day camps every summer. She is the author of Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.

Looking for more ideas?

Find even more about these camps, summer programs and more for the kids as they get ready for the summer.

No way that kids will say “I’m bored!” when they view our annual Camp Guide and online list of programs.

Academics/Enrichment Animal/Riding Art/Photography Camping Dance/Movement Day Programs Gymnastics International Music/Theatre Overnight Adventures Products & Services Special Needs Specialty Sports/Athletics & More!

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