Thealmanac summercamp

April 23, 2014 www.thealmanac.net The Almanac C5

SUMMER CAMP

What to consider before choosing a summer camp

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Regardless of the type of camp parents are considering for their kids, they should ask about what daily life at the camp is like. Ask to see schedules and how strictly camps adhere to those schedules.

When considering specialized camps, ask the staff representative if kids will have the chance to simply have a little fun and which types of recreational activities are planned to give kids a break from what are often rigorous schedules.

ummer camp is often something kids look forward to, and something they will fondly recall long after they reach adulthood. For many kids, summer camp provides a first taste of independence, as youngsters spend significant time away from home without their parents for the first time in their lives.

But as great an experience as summer camp can be for youngsters, it can be just as difficult an experience if parents don't find the right fit for their children.

That's why it behooves parents to start thinking about summer camps for their kids in winter, before camps start filling out their rosters, which tends to happen in early spring. The following are a few things parents should take into consideration when seeking a summer camp for their kids.

Camp goals

Staff

The right summer camp staff can make all the difference. Many children are understandably shy when arriving at a summer camp, as their friends from back home might not be joining them. That can make kids hesitant to participate in activities or less enthusiastic about those activities. But a good staff will know how to make kids feel welcome, which should help them come out of their shells and make the most of their summer camp experiences.

The quality of staffs can vary

Look for a camp that wants its attendees to foster relationships with fellow campers. significantly depending on the camp, so it's important that parents ask camp representatives about their staffs before making any commitments. Ask how long the staff has been together and the types of training new and even veteran staff members undergo before the start of camp season? Does the training include first aid and emergency medical training and certification?

It's also good to ask about the

vetting process the camp employs before hiring new staff, including the extent of its background checks. Are criminal background checks conducted? How many references must potential staff members supply to be considered for employment?

A good camp will be forthcoming with answers to all of your questions, so eliminate those that appear hesitant to share information about their staffs.

A day in the life When vetting camps for kids, parents should ask what a typical day is like once the season hits full swing. Many parents want their youngsters to have a wellrounded experience, while others might want their kids to attend a more specialized camp, whether it's a sports camp focusing on a particular sport or a music camp devoted to helping kids become better musicians.

Another thing parents must consider before choosing a summer camp for their kids is the goals of each individual camp. A camp should be dedicated to ensuring kids have fun, even when kids are attending more specialized camps that tend to be more strict. In addition, parents should look for a camp that wants its attendees to foster relationships with their fellow campers.

Camp can be lonely for some youngsters, especially those attending summer camp for the first time, but a summer camp that strives to promote friendship among its campers can reduce, if not eliminate, any feelings of homesickness.

Late winter is when parents should start looking at summer camps for their kids, and there are a host of factors moms and dads should take into consideration during the vetting process to ensure their youngsters have as much fun as possible. ■

SUMMER CAMP DIRECTORY ◆ CAMP INVENTION

The National Inventors Hall of Fame offers Camp Invention at several area schools at various dates throughout the summer for children in first through sixth grades. For more information, visit www.campinvention.org.

◆ CARLOW UNIVERSITY

Carlow University, Shadyside, offers ECO Camp (Environmental Career Opportunities), for high school girls entering grades nine through 12, July 15-17. $249-$265. For more information, call 412578-8851 or visit www.carlow.edu.

◆ CARNEGIE SCIENCE CENTER

Carnegie Science Center, North Shore, offers a variety of day camps for ages 4 and up. Campers enjoy a full week of themed activities, and some include field trips. Camps take place throughout the summer, dates vary based on age and camp. Pre- and post-camp child care is available for a nominal fee. For more information, call 412-237-1637 or visit www.carnegiesciencecenter.org.

◆ DANCE CONSERVATORY OF PITTSBURGH

Dance Conservatory of Pittsburgh, Canonsburg and Mt. Lebanon, offers day camps, a six-week intensive for beginners and intermediates, and a three-week intensive for intermediates and advanced dancers. For more information, visit www.dcpdance.com.

◆ EXTENDED DAY SERVICES

Extended Day Services has seven locations for its summer camps, including Streams and Eisenhower Elementary Schools, Upper St. Clair; McMurray Elementary, South Park Elementary, South Fayette Elementary and Dormont Elementary. Camps take place June 3August 20 with flexible scheduling, and are for ages kindergarten through seventh grade. Register by calling 412-221-1908 or visiting www.extendedday.com.

◆ JCC SOUTH HILLS

JCC South Hills, Scott Twp., offers day camps for ages 2-15 by the week, June 16-Aug. 8. A variety of options include performing arts camp, early childhood camp, adventure camps, and more. For more information, call 412-278-1975 or visit www.jccpgh.org.

◆ THE LITTLE GYM

The Little Gym, McMurray, offers two summer camps – Super Kids’ Quest Summer Camp, ages 3-8 and Skill Thrill Summer Camp, ages 6-12, June 16-Aug. 22. For more information, call 724-941-0100.

PONY CAMP

Horses Unlimited, South Park, has two Pony Camp sessions – Aug. 11-14 and Aug. 18-21. Activities include learning to brindle, saddle, groom and ride a pony, how to feed and care for horses, arts and

crafts and blacksmith and veterinary demonstrations. Ages 5-10, no experience necessary. For more information, call 412-835-7726.

SUMMER BRASS CAMP

Johnstonbaugh’s Music Centers, Bridgeville, hosts “Space …

The Final Frontier” Brass Camp, July 6, 13, 20, 27 and Aug. 3, with a public community concert Aug. 9 at Bower Hill Community Church, Mt. Lebanon. Open to students in fifth grade and up. $30.

Visit www.wolftrumpetlessons.com or email rnwolf86@gmail.com.

◆ YOGA INNOVATIONS

Yoga Innovations, Bethel Park, offers Kids Yoga Summer Camp August 11-14. Sessions for children ages 5-8 are 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; sessions for ages 9-12 are 1:30-4:30 p.m. Must register by May 1. For more information, call 412-851-9642 or visit www.yogainnovations.com.

◆ WELLNESS CENTER

The Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center, Washington, offers Fit Kids Summer Camp June 16-Aug. 2, for students in first through 12th grades. Half and full day options are available. The Toddlers Health & Fitness Discovery Camp is for children age 3 through entering kindergarten. Sessions are available June 23-August 17.

For more information, visit www.wrcameronwellness.org.

C6 The Almanac www.thealmanac.net April 23, 2014

SUMMER CAMP

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Keeping kids active once the school year ends

n many ways, today's kids have busier schedules than any previous generation of youngsters. Many extracurricular activities, including sports, require a nearly yearround commitment, and the dualincome household has landed many kids in afterschool programs where kids tend to their schoolwork or engage in various activities that keep them from resting on their laurels.

But those busy schedules get a lot less hectic when the school year ends. Once school is out, kids used to a full schedule might find themselves with lots of time on their hands. Though it's good for kids to squeeze in some rest and relaxation during their summer break, it's also important for kids to stay active so they don't develop poor habits as the summer goes on. In addition, the American Psychological Association notes that kids who are physically active are more capable of coping with stress and tend to have higher self-esteem than kids who do not include physical activity as part of their regular routines.

The following are a few suggestions for parents looking for ways to keep their kids active throughout the summer while still allowing them to recharge their batteries after a long school year. â—† Plan an active vacation.

Summer is when many families

Take advantage of the summer weather by taking the kids for an afternoon of swimming at a neighborhood pool as often as you possibly can.

go on vacation, so why not choose a vacation that involves more than napping poolside? Though it's still good to leave some time for relaxation, find a locale where you can embrace activities like snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, or other adventures that get you and your youngsters off the poolside chaise and out exploring. Such a trip might inspire kids to embrace an activity more fully, getting them off the couch not only while they're on vacation but also when they return home for the rest of summer.

Yoga Summer Camp Kid inspired fun!

Our little yogis are encouraged to explore, discover and have FUN while building strength, increasing flexibility and learning to focus their minds.

Kids will participate in fun yoga poses, group activities and games, life lessons, obstacles courses, snacks, arts and crafts, making a camp journal with photos, thoughts and pictures, and receive a t-shirt!

250

$

August 11th - 14th Ages 5-8: 9:30 am - 12:15 pm Ages 9-12: 1:00 pm - 3:45 pm 10% discount for siblings Early bird registration* 20% Off

Promo code: earlybird Registration ends June 1

102 Broughton Rd. Bethel Park, PA 15102 :0(" t *early bird registration ends May 1st. http:www.yogainnovations.com/kids-summer-camps.html

â—† Teach kids to garden.

Gardening might be seen as a peaceful and relaxing hobby, but it still requires a lot of elbow grease and hard work that pays physical dividends. A garden must be planted, hoed, weeded, and watered, and gardening gets kids out of the house to enjoy the great outdoors. When growing a vegetable garden, kids might embrace the chance to be directly involved in the foods that will eventually end up on their dinner tables. Parents can embrace this as an opportunity to teach the value of eating locally-produced

foods and the positive impact such behavior has on the environment. â—† Go swimming. Few adults who work in offices haven't looked out their windows on a sunny summer day and thought how nice it would be to be spending that afternoon making a few laps in a lake, at the beach or in a pool.

Kids have the same daydreams during the summer, so take a day off every so often and take the kids for an afternoon of swimming. Swimming is a great activity that exercises the entire body, including the shoulders, back, legs, hips, and abdominals. In

addition, swimming helps kids and adults alike maintain a healthy weight while also improving their cardiovascular health.

It's hard for some people to find a place to swim once the warm weather departs, so take advantage of the summer weather and go swimming as often as possible while the kids are not in school. â—† Limit how much time kids spend watching television, playing video games or surfing the Internet. Many of today's kids are as tech savvy as they are busy. But it's important that kids don't spend too much time online or on the couch watching television or playing video games. Such activities are largely sedentary, and they can set a bad precedent for the months ahead, even when the school year begins once again. Parents should limit how much time their youngsters spend in front of the television or the computer during summer vacation, keeping track and turning the TV or computer off if they suspect kids are spending too much time staring at the screen instead of being active. Kids might not love it when you turn their video games off or minimize their access to social media, but explain the limitations at the onset of summer and let kids know you expect them to be physically active even if it is summer vacation. â–

Register Now for

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April 23, 2014 www.thealmanac.net The Almanac C7

SUMMER CAMP

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