MetroKids 0120 DE - CAMP DIRECTORY

JANUARY 2020 DELAWARE

CAMP STORY What’s the Best Age for Camp?

2020 CAMP DIRECTORY

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Camp

What’s the Best Age for Camp?

By Audrey Monke You probably want a number here. If you’re only going to read these first two sentences, then I’ll pick the age of nine.

But the real answer is a bit more complex. When to start sending your child to sleep-away camp is a decision that depends on you, your parenting style, and your child’s temperament. Many kids have fun and successful camp experiences as young as six years old, but that’s too young for most kids. And for some parents the thought of their child ever going to camp (without them) is unimaginable.

Sometimes “he’s not ready for camp” actually means you’re not ready. Realizing that your child can be okay without you is sometimes hard on parents and it’s a big step to let them have the independent experience of summer camp.

These are the guidelines for parents who are ready to send their child to camp but aren’t sure what age is best.

5 or younger

This is too young for overnight camp alone. Go to a family camp together or try a day camp. (You can find local day camps at MetroKids.com/DayCamp.)

6 to 8 years old

For young kids, focus on whether your child is ready. This is not the age to force camp upon a hesitant child.

If they want to go, there are some questions to ask: Is your child a fairly independent kid (not clingy) who can take a shower on his own? If your child

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happily goes to school and is fine at day camps and other activities without you constantly by his side, then he’s probably ready for camp.

9 to 10 years old

If she is excited to go, sign her up.

If not, talk with other families whose kids go to camp to expose her to the idea. Hearing how much other kids like camp might encourage her to want to go.

Attend camp information sessions. (The MetroKids Super Camp Fair is Sunday, Jan. 26 at Plymouth Meeting Mall and is free to attend.)

If she is still hesitant, you have two choices.

The Hard Choice: Explain all the benefits of camp and how you think it will be great for her and an important step in her growth and development. Let her know you think it’s an important experience and you don’t want her to miss out.

This choice requires being able to stand your ground and not give in to whining.

Sign up but don’t talk about it too much, too far in advance if your child is especially anxious.

The Easier Choice: Give your child a one-year “pass,” but follow through.

Know that kids who are hesitant about camp at 9 or 10 are likely to still be hesitant at 13 and possibly at 18 about going to college. Parents need to figure out how to work through those feelings and a week or two at camp is an easy way to start. It’s actually easier to start camp at 9 or 10 and work through those

difficult homesick emotions without also contending with puberty.

11 and older

If they want to go, let them.

I’ve been at camp fairs where a mother with a child taller than she is tells me, in front of her child, “He’s way too young to be away from me for two weeks.” I look at the young person standing next to her and want to say, “He’s not too young. You just don’t want him to be away from you.”

An older child will likely not be the only first-year camper his age. There will be fewer new kids at camp at that age, but camp kids are welcoming, so don’t worry.

I’ve met many families who waited until their child was 12 or 13 years old, only to later be disappointed that they had so few summers to enjoy at camp.

If they are still hesitant, keep in mind that the kids who tend to have the most extreme homesickness are the older ones who’ve never been away. If your child gets extreme homesickness, isn’t it better that it happen during a two-to-threeweek summer program than when he’s a freshman in college?

Give your children the gift of early independence to help them develop the skills they need to thrive as young adults.

Audrey Monke, with her husband Steve, has owned and directed Gold Arrow Camp in Lakeshore, California for 30 years.

Find local day and residential camps online.

Visit Metrokids.com/Camp.

JANUARY 2020

BEST SUMMER EVER! YMCA SUMMER CAMP

STEM • SPECIALTY CAMPS • FIELD TRIPS • SWIM • SPORTS ARTS & CRAFTS • ADVENTURE TEEN LEADERSHIP • MUSIC • LITERACY • SCIENCE • NATURE • TEAM BUILDING • FUN!

REGISTER TODAY! WWW.YSUMMERCAMP.ORG Financial assistance is available.

JANUARY 2020

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Thrilling adventures are in store for children at summer camps throughout the Delaware Valley in 2020! This camp directory includes an ample array of choices for all abilities, ages and interests.

Navigate the directory by focusing on your preferences for: • Geographic area: Camps are grouped by county & outlying areas.

• Category: Each description is prefaced by camp type — day, program, residential, special needs or travel.

• Special features: See the key below.

Find a searchable version at MetroKids.com/camps.

Contact camps to express interest and mention you saw their listing in MetroKids.

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS 76ers Camps

Multiple Locations; 610-668-7676 director@sixerscamps.com • 76erscamps.com DAY The #1 Basketball Camp in the NBA celebrates our 36th Year! Fiveto 17-year-olds learn the drills the pros use to take their game to the next level. Age- and skill-specific fundamentals and development for beginners to advanced. Meet players, coaches and other NBA stars.

Arsenal USA Premier Soccer Camps

Multiple Locations; 610-922-8255 rjacobs@esfcamps.com • Arsenalsoccercampsusa.com DAY Arsenal USA premier soccer camps, for boys and girls ranging from ages 6–14, provide players of all skill levels an opportunity to improve their game and be immersed in “The Arsenal Way” philosophy that has helped develop some of the world’s best players.

Paris Saint-Germain Academy Soccer Camps USA

Multiple Locations; 610-922-8255 rjacobs@esfcamps.com • Psgacademysoccercampsusa.com DAY The Paris Saint-Germain Academy USA soccer camps, for boys and girls ranging from ages 6-14, provides players of all skill levels an opportunity to improve their game and be immersed in the same philosophy as the professional academies in Paris. Skill development, team play and team building are facilitated by European coaches.

Phillies Baseball Academy

Multiple Locations; 610-520-3400 campmail@philliescamps.com • Philliesacademy.com DAY Phillies Baseball Academy, the premier baseball camp experience for boys and girls, ages 6–14, offers top-notch instruction, behind-the-scenes tour of Citizens Bank Park and the chance to meet a Phillies player and coach.

YMCA of Delaware Day Camps

4 Locations Statewide; 302-239-2334 candy@delnature.org • Delnature.org DAY Children 3–15 connect with nature through hands-on, outdoor experiences with highly qualified instructors. Children try new activities, develop creativity and enjoy hiking, kayaking, cooking, harvesting, archery, farm animal care, nature photography, fishing, overnights, travel, explorations and dip netting. Staff are certified in first aid and CPR. CIT

Multiple Locations in DE & MD 302-221-9622 • Ysummercamp.org DAY, RESIDENTIAL The YMCA has been hosting camps for 100+ years. Our camps provide youth 5–17 with a safe environment to play, learn, grow and make new friends while fostering social, cultural, physical and emotional development. Options include: arts and crafts, sports, team-building, science and nature, music, teen leadership and more. Staff have background checks and first aid and CPR certification. ACA

Delaware State Parks Summer Day Camps

DELAWARE

Delaware Nature Society Summer Camps

Multiple Locations Rachel.rohm@delaware.gov • Destateparks.com/summercamps DAY Delaware State Parks’ camps are an opportunity for adventure, where your child can learn to rock climb, gain basic survival skills, explore history, practice being a naturalist, and more! Visit our website for a full camp list and registration information.

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Kidz, Ink Camp Wow!

2020 Delaware Aerospace Academy

PO Box 125, Bear; 302-834-1978 dasef.outpost@verizon.net • DASEF.org DAY, PROGRAM, RESIDENTIAL Hands-on training in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), Grades 1–10. Day Academies: Full-day session offered at the Environmental Outpost in Smyrna, 585 Big Oak Rd.,19977. Destination Discovery (ocean creatures and dinosaurs): June 15–19. Four different sessions offered the same week at the University of Delaware in Newark: Destination Sky and Beyond, Destination Space, Destination Flight and Destination Orbit, June 22–26. Residential Academies: Two different sessions offered the same week at the University of Delaware in Newark: Destination Moon and Destination Mars, July 5–10

Locations in Bear, Dover, Smyrna and Milford (Opening Soon), DE kidzenrollment@kidzink.net • KidzEarlyLearning.com DAY Our summer camp program is packed with many fun activities that include weekly field trips, weekly cooking activities, swimming, music and sports, CSI Thursdays and much more. 6am–6:30pm. Breakfast and afternoon snack included. 1 Songsmith Dr., Bear, 302-838-1500; 1703 Porter Rd., Bear, 302-838-5400; 645 W. North St., Dover, 302-730-4034; 2020 Summer Stage Dance and Theatre Camps 616 W. Glenwood Ave., Smyrna, 302-653-4034.

at Delaware Arts Conservatory

New Castle County Summer Camps

Various locations in New Castle County, DE: Claymont, Middletown, New Castle, Newport, Newark, North Wilmington, DE; 302-395-5632 alexander.stephen@newcastlede.gov • Newcastlede.gov/camps DAY Recreation Camps: Full-day camps at five sites; Half-day camps at three sites. Fun weekly themes and field trips. Weekly swimming at full-day camps. Specialty Camps: Safety Town, full-day and half-day Sports Camps, ArtVentures, Musical Theatre, Fine Arts, Portfolio Building, Science Explorer STEM. CIT SN

723 Rue Madora, Ste. 4, Bear; 302-595-4160 info@delarts.com • DelArts.com DAY Two Summer Stock Camps in musical theatre with Candlelight Theatre in Arden, dance and acting camps in Bear, evening camps in art and music, and more! Day and evening programs for ages 5–14, beginner to advanced, including adult classes. Summer Ballet Maintenance and Dance Intensives for serious dancers. Pursue your passions at DelArts!

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Key: Extended hours Offers financial aid Part-day or part-week sessions Provides transportation ACA: ACA-accredited CIT: Counselor-in-training program SN: Some special needs may be accommodated

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JANUARY 2020

Visual and Performing Arts Camps

2020 Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay

Summer Camp

June 15 - August 21, 2020 Summer Camps for ages 5-14 in Yorklyn, DE

302-239-2434 www.ccarts.org

ter by Regis th and h 15 Marc e $15 off receiv ession! s each

Day Camp ☙ Resident Camp ☙ Travel Camp Camp Country Center Hockessin, DE • Biology • Culinary Arts • STEM • Computer Science

Camp Grove Point Earleville, MD • Sailing • Archery • Equestrian • Kayaking

Contact Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay Tel: 302-456-7150 www.gscb.org/camp

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Wilmington Friends School Summer Camps

DAY CAMP

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ENRICHMENT

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SPORTS

June 15 through August 28 Lower School Camp, lscamp@wilmingtonfriends.org For children in preschool - 5th grade. Weekly themes, active games, and art; ice skating, swimming, and bowling; optional specialty camps including soccer, tennis, art, STEM Design, cooking, and adventure camps.

Middle School Camp, mscamp@wilmingtonfriends.org For children entering 5th - 9th grade. Choose Base Camp or Theme Camps: art, adventure, sports, STEM, cooking and Digital Music.

Quaker matters. Come see why.

Visit us at wilmingtonfriends.org or call 302-576-2998.

JANUARY 2020

FUN FUN

ALLSUMMER SUMMERLONG! LONG! ALL

towerhill.org/summer 2813 WEST 17TH STREET, WILMINGTON, DE 19806

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Camp Directory A Tatnall Summer: Day Camps, Sports Camps, Swim Team

1501 Barley Mill Rd., Wilmington; 302-892-4347 atatnallsummer@tatnall.org • ATatnallSummer.org DAY The Tatnall School opens its 110-acre campus to the community June 22–August 21 with exciting new summer camps and classes serving children ages 3–grade 12. With half- and full-day offerings plus extended day, Tatnall provides a variety of activities, including sports, swimming, science, music, arts, computer design, and more. CIT

Brandywine Zoo Camp

1001 North Park Dr., Wilmington; 302-571-7850, ext. 209 education@brandywinezoo.org • Brandywinezoo.org DAY, PROGRAM Brandywine Zoo offers indoor/outdoor spring break and holiday camps, and full- and half-day summer camps. For ages 5–13, after-care available. Focus on fun, animals, and learning through live animal presentations, crafts, games, stories and learning projects. See Camps section on website.

Camp Arrowhead

35268 Homestead Way, Lewes wlafontaine@camparrowhead.net • Camparrowhead.net DAY, RESIDENTIAL Located on Rehoboth Bay, Arrowhead features an amazing de-centralized program with focus on community living and great fun! We feature canoeing, sailing, kayaking, archery, crafts, high ropes, climbing wall , crafts, environmental education and way more. Our food is the best! CIT

Camp Montessori at Wilmington Montessori School 1400 Harvey Rd, Wilmington; 302-475-0555 Wmsde.org/programs/camp DAY We believe in the magic of childhood and the joy of learning and playing together. Core Camp (ages 1-14) features STEAM activities, cooking, art, sports and games, teambuilding, cultural exploration and environmental science. Kindergarten and older groups swim three times a week. Elementary/middle school campers participate in weekly electives and specialty programs including archery, coding, tutoring and counselor-in-training.

Camp Montessori is located on Wilmington Montessori School’s beautiful 25-acre campus in North Wilmington. One-week sessions. CIT CCArts Fine & Performing Arts Camp

410 Upper Snuff Mill Row, Yorklyn; 302-239-2434 jhartz@ccarts.org • Ccarts.org DAY Come gather, connect, and create this summer at CCArts! Half- or full-day camps with before and after care offer flexibility for busy summer schedules. Professional teaching artists offer painting, drawing, ceramics, fibers, photography, printmaking, mixed media, theater and music.

Centreville Layton School Summer Program

6201 Kennett Pk., Centreville; 302-571-0230 djarrell@centrevillelayton.org • Centrevillelayton.org DAY Centreville Layton School offers a summer program to reinforce academic skills and organizational strategies. Additionally, our afternoon program, offered to ages 3–13, provides a nurturing environment where children can focus on building social skills and having fun. Our program is offered to students ages 3–18. Camp runs from June 22–July 24. SN

Concord Preschool and Childcare

Delaware Dance Co. Summer Dance & Theatre Camp

168 S. Main St., Madeline Crossing, Suite 101, Newark 302-738-2023 • Delawaredancecompany.org DAY With over 25 years of experience, DDC dance camps please both those who love dance as well as beginners. Ballet Camp and Jazz Tap for ages 4–10, as well as Contemporary Concepts for ages 6–10. Each camp culminates in a performance at Mitchell Hall. Camps are held June 22–26, July 6–10 and July 13–17. First Focus (10 and older) and Intensive (12 and older) workshops offered June 22–26, July 6–10, and July 13–17. A musical theatre camp is held July 20–31 for ages 6–12 and ages 12–18. Early drop off and late pick-up are included!

Delaware Museum of Natural History

4840 Kennett Pike, Rte. 52, Wilmington; 302-658-9111, ext. 328 education@delmnh.org • Delmnh.org/camps DAY Children completing kindergarten through sixth grade explore science and nature in-depth and up-close. This year features new camps for each age group, with activities such as outdoor fun, gallery exploration, traveling exhibit discoveries and live-animal experiences. For grades 3–6, optional overnight. Museum Babies program for toddlers to age 3, and one week of Museum Peeps (half-day sessions) for ages 4–6.

Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay – Camp Country Center

1051 Sharpless Rd., Hockessin; 302-456-7150 camp@cbgsc.org •Gscb.org/camp DAY Do you love science and technology? GSCB STEM day camps at Country Center have something for everyone — marine biology, Minecraft, digital media, culinary science, robotics and more! Try your hand at ACA archery. Ages 6–18. No prior Girl Scout experience needed.

Hagley Summer Camp

200 Hagley Creek Rd., Wilmington jdurst@hagley.org • Hagley.org/camp DAY Hagley Museum offers three weeks of camp activities. Each week features two themes focused on history and STEM. Camps are divided into two age categories: Ages 7–10 and ages 9–12. Our camps provide fun, hands-on environments for learning while making new friends.

Summer at Tower Hill

2813 W. 17th St., Wilmington; 302-472-7370 summer@towerhill.org • Towerhill.org/summer DAY Summer at Tower Hill offers unlimited opportunities for fun and learning for preschoolers through sixth grade, grouped by age. This year’s weekly themes include science, cooking, art, gardening and the great outdoors, plus field trips. Enrichment and sports camps also offered.

Extended care available. June 10–Aug. 7.

St. David’s Episcopal Day School

2320 Grubb Rd., Wilmington stdavidskidsde@outlook.com • Stdavidsdayschoolde.org DAY Theme-based session for children ages 3 to completed kindergarten (3’s must be toilet-trained); 2 playgrounds, A/C spaces; peanut- and tree nut-free snacks provided. Experienced adult staff (CPR/FA, background checks); AED on site; security system, and flexible scheduling for parents.

Registration fee includes t-shirt and most activities.

1800 Fairfax Blvd., Wilmington 302-654-9629 • Concordpreschoolandchildcare.com DAY, TRAVEL Kids ages 1–9 can join the fun all summer long! Flexible options. FT 7:15am–5:45pm, PT 9am–12noon. 2-day, 3-day and 5-day options available. Safe, fun and nurturing atmosphere where each child is encouraged to play, learn and experiment. Quality teaching and care since 1956. Call for a tour.

University of Delaware ELC Summer Camps

Delaware Art Museum’s Summer Art Camp

Wilmington Ballet Summer Dance Camp

2301 Kentmere Pkwy., Wilmington; 302-571-9590 artiscreating@delart.org • DelArt.org DAY Delaware Art Museum’s summer art camp provides a fun, creative experience with professional instruction. Young artists will explore drawing, painting, ceramics, and more! Ages 6–16. Full-day 9am–4pm and camper art show. New expanded sessions and age groups!

489 Wyoming Rd., Newark; 302-831-6205 ud-elc@udel.edu • Elc.udel.edu DAY The University of Delaware Early Learning Center provides a summer camp filled with adventures that support a child’s interests through STEAM guided activities. Sign your rising 1st–3rd grader up now! Visit our website for details.

1709 Gilpin Ave., Wilmington; 302-655-1004 info@wilmingtonballet.org • Wilmingtonballet.org/summer-program DAY Wilmington Ballet offers a Princess Camp for ballerinas in training, Ballet Camp for boys and girls ages 7–10 (no dance experience required), and a pre-professional Intensive training program for boys and girls, with world-class guest teachers. Camps run July-August.

Key: Extended hours Offers financial aid Part-day or part-week sessions Provides transportation ACA: ACA-accredited CIT: Counselor-in-training program SN: Some special needs may be accommodated

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JANUARY 2020

Camp Directory Wilmington Friends School Day Camps

101 School Rd., Wilmington; 302-576-2998 lscamp@wilmingtonfriends.org • Wilmingtonfriends.org DAY June 15–Aug. 28: Lower-school camp features weekly themes, soccer, tennis, art, STEM design, cooking and adventure camps, plus swimming, ice skating, and bowling. Middle-school camp offers Base Camp with swimming, fishing, gardening, hiking, ice skating and bowling plus sports camps and programs in art, adventure, sports, STEM, cooking and 3D printing. Online registration available — early bird discount! Check online for Open House dates.

OUTLYING AREAS Adventure Camp at Roundtop Mountain Resort

925 Roundtop Rd., Lewisberry, PA; 717-432-9631 skiroundtop@skiroundtop.com Roundtopmountainresort.com/camps/summer-adventure-camps DAY, RESIDENTIAL Book your child’s best week of the summer at South Central PA’s favorite ski resort where campers enjoy a multitude of adventure-based activities including zip lines, rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, archery, paintball, OGO balls, high and low ropes courses, the super slide, chairlift rides and much more. All right here on our beautiful 1,200 acre mountain property. Day and residential camps available.

Residential housing is in air-conditioned mountain chalets CIT

Easterseals Camp Fairlee

22242 Bay Shore Rd., Chestertown, MD; 410-778-0566 fairlee@esdel.org • Easterseals.com/de/fairlee RESIDENTIAL, TRAVEL Camp Fairlee provides a traditional summer camp experience for children (age 6+) and adults with disabilities including developmental, CP, MD, MS and orthopedic impairments. Special Autism weeks with 1:1 counseling. Wall climbing, high ropes, zip-lining, pool, canoeing, kayaking and horseback riding. Nurses on staff 24/7. All facilities are new, including our 12,000-square-foot activity center, health center, expanded dining hall, and four cabins. ACA SN

Whale Camp at the Fundy Marine Institute

Grand Manan Island, New Brunswick, Canada 888-54-WHALE • info@whalecamp.com • WhaleCamp.com RESIDENTIAL, TRAVEL No other marine science camp offers as many face-to-face encounters to closely observe and study whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals and puffins in their own natural habitat. Board our research vessel for unmatched opportunities to observe marine life. Explore beaches, coastal trails and fishing villages on beautiful Grand Manan Island. Ask about our $40,000 college scholarships, STEM projects and college credits.

YMCA Camp Conrad Weiser

201 Cushion Peak Rd., Reinholds, PA 610-670-2267 • SMYMCA.org RESIDENTIAL We welcome you to our 600 mountain-top acres in Berks County, PA. While we offer a variety of session lengths, most campers opt for 2- or 4-week sessions. We are a coed program for 6- to 17-year-olds.

Activities include horseback riding, swimming, boating, athletics, target sports, mountain biking, arts, nature, adventure and teen leadership. We also offer specialty theme camps, adventure trips and international trips.

ACA

Key: Extended hours Offers financial aid Part-day or part-week sessions Provides transportation ACA: ACA-accredited CIT: Counselor-in-training progra SN: Some special needs may be accommodated

FIND US ONLINE

MetroKids.com/Camps JANUARY 2020

THE

MOVE TO LEARN

INNOVATION LAB AT THE UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE IS RECRUITING FOR THEIR BABY PLAY PROJECT. •Education provided on development and play •Looking for babies born full-term or preterm up to 5 months •We come to families for the visits •Toys and certificate of participation More Information About the Baby Play Project at

https://sites.udel.edu/move2learn/current-projects

302-831-8666 • andreabc@udel.edu

JOIN THE

Summer of Music!

Piano, guitar, voice, and more!

Private & group classes & camps Infants | Youth| Teens | Adults WILMINGTON (302) 762-1132 MILFORD (302) 422-2043

www.musicschoolofdelaware.org MetroKids.com 17