MAY 2018 DELAWARE
CAMP 2018
CAMP ANXIETY How to Calm Yourself 2018 CAMP DIRECTORY
Camp
The separation anxiety of sending a child off to camp is often felt more by the parent than the child. Here’s how to calm yourself. By Laura Lyles Reagan Summer shorts and tees purchased, washed and folded neatly in the duffle bag. Bug spray, cell phone charger and the one allowable stuffed animal all packed. Immunization card submitted. Survival snacks tucked away. We were ready for her first week away from home on her own. My daughter was 10 years old and headed to summer pre-teen church camp. We were pulling into the parking lot to meet the van when suddenly a speeding driver hit my left driver door trying to pass us, obviously missing my blinker signal when I was turning left into the church parking lot. The police were called. Reports were taken but no one was hurt. I wasn’t able to give my daughter the proper goodbye. I didn’t get to impart a week’s worth of wisdom about how girls could triangulate, form cliques and leave somebody out. We had been so busy gathering that I really hadn’t taken care of the emotional part, the potential separation anxiety. My daughter was a little worried about me with the accident but when I told her I was fine, she gathered her sleeping bag, pillows and duffle bag, hugged me and headed happily to the van bound for her summer adventure. Reflecting later, I saw
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the separation anxiety was all mine. As school teachers and camp counselors will tell you, parents are most often the source of separation anxiety, not the kids. Separation anxiety in the first year of a baby’s life and as preschoolers is a normal part of childhood development. Separation anxiety about a 10-year old off to summer camp is all about the parent. Here are some tips to help anxious parents when sending your children off to camp:
Have an emergency plan.
Don’t alarm your child. Simply tell her that you have emergency numbers for the camp and you can contact her if needed.
Set expectations.
Review the camp’s policies. Most camps allow family email. Some don’t allow cell phones or only allow them at specified times. Tell her you will email her but that you want her to have a good time and understand that she may get busy.
Trust your parenting.
Communicate confidence about your child’s ability to solve social
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problems. You have raised a respectful child. Trust that your parenting is being internalized. If she learns to work with people she doesn’t like and finds a way to get along, it is a valuable life skill at any age.
Make your own plans.
Have some adult fun while your child is away. This is a great time to do things you don’t normally get to do. It is also a great time to focus special attention on another child or children.
Give a positive goodbye.
Short, loving goodbyes are best. Exude confidence and tell your child to have a good time. In the end, my daughter had a wonderful time at camp even though there was a “mean girl” incident or two. She learned to stand up for herself or let go of issues that were not that important to her (a valuable life lesson). All was truly well, whether I felt like it or not. Laura Lyles Reagan is a freelance writer.
MAY 2018
CAMP 2018
Directory
DELAWARE
Thrilling adventures are in store for children at summer camps throughout the Delaware Valley in 2018! 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: Blue icons at the end of each listing indicate if a camp offers extended day care, part-day or part-week schedules, financial aid or transportation. Abbreviations denote whether a camp is ACA accredited, has a counselor-in-training program or may accommodate some special needs. See the key at the bottom of the page. Find a searchable version at MetroKids.com/camps. Contact camps to express interest and mention you saw their listing in MetroKids. MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
Kidz, Ink Camp Wow!
Locations in Bear, Dover, Middletown & Smyrna, DE kidzink2@comcast.net KidzEarlyLearning.com
Lavner Camps! PA, NJ and DE 610-664-8800 info@lavnercampsandprograms.com Lavnercampsandprograms.com
DAY Our summer camp program is packed with many fun activities that include weekly field trips, weekly cooking activities, swimming, music & sports, CSI Thursdays & much more. 6am-6:30pm. Breakfast & afternoon snack included. 1 Songsmith Dr., Bear, 302838-1500; 1703 Porter Rd., Bear, 302-838-5400; 645 W. North St., Dover, 302-730-4034; 125 Sleepy Hollow Dr., Middletown, 302-376-5917; 616 W. Glenwood Ave., Smyrna, 302-653-4034. DAY, RESIDENTIAL Lavner Camps is the Leader in Summer Enrichment Camps. As the #1 CAMP EXPERIENCE IN SPORTS, TECHNOLOGY, & THE ARTS, we have AWARD WINNING SUMMER CAMPS at 14 Philadelphia Metro, New Jersey & Delaware locations, with 35+ Specialty Camps to choose from... an INCREDIBLE summer camp experience awaits for your child! Our Cutting-Edge Summer Camps include Soccer, Basketball, Tennis, Robotics, Minecraft, Coding, Game Design, Culinary Arts, Fashion, Film & Lots More! Our Delaware location is at Ursuline Academy in Wilmington. Additional camp locations in NYC, Manhattan, Washington DC, St. Louis MO, Nashville TN & Los Angeles CA! Ages 6-15, Co-ed. Space is limited, register now! ACA
New Castle County Summer Camps Various locations in New Castle County, DE: Claymont, Middletown, New Castle, Newport, Newark, North Wilmington, Glasgow, DE 302-395-5600 hmergenthaler@nccde.org Nccde.org/camps
DAY Sports Camps’ Full-day All Sports Camp; Half-day: Skateboarding, baseball, basketball, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis, volleyball, speed & agility. Recreation Camps, Full-Day at 5 sites; Half-Day at Battery Park, Old New Castle, Leasure and Brookside Elementary School. Specialty Camps - Safety Town, Artventures at NCC Art Studio, and Rockwood Museum Camp Drama & Science Explorers STEM, Camp CarouCIT SN sel.
YMCA of Delaware Day Camps 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 & emotional development. Many options: arts & crafts, sports, team-building, science & nature, music, teen leaders and more. Staff have background checks and first aid and CPR certification. ACA
2018 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), earth, ocean and dinosaurs. Grades 1-10. Day Academies: Two different half-day sessions offered the same week at the Environmental Outpost in Smyrna: Destination Ocean and Destination Dinosaur, June 1822. 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 25-29. Residential Academies: Two different sessions offered the same week at the University of Delaware in Newark: Destination Moon and Destination Mars, July 8-13.
2018 Summer Stage Dance and Theatre Camps at Delaware Arts Conservatory 723 Rue Madora, Ste. 4 Bear; 302-595-4160 info@delarts.com; DelArts.com
DAY Pursue your passions in musical theatre, dance, acting, music & visual arts! Day camps for ages 2-16. Day and evening intensives for intermediate through professional performers. Each themed camp and SN intensive ends with a live performance.
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 18-Aug. 17, 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, CIT computer design and more.
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, aftercare available. Focus on fun, animals, and learning through live animal presentations, crafts, games, stories, and learning projects. See Camps section on website.
Camp Arrowhead 35143 Homestead Way Lewes wlafontaine@camparrowhead.net Camparrowhead.net
DAY, RESIDENTIAL Located on the shore of the beautiful Rehoboth Bay. Traditional camp activities from swimming and zip line to crafts, ropes, archery, dances and sailing. The Arrowhead experience enriches young people’s relationships with one another, nature and God. Delicious food! Call to set up a tour. CIT ACA
Camp at NDNCC Newark Day Nursery & Children’s Center 921 Barksdale Rd. Newark; 302-731-4925 bporter@newarkdaynursery.org Newarkdaynursery.org
DAY Weekly themes reinforce teamwork, art, nature studies, sportsmanship, science and fun. Field trips & special guests/events. Ages 6-14, divided into age-based teams, each with its own classroom with experienced staff. Secure facility. Breakfast, lunch, ACA snack. Purchase of Care (POC) welcome.
NEW Camp Clover @ A.S. Academy of Learning 891 Pulaski Highway; Bear 302-276-0868 asacademyoflearning.com
Camp Clover @ A.S. Academy of Learning offers an exciting camp experience. Campers will build strong friendships through themed week activities, games, swimming, hands on fun and weekly field trips! Tuition covers all trips. POC PLUS is accepted. 7am-6pm.
A.S. Academy of Learning
CAMP CLOVER Summer Camp Program
Theme Weeks • Field Trips • Breakfast and Snacks included with Tuition
Centreville Layton School Summer Program 302-276-0868 • 302-834-5620 ASAcademyofLearning.com 6201 Kennett Pike 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 three to eighteen. Camp runs from June SN 25-July 27.
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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MAY 2018
A.S. Academy of Learning
CAMP CLOVER Summer Camp Program
Theme Weeks • Field Trips • Breakfast and Snacks included with Tuition
302-276-0868 • 302-834-5620
ASAcademyofLearning.com At Kidz, Ink, our commitment to quality is unwavering. We strive each day to exceed each family’s expectations, provide nurturing relationships with each family, and focus on each child’s individual needs. If you are not 100% satisfied with your child’s current early childhood experience, contact one of our 5 locations for a tour or just stop by.
Caring & Engaging Teaching Staff
Full-time and Part-time Programs
Core Knowledge Curriculum
PRESENT THIS AD AT ANY KIDZ, INK, AND RECEIVE
125 OFF
$
After four weeks of full-time enrollment. To be applied the fifth week of enrollment. No other discounts can be applied such as sibling discounts. Applies to full-time enrollment only (5 days per week), new enrollment only and one coupon per family. Does not apply to POC, Before & After School Care or Summer Camp Enrollment. Good from 2/1/18 to 7/31/18.
Assessments for Infants through School-Age Smyrna, DE 616 W. Glenwood Ave. (302) 653-4034
Serving N. Smyrna, Clayton, Smyrna, Sunnyside Elementary
Nutritional Breakfast, Lunch & Afternoon Snack Dover, DE 645 W. North St. (302) 730-4730
Electronic Entry and Cameras in each classroom
Indoor Playroom, Computers and Theater Room
Serving William Henry, S. Dover, East Dover, Holy Cross
Bear, DE 1703 Porter Rd. (302) 838-5400
Serving Southern, Keene, Wilbur, Oberly Elementary
Bear, DE 1 Songsmith Dr. (302) 838-1500
Serving Leasure and Thurgood Marshall Elementary
kidzearlylearning.com MAY 2018
CAMP
Bear, DE 345 School Bell Rd. (302) 327-0686
Serving Thurgood Marshall and Wilbur Elementary
Taking Pride in What We Do MetroKids.com 17
CAMP 2018
Directory
Concord Preschool and Childcare; 1800 Fairfax Blvd. Wilmington 302-654-9629 Concordpreschoolandchildcare.com
DAY, TRAVEL Kids ages 1-9 can join the fun all summer or choose a specialty camp. Flexible options. 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.
Delaware Art Museum’s Summer Art 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 + camper art show. New expanded sessions and age groups!
Delaware Dance Co. Summer Dance & Theatre Camp 168 South Main Street Madeline Crossing, Suite 101 Newark; 302-738-2023 Delawaredancecompany.org
DAY For children interested in exploring dance, drama & the creative arts. Programs for ages 4-12 running in June, July & August. Full performance & pizza party each Friday evening.
Delaware Museum of Natural History 4840 Kennett Pike, Route 52 Wilmington 302-658-9111, ext. 328 education@delmnh.org Delmnh.org/camps
DAY Summer day camps for children 1st through 6th grade to explore science and nature in-depth and up-close. This year features new hands-on learning activities, as well as brand new camps for each age group. Includes outdoor fun, museum gallery exploration, traveling exhibit discoveries, live animal experiences and more! For grades 3-6, two camps include optional overnight. Museum Babies program for 3 and under and Museum Peeps (half-day sessions) for ages 4-6. Extended care avail. for an extra fee.
Delaware Nature Society (Ashland, Abbott’s, Coverdale, DEEC) PO Box 700, Hockessin 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 & CPR. CIT
Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay - Camp Country Center 1051 Sharpless Rd., Hockessin 302-456-7150 dlubbers@cbgsc.org Gscb.org/camps
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 archery. Ages 6-18. No prior Girl Scout experience needed.
Pilot Summer Camp 208 Woodlawn Rd., Wilmington, DE cshivone@pilotschool.org pilotschool.org
DAY Children ages 5-12 will benefit from our multi-sensory approach, which offers them the opportunity to engage in activities while learning. This fun, hands-on camp focuses on special skills, team building, science experiments and nature while integrating reading and math.
Prompt & Play, LLC 5157 W. Woodmill Rd., Ste. 16 Wilmington 302-691-5658 info@promptandplay.com Promptandplay.com
DAY, TRAVEL Prompt & Play’s camp program is designed so children have the opportunity for both structured and non-structured play. There are two camp group options daily based on ages and abilities. There is a different theme each week and weekly trips designed to engage children’s creativity and imagination, while teaching them ways to interact SN with one another appropriately.
St. Anne’s Episcopal School 211 Silver Lake Rd., Middletown; 302-378-3179 mferster@stannesde.org StannesDE.org/summer
DAY, PROGRAM Play, explore and learn with St. Anne’s incredible faculty on our beautiful campus. We offer four weeks of enriching activities for campers, ages 3-13. Outdoor adventure, sports, STEM experiments and challenges, movement, crafts, and games – there’s something for everyone!
Stage Lights Dance Studio - Evening & Day Camp Classes Stage Lights Dance Studio 25 S. Old Baltimore Pike Newark; 302-453-0714 stagelights2@aol.com Stagelightsdancestudio.com
DAY Explore the world of arts. Take advantage of our 10-month class schedule or spend the summer with us. Themed camps: princess dress-up & tea party, musical theater, project fashion, hip-hop explosion, dance intensive boot camp. Safe, reliable program. Multiple-child & multiple-camp discounts. You can’t beat our prices! Call for additional camps and specific SN dates.
Summer Adventures Camp at Hockessin Montessori 1000 Old Lancaster Pike, Hockessin; 302-234-1240 velasic@theHMS.org; theHMS.org
DAY, TRAVEL Come join the fun at Summer Adventures Camp in Hockessin for ages 1-12. Join the adventures in science, sports, crafts, specialized themes & field trips. Half-day, full-day & extended care available.
Summer at Independence 1300 Paper Mill Rd. Newark 302-239-9060 Theindependenceschool.org
DAY Summer at Independence offers choices for age 3 through 8th grade, from theme-based day camps to weekly programs for a variety of interests. Options include Indy Exploratorium, visual & performing arts, Adventure Camp, STEM, academics and sports. Nurse and Extended Day on campus daily.
Summer at Tower Hill 2813 W. 17th St. Wilmington; 302-472-7370 summer@towerhill.org Towerhill.org/summer
DAY Summer at Tower Hill’s Day Camp offers unlimited opportunities for fun and learning for ages 3 - 6th grade, including field trips.
Wilmington Ballet Summer Dance Camp 1709 Gilpin Ave. Wilmington 302-655-1004 info@wilmingtonballet.org Wilmingtonballet.org/ summer-program
DAY Princess camp for ages 3-5 years. Three sessions: July 9-14, July 16-20 and Aug. 6-10. Dance camp featuring ballet, contemporary and musical theatre dance for boys and girls ages 6 and up. Before and after care available. Four one-week sessions: July 9-13, July 16-20, July 23-27, July 30-Aug. 3. Each week will have a theme based on a classical ballet. Prices vary based on age group. See website for more info.
Wilmington Friends School Day Camps 101 School Rd. Wilmington 302-576-2998 lscamp@wilmingtonfriends.org Wilmingtonfriends.org
DAY June 18-Aug. 24: Lower school camp features weekly themes, soccer, tennis, art, STEM design, cooking and adventure camps, plus swimming, ice skating & bowling. Middle school camp offers Base Camp with swimming, fishing, gardening, hiking, ice skating and bowling plus sports camps & programs in art, adventure, sports, STEM, cooking and 3D printing. Before & after care available. Online registration available — early bird discount! Check online for Open House dates.
OUTLYING AREAS - MARYLAND 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 ages 6+ and adults with various disabilities including developmental, CP, MD, MS, orthopedic impairments and other disabilities. Special Autism weeks with 1:1 counseling. Wall climbing, high ropes, zip lining, pool, canoeing & camp; other activities. Nurse 24/7. Off-season respite weekends travel trips for adults. 12,000-square-foot activity center, health center, expanded dining hall and four new cabins. ACA SN
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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MAY 2018
CAMP 2018
Directory
Echo Hill Camp 13655 Bloomingneck Rd. Worton, MD 410-348-5303 EchoHillCamp.com
RESIDENTIAL Echo Hill Camp on the Chesapeake Bay is a traditional, sleep-away summer camp with 2- to 8week sessions. Non-competitive, free-choice program. Waterskiing, sailing, wakeboarding, crabbing, ropes course, nature, art and much more! ACA
Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay Camp Grove Point 2930 Grove Neck Rd. Earleville, MD; 302-456-7150 Dlubbers@cbgsc.org Gscb.org/camps
DAY, RESIDENTIAL Camp along the Sassafras River with an all-girl, girl-friendly environment where she’ll learn outdoor skills. Archery, sailing, kayaking, horseback riding. Choose from different themes like water, CSI, Disney, Harry Potter, Explorers and more! Ages 6-15. No prior Girl Scout experience needed. ACA
Summer Camps @ Cecil 107 Railroad Ave. Elkton, MD 443-907-1451 learning4life@cecil.edu Cecil.edu/youth
DAY Summer @ Cecil has what you want with awesome summer camp choices for youth ages 5-17. Camps are offered at Cecil College, Fair Hill, Plumpton Park Zoo and Upper Bay Museum. We offer STEM, photography, theater, art, Legos, Harry Potter, Frozen, Minecraft, robotics, video games, virtual reality and so much more! CIT ACA SN
Academic & Creative Focused Programs.
Summer Camp
June 20th-August 29th Day Camp Sessions – Half & Full Day In-House & Off-Site Field Trips, Swimming & Water Play Extended Care available
For information visit www.TheHMS.org or call 302-234-1240 1000 Old Lancaster Pike Hockessin, DE 19707
OUTLYING AREAS - PENNSYLVANIA Darlington Arts Center Summer Camp 977 Shavertown Rd. Garnet Valley, PA 610-358-3632 info@darlingtonarts.org Darlingtonarts.org/camp
DAY, PROGRAM The learning doesn’t stop when school is out! Creative kids ages 3-14 are inspired to keep creating throughout the summer and express themselves through the visual and performing arts. Music, visual art, dance and drama. The arts are everywhere! Explore all 4 art forms with a different theme each week. Artsintensive camps are also available. Download a brochure and register online. SN
Science Camp Watonka PO Box 127 Hawley, PA 570-857-1401 mail@watonka.com Watonka.com
RESIDENTIAL For boys 8-16. Camper-selected program includes hands-on laboratory experiences in astronomy, biology, chemistry, computers, electronics, earth science, physics, robotics. A wide range of other activities includes ropes, archery, climbing, woodworking, sailing, rocketry, mini-bike riding, sports, windsurfing & trips. 2-, 4-, 6- & 8-week sessions available. CIT ACA SN OUTLYING AREAS - OTHER
Camp Haluwasa 377 Ehrke Rd. Hammonton, NJ 877-234-2267 Campingnj.com
DAY, RESIDENTIAL The Ultimate South Jersey Christian Camping Experience! Exciting overnight & day camp programs for boys & girls ages 6-16 in a Christian environment. Water park with rope swing, waterslides, zip-line & a sandy beach! Activities: swimming, obstacle course, climbing walls, field games, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, ropes course, arts & crafts, and a ride-on railroad! Open House: May 19 & June 16, 2018, 10 am-3 pm with free train tours & BBQ.
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 & college credits.
YMCA Camp Conrad Weiser 201 Cushion Peak Rd. PO Box 147 Wernersville, 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 come for 2- or 4-week sessions. We are a coed program for campers 7-16 years old. Traditional camp programs including horseback riding, swimming, boating, athletics, target sports, mountain biking, creative arts, nature, adventure & teen leadership. We also offer a variety of specialty theme camps, adventure trips and international trips. We can’t wait to see you on the mountain! ACA
Programs for children 12 mos to 12 yrs old.
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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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