JANUARY 2019 SOUTH JERSEY
MK
CARE CAMPS Camps for kids with health conditions 2019 CAMP DIRECTORY
MK Camp
Care Camps Camps for kids with Crohn’s, diabetes and other conditions By Terri Akman For a child with special needs, summer camp can be especially challenging. Specialized camps geared toward kids with specific health issues can provide a safe environment where kids with special needs can thrive among others who share their conditions. When Kennedy H. was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease when she was 9, her doctor encouraged her parents to send her to a camp dedicated to kids with inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s, so she would become more educated about it. At first, her mother was hesitant, worried about sending her only child away for a week to Camp Oasis at Camp Nock-A-Mixon in Bucks County, an hour away from their Landsdale home, where she didn’t know anyone. But Kennedy had a blast, not only because she swam and rode jet skis, but because she got to commiserate with her new friends about they handle the effects of Crohn’s. “We’d stay up late and talk about what we’d been through, and it’s really good to know that other people your age are going through the same thing,” says Kennedy, 12. Now she can’t wait for camp to begin each summer. And her mom is happy too. “The camp taught Kennedy how to identify with her disease better, how to accept it and control it better,” she says. “And because they helped Kennedy, she came home and helped her dad and I.”
because their needs are too specific and the staff at a traditional camp is often not equipped to adequately handle their special needs. At Camp Oasis, about 30 volunteer counselors and a medical staff are specifically trained to support the campers who have Crohn’s disease or colitis. About 115 campers, between 4th and 12th grades, come to the camp for a week each August to enjoy typical camp activities, such as archery and arts and crafts. “Camp Oasis is an opportunity for these kids to still experience the magic of camp and also be able to connect with other kids who have the disease,” says Caneka McNeil, the foundation’s east area education director.
How to choose a camp
Peer support
There are questions families should ask as they research any camp, but for a child with special needs, safety and healthcare top the list. “Talk to the camp to make sure what the camp offers in a facility and schedule is in line with your child’s functionality,” says Tracey Gaslin, executive director of the Association of Camp Nursing . “What should that camper be able to do to adequately navigate the camp experience?” Ask the camp what a typical day looks like — what time campers get up, what they eat, how they get from one activity to the next, what the property’s landscape is like and how self-sufficient the child must be. Must they bathe or dress themselves? Ask about their healthcare — who is on site every day? Is there a prescriber available? A nurse on-site? How far away is the nearest hospital? “If the camp tells you there is an emergency medical technician for emergencies, that’s great, but an EMT doesn’t know anything about medication management or preventing a bad cold from spreading throughout the camp,” she says.
Trained staff
Kids with medication regimes or physical or mental challenges may not able to attend a general camp
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Fun and therapy
Shaheim E., 15, loves swimming and playing basketball with friends at Camp Manito. It’s also a place where he can get the therapies he needs for his cerebral palsy. “It’s like a family there,” says his mom, Nikole Everett, from Middletown, DE. “He looks forward to going to camp.” The camp has a copy of his school individualized education program and incorporates those therapies into his daily activities. For example, swimming is important to help him strengthen weakened limbs, and the camp makes sure he has plenty of time to swim. Beyond his CP, Shaheim learns to socialize and become more independent. Children with specific health challenges may feel isolated and think they are alone. When they attend a camp dedicated to kids just like them, it can be eye opening. “It’s important for kids with Type 1 diabetes to understand that they aren’t the only ones who have to manage this disease, that there are other kids out there who understand,” says Victoria Benyo, program director for the Camp Nejeda Foundation, which serves campers with Type 1 diabetes through residential, day and family camp programs, including a day camp in Stillwater, NJ. “The emphasis is on fun and developing peer support and social connection,” she says. Kids enjoy typical camp activities like ziplining, swimming and sports. “The only difference is that the other kids, and most of the counselors, have Type 1 diabetes as well and the medical staff are equipped to handle it.” Every kid should have a camp experience, says Gaslin. “Camp is the only place where kids, whether they are healthy or ill or challenged, have an extended period of time with like peers,” she says. Terri Akman is a contributing writer to MetroKids.
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THINK SUMMER! Saturday, February 2, 2019 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. MFS Baiada Field House 110 E. Main St., Moorestown, NJ 08057
50+ CAMPS ATTENDING Day Camps • Travel • Acting Nature • Adventure • Math Overnight • Arts • Parkour Sports and many morE
VISIT THE PETTING ZOO House Paws
a High-energy, hands-on stem camp
Save $25 using promo code: INNOVATE25RPRINT at invent.org/camp
JANUARY 2019
CAMP
MetroKids.com 11
MK Camp Directory
Thrilling adventures are in store for children at summer camps throughout the Delaware Valley in 2019! 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.
Haddonfield Friends School Summer Camp 47 N. Haddon Ave., Haddonfield 856-429-6786 ext. 211 Hfsfriends.org
DAY All activities are supervised by trained, experienced, certified educators. Each session incorporates an ageappropriate enrichment theme such as music, sports, cooperative games, crafts, drama, computers, science, cultural connections, nature study & water play. Many theme weeks culminate with events, performances & trips.
Super Star Summer Camp 5 Larwin Rd., Cherry Hill 856-795-4599 theGCAcademy.com
DAY Super Star Summer Camp is where kids learn how to be awesome. We offer a variety of activities for children to enjoy, including swimming, ninja obstacle courses, flip-training, basketball, soccer, gymnastics, tumbling, cheerleading, arts & crafts and more. SN GLOUCESTER
Tall Pines Day Camp 1349 Sykesville Rd., Williamstown 856-262-3900 fun@tallpinesdaycamp.com Tallpinesdaycamp.com
OUTLYING AREAS
Contact camps to express interest and mention you saw their listing in MetroKids. BURLINGTON Camp Creek Run 199 Taunton Lake Rd., Marlton; 856-596-4250 campcreekrun@yahoo.com Campcreekrun.com
DAY Get close to nature at Camp Creek Run! Located in Marlton on 50 wooded acres, we offer certified teachers; sports, arts & nature programs; fishing & boating; swim instruction; pools; archery range; nature center; hiking trails; basketball, volleyball & gaga courts; challenge course; pollinator and vegetable gardens; and farm sanctuary.
Future Scholars Early Learning Center 1351 Rt. 38 W., B-1, Hainesport 609-518-1333 admin@futurescholarslearning.com Futurescholarslearning.com
DAY Summer Camp offers full & half days with various schedules available. Activities include field trips & in-house visitors along with science experiments, water play, cooking classes, music & sports, just to name a few! We continue to educate your child through our theme-based activities & curriculum so your child won’t fall behind this summer. Private tutoring available. 6:30am-6:30pm.
JCC Camps at Medford 400 Tuckerton Rd., Medford 856-751-1666 jcccampsatmedford.org
DAY, TRAVEL JCC Camps at Medford enriches children’s lives by teaching values and life skills in a fun, safe and inclusive Jewish environment, while building confidence, sharing successes and creating lasting friendships. Camp is built on the fundamental values of family, love, respect, justice and charity, compassion and kindness. ACA CIT SN
Liberty Lake Day Camp 1195 Florence-Columbus Rd., Bordentown 609-499-7820 Libertylakedaycamp.com
DAY Liberty Lake Day Camp teaches life skills to inspire young people to change the world. Make new friends and create lasting summer memories! On 60 magnificent shady acres, campers choose their own schedules through the “Freedom of Choice” elective program - over 60 activities! ACA
Moorestown Friends School Summer Programs 110 E. Main St., Moorestown 856-914-4493 mcameron@mfriends.org Summer.mfriends.org
DAY Moorestown Friends School offers a number of exciting summer opportunities for children grades PS-12. The Summer Scholars Program options include innovative and exciting approaches to science, robotics, technology, STEM, sports, design, thinking, arts, economics and more. In addition, Academic Transitions courses offer the chance for your child to improve in math, writing and study skills. Many Summer Programs Master Teachers are MFS teachers and department heads, most of whom hold advanced degrees from prestigious universities. CAMDEN COUNTY
Early Childhood Camps at the Katz JCC 1301 Springdale Rd., Cherry Hill 856-424-4444 ext. 1242 donnasnyder@jfedsnj.org Katzjcc.org/ecccamps
DAY Early Childhood Camps at the Katz JCC, an award-winning summer day camp, is the place for little campers ages 2-5 to have big fun! Through STEM activities, creative arts, theater, music, sports, swim lessons, cooking and more, our professional camp staff ensure your child has a fun summer experience. SN
MK
DAY Serving Center City/South Jersey/Shore Points. State certified & accredited by ACA. 66 acres include 45,000-sq. ft. of A/C indoor space, climbing tower, pedal karts, gymnastics, driving range, horseback riding, 8,500-sq. ft. of pools, soccer & baseball fields, hockey, basketball, tennis courts, arts & music programs. Open house on Saturdays, from 12-3 PM, February 9th, March 16th, April 21st and May 18th. ACA
smart. local. parenting.
Adventure Camp at Roundtop Mountain Resort 925 Roundtop Rd., Lewisberry, PA; (717) 432-9631 skiroundtop@skiroundtop.com Roundtopmountainresort.com/ camps/summer-adventure-camps
DAY 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 1200 acre mountain property. Day and residential camps available. Residential housing is in air-conditioned mountain chalets. CIT
Echo Hill Camp 13655 Bloomingneck Rd., Worton, MD 410-348-5303 info@echohillcamp.com EchoHillCamp.com
RESIDENTIAL Echo Hill Camp on the Chesapeake Bay is a traditional, sleep-away summer camp with 2- to 8- week sessions. Non-competitive, free-choice program. Waterskiing, sailing, wakeboarding, crabbing, ropes course, nature, art and much more! ACA
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.
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 SN
Whale Camp at the Fundy Marine Science 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., Wernersville, PA 610-670-2267 SMYMCA.org
RESIDENTIAL We welcome you to our 600 mountaintop 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
Young People’s Theater Workshop (YPTW); Theatre Arts Summer Overnight Camp at Eastern University 363 Radford Ct., Glen Mills, PA 610-558-0988 yptw@aol.com; yptw.org
DAY, RESIDENTIAL Overnight camp for ages 11-18 at Eastern University, June 23-28, 2019. Classes include musical comedy, Shakespeare, improv, monologues, dance, characterization, auditions, showtunes. Air-conditioned dorms, good food, experienced staff of professional educators.
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 2019
MK Education
Later start time helps teen students, study says It’s cold. It’s dark. It’s January, 6am. Few adults pop out of bed this time of year. For teens, however, there has long been an argument that early-morning education is a disservice to their growing brains. Now, a study provides some scientific heft to the argument. Two years ago Seattle School District delayed the start of the school day by nearly an hour, to 8:45am. Students’ slept 34 minutes more, attendance improved and grades went up 4.5 percent, according to the study published in Science Advances last month. “Adolescents typically have a preference to stay active until late in the evening and to wake up late in the morning,” said researchers, to which every parent would respond, “Duh.” They point out, however, that this is not just because they are on their phones all night; their biological clocks push them to stay up late and not wake early. Those 8am first periods work against this instinct and the lack of sleep makes them more than grumpy. “Increasing daily sleep duration in adolescents is not only critical because of the clear adverse physical and mental health outcomes associated with chronic sleep deprivation but also because of the role that normal sleep plays in learning and memory consolidation,” the authors note. While they acknowledge they can’t draw a direct line between the later school day and the grade improvements, “it is certainly reasonable that students who are better rested and more alert should display better academic performance.” We believe them and not just because they headlined their article “Sleepmore in Seattle.”
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PICKS FOR
Indo o r
PLAY
many other traditional camper selected activities
SCIENCE CAMP WATONKA CAMP WATONKA
For Boys 8-16 in the Poconos at Hawley, PA
Offering qualified instruction and laboratory work in: • Astronomy • Biology • Chemistry • Computer science • Ecology • Physics • Photography • Robotics • Rocketry
For more info call Don Wacker, (570) 857-1401
www.watonka.com
Add a pop of color to your little one’s playtime! The Building Blocks Trolley Playset encourages kids to get creative alongside the star of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and four of his pals. (Crayola; 3+; $8.99) Kids dig this mash-up of art and science: With the Fizzing Unicorn Dig, you’ll sift through a fizzy substance stuffed with gemstones that cause a fun chemical reaction when they hit water. After picking your treasures, use the guide provided to make jewelry. (Youniverse; 6+; $14.99)
The Juicy Couture Charms and Chains set features all your fashionista needs to make unique bracelets, including charms, beads, ribbons and a sewing kit. (Make It Real; 8+; $19.99) Log on to MetroKids.com/winit and enter to win your favorite prize, beginning Jan. 1.
JANUARY 2019
Broadway Babies, Kids Stuff, and Apprentice Camps
A FUN Introduction to Theatre for Kids! Broadway Babies (entering K & 1st grade) is a 2-week program in Sewell, NJ. Kids Stuff (entering grades 2 & 3) three- or six-week program; & Apprentice (entering grades 4 & 5) sixweek program in Blackwood. iBinBlackwood.
LEARN MORE at mainstage.org or call 855-936-2467 MetroKids.com 13