2021 Kids Camp by Omaha World-Herald

KIDS CAMP

SPECIAL SECTION | MARCH 7, 2021

KIDS CAMP

| Sunday, March 7, 2021

Omaha WOrld-herald

CAMP EASTERSEALS NEBRASKA

What will camp look like in 2021? Combo of in-person, virtual fun likely

you can’t beat the fun of an in-person camp. But virtual experiences have much to offer, especially when it comes to building trust between counselors, caregivers and campers as well as anticipation for when it’s safe to be together again.

PAM THOMAS

World-Herald Staff Writer

he coronavirus upended plans for summer camps last year, and as spring nears camp directors are having to decide how much can go back to normal this summer. Jami Biodrowski, director of Camp Easterseals Nebraska, said her camp went allvirtual last year. She hopes to resume some in-person activities this summer in addition to retaining a virtual component. Usually the camp attracts more than 200 campers with disabilities to the campgrounds it uses near Fremont, Nebraska. Campers stay from two to six days. But the switch to online led to a drop-off in numbers. Last year, about 75 participated in virtual camp. “The primary reason people go to camp is to meet new friends and be away from their caregivers, and you can’t replicate that’’ at virtual camp, Biodrowski said. Some would-be campers faced technological barriers to virtual camp, such as slow internet speeds in rural areas. Some older campers weren’t accustomed to the

EASTERSEALS NEBRASKA PHOTOS

Kids Camp 2021: A special section

Kids camp is a special section of the Omaha World-herald. Project editor chris christen, 402-444-1094, chris.christen@owh.com Copy editors Kiley cruse, Marjie ducey Designer Matt arroyo Contributors ashlee coffey, Pam Thomas, Kurt a. Keeler. For advertising information, contact nick cavallaro, 402-444-1202, nick.cavallaro@owh.com. cover photo: adobe Stock.

Youth Summer Camps 2021

Nebraska 4-H Camps.

tans fade. memories don’t. get outside! Overnight Camp Program Halsey, Nebraska Charter Bus Option from Lincoln & Grand Island Open to ALL Youth Ages 8-18

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KIDS CAMP

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COVID: Q’s for camp directors AMERICAN CAMP ASSOCIATION

ith the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic came many questions from parents and guardians about what camp would look like in summer 2021. This resource of questions and considerations was put together by the American Camp Association with aid from camp directors across the United States to help guide parents in their conversations with camp directors.

1. What is your camper drop-off/pickup policy? To limit exposure, your camp may have implemented a new policy regarding how many people can be at camper drop-off/ pickup. Make sure to ask if there have been any changes.

2. Are you changing your staff time-off policies? Previously, summer camp staff would be

able to go off-premises during their time off and between sessions. Ask your camp director if any changes have been made to those policies to help minimize exposure risk.

3. What conversations are you having with your staff concerning activities and keeping staff and kids safe? Most camp directors are looking at ways they can reduce exposure, which may include limited group activities, changes to mealtimes, and more.

4. What are things you aren’t doing this summer? Some special camp events may not be possible this year due to local restrictions or safety concerns. Ask for speciﬁcs. If something has been tabled, what will be in its place to keep kids active and engaged?

Other considerations

Don’t be afraid to reach out. Any question you have is a valid one, and camp directors like having one-on-one conversations with parents and guardians. Camps may not have all the answers. Many of the answers about what camps will/will not be able to do this summer rely on guidelines and restrictions from state and local health departments.

Free & open

Summer Reading Program Read for fun and enjoy virtual programs! Learn more and sign up at omahalibrary.org.

Find more information about camps and COVID-19 precautions at acacamps.org.

art camps & classes

to All ages

June 1–July 31, 2021

Ask about your camp’s refund policy, including rolling your child’s enrollment to next summer if a camper cannot attend due to COVID-19.Or,if your household is in a position to do so,considering reaching out to your camp to let them know that you’d like your enrollment dollars to be a donation instead.

FOR ALL AGES

Registration opens April 1 for Joslyn members and April 7 for General Public.

SUMMER 2021

www.joslyn.org/education/classes/

2200 Dodge St. | Omaha, NE | (402) 342-3300 | www.joslyn.org

KIDS CAMP

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

Staying ahead of issues that kids sometimes face

TANNI HAAS

ummer camp is without a doubt something kids look forward to all year. Nevertheless, there are important issues you should address to ensure that your kids have a really great time. Here are some of the most common, based on my experiences as a parent of seasoned summer campers as well as conversations with other parents.

Allergies

If your kids suffer from seasonal allergies, like grass or tree pollen, tell the camp physician or nurse and pack all the medication they need. It can be a real drag for them to walk around the whole time with a runny nose or watery eyes. If they suffer from more serious allergies, like animal or food allergies, inform the camp that your kids shouldn’t come into contact with those allergens. Our son is very allergic to horses. We didn’t think anything of it before we realized that his camp has alpacas, which can induce the same allergic reaction as horses.

Email, phone, care packages

Every camp has a policy about communicating with your kids, whether by email or phone, and about how many care packages you may send and what you can put in them. Know those policies, and follow them. Kids don’t want to be called out for not following the rules. It’s embarrassing, and it can hurt them socially.

Homesickness

Your kids can still get homesick even if they’re rooming with close friends. It can happen to any camper, no matter how well-prepared and seasoned they are. Find out how the camp handles homesickness. Can you call your kids, even if there’s a nophone policy? Is it possible to visit them outside camp visiting days? Pack some family photographs or a favorite stuffed animal with their belongings; it can help put them at ease.

SUMMER BUMMER ALERT Safety

You want your kids to have fun at camp, but you also want them to be safe. One of the best things you can do to prepare them is to teach them how to swim. Most camps include a swimming program with access to a pool. Another popular activity is hiking. Be sure that your kids have footwear with good traction. More generally, teach your kids how to have fun without putting themselves in any danger.

Emergencies

Despite your best efforts, emergencies can happen. Hopefully, it won’t be anything serious, and the camp doctor or nurse can take care of it. To be on the safe side, pack

Making friends

Some kids ﬁnd it easy to make friends, and others have a harder time. If your kids have a difficult time, ask if they can bunk with one or more of their regular friends from home. Most camps permit that. Explain to your kids that no matter how conﬁdent the other kids may appear, chances are that they are nervous, too. Use yourself as an example and tell them what you did when you were a kid – it makes the situation much more relatable and manageable.

SUNDAY, MARCH 7, 2021 |

hard copies (front and back) of your hospital, medical and dental insurance cards with your kids’ belongings. A hospital stay can be very costly without insurance.

Extra trips

Many summer camps offer day or overnight trips to nearby ball games, amusement parks or other special places for an extra fee. These trips can be expensive. Before you sign up your kids, ask the camp how many kids usually go on these trips and take a good hard look at what you can afford. If only a few kids are going and the trips are expensive, don’t feel pressure to sign up. There are plenty of exciting activities for the kids who remain at the camp site.

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Join us for a storybook summer!

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KIDS CAMP

| SUNDAY, MARCH 7, 2021

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

WHAT’S THE BEST AGE FOR CAMP? Sometimes, “My child isn’t ready for camp” actually means a parent isn’t ready. Here’s how to know when the time is right.

AUDREY MONKE

ou probably want a number here. If you’re only going to read these ﬁrst two sentences, then I’ll pick the age of 9. But my real answer is a bit more complex. When to start sending your child to sleepaway camp is a decision that depends on you, your parenting style, and your child’s temperament. Many kids have extremely fun and successful camp experiences as young as 6 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 OK 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 I recommend to parents who are ready to send their child to camp but aren’t sure what age is best. If your child is 5 or younger, that’s too young for overnight camp alone. Go to a family camp together, or try an American Camp Association-accredited day camp program in your area, which is a great way to get the feel for what camp is all about.

The Durham Museum is excited to offer a safe, affordable and fun summer camp for grades 1st–5th.

Campers can explore Adventures in Puppetry, enroll in Wizard Academy or visit Castaway Island.

KIDS CAMP

Omaha WOrld-herald

Only send your 6- to 8-year-old to camp if ... Your child is a fairly independent kid (not clingy to you) and can take a shower on his/her own. If your child happily goes to school and is ﬁne at day camps and other activities without you constantly by his/her side, then he/she is probably ready for camp. Parents often worry about the logistical stuff with young kids. “Will someone make sure he eats? Puts on sunscreen? What if he wets the bed?” Know that, at a wellrun, accredited camp program, counselors are trained to take care of young children well. Counselors will make sure your camper gets enough water, eats properly, and puts on sunscreen. Most camps work with families of bed wetters to help them feel comfortable coming to camp. You just need to make a plan on how to manage the bed wetting with the staff (using a pull-up and keeping small plastic trash bags in the bottom of the sleeping bag for the counselor to throw away privately works well). Your child is asking to go. This usually occurs with younger siblings who visit or hear about camp from older brothers and sisters. They’ve been watching and hearing about the fun for a few years and they want “in.” I’ve often been at camp events where older kids are coming to hear about camp, and the younger siblings in attendance end up begging their parents to let them go to camp, too.

You, as the parent, are conﬁdent in your child’s ability to be away from you. And you are able to express that conﬁdence to your child. And you can handle the separation. For young kids, focus on if your child is ready. This is not the age to force camp upon a hesitant child.

If your child is 9 or 10 and excited to go to camp ... Go for it! Find a camp and sign him/ her up.

If your 9 or 10 year old is hesitant ... Talk with other families whose kids go to camp to expose him/her to the idea. Hearing how much other kids like camp might encourage him/her to want to go. Attend camp information sessions and browse websites. Watch camp videos to show your child the fun that happens at camp. If exposing your child to the idea of camp gets him/her excited, then forge ahead. If he/she gets “cold feet,” use these discussion strategies to let him/her know why camp will be good for him/her.

If your 9- to 10-year-old child is still hesitant ... You can make the hard choice and tell your child, “I know you’re ready for this experience.” Then, sign up for a camp that is a good ﬁt and offers activities he/she is interested in. Making this choice requires being able to stand your ground and not give in to whining. Better to not dwell on the topic until it gets closer to summer. Sign up but don’t talk about it too much, too far in advance if your child is especially anxious about it. Or you can take the easier choice (for now): Give your child a one year “pass,” but

follow through. “OK, no camp this summer, but next year you’re for sure going to a camp we choose together that is a good fit for you. I know you’re ready, and it will be a great experience for you. I know you’re nervous, but this is something that is important for you to do.” Read “Homesick and Happy” as your homework over the year. Follow through and make going to camp next summer nonoptional. Talk with your friends and research an accredited camp program that’s a good fit for your child. Attend “meetand-greet” events or camp tour days to meet other camp families. Know that kids who are hesitant about camp at 9 or 10 are likely to still be hesitant at 13, and possibly hesitant at 18 about going to college. Kids who are nervous about being away from home and 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.

If your child is 11 ... It’s really time. See above steps but don’t do the easier choice. Remember when you were 11? Your best memories were not hanging out with your parents. Time to get some fun, independent experience.

If your child is 12 or older and has never been away to camp ... Please let them go! Seriously. I’ve been at camp fairs,

Sunday, March 7, 2021 |

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.” But, I can’t say that. So, I just feel badly for the kid, who longingly looks at camp pictures but knows that his mom won’t ever let him go. Your older child will likely not be the only ﬁrst-year camper his/her age. There will be fewer new kids at camp in that age group, but camp kids are welcoming, so don’t worry. Let your child be part of the process of picking a camp. I’ve met many families who waited until their child was 12- or 13-years-old to start camp, only to be disappointed that they had so few summers to enjoy camp before they were too old. audrey “Sunshine” Monke, with her husband Steve, has owned and directed Gold arrow camp in Lakeshore, california, for the past 30 years. She researches, writes and speaks about camp, parenting, friendship skills and positive psychology. her parenting book, “happy campers,” offers ideas for bringing the magic of summer camp home. Learn more at sunshine-parenting.com.

KIDS CAMP

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

A checklist for keeping your child well-prepared

TANNI HAAS

ou’ve found a great day camp for your kids, signed them up and are getting them ready for the fun ahead. But what should you pack for them every day? As a seasoned parent of day campers, I can vouch for this checklist.

DAY CAMP ESSENTIALS

Backpack

Buy a lightweight yet durable and roomy backpack. Select one with several compartments, to help kids stay organized, and an outside pocket for a water bottle.

Food and snacks

Kids need lots of energy for camp activities. Pack one or two sandwiches and some healthy snacks in case they get hungry before and/or after lunch. Put all the food in a thermal bag so that it stays cool and fresh all day.

Prescription medication

If your kids are young, give the camp counselors any prescription medication to carry. If they’re older, they most likely will want to carry the medication themselves.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is important to protect your kids from sunburn. Teach them how to apply it properly. As with insect repellent, you don’t want them to get it in the eyes, ears or mouth. Apply it in the morning before they leave for camp and encourage them to reapply during the day.

Swimming gear

Many day camps include trips to the pool. Always have swimming gear packed: bathing suit and cap, goggles, a towel and water shoes.

Baseball cap, sunglasses

It can get hot, especially if kids are spending much or all of the day outside. Shades and a hat will keep them cool and comfortable.

SUNDAY, MARCH 7, 2021 |

Hand sanitizer, wet wipes

Let’s face it: Kids get dirty, especially if they’re spending a lot of time outside. Pack hand sanitizer and wet wipes and instruct them on how to use them properly.

Insect repellent, anti-itch cream

A day in the park or in the woods can be a nightmare without insect repellent. If kids get bitten, anti-itch cream will help relieve any discomfort.

Money for treats

Water bottle

Pack a couple of dollars for treats. You don’t want your kids to be the only ones without money if the group makes a pit stop at the ice cream truck or if the camp has a snack shop.

Pack a reusable water bottle, ideally in an easily accessible compartment. Put the bottle in the freezer overnight so that it stays cool and fresh all day.

Plastic or zip-top bags

It can get chilly later in the day, even if it starts out warm and sunny. Pack a lightweight windbreaker or a hoody. Both will protect your kids against any rain.

Pack a couple of plastic bags or, even better, zip-top bags. These are great for wet items like swimsuits or towels.

Windbreaker

KIDS CAMP

Omaha WOrld-herald

Sunday, March 7, 2021 |

7 apps you’ll be glad your kids have at hand

TANNI HAAS

or most parents, sleepaway camp is the only time of the year that they’re away from their kids for more than a couple of days. This can be stressful even if parents know that their kids are having lots of fun. Thankfully, there are many apps that can keep kids safe at camp while also ensuring that they’re having a great time. Here’s a list of some of the best ones I’ve come across. They’re all free, so have the kids download as many of them as possible before camp starts. These apps also are handy for family nature outings, overnights with grandparents and backyard campouts.

First Aid —

1 American Red Cross Amazon Appstore; Apple App Store; Google Play Accidents can happen whether the kids are out on a hike or are hanging out on the camp grounds. It’s best if a camp counselor steps in, but if a counselor isn’t around, this

app helps kids know what to do. It has stepby-step instructions with simple, clear illustrations on what to in everyday emergencies. The categories most relevant to sleepaway campers include burns, stings and bites, and strains and sprains. The kids can even prepare before camp starts by watching instructional videos.

2 Flashlight — iHandy Inc.

Amazon Appstore; Apple App Store; Google Play A ﬂashlight is a great tool is many situations, like when the kids are walking back to the cabin at night or are pitching a tent in the dark on an overnight trip. The app includes a compass that has a built-in mini-map of the local area, a strobe light which creates regular ﬂashes of light, and an SOS signal if the kids need immediate assistance.

FollowMee GPS Location

3 Tracker — FollowMee LLC Apple App Store; Google Play This app is always on, automatically re-

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starts when you reboot your phone, continues to work if you lose WiFi connectivity, and lets you track multiple devices simultaneously, which is handy if you have two or more kids at different camps.

Glow Stick — Oneko no Gundan

Apple App Store Glow sticks are tons of fun. Kids can use them to signal to their teammates at night (think midnight laser tag) or to create cool shapes in the air sitting around the campﬁre. They can use the app to create glow sticks in many colors and shapes, and it even has a rainbow mode.

Seek — iNaturalist

Apple App Store; Google Play Kids are naturally curious and want to learn more about animals and plants they encounter. Seek makes it easy. Simply point the app’s camera at whatever catches your interest. The image recognition software identiﬁes the animal or plant and provides

fun facts.

6 SkyView Lite —

Terminal Eleven LLC

Apple App Store; Google Play It’s exciting to look up at the sky on a clear evening. When your kids point their phones up at the sky, the SkyView Lite guides them to individual stars and star constellations. They can also use the app for time travel. You can see how the sky looked or will look on different dates.

7 WeatherBug — WeatherBug

Amazon Appstore; Apple App Store; Google Play Kids, especially younger ones, often have difficulty dressing appropriately for the day ahead. Help them out with WeatherBug, one of the most popular, easy-touse weather apps available. Aside from detailed weather forecasts, this app gives the local pollen count, which is helpful if your kids have allergies.

Omaha WOrld-herald

KIDS CAMP

Sunday, March 7, 2021 |

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ASHLEE COFFEY

ashlee coffey at camp of the risen Son.

Memories of camp never grow old Amid the fun, independence and self-conﬁdence took root

ASHLEE COFFEY

World-Herald Staff Writer

will never forget the thrill of packing my suitcase every summer for church camp with my friends. The weeklong overnight camp was tough at first — it’s hard being way from your parents for so long — but the lessons I learned and the fun I had will stay with me forever. I can’t wait for my own kids to make their own camp memories. A typical camp day consisted of waking up, making our beds, heading to breakfast and then moving on to crafts, sports, quiet reflection, church-related activities, swimming and more. I loved “cantina time,” when we’d get to buy snacks and sit around the campfire and talk and sing songs. I also loved the big talent show on the final night of camp. I learned how to be independent — brushing my teeth in the morning and at night without having to be told, following a schedule and showing up on time, and spending my cantina money wisely so I didn’t run out by day three.

I learned the importance of friendship, especially when you are all a little homesick. I learned about teamwork because we all had to work together to make sure our cabin stayed clean and our beds were made. I also learned about self-conﬁdence and courage. I had to participate in activities and events that were outside my comfort zone, and I got to know people I’d never met before. I think I came away from camp each year feeling stronger and more conﬁdent, which helped me as I grew into adulthood and entered the workforce. By the end of the week, I was always more than ready for my parents to fetch me, but I also was a little sad knowing it would be a whole year before I’d see my newfound friends again. Even though my kids are only 7 and 4, I have no doubt they’ll love every minute of their experience when it happens. Even if they get a little homesick for Mom and Dad and can’t wait to see us on pickup day. At least, I hope that’s the case.

KIDS CAMP

Omaha WOrld-herald

Sunday, March 7, 2021 |

Learn about animal behavio and nutrition. behaviors Explore a day in the life of a veterinarian. Perfor Perform a simulated explor exploratory surgery. Interact with live animals eeach day.

PINE CONE CRITTERS Kick-start your kid’s creative spirit with this fun craft

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emember pet rocks? This summer, it’s pine cone critters for natureloving kids. Make all three; then let the kids use their imaginations to create more to trade at camp.

Junior Vet Camp

Students completing 2nd - 5th grade Mon. - Thurs. 8 am - 4 pm • June & July

Materials

Intermediate Vet Camp

Pine cones Construction paper Craft glue Hot-glue gun Scissors White paint Drawing utensils (optional) Tape (optional) Tip: When gluing paper to paper, use craft glue. When gluing paper to pine cone, use hot glue.

Students completing 6th - 8th grade Mon. - Fri. 8 am - 4 pm • June & July

For registration and information, visit:

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Penguin

1. Put white paint in a bowl and roll a pine cone in it, making sure most of the tips are covered in white. Let dry for at least 24 hours. 2. Cut a penguin head, inner face, eyes, beak, wings and feet from paper. 3. Glue the facial features to the head and attach a small length of paper on the back of the head as an anchor point. Hot glue that piece to the front of the pine cone, making sure the face stares forward. 4. Hot glue the feet to the bottom of the pine cone. 5. Fold the top edge of each wing section, and hot glue on opposite sides of the pine cone. Let dry.

Fox

1. Cut fox head, tail, two legs, eyes and nose out of paper. 2. Select a different paper color and cut a tip for the tail; attach to tail with craft glue. 3. Fold the bottom of the tail about a half-inch to create a tab and hot-glue the tail to the back of the pine cone. 4. Glue facial features to the head and attach a small length of paper on the back of the head as an anchor point for hot-gluing the head to the front of the pine cone. 5. Fold the top edge of each leg

camp

and hot glue to pine cone body, below the face. Let dry.

Hedgehog

1. For face, cut a 3-inch circle from construction paper. 2. Using scissors, cut a slit toward the center of the circle. Roll paper into a cone shape and secure with tape or craft glue. 3. Cut two ears from paper and attach with craft glue to wide edge of paper cone. 4. Cut eyes from paper and attach with craft glue to cone (or draw the eyes directly on cone). 5. Draw a smile and color in the tip of the cone for the hedgehog’s nose. 6. Hot glue the ﬁnished face to the top of pine cone. Let dry.

Join us for a storybook summer!

FRIENDS FOREST FUN

SUMMER

CAMPS JUNE - AUGUST

•

K-7th GRADERS

Open to Members & Non Members Day Camps, Sport Camps, Dance Camps & Musical Theater Camps!

SPORTS & GAMES $150/WEEK

333 S. 132nd St. | Omaha, NE 68154 | 402-334-6426

SWIMMING

NATURE EDUCATION

BGCOMAHA.ORG/CAMP

BREAKFAST & LUNCH INCLUDED

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KIDS CAMP

Sunday, March 7, 2021 |

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The kids are ﬁne; it’s your turn to play Parents: Take the time to do something special just for you

TANNI HAAS

arents are used to always putting their kids ﬁrst. From the moment they wake up in the morning until the time they go to bed at night, they’re constantly on our

minds. Imagine what happens when they go off to summer camp and the house is suddenly quiet. Here’s what happens: slowly but surely you begin to relax in a whole different way. Use that mental space to do things you’ve been wanting and meaning to do all year. Perhaps there’s a hobby you’d like to pursue. While the kids are at camp, you have the time to take that yoga or painting class, and you get to choose — all by yourself — whether you’d like to do it after work or on the weekend. Being able to focus on yourself, your partner and other special people in your life is no small matter. As parents, we’re used to being responsible providers and caregivers. However, there’s so much more to a person: we’re also partners and friends. These are important parts of our identities that we need to remember to cultivate.

If you need more convincing, don’t forget: Camp gives kids an opportunity to develop and reach important developmental milestones without you being there every step of the way. They’ll become more independent, more mature and much better at solving problems on their own. Trust me: Every time my now-teenage son came home from camp, I could tell that he’d grown in leaps and bounds. Seeing how your kids grow also makes you trust them more: you realize that they’re able to develop new skills and take care of themselves even when they’re not under your watchful eye. Ultimately, summer camp is great preparation for the day that all parents will face: the day when their kids move out and they become empty-nesters. You will miss them — a lot — and they’ll miss you, too. But if you’ve done your job well and you have developed deep and meaningful relationships with them, your kids will always come back to visit. Just like they will each year after summer camp.

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YMCA SUMMER DAY CAMP

Summer is an amazing time for a child. Make 2021 the best summer ever for your kids with YMCA of Greater Omaha summer day camps, voted Best of Omaha in 2021! Camps will fill up fast, so don’t wait! Our camps offer kids a safe, fun and engaging environment where they will find friends, a sense of belonging and accomplishment. Plus with a focus on closing the summer achievement gap, parents can rest easy knowing your child is learning every day.

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