Camp & School - East Zone February, 2020

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February 13, 2020

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A guide to year round programs and summer fun

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LOOKING FOR A GREAT ACTIVITY

FOR YOUR CHILD? The Nassau County Police Activity League, Merrick Unit, provides organized sports, crafts and other activities for the youth of our community. Our goal is the development of good citizenship through positive interaction between youth and police officers.

Our unit holds a variety of programs for the children of our community. We hope every child in our community participates in one or more of our programs. We also ask that you consider volunteering your time to our children and help make our community a better, safer and more enjoyable place to live, work and play. To learn more about our programs or to find out how you can volunteer, click through the website .......................................................

Extracurricular activities can help youngsters develop into well-rounded adults.

Help your student find the right activities while still encouraging him to keep schoolwork atop his priority list.

WWW.MERRICKPAL.ORG

....................................................... and see what we have to offer. If you need more information

Outside the classroom

please call the Merrick PAL office at 516-867-6279

Merrick Unit 2276 City Place Merrick, NY 11566

(516) 867-6279

1077294

Nassau County Police Activity League

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Choose extracurriculars that offer skill-building fun — but watch out for over-scheduling

t's no secret that after-school activities do wonders for a child's development. They are linked to improving social skills, grades, overall coordination, sense-of-self and relationships with adults other than mom and dad.

While it can be fun and beneficial for kids to participate in extracurricular activities, finding the right fit isn't as easy as it sounds. When helping kids find an extracurricular activity, it's best to consider a host of factors —especially keep in mind that not all kids are the same with respect to interests. And what was enjoyed by their parents won't necessarily be enjoyed by them.

Sports may be the first thing that comes to mind when many parents think of extracurricular activities for their children, but not all kids are cut out for or interested in competitive athletics.

But just because a youngster may not be the next star quarterback or captain of the soccer team does not mean he or she can’t find an extracurricular activity to be passionate about.

Parents know that schoolwork comes first, but extracurricular activities can be important to a child’s development, serving as an avenue to meet new people and an opportunity to learn the importance of teamwork. Here some of the key things to consider when trying to help your child find the best bet for after school.

When trying to determine what’s best for your child, resist the urge to write off any of their interests. Instead, use those interests as jumping off points to further engage their passions.

Interests One of the easiest ways to help kids find an extracurricular activity they can be passionate about is to discuss their interests with them.

Youngsters with a love of animals might enjoy volunteering at a local animal shelter or hospital, while those who love to write may find writing for the school newspaper is a great way to apply that passion in a practical setting.

Even kids with a passion for video games might be interested in learning about computer graphics and what it takes to design games.

Internships Internships were once exclusive to college students, but many organizations now offer internship opportunities to high schoolers as well. Kids who find themselves interested in particular subjects at school, whether it’s graphic design or a beginner’s course on finance, may be eligible for internships with local companies. Such opportunities may even encourage kids to pursue a particular course of study once they enter college. n

Availability Parents know that school comes before extracurricular activities, but kids may not be so wise. Keep in mind kids’ existing workloads when helping them find the right afterschool activities. Many organizations are especially flexible with teenage volunteers or employees, but parents still must keep a watchful eye to ensure kids do not overextend themselves.

Kids who over-commit to extracurricular activities may end up feeling burnt out, which can have a negative impact on their schoolwork.

Encourage them to find activities they care about, but emphasize that these activities should not become bigger priorities than schoolwork. Let them know that they can get more involved during summer vacation, but make sure they don’t devote too much of their time to after-school activities during the school year. A couple of hours per week and even some additional time on the weekends should not distract kids from their responsibilities at school, and that’s still ample time for them to explore their interests.

Welcoming summer adventures P

Being away from home can build self-esteem, independence

arents, we know most of the preparation for summer camp falls on your shoulders. Here are some ways to get your camper — and yourself — ready for their summer camp experience.

“wait and see” approach, encouraging them to give it their best shot this year, and promise you will discuss next summer’s camp plans once they return home.

Following through on this commitment is bound to give your child a great sense of accomplishment and boost their self-esteem, especially when they realize they have overcome their fears!

Do all the research you need You probably already put a lot of effort into picking the right camp, but doing some further research can help you feel mentally at ease about sending your child to camp. Part of preparing for summer camp is getting as many questions answered as you can.

Read through any information packages, web pages or videos you have access to, and talk to other parents who have sent their children to camps similar to the one you selected. Although it’s normal for you to still be anxious about sending your kids away, this can help you feel more secure in your decision.

Visit the campsite ahead of time For both your peace of mind and that of your camper, try to visit so you can get a concrete picture of what camp life looks like. During your camp preview day, you can have all your questions answered, and you’ll likely see your child get excited about the fun attractions they see around them.

If it isn’t possible to visit the campground before departure, browse their websites or social media pages to get some extra insight.

Keep conversations positive and calm Don’t express concern or the issue of homesickness around your child, and remember to stay positive in conversations about packing. Your kid will pick up on any tension you show, which may translate into hostile thoughts about summer camp. Remember, no one is perfect and that even if you do forget to pack something, your kid will make it through — either by borrowing or purchasing at the camp facilities. They may even realize they didn’t need the forgotten item in the first place.

Communicate a guilt-free, positive approach and teach your child that when it comes to being responsible, we are all still works in progress.

On the other hand, keep your demeanor calm and relaxed, rather than overwhelming your camper with enthusiasm. As parents, you’re probably well aware that kids are notorious for having their own feelings and reactions — and that’s perfectly okay!

Rather than providing potentially unrealistic expectations with your glowing childhood memories of camp, keep your child in charge of camp-related conversations. There is a chance they have some reservations to work out on their own, and they’ll let you know when they are ready to talk about them and get excited about camp. Your patience will communicate that you encourage their

Go through a mental pre-departure checklist Attend to any instructions for labeling and packaging medications, and document other medical needs your child has.

Take note if there are other forms you can fill out ahead of time to streamline the dropping-off process.

Sleepaway camp is a chance for kids to disconnect, make discoveries and meet new people. increasing independence — at least as far as it relates to heading off to summer camp on their own.

Follow the packing list and keep your kids involved It is never too early to begin setting items aside to take to camp. Pack only play clothes that can get ripped and stained without causing you too much distress. Labeling your child’s belongings, especially if they were freshly purchased for the trip, is a great way to help your camper remember which items are theirs to keep track of. Pack plenty of extra socks, t-shirts and underwear, and send ample gear to protect them from the sun.

Don’t try to do all the packing yourself — instead, urge your camper to help you.

As you pack together, your child will pick up on how to pack when the time comes to return home. On that note, you’ll want to make sure their bag isn’t too heavy for them to carry on their own, along with their sleeping bag or any other bedding they’re required to bring.

Encourage independence It can be scary to give your kids more leeway, but try to provide more incentives to build their independence skills in the weeks leading up to camp. Focus on the positive, and reward the progress you see.

Your camper will need to have a sense of personal responsibility for their belongings and their hygiene. They should even sense some responsibility in the decision to go to summer camp at all — and remain there without calling for you to pick them up early.

Assume they will stay at camp for the entirety of the camp session, rather than encouraging the idea that they can return home early if they get homesick. Use the

Arrive on time, and leave promptly When you depart for camp or the bus pick-up site, arrive as punctually as you can. Keep your goodbyes short and sweet at the door to the bus or cabin, and try not to hover or clog up any entrances or walkways.

Deliver your paperwork as instructed, and provide written notices of any lastminute concerns — rather than trying to have a verbal conversation with the camp director. Rest assured, your child will be able to find a seat on the bus on their own and will receive help from their camp counselor to set up their sleeping bag in their cabin.

You’re probably not the only parent who is tempted to linger, but this can delay the start of your kid’s fun camp adventure. Just like jumping in a swimming pool, sometimes a quick immersion is the best way to get the fun started. Do your part, say your goodbyes swiftly and trust the system.

Lean into the separation as much as you can The camp you choose may have a no cell phone policy. If it does, be a good sport and trust that the camp directors know what they are doing. They have probably seen first-hand that campers are more likely to experience homesickness if Mom and Dad are easy to access.

Instead, find out the camp’s mail and care package policies, and put a few happy postcards in the mail shortly after dropping your child off. If care packages are permitted, include some affordable, shareable treats for your child’s cabinmates.

The camp will notify you if your child needs you for any serious reason.

Remember, no news is good news when it comes to summer camp.

Overall, follow the policies in place, and remember that a brief period of missing one another can work wonders for your family. Think about the meaningful conversations you will be able to have, the stories your camper will be eager to Continued on page S-5

Summer camp is a time-honored tradition, rich with activities, newfound friendships and a lifetime of memories.

Prepping for camp season Summers are magical, right? School is out, the days are long, and free time abounds.

Yet after a month or so, boredom sets in, and kids and the couch start to become inseparable. Glued to smartphones while binging on Netflix, or just mindlessly mashing buttons as they play video games for hours on end.

Where’s the magic in that? If only there was a way for kids to design video games instead of just playing them. Or an opportunity to create the next big app rather than being sucked into someone else’s.

Good news—that’s where summer camps come in Great for balancing out the unstructured, school-free months, summer camps are fun, build character, and provide opportunities for campers to meet new friends and reconnect with former classmates. Plus, kids can discover new and stay intellectually engaged.

So, where do you start? The good news is, with today’s overabundance of camps, there’s literally a type of camp for every child. On the flip side, with so many options, choosing can make you feel a lot like Goldilocks on the hunt for a camp that’s just right.

Set your expectations Before you can pick the right summer camp, you need to first define “right;” and you do so by setting expectations.

Start by asking one simple question — what do you want your children to gain from their experience? You send them to school so they can get smarter, and off to baseball practice so they can become a better hitter or pitcher. Sending them to camp shouldn’t be any different.

Want your daughter to meet new friends with similar interests? Try a niche all-girls camp in a subject she loves.

Looking to keep your son thinking throughout the summer months? With a commonsense balance of indoor and outdoor activities, an academic camp will keep him intellectually stimulated.

In carrying out your camp conversations, don’t forget to cater the discussion to your audience. Tweens and teens for instance might immediately shut down at the mere uttering of “summer camp.” But, maybe they’d be interested in a precollege summer program, or a sports academy with likeminded peers?

The goal is to get kids excited about summer by finding programs that speak to their current interests. By starting the process with you and your child on the same page and speaking the same language, you’re more likely to find a camp you both love.

Select the right genre Once you’ve established what you’re hoping to gain from camp, it’s time to narrow down the types of programs that can meet those needs.

Here’s what you can expect from today’s most popular summer camp genres: Continued on page S-7

Fitting it all in

Managing the after-school activities juggle

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or many families, the morning rush isn’t the most chaotic time of the day. Instead, the sanity-buster is that long stretch from the time school lets out until the final activity ends and everyone is home.

Surviving the afternoon activities juggle is all about planning and time management — and it’s also an opportune time to teach kids some valuable skills.

“The opportunity with activities is it’s a great time for kids to learn time management,” says Carolyn Dalgliesh, a professional organizer who specializes in helping kids who are anxious or distracted.“It’s a skill that will help them throughout their lives.”

Michelle Grey and Michelle Cooper instill the same message through their business, Student Organizers.

“They teach kids how to tell time in school,” Cooper says, “but they don’t teach kids how to manage time.”

Without preparation, the activities crunch can get kids — and parents — on a quick path to burnout and exhaustion.

Here are tips from the experts for making your child’s after-school activities a fun and rewarding part of childhood — and for teaching your child the skill of time management.

Choose the right activities. There is no need for everyone to run ragged getting to volleyball practice if your child no longer enjoys it.

“We talk about mindful choices,” Dalgliesh says.

“You want your child to get value out of any activity, whether it’s a great social outlet or a

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chance to run off a lot of energy.”

Consider timing. If you’re lucky enough to have choices in times, choose wisely. “Think about how well your child does with transitions,” Dalgliesh says. “For some kids, coming home triggers wind-down time, [so] parents may want to go to the library after school to do homework instead of stopping by the house.”

Honor the family meeting. There is a central principle when it comes to family time management: Everyone must get together once a week, with calendars in hand, to plan out the next week. Figure out how each kid will get to and from each activity, and make plans for meals and snacks. When doing the planning, try to carve

out at least one night when the family can have dinner together. Make your weekly meeting fun by following it with a family movie or game night. Or, suggests Grey, dole out allowance and lunch money at the end of the meeting.

Maintain a family calendar. Each family member needs his or her own week-at-aglance calendar, and you also need a family calendar. Yes, that’s a lot of calendars, but it will help ensure all activities are well-planned.

Get the activity bags ready. Get your kids in the habit of packing their activity bags on Sunday night. Designate a place for them to hang or store their bags. For activities requiring a lot of gear, use a checklist to make sure noth-

• DAY CAMP EXPERIENCE • • Camping experiences for children ages 20 months to 13 years • WSI and Nassau Certified swim instruction • Artificial turf athletic fields • Barney program (20 – 30 months) a 1-to-1 camper/counselor experience • Travel programs available for preteens and teens • After-camp activities: athletic clubs, late night, parent visiting

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Keeping kids busy after school is a good thing, but participating in many activities without advance planning is inviting miscommunication, forgotten homework, and cranky families. Instead, enlist your kids’ efforts each week in planning their time.

ing gets left behind.

Embrace meal planning. It’s important to plan simple, consistent meals, especially if you’re a busy family with a lot of activities. For example, kids love theme dinners such as “Taco Tuesday,” and can help with preparation and assembly. Also plan snacks, making sure to have high-protein nibbles available for kids before they embark on a strenuous activity.

Make it portable. Keep healthy drinks and snacks in a car cooler. After all,“we’re a portable society,” Dalgliesh says. In addition to food, keep an “activities bin” for kids to rummage through while hanging out at big brother’s karate practice — but only then. “Those activities are special, and they only get pulled out when kids are waiting,” Dalgliesh explains.

Make car time special. If you spend a lot of time driving to and from activities, make that time count. Try an audiobook, choosing a story everyone in the family can enjoy. Dalgliesh plays a conversation game with her children.

She has a set of cards with prompts such as, “What is the worst meal you ever had in a restaurant?” or “What is your favorite vacation memory?” She passes the deck to her kids has them pick one. “It’s about finding those moments to connect,” she says.

Have a picnic. If you have to race from your daughter’s after-school soccer practice to your son’s evening hockey game, pack a cooler and enjoy a picnic supper in the bleachers, at a park, or anywhere else you can find.

Attention parents and students:

Help your kids re-focus on school

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Dorothy P. Flint 4-H Camp is a 140 acre co-ed sleep away camp located on the Long Island Sound.

For campers ages 8 - 16.

Farm/Horticulture • Animal Science • Archery Horseback Riding • Ropes Adventure Course Wilderness Survival • Drama • Sports • Fishing

Manage the end-of-the-school-year crunch with a renewed emphasis on goals and achievement. life lessons.

Don't give up. Let your kids know that you're serious about these goals and that their school success is as critical to you as it is to them.

Get help early if you need it. When your kids show that they're having trouble despite your best efforts, get help early. Ask a teacher or guidance counselor for help. Get a tutor.

Find a "study buddy" for your kid. Just get help before the little problem grows into a big one.

Ask other parents. You're not the only one trying to keep your kids on track. Learn from parents who've been through this, teachers who've guided hundreds of kids and others whose opinions you respect. No one has all the answers, but all of us have a lot of ideas. n

Being away from home can build self-esteem, independence Continued from page S-3

share and the ability to remind them later how much you missed them when they were away.

What child doesn’t love hearing how much their parents love them — and vice versa?

Allow for a smooth transition back into normal life After days of high adrenaline and activity, it may take your camper some time to settle back into a routine. Every kid is different — some are sad to leave and will need some space before telling Mom and Dad about their adventures, while others remain high on enthusiasm and probably will be eager to talk your ear off about what they did and learned.

You know your children and what they will need to process their experience, so stay positive, don’t rush them and give what you can to

2 Night & 5 Night Sessions

help them recharge with food and rest.

It may also take your camper some time to readjust to their usual level of independence after being on their own at camp. Fortunately, you can take this opportunity to discuss any extra responsibilities they had at camp, like making their bed every day or washing their own dishes, and see whether they want to implement these duties at home, too.

Finally, you can use this opportunity to have meaningful conversations with your child after they come home. Find ways to bond over the new experiences they had and tell your own stories that relate to theirs. Sometimes, summer camp is not just about growing young minds, but also about creating those beautiful family moments for both parents and children to cherish for years to come. n

Dorothy P. Flint 4-H Camp 3186 Sound Ave., Riverhead • 516-433-7970 x 11 www.ccenassau.org

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s the school year passes the halfway point, some kids may get distracted from their studies. If you and your kids want to re-focus on school success, here are Commit to learning. With your children, come up with one or two major goals that you want to accomplish for the remainder of this school year. Raising that algebra grade?

Getting homework done on time and turning it in the next day? Organizing a study area at home? Using a planner regularly and efficiently? Agree on some age-appropriate rewards and consequences. Commit to a family-centered goal that education is important to all of you, and work together to support, encourage and help each other.

Set up helpful routines. Give your kids the consistency of fairly regular routines (weekends and holidays can be breaks). Bedtime, wake-up, study, homework, play, family time — kids rely on these routines, and the structure helps them to feel safe, know what's expected of them and be successful.

Help them organize. Organized kids do better in school than haphazard kids. Help them to set up their planners (written or electronic), to keep their notebooks and backpacks neat and orderly, to break up large assignments into smaller ones so they don't seem overwhelming, to maintain a work space at home that's actually workable and not a disaster area, and to stick to the goals you've set together.

Maintain healthy habits. Healthy kids are better learners. Help your children by monitoring their screen time (TV, video games, cell phones, etc.), making sure they're getting enough sleep, insisting on their good eating habits, making sure they're involved in regular and aerobic exercise, and sticking to the goals and routines you've established.

Be a good role model. Kids learn from their parents. If they see that you're organized, focused on what's important to you and your family, staying healthy and being true to your values, they'll pick up some pretty important

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L O & p O m H a C SC Integral Ballet

Integral Ballet is a 501c3 non-profit providing professional training for students of classical ballet.

Integral offers classes in ballet, pointe, modern, contemporary, hip-hop, tap, jazz, yoga and more.

Integral Ballet accepts ongoing enrollment for students of all ages. Call 516-442-1590 or visit www. integralballet.com Integral Ballet 516-442-1590 integralballet.com

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Kumon Math And Reading Center

Welcome to our Kumon Math and Reading Center. For more than 50 years, Kumon’s after-school academic enrichment program has helped children achieve success worldwide. We strive to instill in children the desire to achieve and the motivation to learn on their own. Whether your child is seeking enrichment, needs help catching up or is just beginning his or her academic career Kumon is designed to help him or her to develop a love of learning.

Kumon Math and Reading Center 71 Merrick Avenue 516-206-4200

Bellmore Pal

The Nassau County Police Activty Leatue, Bellmore Unit, is an organization formed over 61 years ago to benefit children, not only from our commuinty but all surrounding communities. We strive, with the help of the Police Department, to develop children’s character to become fine productive adults in future years. The Bellmore PAL has many programs for all children from Pre School to Senior’s in High School. These programs help the children to learn sportsmanship and develop athletic skills for future years. Many of our children have come back, as adults, to volunteer as coaches, commissioners or staff members. We need the help of the parents to volunteer in helping the activities we have for the children. By volunteering you not only help the children but also create a safe neighborhood. To find out more about the Bellmore PAL and volunteering please surf through our website or call 516-679-5990.

Bellmore Pal 516-679-5990 bellmorepal.org

Big Chief

Big Chief is a family owned/operated school/ camp that has been proudly serving the community for over 66 years. (6 weeks to 13 years). Big Chief provides a clean/safe environment where children feel loved and secure. We are small enough to give that personalized attention with great counselor/child ratio. Older campers customize their own program based on their interests. We are large enough to offer great extensive activities promoting the love of and lifelong skills. All tucked away on park-like facilities in the heart of East Meadow. Our facilities are air conditioned and we offer heated pools.

Big Chief 516-781-3900 www.bigcheifschooland camp.com

The Cultural Arts Playhouse

Spend the day at the Cultural Arts Playhouse, where aspiring actors learn the elements that go into rehearsing a show. The mornings will be spent on workshops (acting, dance and music) to enhance your child’s skill level in theater and boost their confidence. The other half is spent rehearsing for a fully staged musical performance at which all families are invited to see. Taught by CAP’s accomplished faculty, who possess a great breadth of experience in musical theatre.

The Cultural Arts Playhouse 1750A Merrick Ave., Merrick, NY 516-694-3330 capmerrick.com

Merrick Pal

Dorothy P. Flint 4-H Camp

Dorothy P. Flint 4-H Camp is a 140 acre co-ed short-session sleep away camp for children ages 8 -16, located on Long Island Sound in Riverhead. Campers can stay for a single 5-day session or up to 8 weeks. First-time campers can come for a mini-camp experience of 2 nights/3 days. Perfect to help your child get adjusted to being away from home. Activities are chosen by the camper. We offer Farm/Horticulture, Animal Science, Archery, Horseback Riding, Ropes Adventure Course, Wilderness Survival, Drama, Sports, Fishing and much more!

Dorothy P Flint 4-H Camp 516-433-79790 ext 11 ccenassau.org/dorothy-p-flint-4-h-camp

Kenwal Day Camp

Dena and “Uncle Howie” Feinstein (brother and sister) are still the two biggest “kids” in the camping industry. “As adults, safety is always our first concern.

Once the children are safe, we just want them to have the time of their lives,” they say. “We are in the summer camp business because we love the children! Watching the campers grow, building their self-esteem, and helping them make new friends is just a small part of what we achieve each summer!”

Kenwal Day Camp 631-694-3399 kenwaldaycamp.com kenwaloffice@kenwaldaycamp.com

The Nassau County Police Activity League, Merrick Unit, provides organized sports, crafts and other activities for the youth of our community. Our goal is the development of good citizenship through positive interaction between youth and police officers. Our unit holds a variety of programs for the children of our community. We hope every child in our community participates in one of more of our programs. We also ask that you consider volunteering your time to our children and help make our community a better, safer ad ore enjoyable place to live, work and play. To learn more about our programs or to find out how you can volunteer click through the website and see what we have to offer. If you need more information please call Merrick PAL office at 516-867-6279.

Merrick Pal 516-867-62799 merrickpal.org

The Summer Camp of Bellmore & Merrick

The Summer Camp of Bellmore & Merrick aims to allow children throughout the community the ability to continue participating in learning and recreational activities that were previously available to them throughout the school year, while providing a learning experience that focuses on teamwork, respect and leadership. Our program includes Fun Camp (Grades K-3), Recreational Camp (Grades 4-6), S.T.E.A.M. (Science,Technology, Engineering, Art & Mathematics) and specialty camps for Art, Music, Kickline, Cheerleading and Flag Football The Summer Camp of Bellmore & Merrick 516-362-8720

Twin Oaks Day Camp

Twin Oaks Day Camp at 458 Babylon Turnpike, Freeport has been family owned and operated for the past 45 years. Our amazing summer camp has a creative, flexible and a progressive Program. As your child grows, so does your camp experience, culminating in our outstanding Gemini Teen Travel Program. There is something for everyone. That’s what we say “From Tots to Teens…it’s totally Twin Oaks. Call us at 516-623-4550 or visit us at www. twinoaksdaycamp.com Twin Oaks Day Camp 516-623-4550 twinoaksdaycamp.com

World Gym Wantagh

World Gym Wantagh has, for the last thirty-three years, provided a safe, family friendly, fitness experience. Our mission is simply to “be the best part of our members’ day, every day.” We continually improved World Gym Wantagh while introducing new ideas, programs and philosphies to our community. We are offering a summer sports program for kids 4 to 12 based on these same ideas fostering pride in accomplishment of individual and group fitness goals. In our camp, children are separated into grade appropriate groups. They will experience different activities such as: speed and agility workouts, soccer, GAGA, volleyball, arts & crafts, dance, basketball, board games, kickbiall and karate. Children play a non-competitive atmosphere and are encouraged to interact with their peers.

World Gym Wantagh 516-826-5555 wgwantagh@hotmail.com

South Shore Day Camp

South Shore Day Camp has been providing summer camp programs since 1958. Our park-like grounds provide an outdoor environment of sports, swimming, and nature exploration. Campers enjoy creative arts in our air-conditioned buildings.

Program options include 3-5 days for 4, 6, or 8-week sessions. Our Kiddie Camp for ages 3-5 has half, mini, and full day programs. All programs include nutritious lunches and snacks. Convenient door-to-door transportation in our South Shore buses. Exciting weekly field trips for grades 3-5.

Our Explorer program for Grades 6-8 include several weekly trips and overnights. Our professional and experienced staff are experts in meeting the needs of children. We focus on making great summer friends and wonderful summer memories! Call for an appointment or come to Open House on Saturday, February 29 from 11 AM -2 PM. South Shore Day Camp 516-785-3311 southshoredaycamp.com

https://worldgymwantaghcamp.campmanagement.com/enroll www.worldgymwantagh.com for information and costs

Sleepaway camp can be a rite of passage, and the decision to send your child away is a big one.

Prepping for camp season Continued from page S-3

1077877

Wantagh Summer Camp 3728 Park Avenue Wantagh 516-826-5555 WantaghCamp@outlook.com

Summer Camp of Bellmore & Merrick aims to provide children of the Bellmore & Merrick communities the ability to participate in recreational day camps for various activities. Our camp provides affordable programs and utilizes the resources of the community to provide a safe, well organized and fun atmosphere for all participants. There are age appropriate activities and specialty camps provided during all five weeks from 9am – 1pm.

For your convenience, there is also a $10/day early drop-off option (8:00am) Monday-Friday available to all camp registrants. Camp will be conducted at Grand Avenue Middle School. Our building is air-conditioned and provides all applicable camp amenities. Reserve your spot today!

For more information, visit us at summercampofbm.com or call us at

516.362.8720

Summer Camp of Bellmore & Merrick PO Box 562 • N. Bellmore, NY 11710

1077309

The Summer Camp of Bellmore & Merrick is not affiliated with the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District

Traditional: Think back to your own summer camp experiences; bunks, campfires, archery; these co-ed and single-gender camps build self-confidence and character in a traditional outdoor setting.

Academic: Your kids can keep learning even when school’s out. Academic camps provide a fun balance of hands-on education and upbeat extracurricular activities. The best part is, such camps revolve around topics most schools don’t or can’t teach, with skill-building in in-demand and lucrative course areas.

Academic camps are a great way to supplement education for students who don’t like traditional instruction. Academic camps give students the chance to focus on one particular academic activity or skill and develop it over the length of the camp session. Many camps provide math, language arts, theater, photography or computer-focused areas of study. Cost can vary widely depending on materials used and length of camp.

Art: Art camps offer students the chance to explore their artistic interests in a group setting outside of school. Kids sometimes focus on painting, drawing, or the visual arts, while other camps provide the opportunity to learn more about computer-based design and 3D printing.

Adventure: Fun, engaging, and high-energy — these camps are great for exploring new experiences. Think of it like a traditional outdoor camp, but with a specialized expedition or exploratory component.

Athletic: Athletic camps are perfect for sporty kids who are looking to learn new skills during summer. And, sports camps are great for kids and teens who want an outdoor camp experience at the same time!

Special Needs: These camps create a summer camp environment for students who, due to physical, mental, or emotional challenges, might not have the option to attend typical summer camps or activities. Camper-to-staff ratios are lower to provide individual attention and create an environment that is comfortable and tailored to the campers’ needs.

Decide on day camps or overnight camps Depending on your child’s age and comfort-level with being away from home, day camps can provide the opportunity for kids and teens to socialize, learn new skills, or play sports, minus the overnight commitment.

Overnight camps (also called sleepaway or residential camps) provide much of the same, with the key difference being kids sleep at camp, and don’t return until the camp’s completion, whether that’s a week or a month, etc.

Such experiences give students a taste of independence in a supervised setting, and are a great option for students who are comfortable being away from home for longer periods of time.

Consider camp setting and experience Some academic, sports, arts, and technology camps team up with universities to provide programs in a collegiate environment. Students meet in the university labs, eat in the dining halls, tour campus, and enjoy recreational time in university facilities. Plus, overnight campers even stay right in the college dorms on campus.

Such a setting provides a much different experience and outcome than one that might take place at the local park or elementary school.

Determine your budget based on your desired outcome for your child Summer camp prices vary drastically — and for good reason. But don’t let sticker shock keep you from the camp of your (kid’s) dreams.

Instead, evaluate price as part of the bigger picture, as much as budgets allow. Here’s how: Think of camp as an investment. Kids and teens gain so much by attending summer camp. They build self-confidence, meet new friends, and gain independence in an inspiring setting. Sure, some camps are expensive, but when you look at the lengthy list of short-term and long-term benefits, you’ll realize they’re almost always worth the cost.

Also, keep in mind that cost is typically reflective of all that goes into camp, and could be correlated with what your kid will get out of it. Some sports camps for instance might be relatively cheaper given the fact that they might only need equipment and an open field in order to run camp. Tech camps on the other hand might be more expensive given the type of hardware and software required for a complete learning experience.

Don’t be afraid to research — a lot By registering for camp, you’re investing time and trust into the summer camp provider, and you’ll undoubtedly have questions. So don’t be afraid to research, research, research, to ensure you make the correct decision.

You can even tap into your own social group for suggestions. Ask around and see where other friends have sent their kids to camp. A personal recommendation is often a great indicator of what your student’s experience will be like. Plus, kids always have a great time when they get to attend camp with a few friends. n

Middle schoolers face special academic hurdles emember the days when your son or daughter rushed in from school, gave you a big hug and gleefully sought praise for a top grade on an assignment or test? That may seem like ancient history if your child is now in middle school. More likely you’ve noticed your child shying away from physical affection, experiencing odd and dramatic mood swings, and becoming a lot more interested in popularity and peer pressure than pleasing you.

If so, you’re not alone. From the blogs on popular parenting sites, to the pages of parenting magazines to school and community forums around the nation, scores of parents of children going through the “tween” years will tell you they’re going through troubled times as well.

Children who are grappling with social and emotional pressures are often distracted in the classroom and too preoccupied to give homework the attention it deserves. This is particularly troublesome given the increasing demands of middle school learning. In mathematics, lessons in basic computation are giving way to complex problem-solving. In reading, lessons focus more on comprehension, and require students to articulate what they have learned in oral and written form. Subjects ranging from science to history to the social studies likewise require more critical thinking. And progress in all of these subjects becomes especially vital for building a foundation for increasingly challenging work in high school and beyond.

So while in many ways school may be getting “harder” — or at least more complex — your child’s equally complex behavioral changes can make learning a volatile proposition at best.

So what should parents do? Expect some changes and know what to look for. Talk with your child’s guidance counselor to find out more about other pressures that may be arising in the school environment, and schoolbased solutions that may be under way. Take a close look at your child’s academic progress during the past year. Is he or she maintaining good grades and solid study habits? If not, is it because of social/emotional issues or because of specific learning skills?

If your son or daughter is struggling, you need to take prompt action to shore up these deficiencies. Your child’s teachers and guidance counselors should have a list of school or community-

the inevitable disappointments of this challenging period in his or her life.

In the meantime, take some deep breaths and try not to worry. With consistent assurance that your child is loved and ever-vigilant monitoring of the academic bottom line, you can both survive the “terrible tweens” older and wiser for the experience of getting through it together. n

Managing the after-school activities juggle Continued from page S-4

The right after-school activity can help your child become more academically motivated and self-assured. based options for supplemental instruction.

Think about potential mentors for your child. While your son or daughter may suddenly be no fan of overt parental control, he or she may still value advice from other adults or responsible older youth. Ideally, this should be someone your child can talk to about emotional issues and someone who can reinforce your views about keeping on track academically regardless of the difficulties of this age. It’s an added bonus if this individual has the time and ability to help with homework or special assignments that can help build skills and knowledge.

Find a productive, smart extracurricular activity. If your son or daughter is struggling academically, it may sound counterintuitive to look for another activity to fill the day. And yet the right activity could actually help your child become more academically motivated and self-assured. If your son is anxious about being too small to play football but loves to read, start your own at-home book club with rewards every time a book is completed. If your daughter’s having trouble fitting in with the

Divide the meal. If an activity runs right through your child’s usual dinnertime, consider giving him a large, protein-rich snack before the activity and then a light supper afterward.

A starving child equals a cranky one.

Be flexible. Even the most carefully made plans can be rendered useless by a thunderstorm that cancels soccer practice, a sick child, or an unexpected work disaster. “There’s a whole lot of planning that needs to take place,” Cooper says.“Then, you have to go with the flow.”

Find small blocks of time. Thursdays might be so busy your son doesn’t have an hour to block off for math homework. Instead, find bits of available time —15 minutes here, 20 minutes there. “Take advantage of fragmented time,” Cooper says.

Empower your kids. Give your kids as much control over their own planning and scheduling as they can handle. “Allow kids to feel empowered, and you’ll get more buy-in,” Grey says. “As kids learn how to plan, it’s like a lightbulb goes off. They feel less stressed and more confident.”

Different kids need different tools.

“Especially as kids get older, they need to own

their organization system,” Grey says. Some kids like to do everything electronically, others like pretty paper notebooks and calendars.

Some kids like to use the latest apps and colorcoded pens to stay organized, and others take a minimalist approach, scribbling basic information only.

Electronics and computers. It’s easy to rely on electronic games and online social networking sites during the activities crunch, especially for siblings who are waiting or when you arrive at an activity early. But set limits and use electronic toys as a reward for good behavior, with exceptions to those limits when the tech tool is needed for a school project. “For example, you could allow 15 minutes for Facebook for every two hours of homework,” Grey says.

By teaching your kids the skills they need to manage their life inside and outside of school, you’ll equip them for grade school, college, and beyond. You’ll also create a family life that allows all members the opportunity to reach their potential. “The reality is that you cannot create time,” Grey says. “You have to take what you have and make use of it as best you can.” n Courtesy SchoolFamily.com

Enroll them in Kumon today!

Summer is the perfect time to accelerate your child’s math and reading skills!

To learn more, we invite you to schedule a Free Placement Test today!

Kumon Math and Reading Center of

MERRICK

71 Merrick Avenue, Merrick, NY 11566

ILD AN GIVE YOUR CH

VANTAGE ACADEMIC ADLIFETIME.

516.206.4200

kumon.com/merrick

1078097

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Helping your child succeed

popular kids but designed her first Web page when she was 10, look for a technology club or other accelerated learning opportunity that can help her hone these skills and meet girls with similar abilities and remind her that there really is life after the 8th grade. While most children struggle with some subjects, most have a natural aptitude for at least one.

Activities like these can keep your child build a sense of self worth and smooth the way past

THAT LASTS A

©2019 Kumon North America, Inc. All rights reserved.

THE BEST CAMP AT THE BEST PRICE

WOODMONT SUMMER CAMP

Open hOuse and family fun day at uniTed sKaTes Of ameRiCa, inC

FREE CAMP GIVEAWAYS IF YOU ATTEND OPEN HOUSE Saturday, Feb. 29th.

9am-12pm at 1276 Hicksville Rd. Seaford, NY

1078676

Tennis • Basketball • Volleyball • Softball • Theatre • Hockey • Soccer • Swimming AND MUCH MORE!

KIDS SKATE FREE!

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL

516-409-4414

woodmontsports.com • Visit Us On Facebook 3300 Park Avenue, Wantagh, NY 11793

1077279

Integral Ballet Summer Camps & Intensives Your community’s choice for classical dance training.

✦Summer Dance Intensives: Ballet Princess Camp, June 19th - July 20th ✦Ages 7-9, August 17th - 20th ✦Ages 10-14, August 24th - 28th ✦Ballet Princess Camp: June 29th - June 2nd

✦Evening Summer Classes for Children & Adults: July 6th - Aug. 16th

Now Accepting Enrollment for Summer 2020!

Nutcracker Auditions

The Nassau County Police Activity League, Bellmore Unit, is an organization formed over 60 years ago to benefit children, not only from our community but all surrounding communities. We strive, with the help of the Police Department, to develop children’s character to become fine productive adults in future years.

June 16th or August 19th for experienced ballet dancers, age 5-16 Visit integralballet.org for details or to register

Fall Classes begin Sept 9th!

The Bellmore PAL has many programs for all children from Pre School to Senior’s in High School. These programs help the children to learn sportsmanship, and develop athletic skills for future years. Many of our children have come back, as adults, to volunteer as coaches, commissioners or staff members.

Contact us at 516-679-5900

516.442.1590 integralballet.org

1076336

“HELP US HELP YOUR CHILDREN”

1077289

We need the help of the parents to volunteer in helping the activities we have for the children. By volunteering you not only help the children but also create a safer neighborhood. To find out more about the Bellmore PAL and volunteering, please surf through our website or call 516 679 5990

Integral Ballet is a 501 (c) 3 organization

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