15 minute read
active kids
Parents Should Consider Sending Their Child to Camp
By Mary Ann Blair
Advertisement
With summer calendars quickly filling up, it can be hard to try and squeeze in one more thing. But if you have never sent your kids to a summer camp, here are seven reasons why you should consider it!
With so many options, it’s easy to find a great fit for your child.
From sports camps and art camps to STEMbased camps and more traditional overnight options, summer camps are designed to serve a variety of ages and interests. The length of camp can range from a few mornings for younger kiddos to weeklong sleep-away camps for older kids. Local churches, school districts, and other organizations like the YMCA, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Camp Fire, and 4-H offer a wide range of camps. With a little bit of research, you can easily find a camp well-suited for your child.
Camps provide kids with experiences they might not have access to in “everyday” life.
Horseback riding. Paddling a canoe across the lake. Wilderness survival. Conquering a ropes course. Sleeping under the stars. Adventures are endless at camp, and your child will have an opportunity to try something brand new. For the youngest campers, trying a new craft activity or learning a new camp song can be so much fun!
Camps are a safe place to practice social skills.
It might be awkward or uncomfortable for your child during those first few hours of camp when they don’t know a single soul. After all, stepping into a new social environment can be challenging. But the ability to comfortably communicate with new people is a life skill that all kids need, and a camp is a great place to practice! Camps also provide kids an opportunity to form friendships with a whole new group of peers they might never have met otherwise.
Camps give kids a much-needed technology break.
No matter how old your child is, they could probably benefit from a screen hiatus, especially during the summer months. Spending time outdoors, learning a new skill, having fun, and forming new friendships is good for the body and soul!
Sending kids to camp is beneficial for you, too.
Driving away from your child(ren) on the first day might be a little gut-wrenching. But entrusting your kids to someone else for a
while can be truly beneficial. Maybe it will free up time for some overdue self-care, or give you and your partner time to reconnect. Maybe it will provide an opportunity to hit the reset button with your tween or teen. After all, absence makes the heart grow fonder! Parenting is tough work, so don’t feel guilty if you enjoy this time to yourself. Chances are, your kids are having a blast without you!
Your child’s experience as a camper could help land a summer job in the future.
Camps are staffed by amazing counselors who provide kids with all kinds of good, clean fun. Most of these counselors were campers once, too. Now they get to help a new set of youngsters make unforgettable summer memories, all while sharpening their own teamwork and leadership skills. Your child might have that same opportunity one day. What great way to spend a summer!
Camp is just plain fun.
So many adults have fond memories from their days spent at camp, and kids who have been to camp often say it’s a favorite part of their summer. Odds are, your kids are going to love it! And for that reason alone, it’s worth sending them to camp.
AMERICA’S #1 SUMMER VOLLEYBALL CAMP PROGRAM
CAMP NAME
Setting Academy 1st Contact Academy Setter Intermediate Attack, Pass, Serve Middle Blocker Setting Academy Collegiate Setting 1st Contact Collegiate 1st Contact All Skills (Am) All Skills (Pm) Setting & Attacking 1st Contact Boys Youth Academy Clinic Boys Youth Academy Clinic All Skills Attack, Pass, Block & Serve Boys Youth Academy Clinic Fundamentals
GRADES
DATES
9-12 7/5-7-9 9-Col 7/10-7/14 8-12 7/15-7/19 9-12 7/15-7/17 9-Col 7/18-7/20 9-Col 7/20-7/26 Col 7/20-7/23 9-12 7/23-7/26 Col 7/23-7/26 6-8 6/27-7/1 6-8 6/27-7/1 6-8 7/6-7/8 7-12 7/6-7/8 3-6 7/9 3-6 7/10 6-8 7/11-7/15 9-12 7/11-7/15 3-6 7/17 3-5 7/18-7/20
CAMP NAME
GRADES
DATES
1st Contact 7-12 7/18-7/22 Attack, Pass, Block & Serve(Am) 6-8 7/18-7/22 Attack, Pass, Block & Serve(Pm) 6-8 7/18-7/22 Boys Youth Academy Clinic 3-6 7/23 Attack, Pass, Block & Serve 9-12 7/25-7/29 Fundamentals 3-5 7/26-7/29 All Skills 6-8 7/27-7/29 Boys Youth Academy Clinic 3-6 7/30 SPVB Girls Training Clinic(Am) 10-12 7/30-7/31 SPVB Girls Training Clinic(Pm) 7-9 7/30-7/31 Attack, Pass, Block & Serve(Am) 6-8 8/1-8/5 1st Contact (Am) 6-8 8/1-8/5 Setting & Serving(Am) 6-8 8/1-8/5 Attack, Pass, Block & Serve(Pm) 6-8 8/1-8/5 1st Contact (Pm) 6-8 8/1-8/5 Setting & Serving(Pm) 6-8 8/1-8/5 SPVB Boys Elite Camp 9-12 8/1-8/5 JH Pre-Season Clinic 6-8 8/6 JH Pre-Season Clinic 6-8 8/13 REGISTER AT:
WWW.GREATLAKESCENTER.COM Great Lakes Volleyball Center
579 N. Oakhurst Drive Aurora, IL 60502 630.898.6400
Rock ‘n’ Kids!
In-person and virtual music, movement and imagination classes available for 1-6 years at park districts in Chicagoland! Tot Rock, Kid Rock and Rockin’ at Home programs are Interactive and educational, with each class including songs and rhymes, basic dance steps and movements, fine and gross motor skills, rhythm instruments and movement props, imaginative play, socialization and fun! Sing, dance, and play the Rock ‘n’ Kids way! We have been having fun with music for 27 years! Get more information at www.rockitkids.com.
Great Lakes Volleyball Center
Looking for a summer volleyball camp for your son or daughter ages Pre-K through 12th grade? The Great Lakes Center is located at 579 N. Oakhurst Drive, Aurora, IL. 60502 will be running camps in late June through the first week of August. You do not want to miss our World Class Training with “America’s #1 Summer Volleyball Camp Program” Don’t forget to ask about our site camps where we come to you! For more information call 630898-6400 or visit www.greatlakescenter.com/ camps/ FB: Sports Performance Volleyball
Sports Broadcasting Camp
The Sports Broadcasting Camp returns to Skokie July 11-15, 2022. Boys and girls ages 10-18 will have an opportunity to learn from the pros in the sports broadcasting industry. Meet sports celebrities. Make sports anchor, play-by-play, and reporting videos. Host your own sports talk radio and PTI style shows. Participate in our famous camp trivia contest, and much more. Day/Overnight Options are available. For more information visit www.playbyplaycamps.com, check us out on Facebook/Twitter/instagram @ playbyplaycamps or call 800.319.0884.
NIU STEAM Camps
Join us for an in-person summer adventure. Day and residential camps for aspiring scientists, engineers and creators are back on the campuses of Northern Illinois University. Explore engineering, health sciences, video game design, robotics, drones, filmmaking, food science and other STEAM topics. Build friendships, work in teams and develop your creativity as you complete open-ended creative challenges. Day and residential camps for grades 2-12. www.go.niu. edu/STEAMCamps22, www.niusteam@niu. edu, 815-753-8554.
A Summer Camp Experience for People with Disabilities
he perfect place for kids, teens, and young adults ages 3-22 to spend their summer. Registration Opens April 11
University of Illinois
University of Illinois, Division of Intercollegiate Athletics has committed itself to the development of well-rounded summer sport camps for boys and girls. Young athletes have the opportunity to learn more about their sport, improve their skills, create new friendships and have fun at the same time. Campers receive excellent coaching, experience campus life, and meet athletes from a variety of backgrounds. To learn more about specific camp offering go to www.fightingillini.com/camps
Quarry Camps at The Forge
Quarry Camps at The Forge: Lemont Quarries help young adventurers get outdoors and stay active while learning. Our one-week sessions foster personal growth with a variety of fun, safe, educational, recreational, and group activities - all outdoors! Kids will rock climb, traverse our ropes course, zipline, mountain bike, kayak, learn about conservation, learn through art & STEM-based activities, and so much more! Learn more at www.forgeparks. com/summer-camps
Calling all parents of adventurers in grades 1-8! Register your child for a summer full of learning and exploration at Naper Settlement’s Camp Naper this June-August. Utilizing Naper Settlement’s beautiful 13-acre museum campus as their learning laboratory, campers will go on adventures in history, art, science, and more! Whether learning the science behind their favorite magic trick or building their own box city with the help of a local construction firm, each of our 16 unique, themed day camps provide an immersive learning experience that will capture your child’s imagination, while strengthening their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. To learn more or register your child for one of our 3-, 4- or 5-day camps, please visit www.NaperSettlement.org/CampNaper.
Shining Stars
Started in 2015, “Shining Stars” is a camp where children can enjoy baseball and softball as they learn basic skills in a fun, creative, and Christian environment. Though the camp is open to children of all skill levels, it is specifically targeted toward children who have had limited or no organized baseball experience. The centerpiece and differentiator of this camp over and above any other baseball / softball camp is sharing and helping kids grow in Christ Jesus. Hamilton Park, Palatine, IL (1037 N. Smith St.) www.immanuelpalatine.org/shiningstars
Camp Commotion
Camp Commotion is a fun, exciting, and safe day camp for kids entering 1st-6th grade. Whether you need a full-time summer care option for your kids, or they want a incredible week of summer camp experience, Camp Commotion is the place to be! Camp is offered at Christ Community Church in two locations: St. Charles and DeKalb. Only $160 per child per week! Register now at www. campcommotion.org
Good Times Summer Day Camp
Good Times Summer Day Camp offers campers an exciting and active program for children ages 4-14. Each week is filled with incredible field trips, many hours of swimming, various sports, exciting guests, challenging crafts, special events, and a theme based cookout. We accommodate parent’s busy schedules by offering extended hours from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at no extra charge. Schedules are flexible – come only the days you want. Convenient locations in Libertyville, Wheeling, Deerfield, & Glenview. Busing available in some areas. For more information, please call 847-680-4884 or visit www.goodtimesdaycamp.com. [See our ad on the Inside Front Cover.]
Camp SEASPAR: Camps Specially Designed for People with Disabilities
SEASPAR’s summer day camps are the perfect place for kids, teens, and young adults with disabilities ages 3–22 to spend their summer enjoying creative, social, and physical activities as well as fun community outings! For more information on day camps and other programs for children and young adults, call SEASPAR at 630.960.7600 or visit www.SEASPAR.org.
Downers Grove Park District Summer Camps
Downers Grove Park District summer camps offer nearly 100 adventures where kids will make memories that will last a lifetime! Check out action-packed sport camps, teen trips, traditional day camps and our early childhood camps. Unique specialty camps let kids delve into science, robotics, cooking, visual and cultural arts. Campers can take a swing at our golf camps, discover the great outdoors with nature camps or explore their historical side at one of our museum camps. Before and after care is available for full-day camps. For more info go to www.dgparks.org/summercamps
Get your child ready for
By Susan Baldani
Summer is a great time for kids to take a break from routine and have some fun. However, too much time off can leave children bored and frustrated. Today, most parents have to work and cannot spend as much time as they would like doing activities with their children.
This is why sending your kids to camp can be a life saver. Days spent canoeing, fishing, swimming, and hiking are much better than those spent playing video games and watching television. can write home (the old-fashioned way with paper and pencil) to keep their parents up to date about what they’re doing. Some camps even have cameras so parents can follow their children’s adventures.
Of course, for some kids, being away from home can be somewhat intimating and scary. This might be the first time they are away from their family, and homesickness can set in fast. If the camp allows, send them with their favorite stuffed animal, or their pillow, and send pictures so they can see familiar faces.
Children are not the only ones who have to prepare themselves for being away for many
Being at camp also gives kids a chance to be a little more independent and self-sufficient. If they are going to a sleep-away camp, cell SUBFAM FILL small 12.17:Layout 1 12/15/17 11:35 AM Page 1 phones are often not allowed, but children
Subscribe to
YOUR WEEKEND+ at subfam.com
...Your complete weekly newsletter for “family friendly” things to do around Chicago!
As cited by the American Psychological Association, “children may observe and mimic parents’ discussion of worries. And when parents frequently provide verbal warnings, for example ‘be careful,’ children may anticipate danger and fear certain situations.”
Helping your child look forward to and enjoy camp will help them not just that summer, but for years to come. They will learn new skills, make new friends, and become more self-reliant.
In the article ‘Why Summer Camp is Important for Your Kids’ on urbanpro.com, it states that “summer camp is one place to enrich kid’s psychological aspects such as improve self- confidence, self-determination, thinking process, problem-solving skills and decisions making process (with an absence of their parents) and so on. It builds up the curiosity of self-definition in order to bring out the potential, creativeness, and capabilities of a kid. It also boosts leadership qualities.” For children whose lives are constantly managed during the year, from their schedules and clothes to the foods they eat, being on their own can be freeing. Psychologist Michael Thompson, in his book Summer Camp: Great for Kids, Even Better for Parents, writes about the benefits for kids. “The number one issue for children is ownership.
The thing I heard the most in interviewing hundreds of children is you can really be yourself at camp. When you are in your parent’s presence, there is always shared ownership of your life.”
Many parents often wonder how old a child should be to go away to camp. There is no one answer to this question since every child is different. However, there are a few guidelines you can use to determine if sleep away camp is the right decision.
In her Summer Camp Guide for Parents, author Pam Myers, BS. Ed, has some useful guidelines:
• If they’re interested, it’s a good chance they’re ready. • Has your child spent the night with a friend or relative before? Children who are able to be away from parents before are more likely to be good candidates for an overnight camp experience. • How responsible is your child? Can they keep track of their own things and wash their clothes if they’re going to be gone for several weeks? Are they responsible enough to use camp money to purchase things they need rather than candy or other junk food? • Is your child comfortable seeking help from other adults or authority figures if you’re not around?
• Picky eaters may also have difficulty at overnight summer camps. The staff may prepare special meals for a child with allergies or religious beliefs that limit what they can eat. • Consider sending your child for a shorter session for their first time at overnight camp.
With the right preparations for the child and parents, summer camp can be the perfect answer to the dilemma of what to do with the kids all summer. Parents can enjoy some freedom from the everyday pressures of child rearing, and children can have experiences that they wouldn’t find at home. It’s a win-win situation.
- American Camp Association
• Travel Light — Tips on Packing and Gear for Summer Camp • Plan Ahead — Living Out of a Backpack,
Duffel Bag, Suitcase, or Trunk • Review Camp Packing Lists • Label Everything — Classic Iron-on/
Stick on Clothing Labels, Dishwasher Safe
Vinyl Labels, and Laundry Pens - ID Your
Camper’s Belongings • Break in Shoes and Boots Before Camp
Begins • Packing Partners Buyers Guide • Find all of your camper gear in one location
Packing From the Top Down
Headgear Scarves Bandannas Baseball Caps Sunhat Eyeglasses Sunglasses Swimming Goggles Clothing T-shirts/tank tops Shorts Long Pants Jeans Jacket Raincoat Sweater Sweatshirt/Sweatpants Swim Suit Dress Clothes (check with camp) Pajamas and Robe Polos Fleece Outwear Underwear Footwear Boots Tennis Shoes Sandals/Flip-flops Dress Shoes (check with camp) Socks Gear Bags/Duffels/Totes Books and Magazines Compass Fan Flashlight and Batteries Frisbee Reusable Water Bottle or Canteen Seat Sharpie Writing Paper, Envelopes, Stamps Bed and Bath Towels — Bath, Hand, and Beach Mattress Pad Blanket Pillow and Pillow Cases Sheets Sleeping Bag Laundry Bag Lint Roller Bathroom Kit Shower caddy Brush and Comb Shampoo Soap and Soap Container On-the-go hand sanitizer Toothbrush and Holder Toothpaste Deodorant Anti-itch Ointment Insect Repellent Feminine Products Sunblock Shaving Gear For The Counselor Emergency contact sheet Information about your child’s medications, allergies, asthma, or other medical conditions Disinfecting Wipes
Check with camp on policies for electronics, musical instruments, sports equipment, and special gear.
www.acacamps.org
Join us for an epic summer adventure.
Day and residential camps for grades 2-12.
• Explore careers in engineering, healthcare, filmmaking, video game design and other
STEAM fields. • Immerse yourself in hands-on learning in the labs and maker spaces of Northern Illinois University. • Experience life on a college campus. • Build friendships and develop your creativity.
