Archive: summer camp

Tips for Preparing Your Child for Summer Camp

Find Summer Camps

 

Not only is summer camp a good option for keeping kids busy, active and learning over the summer after school has wrapped up, but it could also set positive habits for the rest of their lives. Psychologists have found that sending kids to summer camp may make them less affected by stress as they mature. Camp helps kids form new relationships with new friends and learn from different adults. They learn to cope with unfamiliar situations and learn handle the unexpected. But sometimes experiencing a large shift in routine takes a bit of getting used to. Help make the transition smoother with these tips for preparing your child for summer camp:

 

Make a checklist

With so many things to remember, especially if your child is heading to overnight camp, it’s good to write everything down. Most camps offer their own checklists so that parents know exactly what to pack. Make sure you get this ahead of time, or write out your own if the camp doesn’t have one available. That way, you’ll have plenty of time to go out and buy any missing must-haves.

 

Include your child in the packing process

Often, kids feel less stressed about change when they know the fine details. Allowing your little one to help you pack can give them some added insight into what’s going on. That way, they’ll feel involved and know exactly what’s coming with them and what to expect.

 

Buy special camp supplies

Anything shiny and new will add to the thrill of summer camp. Maybe that means a new swimsuit or a brand new backpack in their favorite color. Then, tell them they can use their new gear as soon as camp begins and have them hold off to add a bit of positive anticipation.

 

Get excited about camp!

The whole point of summer camp is to have fun, right? Make sure your little one knows this! Talk about all the new friends they’re going to make. Mention some of the cool activities they get to do (think swimming, games, crafts, etc.).  Often, getting excited about something washes the jitters away for both the parents and the child.

 

Leave quickly

When the drop-off date finally arrives, do it quickly like ripping off a band aid, even if they’re only headed to a day camp and you’ll see them that night. Waiting around can make too big of a deal out of your departure, giving them a chance to think about what’s happening and get nervous. Plus, if you stick around too long, they might pick up on the sense that you’re nervous too. Make it easier for both of you by dropping them off with a big smile and waving goodbye.

 

No cares and woes beyond this point

 

Still looking for the perfect fit for this summer? Search for a great one near you now!

 

Sources:

-“Camp Prep” She Knows

-“Summer Camp Makes Kids Resilient” Psychology Today

-“Prepare Your Child and Yourself for Camp” American Camp Association

 – Photo credit: United States Navy & Peter Blanchard

Finding the Perfect Summer Camp for Your Child

Steps to Finding the Perfect Summer Camp for Your Child

Summer camp helps children discover who they are. Each camp is a hands-on learning opportunity that gives kids the chance to explore new activities and interests. From summer camp springs new hobbies, knowledge and solid life experiences. Beyond learning about the outdoors, science or animals, camp is also an excellent way for kids to develop top-notch social skills. But with so many out there, how do you know which one will be the best fit for your little one? Here are some things to consider when hunting for the perfect summer camp for your child:

 

Cost

Summer camps can get pricey, but that doesn’t mean that you need to spend a fortune to find a quality camp. Before you even begin looking, determine your summer camp budget. Figure out exactly how much you’re willing to spend and look only within your price range. Many go for a few hundred per week, but some can get into the thousands for just one week of camp. Determine your budget to find a summer camp for your child that you can afford.

 

Interest

Camp is a great opportunity to learn about new topics and get excited about them. That’s why it’s important to choose a camp that aligns with your little one’s passions. If they love running around, playing games, look into a sports camp. If they’re more into painting and coloring, search for art-themed camps. These days, there are camps out there for just about every type of activity so you should be able to find one that aligns well with your child’s interests.

 

Schedule

Day camps are a great option for parents who have to work all summer. During the school year, your child may have needed before or after school care, but now that it’s summertime, you’re looking for all-day options. Camp is a great alternative, at least for a week or two. Camps come in all shapes and sizes when it comes to schedules, from overnight to day camps to half-day camps. So you can select one that best fits your scheduling needs.

 

Camp Counselors

Before committing to a camp, you may want to visit with the camp staff, or at least give them a call on the phone. You can even read up on online reviews. Since you’re trusting these counselors with your child, you want to make sure they’re both fun and reliable.

 

To begin the summer camp hunt, visit MomTrusted.com!

 

 

 

-Photo courtesy of Worakit Sirijinda/freedigitalphotos.net

Iridescent 2014 Bay Area Summer Camp for Little Tinkerers

engineering

 

Shopping around for the best summer camps of the year? Iridescent is one of the leading summer camps for innovation and creation. It inspires children to invent and embrace their passion for engineering. It can even help those who have never explored the world of engineering to find their passion.

 

Iridescent’s Summer Camp is built for “natural explorers, builders and inventors,” which “channels children’s natural curiosity through carefully designed exploration that will encourage the development of lifelong skills such as persistence and courage.” The camp is offered in three areas, including LA, New York and the Bay Area.

 

The 2014 Bay Area Summer Camp is open to 3-8 year-olds.  At camp, kids learn about engineering and robots as well as observation of nature, leading to lots of creativity and engineering skills along the way.

 

Don’t worry if your kids have yet to express interest in the science, technology and engineering world.  Workers at the Bay Area Summer Camp believe that all children are natural builders and explorers. In the past, activities in camp have included nature walks, learning about birds, flying paper airplanes, learning about trees and leaves, building safe animal homes, lizards, robots and many more. Iridescent’s summer camp truly blends nature with the innovations of the modern world.

 

The day camp runs from July 7 until August 1, lasting all day from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.  Parents and care providers can enroll children for as short or as long as they’d like, but Iridescent recommends a minimum of two weeks and ideally at least four weeks in order for the children to fully benefit from all the learning that the Bay Area Summer Camp has to offer.

 

Iridescent is a non-profit that heads projects around the globe. These projects are aimed to help inspire and teach children about technology and science, as well as math and engineering. Their goal is to help kids of all ages find inspiration, hone in on newfound skills and achieve great things.

 

The programs that Iridescent runs are available to kids of all ages, ranging from preschool all the way to working with college engineering program. From summer engineering camp to technology challenges to books and apps, Iridescent has their hands in all parts of innovation and science. The summer camp is a great way for kids to get an introduction to science and technology while having a blast this summer!

 

Don’t miss the opportunity for your child to explore their creative and innovative sides! Sign up for the Bay Area Summer Camp today.

 

Photo courtesy of Iridescent

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