Call Camp Specialists Today at 1.800.443.6428

Happy Mother’s Day from Camp Specialists

Happy Mother’s Day & thanks to all you moms out there who have taken advantage of our FREE service. We know you supermoms want only the best for your children — & so do we. That is why we work so diligently to match your kids to the perfect sleep away camp experience.

We still have openings for 2013…or let us help you look for 2014.

It’s Back – Our Refer a Friend Program!

Refer a friend who enrolls a child in sleep away camp through our service, and you will receive a referral bonus of $50 … our gift to you!

It costs you nothing, it costs your friends nothing … and they will appreciate you referring them to our FREE service. Our team of Camp Specialists will save them time and link them to top-notch summer programs, throughout the US. Call us, email us or simply fill out the Refer a Friend form on our website.

Offer is valid on new referrals submitted between May 12th, 2013 and June 15th, 2013. No exceptions. You will receive your bonus at time of tuition payment.

Great Part-Time Job Opportunity

Are you a knowledgeable, campy mom looking for a part-time job opportunity? Are you friendly, assertive, organized and well connected to our market of young families?

Come join the team at Camp Specialists! You’ll enjoy flexible hours & the ability to work from home. We are seeking reps in many areas.

Click HERE to apply or call us at 1-800-443-6428.

A New Friend, A Fear Faced

Outdoor adventure was the first activity of the afternoon. Helmeted and harnessed, I sat on a log as I waited for my turn to climb the rock wall.

“Are you scared?” I nodded at her, a bunkmate I didn’t know well yet.
“Me too. But don’t worry, I’ve done it once and reaching the top is the best.”

Riddled with nerves (heights were never my thing), I slowly climbed the wall.

“Come on, Morg! You can do it!” I heard my newfound friend cheering below amidst the instructor calling out to me with reassurance. “I promise, I won’t let you fall.”

Gaining speed, suddenly I was climbing the wall like a spider. The cheers intensified. I reached the top! Exhilarated, I repelled down the wall with the help of the instructor below, anxious to hug my bunkmate.

Bonding, team work, encouragement, conquering personal fears.

Adventure: What Camp’s All About

New opportunities are at the heart of the camp experience. For me, the outdoor adventure program at my traditional sleepaway camp was always something to look forward to. Not wild about competitive sports (perhaps you’d call me a “girly-girl”), I loved outdoor adventure because it wasn’t about winning or losing. Instead, my bunkmates and I were all on the same team, rooting for each other to climb that wall, bike up a mountainous hill, or fly across the zip line.

Outdoor adventure programs are rewarding, character-building, obstacle-facing challenges that allow for a sense of personal accomplishment. Whenever “OA” was on the schedule, I looked forward to what unpredictable activity awaited me. From hiking to climbing, mountain biking to a high ropes course, outdoor adventure always had me doing things I never thought possible.

Adventure-Specific Camps (You Won’t Find This at Home!)

If your child is like me, they spend a lot of their free time hanging out with friends on the couch, watching television or chatting away on the computer. It’s rare to find 21st century kids really immersing themselves in active outdoor physical pursuits. Adventure Camps offer a unique opportunity to experience the outdoors like never before.

Supervised and trained by certified instructors, your child will engage in safe, age and skill appropriate activities that promote leadership, physical activity, strong judgment, and responsibility. Instilled with awareness and risk management, your child interacts with the beautiful environment through camping under the stars, preparing his or her own food, and of course, by engaging in creative, thrilling activities.

Adventure camps typically offer a variety of flexible options, from one-week to multiweek programs. Your child will be energized and empowered by collaborative, problem-solving, and character-building activities:

-Kayaking
-Rock-climbing
-Hiking
-Biking
-Canoeing
-Rafting
-Backpacking
-Horseback Riding
…..and much more.

Adventure camp is an exciting option for the child that’s open to new experiences and enjoys hands-on, challenging and unique outdoor activities. And, as in my own story, it’s an incredible opportunity to make lasting friendships since bonding and teamwork are at the very core of the adventure experience.

Adventure at Traditional Sleepaway Camps

If your child loves adventure but equally enjoys more competitive, traditional sports, a sleepaway camp with a strong outdoor adventure program might be another attractive option. Many camps offer opportunities to take “electives,” or activities that your child can choose, and incorporate them into your child’s day-to-day schedule. This way, your child can have his cake and eat it, too.

Outdoor adventure is one of the most exciting features of camp life since it’s an opportunity to experience things you’d never be able to back at home.

Does this have your child’s name written all over it?

Contact Arlene at 1.800. 443.6428 or arlene@campspecialists.com to discuss your child’s options further or learn more about Adventure-specific camps.

Have an immediate question or comment? Share with us right here or visit our Facebook page—we’d love to hear what you think!

Why specialty camps can be a game-changer

A golf & tennis camp is a fantastic option for the child who’s passionate about one single sport. While the “traditional” camp experience offers a wide range of athletic activities, specialty golf and tennis camps allow campers a unique opportunity to focus on improving skills in the sport they’re most dedicated to.

Learn from the pros

From beginner to ranked player, trained& certified professionals provide personalized training based on your child’s needs and skills.Looking to perfect that smooth swing? Eager to serve like a champion or finally get that hole-in-one?  These camps are designed to maximize your child’s potential and take his or her talent to the next level.

Instructor-led training includes (but is not limited to):

-Skills assessment
-Tournament prep
-One-on-one instruction
-Overall fitness

While you may be unsure of how to proceed with your child’s abilities, knowledgeable staff members will offer guidance to make sure your child is constantly developing the foundation necessary for success in the game.

Fantastic facilities, flexibility, and FUN

For the child who lives and breathes the game, golf &tennis camps offer a supportive and competitive environment to realize his or her potential. Campers learn critical skills like commitment, goal-setting, and a consistent work ethic that benefit them both on and off the court. Unbeatable training facilities are designed to maximize all opportunities to improve the camper’s game.

Flexible summer session options are available to accommodate to your child’s needs. From weekly to multi-weekly intervals, you can decide on the timeframe that works best. Either way, comfortable dorm living arrangements make your child feel right at home from the moment they arrive to the second they leave.

Golf& tennis camps share the fun, exhilarating experience that “traditional” camps provide. After an exciting day of training and competition in their favorite sport, campers look forward to social evening activities with staff.

Mini-excursions and nighttime events include:

-Bowling
-Movies
-Water sports
-Beach
-Shopping
-Trivia
-Special events (Talent Night, Carnival, Trivia, & More!)

For the golf or tennis lover—or even the beginner right out of the gate—a golf & tennis camp just might be your child’s dream!

We want to know what you think. Please leave a comment on our blog!

By Morgan Kubelka

The Camp Friend Network: What You Don’t Already Know

Camp really is everything they say it is: fun, meaningful, influential, preparatory, educational, productive, athletic, liberating, social & healthy. But it’s also more.

My name is Morgan and I’m 24 years old. I am two years out of college and was a camper not too long ago. I spent seven summers at camp and loved every second of it. While I had a superficial appreciation for camp growing up, it wasn’t until now — years later — that I can truly recognize the opportunities that going to camp afforded me.

In this day and age, it’s all about who you know. Social media intertwines us all in an ever-growing web of interpersonal connections. To be “winning” in the social media game — whether through Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, you name it — you must constantly work to expand your network.

“But my kid is only 10 years old!” Yes, she is … right now. But in just a few years your child’s life will be a lot more complex than it is now. A parent can only hope that their child goes on after high school to pursue college and ultimately begin a promising career. These arenas are not the structured communities your children grew up in. Instead, they are made up of other communities, millions of them, and this eye-opener can be extraordinarily overwhelming. For that reason, we rely on our own social networks to make the world more tangible, accessible, and of course, more meaningful.

Enter The Camp Friend Network …

Unlike your child’s other networks up to this point — school, afterschool activities, programs, etc. — The Camp Friend Network is made up of friendships completely owned by your child and your child alone. While you, as a parent, help determine where your child goes to camp, you relinquish control of the camp experience as soon as your child boards the bus on his or her first day. That is not to say you cannot be in contact with your child or the camp once your son or daughter leaves (God only knows my mom had the camp director on speed dial.) I only mean to suggest that perhaps what’s most worrisome to you — separating from your child for any given length of time — is exactly what will prove to be the biggest reward for your child. There is a sense of pride in the kind of independence afforded to a young camper who is free to own the process of befriending from start to finish. Perhaps for the very first time, your child is empowered by the ability to pick and choose who they’d like to buddy up with. They are then charged with the task of cultivating this friendship through bonding activities (what camp is known for) and are free to do so in the perfect, no-pressure atmosphere of camp life.

The result? Most people who went to camp will tell you that their camp friends are some of the closest relationships they have in their lives. Spending every waking moment with the same people day after day will do that! But more than this, the camp atmosphere fosters a sense of camaraderie that simply cannot be matched by places like school where academic and social pressures overshadow all else. In camp, your friends see you with bed head, sweaty after soccer, covered in mud (often voluntarily), and without the same amenities of home to make yourself look your absolute best. You work through shared struggles together and watch each other grow up. You’ll often hear camp friends laugh and say, “you wouldn’t get it – it’s a camp thing.” And it’s this kind of bond that’s nearly impossible to break.

While my camp friends and I eventually went our separate ways, the connection between us never disappeared. Like a needle and thread, camp weaved us together inextricably and contributed to the fabric of our lives. The Network became clear when after years of sporadic talk, one of these best camp friends of mine reached out and offered to connect me to her best “home” friend who was also attending the University of Michigan in the fall. And years after that– just last week–another member of my former camp friend “group” enthusiastically offered her knowledge and connections in a career I’m looking to pursue.

It’s now over a decade since my camp days and I’m living in NYC. It just so happens that all four of my camp friends live here too. We’re back together in the same place, once again sharing fears, hopes, ambitions, and accomplishments. We might not be young tweens anymore but some things never change. And when I’m with them, these four special people that share the key to my past, I feel a little less overwhelmed by that big world outside my window. After all, The Camp Friend Network is a special club that offers you a free membership long after your camp days are over. As for me? Well, I’m a lifer.

Some kids insist on trekking off to camp with a best buddy. Others would never hear of it. So, is there a right? Is there a wrong? Absolutely! But the answer is different for each child. Attending a new camp can be intimidating for even the most confident individual. New campers are completely breaking away from their comfort zone, and it is normal for most kids feel out of sorts during the first several days. While the thought of having a built-in friend may seem comforting now, think ahead.How will your child feel once things have settled and he or she is acclimated to the new situation? Think about the possible situations that may arise, and how your camper and his or her friend might navigate these issues.

Different Families, Different Choices

“I wanted my daughter to go alone,” said Ivy Cooperman of Long Island. “I wanted Dana to have what I had: a whole separate group of camp friends.One of my best friends today is someone I went to camp with.We wouldn’t have that friendship today had we met any differently.” Prior to camp, Cooperman contacted her daughter’s camp for the name of another first-time camper in her area.The girls met beforehand and even went camp shopping together. As Cooperman said, “If nothing else, it was a familiar face on the bus. It was up to them whether they would forge a lasting friendship.”

Zach Cohen of Oceanside, NY believes he had the best of both worlds when he started camp five summers ago.”I didn’t plan to go to camp with friends he explained, but two of my friends ended up choosing the same camp. Luckily,we all agreed to bunk separately. This way, we had the comfort of a friend nearby, but also an opportunity to meet other kids.”

Arlene Streisand, director of Camp Specialists, a free camp referral service in Jericho,NY, feels it is often the parents, versus the camper, who want their child to know another person at camp. But she believes all kids go to camp with the intent of making new friends. Streisand says,”Kids experience so many special things at camp. If they are fortunate enough to bond with other campers, they will always be able to reflect back upon these experiences together.” Streisand continues, “Going with a friend from home can inhibit branching out and meeting other kids. So, it’s important to make sure the friendship is healthy and on solid ground.”

State of the Union

Prior to selecting a camp, make sure the camp’s a good fit for both kids. Friends should have parallel interests or the friendship may suffer, as one child thrives and the other may not. If you do decide to have your child attend camp and bunk together with a friend from home, think carefully about the state of this particular friendship. Consider the following:

1. Are both children new to this camp or does one friend have a history there?

2. Is this a recent or longstanding friendship?

3. Are the kids equal partners in the friendship?

4. Do friends know how to successfully work out their differences?

5. Does either child get jealous easily?

A little pre-planning goes a long way in determining how the friendship will move forward at camp. All friendships evolve. But the hope is that summer camp will add a richer and deeper dynamic to children who are already friendly in school or in their community.

So what’s the answer to the age-old question: should your child attend camp with a friend from home? The answer is, trust your instincts, think ahead and communicate the other child’s family about possible situations. Together you can decide what the right choice will be to ensure a successful summer for both campers.

We know many of you are busy scheduling camp tours and will be visiting a number of programs this summer. This is an important step in selecting a camp for your child! While you can learn a lot about a particular camp program by reviewing its marketing materials — visiting a camp will give you the true feel of the program. There are things you just have to experience to understand: the spirit, the warmth, the friendships.

Here are some topics to keep in mind when touring & evaluating potential sleep away camp programs. And feel free to bring a pen & paper with you on your visits to keep your facts & impressions straight!

Management: Keep your eyes & ears open when visiting a camp. Talk to the campers & counselors. Don’t be afraid to ask probing questions. Management style affects every aspect of the camp, from the top down. Be absolutely certain that this is a place that you and your child will be comfortable with. Sometimes this simply comes down to gut feelings.

Safety: Is there adequate supervision for the number of kids? Are kids wearing appropriate safety equipment for sports and waterfront activities? Are there water fountains throughout the camp, so kids can stay hydrated? Do activity areas have medical kits and two way radios to report accidents? Does camp have a defibrillator, in case of a medical emergency? Is there always a physician & nurses on the premises?

Programs: Will the programs satisfy your child’s interests? Are activities taught by professionals with adequate training? Does the camp emphasize cooperation, versus competition? Are there elective activity periods, if that is something your child would like?

Facilities: Is there a lake or a pool? Are facilities well maintained? Are sports fields and walkways in good condition? What is the condition of the bunks & bathrooms? Are bunks equipped with working smoke detectors & fire extinguishers?

Location: Are you and your child comfortable with the location of the camp and it’s proximity to home? Is the camp too remote? If your child has a chronic medical condition, such as asthma, is there a major medical facility in the area?

Value: Regardless of cost, is the camp providing a good value for the tuition paid? Find out if there are any “extra charges” you should expect, such as canteen, trips, extra fees for horseback riding or tennis lessons, uniform costs.

Staff: Where do counselors come from and what is their average age? How are counselors recruited and interviewed? Does camp do background checks? Is there a nightly curfew for staff, to ensure counselors get ample sleep? Is there adequate time off, so counselors are not overworked? (Being a counselor is a rewarding job, but can be exhausting!) What is the staff to camper ratio? What is staff return rate?  What is the “chain of command” at camp? Remember, happy counselors make for happy campers!

Food: Does dining area look clean? Is it cafeteria style or waiter service? Are there healthy selections provided for each meal? How are picky eaters accommodated? How does the camp manage dangerous food allergies and special diets?

Camper Population: Do campers look happy? Are there many kids attending in your child’s age group? Do most kids stay for whole summer or partial sessions? Do these seem like kids your child can relate to and befriend?

Emotional Needs: How is homesickness handled? Is camp sensitive to special needs your child may have? Does camp have anti-bullying program in place? The camp you choose should be able to accommodate all your child’s needs, both physical and emotional.

Any additional questions or concerns? We are here to help! Please don’t hesitate to give Camp Specialists a call!

So camp is now less then 60 days away!!! The excitement and anxiety are setting in for my daughter who is about to embark on her first summer away — especially because she is going it alone.

I asked the camp directors for some names and numbers of  a few ‘new’ girls that live locally, so that I could hook her up with some friends before camp starts. This way she will feel comfortable and will have a familiar face or two at the bus stop.  Some camps have new camper get togethers or ‘meet-ups’. But my camp does not, so I was on my own here and looking to arrange something for my daughter, a camp blind date of sorts.

I emailed one of the moms that the camp directed me to. After exchanging several emails, we were are all set, until two days before when the mom emailed me to reschedule. Uh-oh! How do I explain this one to my very excited 8 year old ?  I scrambled to set something else up because she was disappointed. After all she was looking forward to this and now she has to wait a whole month to meet her new ‘campie’.  Through some networking on my part I found another first-timer in the area going to  the same camp…phew! So I began emailing with the mom and it turned out she was hosting a  little get together for some girls in two weeks. Awesome!

My daughter got dressed that morning and redressed — because of course she wanted to look her best. After all doesn’t everyone want to look good on a ‘first-date? She was nervously optimistic. We got to the girl’s house and after the mom and I chit-chatted for a few minutes, our girls were locked in stares, no words exchanged. Awkward!

The next girl came in and the mood started to loosen up a bit. Then one more girl arrived who was a returning camper. It was time to break out the token camp gifts I brought for the girls (hair bands that say ‘camp’ on them)  and some bonding began. A craft project by the hosting mom sealed the deal. Things were really rolling now, so the moms excused themselves so the girls could have lunch and get better acquainted. The hosting mom invited us other moms to leave and to check in later. Breathe!

An hour-and-a-half had gone by when I got a call from the hosting mom telling  me things are going great and that the girls would all like to stay another couple of hours, if that’s OK. Of course, I’m delighted! When I came to pick up my daughter, the four ‘campies’ were actually putting on a show. We practically had to drag them out. All hugged good-bye and they were already arranging date number two. The whole ride home my daughter chatted about her new camp friends and how she couldn’t wait for camp to start…’Mommy,  61 days till CAMP’. And she immediately got on the phone with one of the girls when she arrived home, gabbing away.  Relief!

I would say that what started out as some butterflies about meeting some new faces quickly turned into sheer anticipation of the next time they meet again… Success! : )

To learn more from a mom who knows about

CHOOSING THE RIGHT CAMP FOR YOUR CHILD CONTACT…

Erica Siegmann (Mother & ‘Camp Specialist’)
EricaS@Campspecialists.com or 917-734-8679

Although, getting prepared for camp and the ‘camp outfitter appointment’ can be fun and exciting, it can also be overwhelming and exhausting! Those of you who have been through it can probably commiserate.

So I am here to share some helpful and motherly advice — to make your experience as stress free (and dare I say fun) as possible. For those of you about to embark on this for the first-time, here are my tips:

Be Prepared, Be Organized! I think as a mother this goes without saying. But it is especially important going into your camp outfitter appointment.

Make sure you have your camp’s packing list with you and that you have marked off what you already have – as well as what you may want to purchase at a less-expensive, “big-box” type of store. Remember, many items never make it back from camp. Socks, towels and bathing suits are prone to mysterious disappearances. So be smart about what you choose to spend your money on. Also, you may not need everything on the list, as some items are optional.

Book your camp appointment early 2-3 months before bags are being picked up. Give yourself ample time to make changes in your order. Leave plenty of time to label and don’t forget to ask about ‘free’ name taping services. Many camp outfitters offer this service when you spend over certain amount.

Allow your camper enough time at the scheduled appointment You will need 2-3 hours per camper … especially important for first timers. I know that seems like a long time but, trust me, your child will need time to try on clothing/shoes etc. And if possible, try to book the appointment at a time of day that your child doesn’t tend to get easily tired or distracted.

Feed your child before your appointment and pack a snack Remember these appointments can take up to 3 hours, (especially for first timers). A hungry child (or parent) makes for a cranky/bad experience. So bring something along to keep your child (and yourself) going.

Preview before your appointment (and you can/should say NO!) If an item does not look or feel “right” to you in the eleventh hour, don’t feel obligated to take it.

Save Coupons, Seek Out Deals Yes, clip, snip and SAVE! We all know camp is expensive and camp shopping is no exception. So why not save yourself some money by using coupons where you can?

You should also look for sales during the off-season. For instance, during August a lot of stores sell off camp merchandise they have left over and — trust me — it really is the same year after year. August is a great time to purchase towels, comforters and bunk junk for the following summer. You can save up to half off of regular prices. Come the following spring, you will be thrilled you had the foresight to make these advance purchases.

Also, get on your camp’s uniform company’s email list. They usually run promotional sales to entice families to purchase during the off-season. Also a great time to stock up!

In the end, we all know how enticing it can be to go into the store and see all those camp ‘goodies’ — so be prepared to hear ‘I need/want’ from your child. Some special ‘Bunk Junk’ and extras to make your camper feel excited when they get to camp is a good idea. Just don’t get caught up in the camp buying hoopla, or you will surely feel the pain when your credit card statement arrives!

Hopefully shopping with your camper will be a ‘fun’ experience. Whether they are going off to uniform camp or not, there are many choices out there! So remember these tips to help you out and HAPPY SHOPPING!  : )

FOR MORE HELPFUL HINTS AND TO GET MORE INFORMATION ON CHOOSING THE RIGHT CAMP FOR YOUR CHILD CONTACT …

Erica Siegmann (Mother & ‘Camp Specialist’)
EricaS@Campspecialists.com
917-734-8679
800-443-6428