Ask A Counselor: Camp Dos & Don’ts For Parents

Nowadays, kids don’t just go to school. When the school bell rings, they are shuttled to afterschool programs, tutoring centers, clubs, sports, dance and music classes, and more. And when school lets out for the summer, they go to day and sleepaway camps. Benjamin Berk has worked in all of these, as a Little League coach, a tutor, summer camp and afterschool counselor, and babysitter. With the time he has spent in these roles, he is here to offer the caregiver’s perspective to parents with questions about these programs.

New York City affords parents a myriad of options for summer camps for their children. There are tennis and soccer camps for the athletically inclined, piano and band camps for the next generation of virtuosos, and even space camp for star gazers. Kids can be on their own for a month at sleepaway camps, or get to tell mom and dad what they did every night after day camps.camp istock

To make the camp experience as enjoyable as possible for their children, here are some things that counselors wish parents knew as they sign their kids up for camp, bring them in for orientation, and then drop them off for their first day.

DO make sure your child has all the proper tools. A near-universal tenet of summer camps is that kids learn to socialize and bond with their peers. Science camp isn’t just making things boil and bubble; it’s about meeting other kids who have memorized the entire Periodic Table! For kids to take advantage of these opportunities, they must have the tools to participate. The camp will always tell you if you need to pack something specific. Sleepaway camps will almost always send out a list of recommended and/or mandatory items for you to pack for your children. This can range from practical (sneakers for hiking or sunscreen for my fellow redheads) to camp-specific (if your child is going to an advanced violin camp, it might be wise to pack his violin). Follow that list or else your child might end up missing out on some awesome parts of camp.

DO NOT send your children to camp with banned items. Jimmy loves Twix bars and Katie is proud of her Pokémon cards, but if the camp asks kids not to bring these things, do not pack them! There is a reason we set out certain rules, and they are always about keeping all of the children safe, reducing needless arguments and creating the best camp experience. If they say no candy, they mean it; your son having chocolate makes other kids want chocolate and fights break out. This is especially true for cell phones – it is understood that you want to keep in touch, but if they have a phone, kids will spent the day texting and playing games instead of participating in camp. Be a model for your children on how to follow the rules, and they will benefit greatly.

DO communicate with staff. You would be surprised how many small issues can be avoided simply by the camp or parent keeping the other informed about the child. Camps do their best to communicate with parents and they expect you to do the same. This isn’t just about the obvious things, like allergies. I’ve had a camper that was deathly afraid of most movies; even Disney and Pixar films. Her mom let us know, and whenever we watched a movie that wasn’t on the mom’s preapproved list, we made sure that the camper had an alternative activity and we easily avoided tears and tantrums. The best way you can ensure your son or daughter has the best experience is to give the staff the information they need to create that experience.

DO NOT draw out goodbyes and get blubbery. Separation anxiety is a large obstacle for younger children to overcome, and it’s made doubly difficult if mom and dad refuse to let go! You would never send your child to a camp that you felt was unsafe or unfit; let us prove how right you are. This is especially true for sleepaway camps, which can often be the first time that children spend the night away from family. There might be tears when you say goodbye – but the most important thing is making sure your child is okay. If you start sobbing, they won’t want to leave. Make sure they know you love them (as if there was any doubt) then pass them into our hands. Trust us to take care of your children, and you’ll get to watch them blossom.

DO be prepared for your child to be apprehensive at first. Especially for younger kids, camp can be a bit scary because it’s new. Just like a new school, job or home, you need to get through that initial state of nerves to enjoy it. So if you get a letter home after one week begging you to pick them up, please refrain. If your child were legitimately unhappy, the camp would contact you and work on a plan. Let us help him settle in and you’ll find him begging to come back next year.

DO NOT promise that they won’t have to do anything they don’t want to. Summer camp is all about trying new things. No camp will force a child to do something they are truly against, but staff want to help children break out of their comfort zones. Maybe that means touching a scaly snake, riding a zip line down a mountain, or even just floating on their backs in the pool. Whatever it is, your child will be better off having done it. Even if they don’t like it, it will be a great story to share at school in the fall.

Summer camp is often a trove of treasured memories for teens and adults. By following these tips, you can help the next generation of campers create amazing memories of their own.

For more information on picking a great summer camp, check out our 2016 Ultimate Guide to Summer Camp.

Have a question for Ben? Ask the Counselor by emailing [email protected]!

Relevant Directory Listings

See More

Snapology

<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="gmail_default"><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Get ready for the best summer ever! Snapology uses LEGO® bricks, K’Nex, and technology to teach children about Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math (STEAM) - . Your kids can participate in camps and activities designed to build confidence and make learning fun.  While the kids are having fun with familiar themes, toys, laptops and iPads, we sneak in the learning! </span></div> </blockquote> <div> <div class="gmail_default"><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div> </div> </blockquote> <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="gmail_default"><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">WHAT MAKES OUR CAMP UNIQUE?</span></div> </blockquote> <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="gmail_default"><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div> </blockquote> <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="gmail_default"><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Build Confidence with Hands-On Learning</span></div> </blockquote> <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="gmail_default"><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Snapology offers a variety of programs designed to reinforce core competencies and curricula being taught at each grade level. Our programs can be customized based on the # of children, age of children, time allotment and/or other special requirements. We adapt to your goals and objectives.</span></div> </blockquote> </blockquote> <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="gmail_default"><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div> </blockquote> <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="gmail_default"><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Social Skill Development</span></div> </blockquote> <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="gmail_default"> <div><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Snapology’s flexible curriculum allows teachers to adapt to the needs of each unique group of students while allowing children to progress and explore at their own pace. The curriculum is designed to benefit all students - gifted, traditional, and non-typical learners.</span></div> <div><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div> </div> </blockquote> <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="gmail_default"><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Certified Educators</span></div> </blockquote> <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="gmail_default"> <div><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">All Snapology Teachers hold current Teaching Certifications and promote the creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while educating students on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math).</span></div> <div><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div> </div> </blockquote> <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="gmail_default"><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Small Groups</span></div> </blockquote> <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="gmail_default"> <div><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">1:6 teacher to student ratio. Smaller intentional camps for more engagement and personalized experiences </span></div> <div><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div> </div> </blockquote> <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="gmail_default"><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Updates via Class Dojo</span></div> </blockquote> <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"> <div class="gmail_default"> <div><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">During camp days, Class Dojo is used to update caregivers on how their child is adapting throughout the day. Message the camp leaders directly and request updates, photos, and videos, accordingly!</span></div> <div><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div> <div><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Demand for small format camps is high and capacity is limited so don't delay. Enroll your child today!</span></div> </div> </blockquote> </blockquote>

Beth Sholom Day Camp

<p>Beth Sholom Day Camp, located in Roslyn Heights, NY is a Summer Camp for children aged 3-15 years old, serving Nassau & Queens. Their program encourages children to try new activities, build friendships and develop skills in a safe and nurturing environment. Activities include music, dance, drama, arts and crafts, karate, as well as outdoor sports, an adventure park, and pedal go-karts.  American Red Cross swim instruction is offered in their three heated pools. This summer, camp will be 8 weeks long with a scheduled start date of June 28th through August 22nd. A minimum of 4 weeks is required. For summer 2023, their program includes a hot Glatt Kosher lunch, an afternoon snack, door to door, air-conditioned bus transportation and New for 2023 - Towel Service!<br /> <br />BSDC offers full- and mini-day nursery programs. Fifth-eighth graders participate in a camp and trip program. They also have a C.I.T. program for 9th and 10th graders. Their camp staff implements an engaging curriculum, with intentional games as well as age-appropriate activities. Beth Sholom Day Camp pride themselves in their ability to know each child as an individual and facilitate positive relationships through team building and group activities. They are proud to offer a dynamic summer experience where children can play, learn, and grow.</p>

The Coding Space

<p>The Coding Space is on a mission to help kids develop computational thinking skills, intellectual confidence, self-expression, and independence through learning to code. Our virtual Spring 2021 group classes balance screen time with opportunities to create and explore at home. Students make new friends while experiencing our signature 4:1 student-to-teacher ratio, playing games, and tackling self-paced coding projects. With full- and half-semester registration options as well as after-school, evening, and weekend classes, The Coding Space offers convenient engagement and education for kids.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Just for New York Family subscribers: get 10% off* any class registration with promo code: NYF10.</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><em>*Terms and conditions apply.</em></p>