Happy Campers

Snow may be covering the sidewalks, but believe it or not,
this is the time to start thinking about summer camp for your child. To get the
wheels turning, we offer up our recent camp guide, which includes articles on
everything from budgeting and packing to camp trends and curbing homesickness:

Five Notable Camp Trends: While many traditions remain the
same, camps have been adding new programs to fit the needs and interests of
today’s children. (Get ready for some community service, campers!) —

It’s A Match!: Finding the right camp for your
child is all about getting the “feel” of a camp. Plus, how to solve the dilemma of
“traditional camps” vs. “specialty camps.”

The Bill: If you want to send your child to camp but the costs seem
prohibitive, don’t give it up. There are lots of ways to make it work—including
camp scholarships and personal fundraisers.

Ready Or Not?: Homesickness is a natural and expected part of camp, but
there are many things a parent can do to ready a child for their first big
separation.

The School Of Life: Camp is fun, but it’s also an immersive education in sundry
activities, not least of which is getting along with others and growing
up. Plus, the reasons why camp spawns special, often life-long
friendships.

There Is No Place Like Camp: A noted camp director shares some of his favorite
anecdotes.

The Big Pack: Getting together everything you’ll need for camp is not a
last-minute chore. This list will not only get one started, it’ll give a parent
and child something to bond over. —

Plus, if
you’re looking for an accredited day camp or resident camp for your child, the
American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey is a great
place to begin your search. In fact, New York Family and the ACA, NY and NJ
co-sponsor the city’s largest and most popular series of camp fairs, which you
can read about and sign up for at newyorkfamilycamps.com (there are even fairs
this weekend Downtown and in Park Slope!).

Photo: A happy camper at the 92nd Street Y Day Camp.