Summer day camps....

[kimwim8]

What should I be looking for? I know I need one with hours that work around my work schedule, but what else?

Anyone in South Jersey with any experiences at any camps?

Any experiences or help is very much appreciated!!!

 

[mickeyboat]

Our town runs a program during the summer. My kids go to a home day care, but will be spending half days at the program this summer. I still have to pay for full-time care at the day care, but the kids need more activity than she can provide, and they will have a blast at the program.

Does your local Y have a day camp?

Denae

 

[clarabelle]

No Jersey experience here.
But -ask them about TV. My kids went to one where it rained a lot so they would put a movie in the VCR wayyy too much.
Ask them about rainy day activities.
Our Y and our J (Jewish community center) both have day camps.
Also girl scouts (don't have to be a scout) and big churches (of course it will have a religious nature) have day camps.

 

[tkd lisa]

I did a search on epinions when I was looking for camps. It did have some good info.

 

[debster812]

DS is getting ready for his 3rd summer at our local Y Day Camp. He's excited because he'll turn 9 before the first session, and that makes him eligible for some of the 'specialty camps' (Extreme Sports, Horseback, Drama, etc).

We've been thrilled with his experience.

You want to look for:

Low counselor to camper ratio
Good, solid plan for rainy days
Emergency Plan (similar to school lockdowns and evacs)
Are some counselors trained in upper level first aid (1st Responder or better). Our camp actually has an RN on site, all day.
Good mix of activities. Last year their days were a combination of: arts and crafts, sports, new games, swim lesson, free swim, 2 rope climbing sessions, nature, and one free time. Plus 45 for lunch, in the shade.

 

[Blueeyes101817]

if u come just a tad bit north in jersey,,,,your kids could be in my class haha...

Check out if they will have specific lesson plans.
Teacher/camper ratio.
any field trips or special days.
Check on policy for health-if the kids sick, etc..

ill think of more and let you know

 

[kimwim8]

The camp I think I'm most excited about is held at Stockton college. It's run by Future Stars Camp. It's a lot of money, but it looks like they are kept busy and lots of indoor things to do in the event of rain. I used to go to that college, so I know the campus layout. There is also an indoor pool, and swimming lessons are a scheduled part of every day.

The only other one I'm considering, and looking into is the one run by our township. I believe it's held in the community center. I remember reading a little about it last spring, but wasn't in need of camp at that time.

I honestly don't think we have a "Y" anywhere near us. I know there is a "J", but that's about a 30 minute ride and totally the opposite way of my job.

Thanks everyone for your input!

 

[kimwim8]

if u come just a tad bit north in jersey,,,,your kids could be in my class haha...

How about I just hire YOU to come to my house & watch my kids all summer??? I bet I could pay you the same as the Stockton camp for personalized attention!!!

 

[Strawberry Lemonade]

The American Camp Association has a Camp Planner in their Parents section with info on day camps and what to look for. You can also do a search for camps in the area, but they only list camps that are accredited through their organization.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

My youngest son will go to a camp that is run by our local community. They have 4 different camps--the youngest starts at about 4yo and is only mornings, 5 days a week. All kinds of activities, water play, swim lessons, arts/crafts and no field trips. The next is for I think 6-7yo, I think. That's where my 6yo will be this summer. The hours are about 9-2 (maybe until 3) M-F. Then there is a camp for I think 8-11yo's and one for teens. The 6-7yo camp does go on field trips and so do the older kid camps.

We're very happy with the community camps, especially for the young kids. They do normal camp activities and have a lot of fun. When he's a little older we'll look at more specialized camps, depending on his interests. My older kids have done camps that specialized in baseball, basketball, space, arts and crafts, horseback, etc, etc. There are camps for about every interest. But for the little guys something simple where fun is the only goal is good.

 

[debster812]

Oooh--you know what else I just thought of:

Before DS went to the Y, he spent 2 summers at his Day Care Center. They shift gears and have what they call "Fun Fest". Not as structured, field trips, water play, etc. Maybe if there are some bigger day cares (Centers, national chain types) near you, check them out.

 

[kimwim8]

Oooh--you know what else I just thought of:

Before DS went to the Y, he spent 2 summers at his Day Care Center. They shift gears and have what they call "Fun Fest". Not as structured, field trips, water play, etc. Maybe if there are some bigger day cares (Centers, national chain types) near you, check them out.

Thanks for coming back Debbie!

I appreciate all the help you all are giving!

 

[LBAK]

Try to get a camp that's accredited by the American Camping Association. They have definite guidelines that they have to abide by. Make sure there's a registered nurse on staff at all times, Certified lifeguards are a must. Ask to look a a samples of the hot and cold lunch menu's. Find out if there's door to door transportation and make sure there's a bus counselor on the bus. Ask the director what the counselor's experience is. Here in Long Island most of the counselor's are certified teachers who want extra money for the summer. It's not necessary but it helps. I'd rather have a teacher for my kids counselor then an 18yo. Check out the camp for cleanliness, safety, look over the playground , ask to see a sample of a daily schedule. Hope this helps.

 

[BeNJeNWaFFLe]

My mom used to make me and my brother go to a day camp over the summer. It was run by the town and held in a high school. Any child in K-5th grade could attend, price was minimal, and it ran from like 9-1. You did things like play soccer, baseball, arts and crafts and had a snack time. Sometimes you would be scheduled to go to the really cool playground, that was always a treat. And on rainy days you stayed in the gym and played knock hockey or basketball. It was fun and kept us busy. Except when it was 100* outside and you had to play soccer. Check with your local Y or the town and see if they offer something for children in the town. Ours was not the most advanced in the ways of summer camp but it kept the kids busy for a few hours everyday. You played sports, socialized with other kids and were kept out of your parents hair for the day.

 

[Evil Princess]

I second the http://www.acacamps.org/ website.

I worked at a camp this summer that is recognized by the ACA.

Actually, I've worked there as a counselor for 3 summers and went to camp there for about 8 years. I LOVED my daycamp. Obviously I still do, if I'm working there at the age of 20 (took a few years off inbetween to earn some actual money for a car). I had the best summers of my life there, my two younger siblings also attended.

If you have any general summer camp questions, let me know. Some camps can vary tremendously by what they offer.