Blog - Summer Camp

For many, summer camp will be filled with new activities in a new environment. Some children handle this fine, while others take time to adjust. So how do you know that your child is ready to experience camp for the first time?

Throughout the winter and spring, families can learn about the variety of summer camps offered at the West Essex YMCA. 

If your child attended camp last year and can’t stop talking about it, or if they want to try out a new camp, reserving a spot early can help ensure they have a great experience at an affordable price for your family.

Let’s face it: Camp life isn’t exactly like home life. So how do you help your camper retain the great habits and skills they’ve developed at camp as they readjust to life at home and school? 

There’s still more summer to come and if you’re rethinking the length of your child's camp experience, here are some reasons to consider extending it. 

Parents can help their kids process their camp experiences by listening to their stories, looking at photos together and asking thoughtful questions. When asking questions, make them specifically about camp. Here are some examples.

It’s normal for kids to feel homesick when they’re going to summer camp, especially if it’s the first time. It’s also normal for parents to worry about their kids while they’re away. Here are some steps families can take to prevent homesickness.

Here’s how camp can help children and teens retain the knowledge and skills they need for school over the summer break.

When kids are outdoors they are learning, being active and improving their health in a variety of ways. Here’s a look at how nature can benefit children of all ages.

Here's what it means for a camp to be accredited by the American Camp Association and why it matters. 

For families who have a child with an allergy, here are some questions to ask the director when considering camp.

Summer camp is an opportunity for kids to have the time of their lives while making new friends or reconnecting with old ones. Here’s how camp can foster new relationships.

The Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges offers some advice for managing your camper’s anxiety and fears (and your own) - with additional tips from the American Camp Association, American Psychological Association and Child Mind Institute.

Summer camp is an American tradition, and millions of children attend some form of camp each year. Camp gives children a chance to grow in a multitude of ways, and is a great chance for children to develop life skills that they can practice long after the camp concludes.