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Summer Camp

7 Reasons to Extend Your Child's Camp Experience

Whether your child has been at summer camp for a short time or for several weeks, they are likely adjusting to a new routine, learning other campers’ names and making friends, and becoming immersed in the camp culture. There’s still ...

By: Mollie Shauger | Jul 18, 2019

Summer Camp

How to Talk to Your Kids About Their Summer Camp

Asking a child to tell you about their day at summer camp is a lot like asking them to describe their day at school. “It was good,” or “It was fun,” are the typical responses. But what did they do that made it so fun? ...

By: Mollie Shauger | Jul 15, 2019

Summer Camp

Tips for Combating Homesickness at Camp

The first time away from home can be scary for any child. Sleeping in a different bed, eating different food and going without the usual conveniences of home takes some getting used to. It’s normal for kids to feel homesick when they’re ...

By: Mollie Shauger | Jul 02, 2019

Summer Camp

How Summer Camp Keeps Kids Learning

Did you know that most students lose two months of math skills every summer, and low-income children typically lose another two to three months of reading skills? That’s according to the National Summer Learning Association, which has studied ...

By: Mollie Shauger | Jun 28, 2019

Summer Camp

How Children Benefit from Being Outdoors

One of the great things about summer camp is that kids get a chance to be outside, get dirty and learn about the natural world. When kids are outdoors they are learning, being active and improving their health in a variety of ways. Here’s a ...

By: Mollie Shauger | Jun 27, 2019

Summer Camp

The Value of an ACA-Accredited Camp

Choosing a summer camp is not always an easy decision for families. Brochures and flyers will advertise glowing details about all the great experiences your child will have. Some camps will publicize the fact that they are accredited by the ...

By: Mollie Shauger | Jun 25, 2019

Summer Camp

Campers with Allergies: What to Ask the Director

There are extra considerations families have to make when deciding if summer camp will be a safe place for their child with allergies. Camp directors at the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges say allergies and the ability of staff to administer ...

By: Mollie Shauger | Jun 24, 2019

Summer Camp

Why Summer Camp Naturally Builds Friendships

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.

By: Mollie Shauger | Jun 24, 2019

Summer Camp

Tips For Dealing With Camp Anxieties

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.

By: Mollie Shauger | Jun 21, 2019

Summer Camp

Here’s Why Summer Camp is Great for Children

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.

By: Mollie Shauger | Jun 20, 2019

Summer Camp

How To Tell If Your Child Is Ready For 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?

By: Mollie Shauger | Jun 18, 2019