Month: November 2024

Originally posted April 2023

Children who spend time at camp each summer show self-confidence, resilience and independence out in the “real world”. Within the camp environment, children are willing to take risks, which is what leads to them developing these critical skills.

Why/how does this happen?

• Camp creates an environment where children feel safe, loved and supported.

• We switch from “Try this, do that!” to “Let’s all try this together!”

  • Positive peer pressure under the supervision of well-trained staff = children trying new things without even thinking about it.

• We provide language for a child to say, “I’m not comfortable with or ready for that yet.”

  • Our staff models this language and the empathy that must be shown when someone decides they aren’t quite ready to climb the wall or go down the zip line.

• We congratulate those who accomplish their goals AND those who show resilience in trying to reach a goal, even if they haven’t quite gotten there yet.

• In other environments children have often decided the answer is NO before they hear the question.

  • At camp they are excited to have new opportunities presented from different voices.

• Children observe other children overcome fears right before their eyes and see that this transformation is possible.

• Camp is focused on the social, emotional & physical growth of a child; this is what we care about above all.

• Camp provides intentional but also natural opportunities for children to practice and build these skills.

What does it look like in the “real world”?

• A child volunteers to play goalie or speaks up to say they DON’T want to be goalie when asked, instead of just agreeing to avoid conflict.

• A child who is usually very quiet in class decides to run for a student government position.

• A child who wouldn’t go near the pool before summer began is at grandma’s house pulling their parent’s hand towards the pool so they can be the first one in.

• A child visits an amusement park and surprises their parent by being comfortable trying a scary ride.

• A child who used to shy away from character appearances at parties/theme parks now runs to the character to give a high five or is at least willing to stay in the same room as the character.

• A child comes home from the first day of school talking about making friends for the first time on the first day.

• A child enters a “drop off” birthday party or event with no hesitation for the first time.

These are just a few of the examples reported back to camp leadership from year to year. What has your child done out in the “real world” that was influenced by building self confidence, independence and resilience at camp?

Hello camp families!! It’s been two years since I wrote about my family’s introduction to sleepaway camp (Wow! Time flies!) and how we knew it was the right time to send them. Last I wrote (scroll down for original blog), my two older children were preparing to go to Camp Walt Whitman in New Hampshire. One for four weeks and the other for seven weeks. They were of course nervous, but the camp hosted some off-season gatherings to get them excited, break the ice and to meet other camp families.

I am happy to report that their first summer away was a huge success and they of course wanted to return. They came home with tons of new camp friends, new experiences to share, and best of all- self-growth and much needed independence!!  They both wanted to go back for the full summer and they even convinced my youngest to give it a shot for 4 weeks.

My little one is a home body and enjoyed his previous summer without siblings. He had mom and dad all to himself…was he really going to give that up to sleep in a cabin with 9 strangers? Yes! He did!! Summer 2024 he did a four-week session and absolutely loved every minute of it. He cried his eyes out the day he had to leave and come back home. Thankfully, he came right back to his Shibley family that immediately embraced him for the second half of the summer.   

My three children have very different personalities. We chose a co-ed camp so they would all be in the same place but still expect and encourage them to have their own experiences. That’s exactly what happened and they can’t wait to get back to camp for summer 2025. It’s a win/win for the entire family. My husband and I know our kids are busy and active, learning new life skills, having fun, staying off screens and being safe. And the kids are having a blast without any worries or noise from the outside world. It’s just pure joy every day.  

We are well into the school year but there is not a day that goes by that there is no mention of camp. Whether it’s a text from a bunk chat, a picture that pops up on Instagram or the clothing that they are wearing (they have a large Walt Whitman wardrobe/and awesome camp jibbitz), camp is always on their minds and in their hearts!!  

If you are considering a sleepaway camp for your child but you are not sure where to start-give me a call at camp!

ORIGINAL BLOG BELOW POSTED 10/22

I am a camp person. I have been my entire life. I started at day camp when I was three, then I was off to sleep away camp at age 8 and I stayed there through the age of 16. As soon as I was old enough, I became a counselor at a sleep away camp. After a short stint in the corporate world, I made my way back to day camp by way of Shibley! On the complete opposite end of the spectrum is my husband. He never went to camp. He spent his summers hanging out with friends and family. When he was old enough, he spent time at his father’s shop to learn the business. He didn’t know what camp was all about until he met me.

Early on in our relationship I planted the seed of our kids going to day camp and also one day going away to sleepaway camp. I mean, that’s just what you do…when it’s time, you send your kids to sleep away camp, no questions asked, right? Well, not according to him. “What do you mean you want to send our children away for the summer? We had kids so that we could do things with them, not to send them away!!!” He and I clearly had two different points of view.

I introduced my husband to camp life when our oldest was in nursery school. Our children started at their pre-school camp, moved on to the town camp and then when the oldest was entering 2^nd grade it was time for “real camp”, so we toured a few and chose Shibley for all three children ranging in ages from 3-years-old to 7-years-old. I also signed on as a group leader. This was a completely new world for my husband as he had never seen anything like this. It wasn’t just the incredible facility or awesome activities that caught him by surprise, but how the children were making friends, trying new things and displaying independence and confidence that he hadn’t seen before.

There is no way that we would be able to give them this type of experience on our own. Camp is focused on building skills that schools do not teach. The impact in just the first summer was huge. Camp helped our children to ease into the upcoming school year feeling great about who they are and feeling confident to take on any challenges that the school year may bring.

As the children got older, I would always talk about sleepaway camp as an option and my husband would always have the same response…” No! Why would I send my kids away? I will miss them too much.” But this is not about us, this is about them and what they will get out of the experience. Lucky for me, Shibley offers the perfect introduction to the sleepaway camp experience with our annual sleep away week to Club Getaway. The trip is run during the summer and attended by Shibley campers and staff who spend the first few weeks together at Shibley, getting to know each other. It was a perfect introduction for my 8-year-old and 9-year-old who had both expressed interest in going away. They were nervous but excited! We sent them off on Monday and they returned on Friday asking for more! I knew it was time…

In the Fall we started to talk about plans for summer. Over the holidays we spent time with family and the kids got to see their cousins who had just finished up their summer at sleepaway camp. Our oldest went right up to my husband and said “I think I want to go to sleepaway camp. I think I’m ready”.  This was something that my son had thought about and it was his decision. My husband couldn’t say no.

Luckily for us Shibley is affiliated with some of the best sleepaway camps in the country. There are single gender camps, co-ed camps, full summer camps and camps with shorter sessions. Each is unique, has its own “vibe” and program offerings. We ultimately picked a co-ed camp with full summer and session options so that the children could all go together and ease into the experience, if necessary. My daughter was not quite ready to spend an entire summer away from Shibley so she attended for 4 weeks and returned to Shibley for 4 weeks as well. My son spent the full summer (7 weeks, eeeek!!) at sleepaway camp. They will both be returning for summer 2024 and my youngest will be joining them for at least 4 weeks.

I am happy to discuss our camps and why it was so important to us to provide this experience for our children. Reach out any time – hayley@shibleydaycamp.com or 516 621 8777.

SHIBLEY SHIBLEY!

Read more about our camps:  https://www.shibleydaycamp.com/thinking-about-sleepaway-camp/

Sleepaway Savings Account Info: https://www.shibleydaycamp.com/summer-camp/sleepaway-camp-savings-account/

 

Featured Article in Forest Hills Living

Camp directors are out promoting SUMMER camp at camp fairs, school events, community events and other family friendly venues already…but why do we start so early?

Of course, it is to our advantage for planning and budgeting purposes, but it is also to YOUR advantage as a parent to think about your child’s summer plans early on.

Campers Acclimate to Camp Staff and the Camp Property

Camps tend to host events throughout the year for their campers and prospective campers to attend. Some camps host these events on the camp property, and others will take over bowling alleys, arcades, etc. to hold camp reunions and open houses.

Each time the camper steps on the campgrounds or interacts with a veteran staff member, they are taking one step closer to a smooth transition on day one. It is extremely valuable for the child to know and recognize what the camp looks like, where their bunk or meeting area is and who they can ask for help when they need it.

Parents/Guardians and Camp Leadership Build Relationships

It is important that parents/guardians have complete trust in the camp staff responsible for keeping their children safe. Off-season events are excellent opportunities to meet veteran camp staff and leadership in-person and observe how they interact with your children. These interactions will reinforce your choice of program.

Enrolling early also allows you to complete camper profiles and medical information as soon as they are released by the camp. This gives camp leadership and the health care team time to read forms thoroughly and reach out to gather more information, as necessary.

Get a Head Start on Swimming

Camps that offer swimming will open or have access to their pools a few weeks before camp begins for training and inspections. Some will also offer pre-camp lessons on weekends so children who are new to swimming or nervous or just eager to improve their swimming skills can swim with camp lifeguards before camp begins.

Early Bird & Sibling Discounts

It is common for camps and summer programs to offer early bird discounts. Depending on the program, time of enrollment and age of children, camps can offer savings of up to $1000 or more per child. It is also typical for camps to offer discounts if multiple siblings attend. A later sign-up may mean one age group is available, but a second or third child’s age group may already be sold out.

Space is Limited

Many top-quality camps and summer programs sell out immediately upon opening registration or shortly after new families are invited to enroll. The demand is high, and families will recommend their favorite programs to their close friends leaving little room for new families to grab a spot for their child. Do your research now so if enrollment is not already open, you know when it will begin, and you do not miss out on your program of choice.

The more time you and your child can spend within the camp environment and around the camp staff before summer, the more prepared they (and you) will be for opening day.

We are lucky to be affiliated with some of the BEST sleepaway camps around!  We have co-ed or single gender; full season, half season or shorter; and traditional or specialty.  Please reach out directly to each camp OR let us know which you are interested in and we are happy to make introductions to those camps’ directors. We are also happy to discuss which camps might be the best fit for your family! We love to talk about camp!

We offer special discounts for the first summer at a CampGroup camp based on how long you have been at Shibley: CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO.

How do we know when our children are ready for sleepaway?
CLICK TO READ SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT THIS TOPIC FROM HAYLEY.

Camp Akeela – Thetford Center, Vermont

Camp Akeela is a co-ed, overnight camp in Vermont where “quirky” kids thrive! Within a well-rounded and traditional camp program, we focus on the social growth of campers, many of whom have been diagnosed with ASD, AD/HD, 2e or a similar neurodivergent profile. Akeela is an intentional community that values and celebrates each child and staff member. Campers make life-long friends, develop self-confidence, achieve independence, and leave camp with lasting memories filled with fun and spirit.

866-680-4744

info@campakeela.com

campakeela.com

Berkshire United Sports Camp – Sheffield, Massachusetts

Berkshire United Sports Camp provides a high-level sports-centric experience for male and female athletes focusing on individual skill and athletic development. We provide both one-week and two-week camp experiences for campers having completed 4th through 10th grades. Campers can choose to focus on Ice Hockey, Field Hockey, Lacrosse, Volleyball, Golf or Soccer. Male and female athletes concentrate on one primary sport of their choice. They will receive premier skill-focused coaching delivered by experienced professionals.

We offer flexible one-week and two-week options. The Berkshire United Experience centers on intensive training tailored to our athletes’ primary sport. We offer access to top-notch indoor and outdoor facilities for optimal training. We will prioritize both skill and character development. Alongside the specialized sports training, athletes will have the opportunity to participate in traditional summer camp programming. This balance helps foster personal growth, friendships, and a diverse range of skills beyond the individual’s primary sport.

413-203-6905

directors@berkshireunited.com

www.berkshireunited.com

Camp Cobbossee for Boys – Monmouth, Maine

Cobbosseee is the nation’s premiere four-week boys sports-and-adventure camp. Nestled on the shores of gorgeous Lake Cobbossee, Cobbosseee is one of the oldest continuously-running camps in the nation. Cobbossee is a place where sports and competition occupy a central facet of our summer program – but never at the expense of grace, class, or brotherhood. We know that competition and a healthy social culture are not mutually exclusive. Our boys form deep, lasting connections with each other, their counselors, and the veteran leadership at Cobbossee. Beyond sports, Cobbossee offers a rich program on our breathtaking waterfront, as well as a fully-developed adventure program in Maine’s forests, rivers, oceans, and mountains.

207-933-3503

info@cobbossee.com

www.campcobbossee.com

Camp Danbee – Hinsdale, Massachusetts

Camp Danbee is an all-girls camp located on Lake Ashmere in the beautiful Berkshire Mountains of Western Massachusetts. Families can choose from our full-season program or opt for shorter durations with our Danbee in 3 or Danbee in 4 programs. We pride ourselves on a grounded and spirited community with a strong emphasis on high-level instruction while offering traditional camp programming.

Since 1950, we have been welcoming campers from all over the country and around the world, who are entering 2nd grade through 10th grade. We want our girls to be the best versions of themselves while leaving camp feeling confident, empowered, and with lifelong connections. Celebrating each campers’ uniqueness, our girls experience all that Danbee has to offer! From the lake to the fields and to the Dance studios, our days are structured and our campers are participatory!

413-655-8115

annie@campdanbee.com

www.campdanbee.com

 

Camp Emerson – Hinsdale, Massachusetts

Camp Emerson is a co-ed sleepaway camp nestled against the Appalachian Trail in the heart of the Berkshires. Since 1968 we have been providing incredible summer experiences for youth from around the world. We offer 2-week sessions for kids ages 7-15. Our diverse programming consists of 50 activities grouped into six departments – Athletics, Performing Arts, Science/Music, Studio Arts, Watersports, and Wilderness.

And while kids often come for the fun activities, they return summer after summer for the caring community and meaningful friendships. At Camp Emerson our campers benefit from an atmosphere of collaboration, creativity, and connection. Our goal is for campers to leave Emerson each summer feeling more confident, inspired, connected to their camp family, and the natural world.

413-655-8123

zach@campemerson.com

campemerson.com

 

Greenwoods Camp for Boys – Decatur, Michigan

More than a sports camp, Greenwoods is a community focused on inclusion and character development. Whether you are a competitive athlete, a musician, or love water sports … there is a place for you at Greenwoods. We teach sportsmanship on the field and teamwork in the bunks. Our elective program allows campers to choose a competitive or non-competitive schedule.  A competitive camper may choose to participate in sports leagues and tournament play with our highly skilled coaches, satisfying even the most competitive spirit. A less competitive campers may choose to participate in sports instruction to improve his skills, or elect not to participate in team sports.

Greenwoods encourages boys to gain a sense of independence, but that does not mean they are doing it on their own. Our counselors, coaches and directors support and encourage boys every step of the way. The spirit of our brotherhood sets the stage for boys to explore and discover who they are. Campers create their own activity schedules, with input from their parents, to tailor an experience that meets their interests and passions.

847-242-0009

dana@lwcgwc.com

www.lwcgwc.com

Camp Kippewa – Monmouth, Maine

No two girls are alike, why should their summers be?

Camp Kippewa is a unique all-girls overnight camp for ages 7 to 15.  Girls select from a wide array of activities to create their own weekly schedule. The caring, nurturing ambiance at Camp Kippewa sets a girl at ease with who she is, giving her the confidence to make friends easily and feel comfortable about trying challenging new activities.

The Arts program offers over 20 disciplines of Fine Arts & Crafts and Dance & Theater. Onsite horseback riding facilities host an unbeatable Equestrian program where campers can ride daily. Lake Cobbosseecontee is the perfect setting for top-notch Water Sports instruction in waterskiing, sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and kayaking.  Our program also offers a variety of Land Sports including our popular tennis program, gymnastics, soccer, softball, lacrosse and more. Campers enjoy the natural setting of Maine with ocean sailing trips, beach days, wilderness hikes and canoe trips.

Ask about our Equestrian Academy!

207-933-2993

info@kippewa.com

www.kippewa.com

Camp Kippewa Point – Monmouth, Maine

Camp Kippewa Point is the two-week camp experience for girls ages 6-14! Our warm and nurturing environment offers girls a classic camp experience that has a set beginning, middle and end. Our hybrid approach to scheduling allows Kippewa Point campers to explore everything we have to offer while also giving them the chance to spend extra time doing the activities they are excited to explore.

Hiking and camping opportunities, exciting Special Events, and an all-camp trip to the beach round out the two weeks to make sure our campers experience the beauty of Maine during their time at camp!

At Kippewa Point, we intentionally work to develop connections between our campers. We know that deep and meaningful relationships with camp friends and camp staff help to foster growth, confidence, resilience and a sense of belonging. At the end of their two-weeks, we hope that our girls have gained confidence, become more independent, feel proud of their accomplishments, and feel like the Point is their second family!

207-933-2993

jackie@kippewa.com

www.kippewapoint.com

Lake Bryn Mawr Camp – Honesdale, Pennsylvania

Established a century ago as a special summer home just for girls, Lake Bryn Mawr Camp is more than a place. It’s a community where a camper can feel truly free to be herself, where she can try new things surrounded by “summer sisters” who will celebrate her successes and help her learn from her mistakes, where the emphasis is not on her appearance or her accomplishments but on her character.

At the heart of everything we do is our Angel Code, the set of core values that have guided Bryn Mawr since 1921. These four qualities help guide campers to make good decisions and be good citizens whether they’re here at camp or back at home, “living ten months for two.”

973-467-3518

angel@campbrynmawr.com

www.campbrynmawr.com

Lake of the Woods for Girls – Decatur, Michigan

We’re more than just a camp … we’re an intentional community focused on guiding girls and teens on how to become their best selves. We provide an encouraging atmosphere where campers are challenged to take healthy risks and form authentic relationships with peers and counselors. Each camper is respected as an important member of our community, and together, we celebrate differences and achievements.

Campers create their own activity schedules, with parent input, to tailor an experience that fuels their interests and ignites their passions. Girls return home from Lake of the Woods confident of who they are and what they can accomplish.

847-242-0009

dana@lwcgwc.com

www.lwcgwc.com

Camp Mah-Kee-Nac for Boys – Lenox, Massachusetts

Located in the heart of the Berkshires, Camp Mah-Kee-Nac is a premier boys overnight summer camp in Lenox, Massachusetts. The spirit of Mah-Kee-Nac lies in a strong commitment to our community, our camp values, and our elective-based program. At Mah-Kee-Nac campers and staff feel supported, challenged, and encouraged to participate in an action-packed day of sports, outdoor adventure, waterfront, STEM, and media.

Campers build confidence and independence by experiencing success through our program and their friendships. Our boys discover the power of their true selves, individually and collectively as a part of our camp community. To us, community over everything is what makes Mah-Kee-Nac extraordinary.

413-863-6561

rachel@campmkn.com

www.campmkn.com

Camp Walt Whitman – Piermont, New Hampshire

We feel fortunate to attract particularly nice kids and down-to-earth families. We attribute this to the fact that we share a common goal to raise great kids who value community, giving back to others, being a good person and being a good friend. Our campers recognize that there’s a bigger world out there than their own, and they develop a real sense of how to positively contribute to it.

This camp has been in our family since 1948, when the Soloway brothers, Arnie and Chick, established a sleepaway camp for boys and girls that would provide a warm and caring atmosphere, stretch campers to overcome challenges, and teach children how to reach their full potential as individuals while contributing to a larger community.

Today, Camp Walt Whitman is run by the Soloway Brothers’ great-nephew, Jed Dorfman, and his wife Carolyn Dorfman. All this time, we’ve held true to the lofty goals Arnie and Chick laid out 70 years ago.

1-800-657-8282

cww@campwalt.com

www.campwalt.com

Camp Watitoh – Becket, Massachusetts

Camp Watitoh is a coed camp located in the Berkshire mountains, 3 hours from NYC and 2 hours from Boston. Our campers choose Watitoh to be part of something more than a camp, to be part of a family. A hidden gem with just over 220 campers and 100 staff, it is a place where everyone knows each other and is living the dream on Center Lake as one community. We offer land sports, creative arts, adventure, watersports, and so much more on a beautiful lakefront property.

Traditions, evening activities, camp songs, and forever friendships are deeply ingrained in the reason campers return year-after-year to their summer home. We offer an active intercamp tournament schedule along with the opportunity to explore the many special attractions of the Berkshires like Tanglewood, Jacobs Pillow, the Basketball Hall of Fame, and more…The families who are attracted to Watitoh immediately sense the down-to-earth feel and often comment on Watitoh being more of a “throw-back” which connects camp-going parents to their own camper years.

413-623-8951

info@campwatitoh.com

www.campwatitoh.com

Camp Wicosuta – Hebron, New Hampshire

Camp Wicosuta is girls’ sleep-away camp in Hebron New Hampshire.  We offer a three and a half-week traditional summer camp experience for campers completing grades 1-9. In addition, we offer a one-time, first year only Explorer Two Week Program for younger campers (Current 1-3^rd graders in first session and current 1^st-4^th graders in second session).

At Wicosuta our goal is for every girl to walk away feeling confident in herself and competent in her abilities.  She will develop independence and new social athletic and artistic skills while making friends and having the time of her life!  We teach these lessons in a physically and emotionally safe community where our campers are challenged to move past their self-set limits.  These 3 C’s (Confidence, Competence and Community) are the foundation of Camp Wicosuta.

914-946-0927

justin@campwicosuta.com

www.campwicosuta.com

Camp Winaukee – Moultonboro, New Hampshire

Winaukee provides excellent sports instruction anchored in a traditional sleep-away camp environment. Over 100 years of tradition is weaved into campers’ daily lives as they learn new skills, build confidence, develop meaningful relationships and become better athletes and teammates.

Boys are immersed in a developmentally appropriate setting that adjusts to their needs as they grow with us. Our distinct Mainland and Island campuses share our Winaukee values while meeting your son where he is socially and athletically.

A typical Winaukee camper loves to compete, regardless of athletic skill level, and is part of a brotherhood where the person comes before wins and losses. Winaukee campers’ confidence levels and social independence grow as they are nurtured in a safe community.

Camp Winaukee is more than a sum of it’s parts — the sports, the trips, the lake, the tournaments, the tradition, the competition, the staff — we are creating life changing experiences for boys who return home as more confident versions of themselves.

800-487-9157

info@winaukee.com

www.winaukee.com

Camp Winadu – Pittsfield, Massachusetts

Camp Winadu is an all boys camp located in the Berkshire Region of Massachusetts, approximetely 2.5 hours from both New York City and Boston.

Winadu stands alone in that families and campers do not need to make a choice between a well round traditional camp and great instruction from Sports to Crafts to Music to Outdoor Adventure and Watersports.   We like to say its not an either/or.  Amongst its 40 plus activities, Camp Winadu is one of the only traditional summer camps offering a full Ice Hockey program led by the Head Coach of Williams College plus a Golf Program on-site and off-site led by an on-site Teaching Pro.

We offer three unique ways to visit and Experience Winadu this Summer:  No Stop Tour @ Camp, Pop Up Tour – where we come to you and September Open House dates @ Camp.   Contact us to learn more about these options:

914-437-7200

alissa@campwinadu.com

www.campwinadu.com