Thinking About Sleepaway Camp?

We are lucky to be affiliated with some of the BEST sleepaway camps around! See below or take a look at CampGroup.com. We have co-ed, single gender, full season, half season, etc.

We also 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.

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 Asperger’s Syndrome or a similar ASD 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

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 offers girls both a full season and partial (Danbee in 4 or Danbee in 3) enrollment option. Spirit and instruction best describes our program. Small bunk ratios of 8 campers to 3 staff members insures quality supervision. 12 tennis courts, 2 heated pools, state of the art Gymnastics facility, along with a comprehensive arts and dance program highlight some of the many offerings. Located on Lake Ashmere in the beautiful Berkshire Mountains of Western Massachusetts, Danbee is a traditional and very spirited summer for girls from 7 to 15 years old.

Danbee’s low (1:3) counselor/camper ratio. Our emphasis on skill development and participation over competition gives girls a chance to succeed, to build self-confidence, and to grow at their own pace. Promoting resilience and empowering our girls since 1950.

973-402-0606

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

hello@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.

269-423-3091

info@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 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.

269-423-3091

info@lwcgwc.com

www.lwcgwc.com

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

The spirit of Camp Mah-Kee-Nac lies in the commitment to our community. Campers and staff feel supported, challenged, and encouraged to participate in an action-packed day of sports, outdoor adventure, waterfront, media and the arts. Through these activities and our elective-based program, campers build confidence by experiencing success. Our boys discover the power of their true selves and the individual role they play as part of the greater community. To us, community over everything is what makes Mah-Kee-Nac extraordinary.

Camp Mah-Kee-Nac is located in beautiful Lenox, Ma and offers 7, 4, and 3 week sessions. For boys 5th grade and below, MKN also offers a two-week “Mini Mak” session.  Give us a shout if you’d like to learn more.

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 Two Week Explorer Program for younger campers grades 1-4.

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

info@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

Hey Chat GPT…Why should children go to camp?

Camp is a unique and transformative experience that offers children a wide range of benefits. From building new friendships to developing new skills, going to camp can be one of the most enriching experiences of a child’s life. There are many reasons why children should go to camp, and in this essay, we will explore some of the most compelling reasons.

First and foremost, camp provides children with an opportunity to socialize with their peers in a safe and supportive environment. At camp, children are surrounded by other kids who share similar interests and experiences. They have the chance to forge new friendships, learn how to work as a team, and develop valuable social skills. Many children who attend camp form lifelong friendships that extend far beyond the summer months.

In addition to socialization, camp also provides children with a chance to disconnect from technology and connect with the natural world. In today’s fast-paced digital age, it’s easy for children to become disconnected from the outdoors and spend too much time staring at screens. Camp offers a welcome respite from the constant stimulation of modern life, allowing children to enjoy the beauty of nature and engage in physical activity. Camp provides children with an opportunity to develop a love of the outdoors and a sense of connection to the natural world.

Another important benefit of camp is that it allows children to develop new skills and interests. Camps offer a wide range of activities, from arts and crafts to sports and outdoor adventures. Children can explore new hobbies and discover talents they never knew they had. Whether it’s learning how to play guitar, trying out archery, or participating in a theater production, camp provides children with a chance to step out of their comfort zones, take risks, and grow as individuals.

Perhaps one of the most important benefits of camp is that it teaches children independence and self-reliance. At camp, children have the opportunity to make decisions for themselves and take responsibility for their own well-being. They learn how to solve problems, manage their time, and collaborate with others. These skills are invaluable for success in life, and the confidence and resilience that children develop at camp can serve them well in all areas of their lives.

Another important benefit of camp is that it provides children with a sense of belonging and community. At camp, children are part of a close-knit community that values inclusivity, diversity, and kindness. They learn how to interact with people from different backgrounds and cultures, and they develop a sense of empathy and compassion for others. This sense of community can be especially important for children who feel isolated or disconnected in their daily lives.

Finally, camp provides children with a chance to have fun and be themselves. In a world that can be stressful and competitive, camp offers a space where children can let loose, be silly, and just enjoy being kids. They have the freedom to explore their interests, express themselves creatively, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

In conclusion, there are many compelling reasons why children should go to camp. From socialization to skill-building, independence to community, and fun to personal growth, camp offers a wealth of benefits that can enrich a child’s life in countless ways. If you’re considering sending your child to camp, know that you are giving them a gift that will last far beyond the summer months.

EverGREEN: Promoting & Exhibiting GREEN Values All Year Long

An “EVERGEEN” is a tree or plant with foliage that persists and retains its color throughout the year. It is- forever green.

I like to think of this when I think of Shibley. We remain evergreen even when the camp season is over. At the core of everything that we do at Shibley are our GREEN values: generosity, respect, empathy, endurance and nurture. These values are talked about and encouraged throughout the summer season.

We see the green values symbols throughout camp. We have green Fridays and we praise a camper when they exhibit one of these values. We invite our families to participate in off-season events that help us in keeping the GREEN shining bright throughout the year!! Our staff models behavior we expect from our children at these events and during each day at camp.

How to encourage these values at home:

As a parent I like to continue encouraging and incorporating the GREEN values in my home. I want these values to permeate through my house all year long. I want my children to be little everGREENS 🙂 I think that one of the best ways to do this is through stories and books. There are so many fantastic books that focus on each of our GREEN values. Here are some of our family favorites. I hope you enjoy them!

Generosity:

  • Piggie and Elephant: Should I Share My Ice Cream? By Mo Willems
  • Can I play too? By Mo Willems
  • A Visitor For Bear By Bonny Becker

Respect:

  • The Earth book By Todd Parr
  • Do Unto Otters- A book about manners By Laurie Keller
  • Pout Pout Fish and the Bully, Bully Shark By Deborah Diesen

Empathy:

  • You, Me and Empathy By Jayneen Sanders
  • Empathy is your Superpower By Cori Bussolari
  • We’re All Wonders By R.J. Palacio

Endurance:

  • Leopold By Dr. Ruth Westheimer
  • Rosie Revere, Engineer By Andrea Beaty
  • What Do You Do With A Problem By Kobi Yamada

Nurture:

  • Have you Filled a Bucket Today? By Carol McCloud
  • Maple and Willow Together By Lori Nichols
  • Stick and Stone By Beth Ferry and Tom Lichtenheld

Camp Prepares Children for the “Real World”

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 chooses to sit out for any reason.
  • 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.

What have you seen your child do out in the “real world”?

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?

What It’s Like to Work at Camp

It is a true joy spending the summers of my life working at a summer camp. The challenges and rewards of working with children and making lifelong positive impressions and memories on a younger generation are enormous. To this end, there are many layers involved in creating our camp community. Many of these layers include marketing, programming, upgrading our campgrounds, recruiting, and hiring the most talented staff out there. While the summer season is 8 weeks, it takes the other 10 months of the year to plan every day of the summer.

During the off season, I spend a lot of my time recruiting new staff as well as communicating with seasonal staff that will return for another summer. Staff members who are able to return for another summer understand the magical nature of our community and the benefits of working with children in our beautiful shaded outdoor environment. In my interviews with new recruits, who never experienced camp as a child, I always get the same question: “what it is like to work at camp?” I enjoy sharing many of my own fond experiences along with those of my colleagues.

Make no mistake, working at summer camp is a very hard job. At the end of the day, you are often exhausted and sometimes frustrated. In my experience, I’ve learned that if you allow yourself to put everything you have into each day, it doesn’t feel like a job at all. Rather, you come to realize that you have found yourself a second home. You will spend your day with children, co-counselors and experienced supervisors laughing, learning and bonding together. Everyone will enjoy their usual favorite activities, but the reward of exposing the children to new and exciting activities is exhilarating. Helping a child realize they can do something they never believed they could accomplish is an extraordinary feeling.

You are going to get very close with your campers and take on the role of big brother or big sister; you become their role model. If you’re really great, you’ll feel like a rock star, who is greeted daily with much love, excitement, and a million questions. “What are we doing today?” “What is the snack of the day?” “Is Adventure Park on the schedule?!” “Can we go to Arts & Crafts for lanyard?”

During lunch, you will ensure your kids are refueling and hydrating amidst the giggles and chatter. When it’s pool time, you will help them apply suntan lotion and change into bathing suits. For your younger campers, you will tie their shoelaces at least six times a day, singing a catchy tune along the way. You will also find yourself at the “lost and found,” where inevitably your campers have misplaced their precious “things” that you warned them not to bring to camp in the first place. Your patience will be tested multiple times daily! When they excel at an activity, you will cheer their name and celebrate alongside them. At the same token, you will empathize with their hardships and guide them through disappointing moments when they’re struggling.

Friendship is such a significant puzzle piece to the summer camp experience. You will help foster relationships among each of your campers. While some children are born with the gift of making friends easily, others are not and will need your help. A camp friend is priceless and insurmountable to other friendships we have. It has always been my goal to have campers make one meaningful bond that lasts well beyond the two months we are physically together at camp.

You will sing and laugh with your campers and co-counselors as you walk from activity to activity. You’ll find yourself singing these tunes, even when you are alone. You’ll comfort your campers and dry their tears when they scrape their knees or find out they haven’t been chosen to be the lead in the camp play. You will channel your inner patience as you mediate arguments among campers. Most importantly, your job is to create an aura of comradery by sharing the positive values your camp holds dear.

Spending every moment of the day with your co-workers lends itself to discovering the small things that make them who they are. It is only natural to develop these unique bonds at an expedited pace and feel as if you have known your co-counselors for far longer. All of a sudden, you’ll realize that you too have made meaningful relationships that continue long after camp ends. This is the magic of summer camp.

CLICK TO READ A FIRST HAND ACCOUNT OF WHAT IT’S LIKE TO BE A MEMBER OF THE SHIBLEY DAY CAMP COMMUNITY

Tri-State Camp Conference – A Review by First-Time Attendees

As first-time attendees of the Tri-State CAMP Conference, we were thrilled to join over 3,800 camp professionals from around the world in a truly exhilarating and informative experience. From the moment we arrived, we felt a sense of excitement and anticipation that lasted throughout the conference.

On the first day of the conference, we attended several courses, including “It’s All About Week One,” “Train Staff Who Present New Challenges,” “Identifying, Avoiding, and Addressing Staff Toxicity,” and “Planning, Organizing, and Communicating Better,” among others. These sessions were invaluable opportunities to learn from experienced camp professionals and network with other new leaders in the industry.

Later that evening, we enjoyed a CampGroup-sponsored dinner where we met directors and administrators from our family of sleepaway and day camps. It was a great chance to hear about what makes our camps successful and memorable.

The conference began with an inspiring opening keynote address that led to the grand opening of the exhibit hall. The exhibit hall was a highlight for us, as we were able to connect with vendors and learn about new products, services, and food options that could benefit our camp.

Throughout the conference, there were plenty of networking opportunities, including meet and greets, that allowed us to connect with other camp professionals to share ideas and best practices. On the final day of the conference, we attended additional sessions including one of our favorites-  “Michael’s 25th Tri-State Anniversary Party: Back to Basics,” presented by Michael Brandwein, a favorite of veteran Tri-State attendees.

Overall, attending the Tri-State CAMP Conference was an incredible experience that left us feeling inspired, informed, and energized. We gained a wealth of new knowledge and ideas that we can bring back to Shibley Day Camp. We can’t wait to attend again next year and continue to learn and grow.

Shibley Shibley,

Melissa and Peter

CLICK TO SEE WHAT THE REST OF THE FULL TIME TEAM HAS TO SAY ABOUT THIS YEAR’S CONFERENCE