Camp - Cincinnati Family Magazine https://cincinnatifamilymagazine.com/category/camp/ Tue, 15 Apr 2025 17:19:24 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 https://cincinnatifamilymagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/cropped-Headlines-512-x-512-px-32x32.png Camp - Cincinnati Family Magazine https://cincinnatifamilymagazine.com/category/camp/ 32 32 Camp Directory 2025 https://cincinnatifamilymagazine.com/camp-directory-2025/ Tue, 04 Feb 2025 17:40:59 +0000 https://cincinnatifamilymagazine.com/?p=91629 Baker Hunt Art and Cultural Center 620 Greenup Street, Covington, Ky 859-431-0020 | www.bakerhunt.org Camper Eligibility Ages: 7-13 Fee Range: $275-325   Best Point Education & Behavioral Health Camp-I-Can 3929 Boudinot Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 4550 Red Bank Expressway, Cincinnati, OH 513-272-2800 | www.bestpoint.org Camper Eligibility Ages: 4-12 years old Fee Range: $235 per week, childcare […]

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Baker Hunt Art and Cultural Center
620 Greenup Street, Covington, Ky
859-431-0020 | www.bakerhunt.org
Camper Eligibility Ages: 7-13
Fee Range: $275-325

 

Best Point Education & Behavioral Health Camp-I-Can
3929 Boudinot Avenue, Cincinnati, OH
4550 Red Bank Expressway, Cincinnati, OH
513-272-2800 | www.bestpoint.org
Camper Eligibility Ages: 4-12 years old
Fee Range: $235 per week, childcare vouchers accepted

 

Buckner Martial Arts
8216 Highland Pointe Drive, West Chester, OH
513-779-2413 | www.bucknermartialarts.com
Camper Eligibility Ages: 5-12 years old
Fee Range: $125

 

Camp-a-palooza at Kids First Sport Center
7900 East Kemper Road, Cincinnati, OH
513-489-7575 | www.kidsfirstsports.com/camp-a-palooza-camps
Camper Eligibility Ages: 5-14
Fee Range: $118 daily-$495 weekly 

 

Camp Art Academy
1212 Jackson Street, Cincinnati, OH
513-562-6262 | www.artacademy.edu
Camper Eligibility Ages: 5-12
Fee Range: $275

 

Camp at the J
8485 Ridge Road, Cincinnati, OH
513-722-7245 | www.mayersonjcc.org/camp
Camper Eligibility Ages: K-10th grade
Fee Range: $375-425

 

Camp OFLA
4654 Pleasant Hill Road, Perrysville, OH
www.campofla.org
Camper Eligibility Ages: 3rd-8th graders
Fee Range: $495-545

 

Children’s Meeting House
927 O’Bannonville Road, Loveland, OH
513-683-4757 | www.cmhschool.com
Camper Eligibility Ages: 3-15 years old
Fee Range: see website for 2025 pricing

 

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati
4015 Redbank Road, Cincinnati, OH
513-569-8080 | www.thechildrenstheatre.com
Camper Eligibility Ages: 7-18 years old
Fee Range: $330-615

 

Clifton Performance Theatre Camp
Liberty Exhibition Hall, 3938 Spring Grove Avenue, Cincinnati OH
513-813-7469 | www.cliftonperformancetheatre.com
Camper Eligibility Ages: 5-14 years old
Fee Range: $320-345

 

Cincinnati Art Museum
953 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati, OH
513-721-2787 | www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org 
Camper Eligibility Ages: 6-12 years old
Fee Range: $225-300 per week

 

Cincinnati Museum Center Camps
1301 Western Avenue, Cincinnati, OH and
3489 Observatory Place, Cincinnati, OH (Cincinnati Observatory)
513-287-7000 | www.cincymuseum.org
Camper Eligibility Ages: K-6th grade
Fee Range: $285-410

 

CincyNature Camp 2025
4949 Tealtown Road, Milford, OH
513-831-1711 | www.cincynature.org/things-to-do/cincynature-camp
Camper Eligibility Ages: 4.5-15 years old
Fee Range: $225-490

 

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park
962 Mt. Adams Circle, Cincinnati, OH
513-421-3888 | cincyplay.com/learn/summer-theatre-camps
Camper Eligibility Ages: K-12th grade
Fee Range: $325-1,090

 

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
1195 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH
513-381-2273 | www.cincyshakes.com/summer
Camper Eligibility Ages: 1st-12th grade
Fee Range: $315-950

 

Cincinnati Sports Club
3950 Red Bank Road, Cincinnati, OH
513-527-4000 | www.cincinnatisportsclub.com
Camper Eligibility Ages: 5-12 years old
Fee Range: $95-359, membership required

 

Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden Camp
4700 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH and
Bowyer Farm 2219 Mason Montgomery Road, Mason, OH
513-281-4700 | www.cincinnatizoo.org
Camper Eligibility Ages: 4 years old-8th grade
Fee Range: $175-325

 

Crossroads Students Summer Camp
Bowling Green State University: 1001 East Wooster St., Bowling Green, OH
513-731-7400 | www.crossroads.net/summercamp
Camper Eligibility Ages: current 5th-12th graders
Fee Range: $589

 

Ensemble Theatre
1127 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH
513-421-3555 | www.ensemblecincinnati.org
Camper Eligibility Ages: 8-13 years old
Fee Range: $150-675

 

Falcon Camp
4251 Delta Road SW, Carrollton, OH
330-627-4269 | www.falconcamp.com
Camper Eligibility Ages: 6-16 years old, 1st-11th grade
Fee Range: $2000+

 

Great Parks
Woodland Mound, Lake Isabella, Sharon Woods, Winton Woods and Miami Whitewater Forest
513-521-7275 | www.greatparks.org
Camper Eligibility Ages: 3-17 years old
Fee Range: $180+

 

Gym Skills
5639 Creek Road, Blue Ash, OH
513-319-1512 | www.gymskills.com
Camper Eligibility Ages: 5+ years old
Fee Range: $175-325

 

Heritage Village Museum
11500 Lebanon Road, Sharonville, OH
513-563-9484 | www.heritagevillagecincinnati.org/summer-camp/
Camper Eligibility Ages: 6-16 years old
Fee Range: $195-215

 

IDEAS Summer Camp
Xavier University, 3800 Victory Parkway, Cincinnati, OH
840-516-2267 | www.ideascamps.com
Camper Eligibility Ages: 3-12 years old
Fee Range: $276-345

 

Laffalot Summer Camp
Multiple locations
513-307-0787 | www.laffalotcamps.com
Camper Eligibility Ages: 6-12 years old
Fee Range: see website for 2025 pricing

 

Mason Dance Center
600 Reading, Suite B, Mason, OH
513-398-0353 | www.masondance.com
Camper Eligibility Ages: 3 and up
Fee Range: see website for 2025 pricing

 

Mathnasium Summer Camps
Multiple locations
513-275-5000 | www.mathnasium.com
Camper Eligibility Ages: K-12th grade
Fee Range: see website for 2025 pricing

 

Montessori Academy of Cincinnati
8293 Duke Boulevard, Mason, OH
513-398-7773 | www.montacademy.org
Camper Eligibility Ages: 18 months-5th grade
Fee Range: see website or call for 2025 pricing

 

My Nose Turns Red Circus Camps
10248 Reading Road, Evendale, OH
859-581-7100 | www.mynoseturnsred.org
Camper Eligibility Ages: 5-18 years old
Fee Range: $130-565

 

Musicologie Summer Camps
7120 Dunn Road, Cincinnati, OH
513-620-4923 | go.musicologie.com/summer-camps.html
Camper Eligibility Ages: 4-6 years old, 7-10 years old and 11-15 years old
Fee Range: $225-395 per week

 

Parkour Camp at Swift Movement
4460 West Mitchell Ave. Unit 6, Cincinnati, OH
513-549-4460 | www.swift-movement.com/camps
Camper Eligibility Ages: 7-13 years old
Fee Range: $375-400

 

Queen City Clay Kids
2760 Highland Avenue, Norwood, OH
513-871-2529 | www.queencityclay.com/kids
Camper Eligibility Ages: 6+ years old
Fee Range: $200-400

 

Silverlake
301 Kenton Lands Road, Erlanger, KY
859-426-7777 | www.silverlakefamily.com
Camper Eligibility Ages: 3-11 years old
Fee Range: call for 2025 pricing, membership required

 

Snapology
The Web: 7172 Cincinnati Dayton Road, West Chester Township, OH and
Mason Community Center: 6050 Mason Montgomery Road, Mason, OH
+ see website for additional camp locations
513-988-7363 | www.snapology.com/ohio-west-chester-twp/camps
Camper Eligibility Ages: 5-14 years old
Fee Range: $175-375 

 

STEM Innovator’s Summer Camp
2807 Woodburn Ave., Cincinnati, OH
513-857-3366 | www.cincystemlab.com/summer-camp
Camper Eligibility Ages: K-5th grade
Fee Range: $150-170

 

Stepping Stones
5650 Given Road, Cincinnati, OH | 1414 Lake Allyn Road, Cincinnati, OH
513-831-4660 | www.steppingstonesohio.org
Camper Eligibility Ages: 5-18 years old/  16-65+ years old
Fee Range: $73 per day-$972 per session

 

Summer Art Camp at the Taft Museum of Art
316 Pike Street, Cincinnati, OH
513-241-0343 | www.taftmuseum.org/families-children/summer-camp
Camper Eligibility Ages: K-12th grade
Fee Range: $190-310

 

Summer at CCM
290 CCM Boulevard, Cincinnati, OH
513-556-2595 | www.ccm.uc.edu
Camper Eligibility Ages: 3+ years old
Fee Range: $275-1800

 

Teen Academy
1212 Jackson Street, Cincinnati, OH
513-562-6262 | www.artacademy.edu
Camper Eligibility Ages: 13-18 years old
Fee Range: $175-325

 

TriHealth Fitness & Health Pavilion Kids Life Summer Camps
6200 Pfeiffer Road, Montgomery, OH
513-246-2647 | www.signupgenius.com/go409094DA9AF2DA6FC1-54439624-2025
Camper Eligibility Ages: 5-12 years old
Fee Range: $175-335

 

West Chester Academy Music, Dance, Acting and Gymnastics
8107 Market Place Drive, West Chester, OH
513-829-2345 | www.westchesteracademy.com
Camper Eligibility Ages: 4-12  years old
Fee Range: $135-169

 

UC Engineering Camps
2901 Woodside Drive, Cincinnati, OH
https://ceas.uc.edu/about/news-events/camps.html
Camper Eligibility Ages: 9-12th grade
Fee Range: free-$675

 

USA Ninja Challenge Summer Camp
4727 Red Bank Road, Cincinnati, OH
513-739-5528 | www.ninjacincinnati.com/camps
Camper Eligibility Ages: 4-13 years old
Fee Range: $50 per day-$200 per week

 

YMCA Camp Ernst
7615 Camp Ernst Road, Burlington, KY
859-586-6181 | www.myycamp.org
Camper Eligibility Ages: 5-15 years old
Fee Range: $190-895

 

YMCA Camp Kern
5291 State Route 350, Oregonia, OH
513-932-3756 | www.campkern.org
Camper Eligibility Ages: 5-16 years old
Fee Range: $300-980

 

YMCA Day Camp
Available at nine local YMCA locations
513-362-9622 | www.MyY.org/day-camp
Camper Eligibility Ages: 5-14 years old
Fee Range: $250-350

 

 

Check out our Ultimate Camp Packing List, here! 

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Top 10 Skills Kids Learn at Camp https://cincinnatifamilymagazine.com/top-10-skills-kids-learn-at-camp/ Tue, 04 Feb 2025 16:32:22 +0000 https://cincinnatifamilymagazine.com/?p=91624 Top 10 Skills Kids Learn at Camp   Summer Camp season is upon us. There are so many options for camp to consider including day camps to overnight camps, skills camps or recreational camps. However, one thing all camps have in common is that they are good for kids in a variety of ways. So […]

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Top 10 Skills Kids Learn at Camp

 

Summer Camp season is upon us. There are so many options for camp to consider including day camps to overnight camps, skills camps or recreational camps. However, one thing all camps have in common is that they are good for kids in a variety of ways. So while parents may have to mull over which camp is best suited for their children, rest assured that whatever choice is made, kids who become campers will develop many skills over the summer, including…

 

1. Independence

Absence makes the heart grow fonder. Being away from home and school during 

the summer allows kids to step out from their parents’, siblings’ and friends’ shadows. Camp is a great way to encourage a child to be independent.

2. Responsibility

Camp counselors have many kiddos under their care. If a camper needs something done quickly, they often have to step up and do it for themselves. Don’t be surprised if your camper comes home from their camp experience and actually gets a drink for themselves instead of asking you! 

3. How to Make Friends

Being around new people means the chance to make new friends! Campers can work on their communication skills to find common ground and make forever friends.

4. Conflict Resolution

In life there are always going to be folks who your child doesn’t automatically gel with. At school. College. Work. Even the family which they marry into. But learning how to navigate different personalities and yes, even how to fight fair when conflict arises, are super important skills. A sense of self-advocacy is an important skill that can be learned at camp.

5. Teamwork and Sportsmanship

Working with friends and fellow campers towards common goals is a big part of camp! Games and group activities put campers in a position to collaborate, communicate, win and (maybe more importantly) lose, together. Camp and camaraderie go hand in hand. 

6. Routine

A structured schedule allows campers to discover the benefits of a routine. Instead of saying “I’m bored” all summer long, campers grow to enjoy a schedule and knowing what’s next! 

7. Sense of Self 

Going into a camp experience not knowing anyone can truly be a gift to a child!  There are no preconceived notions of who someone is, so guess what? Your kid can be anyone they want to be at camp! 

8. New Skills

All camps offer a variety of activities where counselors introduce kids to new concepts in a beginner-friendly fashion! Children have a chance to try something new and exciting at camp and new interests and hidden talents may be discovered. 

9. Confidence

Along with new skills, campers can hone in on skills they already possess. Growth and excelling in a skill can reinforce an interest and be a catalyst for self-confidence in a camper. 

10. Boredom Busting

During moments of downtime at camp, kids are encouraged to find something to do. Whether children chat amongst themselves, play simple games together, sing songs, doodle, or dance, there is never a boring moment at camp. Having the ability to entertain oneself is truly an amazing skill that can be acquired at camp.

 

Discover great local summer camps by clicking here. 

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What to Bring to Camp: The Ultimate Packing List https://cincinnatifamilymagazine.com/what-to-bring-to-camp-the-ultimate-packing-list/ Tue, 04 Feb 2025 16:16:46 +0000 https://cincinnatifamilymagazine.com/?p=91616 What to Bring to Camp: The Ultimate Packing List Summer camps are a rite of passage for kids. It’s a time to make new friends, try exciting activities, and gain a little independence. For parents though, the excitement often comes with the stress of packing. Making sure your child is prepared without overloading their suitcase […]

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What to Bring to Camp: The Ultimate Packing List

Summer camps are a rite of passage for kids. It’s a time to make new friends, try exciting activities, and gain a little independence. For parents though, the excitement often comes with the stress of packing. Making sure your child is prepared without overloading their suitcase can feel like an art form. Fear not! With this handy checklist, you’ll send your camper off with everything they need for a fun and memorable experience.

 

The Essentials  

Clothing:  

  • T-shirts and tank tops (enough for each day, plus a couple of extras)  
  • Shorts and lightweight pants  
  • Pajamas (including a warm set for cooler nights)  
  • Underwear and socks (pack extras–trust us!)  
  • Swimwear (at least two suits)  
  • A jacket or sweatshirt for chilly evenings  
  • Raincoat or poncho  

 

Footwear:  

  • Sneakers or closed-toe shoes  
  • Flip-flops or sandals for the shower and pool  
  • Hiking boots (if applicable)  

 

Bedding:  

  • Sleeping bag or twin sheets with a blanket  
  • Pillow with a washable case  
  • Optional: a small, comforting stuffed animal for younger kids  

 

Toiletries:  

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste  
  • Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash (travel-sized if space is limited)  
  • Hairbrush or comb  
  • Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)  
  • Bug spray 
  • Lip balm with SPF  
  • Deodorant
  • Pads and/or tampons (if needed–or just in case!)

 

Gear and Extras  

  • Backpack or Day Bag: For carrying items like water bottles, sunscreen, and snacks.  
  • Reusable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is key!  
  • Flashlight and Batteries: Essential for nighttime activities or trips to the bathroom.  
  • Hat and Sunglasses: For sun protection during outdoor adventures.  
  • Swim Towel and Bath Towel: Lightweight and quick-dry towels work best.  
  • Laundry Bag: A simple mesh or drawstring bag will keep dirty clothes separate.
  • Small Electric Fan: For long, hot days outside or a toasty and muggy cabin/tent.

 

For Fun  

  • Stationery and Stamps: Encourage letter-writing with pre-addressed and stamped envelopes.  
  • Books or Magazines: Perfect for quiet time in the cabin.  
  • Small Games or Cards: Great for rainy days or downtime with cabin mates.  
  • Theme Day Items: Check with the camp for special dress-up days and pack accordingly.  
  • Disposable Camera: To capture memories all summer long. (Some camps may have photographers though to capture daily activities!)

 

What to Leave at Home  

  • Electronics: Most camps have a no-screen policy to encourage unplugged fun.  
  • Valuables: Expensive jewelry, heirlooms, or anything irreplaceable should stay safe at home.  

 

Pro Tips for Parents  

  • Label Everything: Use waterproof labels or a laundry marker to avoid lost items.  
  • Check Camp Policies: Some camps provide gear like sleeping bags or have rules about snacks and personal items.  
  • Involve Your Child: Letting them help pack builds excitement and responsibility.  

 

By following this checklist, you’ll help your child feel confident and prepared for their camp adventure. With everything they need and nothing they don’t, they can focus on making memories that will last a lifetime. Happy camping! 

 

Click here to find a fabulous camp for your child!

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Giveaways and Fun at the 2024 Summer Camp Fair on March 9 https://cincinnatifamilymagazine.com/giveaways-and-fun-at-the-2024-summer-camp-fair-on-march-9/ https://cincinnatifamilymagazine.com/giveaways-and-fun-at-the-2024-summer-camp-fair-on-march-9/#respond Thu, 07 Mar 2024 18:31:09 +0000 https://cincinnatifamilymagazine.com/?p=87853 Get ready for family fun during Cincinnati Family's 2024 SUMMER CAMP ADVENTURE FAIR!

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Taking place Saturday, March 9 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Blue Ash Recreation Center (4433 Cooper Road), the FREE event lets you plan your child’s summer break while having lots of fun with your kids.

Browse summer opportunities, spin prize wheels, play games, make crafts, meet animal ambassadors from Dino Buddies, get a balloon animal from Gia’s Balloon Buddies, meet princesses and be sure to say, “Hello” to the FC Cincinnati mascot, Gary the Lion (10:30 a.m . – 12:30 p.m.). You will also have a chance to win a one-week day camp from the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati or Abrakadoodle! The summer camp fair is a no-brainer, must-attend event!

Learn more about the 35+ camps and attractions attending the event by visiting cincinnatifamilymagazine.com/our-events/summer-camp-adventure-fair-24.

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A Parent’s Guide to Camp https://cincinnatifamilymagazine.com/a-parents-guide-to-camps/ https://cincinnatifamilymagazine.com/a-parents-guide-to-camps/#respond Mon, 04 Mar 2024 20:54:39 +0000 https://cincinnatifamilymagazine.com/?p=87779 Get your questions answered here, then give your kids the freedom they crave!

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Let’s define “camp.” In this Parent’s Guide to Camp, you’ll uncover multiple definitions of the word, from a historical perspective to a modernized viewpoint within diverse cultures, when using any search engine. Though, for the sake of this article, we will refer to a “camp” as a safe space set aside for youth to assemble amongst peers with adults who can inspire constructive change. Moreover, camps are meant to create unforgettable memories and leave lasting impressions on children so that they have a foundation of confidence to refer back on.

A Parent’s Guide to Camp

Camps provide enrichment. It is, if you will, the fundamental thought by which many parents consider enrolling their children into such programs. As parents, we set out to give our kids a host of quality and positive experiences that will help to develop them into well-rounded and happy individuals. In terms of character building, camps appear to be an easy win for the family! The first documented camp was the “Gunnery Camp,” established in 1861 by Frederick W. Gunn in Washington, Connecticut. This camp was known for serving young boys to engage in outdoor activities and develop physical skills. Over more than 160-years later, camps have come to include a variety of services and offerings for all children at various ages.

Whether the camp is driven by a focus of academics, sports, arts & crafts or is faith-based, parents need to know what to expect for themselves and their children. To minimize anxiety for moms and dads, parents with the camp life experience were interviewed for their insight. Megan Roberson, a mom of two and resident of Cincinnati, shares that one of her children had only participated in one camp, but she and her husband were preparing to send them to the same camp for the second time this year.

A camper at Potter’s Ranch.

QUESTION: How can new camp parents prepare for camp?

“For my husband and I, we realized that preparing your child for camp should be a six to 12-month process,” says Roberson. “Many times, spots fill-up fast and there is a good chance you may miss the opportunity for placement if you aren’t aware of the checklist of requirements – such as fees, deadlines, and schedules. Waitlists can be long too if the camp is popular. With that being said, you want to give yourself the flexibility to plan for the calendar your child will follow, as well as save (if necessary) to cover the expense associated with the program.”

QUESTION: What is the most challenging thing about enrolling children in camp?

“Navigating schedules, for sure. I would even suggest planning vacations around the camp,” explains Roberson. “This is especially if the enrichment they are receiving is important to both you and your child, so that  here are no interruptions in their progress. Also, be mindful of drop-off and pick-up times. Some day camps may begin at 9 a.m. and end at 2:30 p.m. This may obviously impact parents’ work schedules and require some coordination within the family.”

QUESTION: What do you consider to be the best thing about camps for kids?

“Camps provide kids with freedom to have fun,” laughs Roberson. “Not that parents don’t permit it otherwise, but in terms of the independence that is associated with the experience away from their parents. Your child is given the chance to engage, learn and mature in new ways. It is healthy for them to develop these kinds of social skills and individuality in their youth.”

One common concern or roadblock to registering kids for camp activities: Cost. In 2022, the American Camp Association (ACA) reported that the average cost of summer camp in the United States was around $178.49 a day, and for sleep-away camp, it was $448.53 a day. Over the last couple of years, the cost of living has increased and camps are impacted by this reality. According to EconoFact – a non-partisan publication designed to deliver an impartial perspective of the national debate on economic and social policies, “December 2023 consumers were seeing prices that were on average about 19 percent higher than they were before the pandemic in December 2019.” So it’s within reason to say that fees make a significant difference in the decision-making on extracurricular activities. Camps are no exception. Michael Williams, also a father of two and a resident of Cincinnati, speaks further about his family’s camp experience.

QUESTION: What do you appreciate about camps for kids?

“We always like having things for our boys to do during summer,” says Williams. “Things that keep their brain engaged while off school are important to us.”

QUESTION: Do you believe camps are generally too expensive?

“I think there are lots of well-priced options available to families,” he says. “You just have to explore what those are and how they meet you  child’s needs. For instance, I think that if my family had been more into
Scouts we would have been doing more of the overnight camps, but some can get really pricey! As a middle class couple (even probably upper middle class with the dual income) $1000/week for an away camp is a big investment. Most of the weekly day camps we have participated in are in the $250-$300/week range.”

QUESTION: Any advice for parents about camps?

“Go for it! I think if you have the funds, it’s probably a great opportunity for kids,” says Williams.

It is important to denote here that many camps are supported by grants, sponsors and financial aid programs that can assist parents in enrolling their child in the camp of their choice. Be sure to inquire about these opportunities in the registration process for your child, or, as a reference point for any family who can benefit from funds made available for enrichment. The priority, in most cases, is to reach as many children as possible and do good work in our community! It was important to obtain the encouragement of a professional who knows both in practice and outcomes the value camp programs provide.

“If your child has never been to a specific camp, or day camp in general, contacting the camp director to get a tour of the camp grounds is a good way to see in person what camp looks like, where they will eat lunch, where they will change for swim, etc.,” says Nikki Downey, director of operations at the Clippard Family YMCA, YMCA of Greater Cincinnati.

“Seeing these places in-person before camp starts helps alleviate some of the fears in the child and parent.” Camps are awesome places to practice social skills, team build and think outside the box. They even give children a technology break! The most important thing you can do is to visit camps in advance, plan ahead in terms of aligning the family schedule, use available resources to cover costs and allow your children to appreciate their freedom. And, allow yourself to do the same in their absence because you deserve it.

DISCOVER MORE GREAT PARENTING STORIES

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Navigating Summer Camps https://cincinnatifamilymagazine.com/navigating-summer-camps/ https://cincinnatifamilymagazine.com/navigating-summer-camps/#respond Thu, 01 Feb 2024 19:34:31 +0000 https://cincinnatifamilymagazine.com/?p=87182 Before summer sets in, here’s how to plan for the best camp experiences for your kids.

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In February, the warmth of summer seems far away, but it’s really not and now’s the time for making summer plans for your kids. Each winter, you’re faced with the annual quest to find the perfect summer camp for your child — if you delay, it is at your own peril!

Summer camps offer a world of opportunities for kids to learn, grow and make lifelong memories. It is a wonderful opportunity for kids to continue to build and practice using social skills and critical thinking skills.

Many parents send their kids to camp because camps provide enrichment. But camps also help building relationships, provide kids an opportunity to learn about themselves and, of course, try new things. It is also a terrific way to learn skills outside of the classroom and reduce the dreaded summer skill loss.

Margo Spurgeon, director of reach marketing at Crossroads Church in Cincinnati, says, “The number one reason kids should go to camp is to find out who they are. Unplugging from the stresses of school and everyday life, detoxing from scrolling on a screen, and distancing themselves from the social media algorithms, are elements of camp that give kids the margin and opportunity to understand who they are and how they can impact and interact with the world around them.”

Let’s look at different types of camps, appropriate ages for each, essential factors to consider when choosing the ideal camp for your child, and what steps to take to prep your kids for their camp experience.

DAY CAMPS: THE GATEWAY TO ADVENTURE

Day camps provide a fantastic introduction to the summer camp experience. Typically designed for children aged 5 to 12, day camps offer a diverse range of activities, from arts and crafts to sports to outdoor adventures. Elise Solomon, Taft Museum of Art, says that day camps are great for kids of all ages. These camps allow kids to enjoy activities or topics of interest or explore new activities. They also allow kids to make new friends while returning home each evening, fostering a sense of independence without the overnight stay.

OVERNIGHT CAMPS: A TASTE OF INDEPENDENCE

Around the age of 8 to 14, children may be ready for the next step – overnight camps. These camps offer a more immersive experience, with a variety of activities, team-building exercises and the opportunity to sleep away from home. Overnight camps provide a unique chance for personal growth, resilience, and self-reliance as children learn to navigate life outside their familiar surroundings. Joel, 13 years old, says that he enjoyed overnight camp because, “it’s a break from my parents, I make new friends, I get to choose what I want to eat and be responsible for myself. I have made great memories.”

He also shares that his experience with the overnight camp provided him with a new self-confidence.

SLEEPOVER CAMPS: BONDS AND LIFELONG MEMORIES

Typically, suitable for children aged 10 and older, sleepover camps are the pinnacle of summer camp experiences. With longer durations, these camps allow kids to forge deep connections with peers, instructors and nature. Sleepover camps often focus on building life skills, fostering leadership and creating lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come.

JJ, 12 years old, shares that his favorite part of sleepover camp includes, “getting out of the house and meeting new kids, playing gaga ball, and the massive capture the flag game” he has played the last day of camp. He also shares that he enjoys the independence and the memories he has made.

FIRST THINGS FIRST

Trust your gut when researching camps and keep these all-important aspects in mind:

  • Safety First: Ensure the camp has proper safety measures, certified staff and a clean environment.
  • Activities and Interests: Consider your child’s hobbies and interests when choosing a camp. Look for a diverse range of activities to keep them actively engaged.
  • Staff-to-Child Ratio: A low staff-to-child ratio ensures personalized attention and a safer environment.
  • Accommodations: For overnight camps, check the accommodations to ensure they meet your child’s comfort level.
  • Communication: Choose a camp that maintains open communication with parents, providing updates and addressing concerns promptly.

SHOULD I FORCE MY KID TO GO TO CAMP?

Most parents do not have to force their kids to go to camp. Kids will often ask to attend a camp or two, however, some kids are not ready or may feel anxious to move beyond a day camp or an overnight camp. Sit down and talk about it with your kids to gauge their comfort levels. Making kids feel comfortable about going to camp involves addressing their concerns, building anticipation and fostering a positive mindset.

INVOLVE YOUR CHILD IN THE DECISION

Discuss the camp options together. Review fliers or websites together. Consider their interests and preferences when choosing a camp. Empower them by making them feel part of the decision-making process.

Summer camps play a crucial role in a child’s development, offering a blend of fun, learning, and personal growth. By taking a proactive and supportive approach, you can help your child feel more comfortable  and excited about their upcoming camp experience. By considering the appropriate age for several types of camps and evaluating key factors when making your decision, you can ensure your child has a memorable and enriching summer camp experience. Happy camping!

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