NORWICH — Though temperatures are still chilly and summer is still around the corner, the Norwich Family YMCA reminds parents that it is never too early (or too late) to start looking for fun activities for kids to do this summer, including camp. As the pioneer of “sleepaway” camp, YMCAs have been serving communities for more than 150 years and the Norwich Family YMCA Camp Thompson facility in Smyrna is a wonderful choice for parents who are looking for a safe and fun place to send their kids this summer.
“Children are our greatest treasures and greatest responsibility,” said Tom Revoir, YMCA Senior Program Director. “YMCA camps help kids have fun, grow positively, meet healthy role models and learn good values. We not only provide memories that last a lifetime, but we also assure parents that their kids are in good hands.”
According to the American Camp Association, more than 11 million children and adults attend camp each year. Activities include swimming, exciting trips and overnights, horseback riding, archery, sailing, canoeing, tennis, arts and crafts, fishing, street hockey, rock climbing, soccer, basketball, volleyball, family evenings and theme days. But determining when children are ready to go to camp and finding the best match can be difficult for parents.
“Good camps fulfill a parent’s No. 1 concern – safety – while supplying experiences and lessons in character and friendship that parents can’t provide on their own,” states YMCA Executive, Jamey Mullen. “Good camps also provide a positive and inclusive atmosphere in which to grow that satisfies a child’s need to belong.”
Norwich YMCA Camp Thompson offers the following helpful tips to help parents choose the best camping experience for their child:
Know your options. When looking for a camp, parents should start with the American Camp Association (ACA), which accredits camps across the country to ensure they meet the highest standards. YMCA camps are accredited by the ACA. There are also a variety of camps: Resident, Day, Sports, Church, Scouts, Performance, Adventure and many more.
Know your budget. Remember, camp does not have to be expensive. Camps are available for every price range, and some YMCA camps offer scholarship assistance.
Know your wants. Families should consider what they want for their child from the camp experience, e.g. a fun vacation from school, a chance to build new skills, or is the camp being utilized as childcare. YMCA camps vary, with some highly structured and others offering kids greater flexibility in setting schedules.
Know your child’s readiness. On average, 8-year-olds are ready for “”sleep-over”” camp. To ease the transition, kids should experience sleeping over at a friend’s or relative’s house at least one night before going to overnight camp. Day camps are another option available for children of all ages.
Know the camp. Review camp brochures or Web sites. Call to ask staff questions about activities, policies and special needs for your child. Seek references from other families whose children have attended the camps you are considering.
Know your child’s wants. Don’t forget to include your child in the decision-making process. Visit the camp with your child and take a tour together before making a final decision.
YMCAs today are collectively one of the nation’s largest providers of camping programs with 265 resident camps and nearly 2,000 day camps across the country including 120 specialty camps for kids with disabilities. YMCAs serve nearly 400,000 youngsters and families each year through their resident camping programs. Another 600,000 enroll in YMCA day camps annually. YMCAs also employ nearly 12,000 teenagers each summer as lifeguards and camp counselors.
Last year over 150 different children attend YMCA Day Camp at Camp Thompson. Children had the opportunity to play and recreate in a private outdoor environment while enjoying athletics, fishing, hiking, biking, swimming, arts and crafts, and adventure based activities. Local counselors provided daily care and programming for nine weeks last summer at the Smyrna facility. Youth camping has been a cornerstone of the YMCA Camp since it opened 46 years ago. The camp has seen a variety of programming over the years including Resident Camp, Day Camp, Family Camp, Adventure Camps, Sheriff’s Camp, a field trip destination by local schools, and the Headwaters Youth Conservation has utilized the camp for training and programming over the years.
Locally the Norwich Family YMCA will offer a variety of camps this summer. Day Camp will be held at YMCA Camp Thompson, Kids Club at the YMCA, and our All Star Basketball Camp will be held at the YMCA. For more information on any of these YMCA camps, please contact the Norwich Family YMCA at 336-9622 or by visiting www.norwichymca.com.