As remote school is ending, we know families are wondering what summer options will be available for their children. While the thought of more computer time may make you cringe, the range of virtual programs is worth your consideration. Some online programming even includes social time outside of the classes. Before you rule out online camp, here are just some of the classes available, and there is something for everyone: Sock Puppet workshop Virtual Yoga Vegan Cooking Courses for budding Entrepreneurs similar to TV’s Shark Tank Frontiers in Medicine Psychology of the Criminal Mind Shakespeare Creative Writing Digital Marketing and Social Media Dance Robotics Acting There are more options, and we’re happy to help you find a program that fits your child’s interests. Contact us for more information.

Have you seen the meme defining a “coronacoaster” – the ups and downs of living in a pandemic? I don’t know about you, but that perfectly captures me and my wildly shifting emotions. Interestingly I’m finding my kids are more even keel than I am. They’re teenagers, and like everyone’s children, they had to abandon their spring and summer plans. I’ve found them to be resilient, creative, and accepting in the faces of the losses they have sustained. As we head towards the fall, and all the uncertainty that brings, they are saying they will be OK no matter what. While a lot of their reactions have to do with their personalities, I can also see that the lessons learned at sleepaway camps and teen programs helped prepare them for this tough time. They are making the best of what the world has to offer and still having fun. They’ve found new ways to meet their goals, follow their interests, and enjoy the summer, all while staying safe. I can connect all the ways they’ve managed during the pandemic to things that a child may navigate away at camp or on a teen trip. The coronacoaster is not my cup of tea, but as it’s the only attraction open this summer, I’m going to do my best to notice the best parts of the ride.

As the sun shines brightly through a summer like no other, camps have much to offer now and this Fall. With August underway, camps are out in front with a myriad of offerings designed to meet the ever-changing needs of families attempting to make optimal decisions in a COVID world.

Camps are working hard to meet families where they are right now. Whether your summer has been extended due to pushed back school start dates or you are contemplating the best environment for your kids’ success in ‘school’ this Fall, you might want to have a look at what camps can offer.

TOURS & NEXT SUMMER:

With many camps not running traditional programming this summer, directors are still touring prospective families both in person at camp and/or virtually. If you are interested in exploring for summer 2021, now is a smart time to see if your family can fit in that August or September camp visit. In addition, many camps that are traditionally full season are going to be offering shorter options for first-time campers.

FAMILY FALL DAYS:

This summer, Family Camp has been a popular breath of fresh air! Several camps are offering Family Days this Fall! Consider taking advantage of wonderful ‘campy’ activities that can be enjoyed by all ages come the Fall season.

SCHOOL AT CAMP:

While this school year will be anything but typical, both camps and parents are already getting creative together. Modeling after several camps that did successfully open and proved it could be done this summer, select camps are being creative and offering a ‘school’ at camp option that combines virtual learning and camp activities.

Now more than ever, all of us need to be flexible. We need to juggle. We need to be creative and open-minded as we embrace a positive path forward together. If you may be interested in learning more about what camp can offer your family, please reach out to any of us on the TIPS Team.

It might only be February, but we are so excited about welcoming girls back to Rockbrook in 2021! After all the challenges and sacrifices everyone has faced this past year, we’ve been thinking about camp, dreaming about camp, and feeling really good about what a summer in the heart of a wooded mountain will provide.

February 22, 2021