Happy Campers

Do your camp homework (with your kids) before school lets out.
By Maryanna S. Phinn

For many kids, summer camp is a joyful, memorable experience. It is a happy time for meeting new friends, discovering a hidden talent or trying different activities.

In Bucks and Montgomery counties, parents and kids have diverse options to meet every child’s interest and every parent’s budget. Local camps offer choices for everyone, including day or overnight camps, traditional, specialty, sports, academic, special needs or church-sponsored camps. Some are privately run and others are part of programs at day care centers, local municipalities, sporting clubs or non-profit organizations.

For parents, the choices may seem overwhelming, but doing your homework with you child will build excitement and add value to the camp experience.

Cheryl Magen, President of the American Camp Association’s (ACA) Keystone Section, which serves camps and families in Pennsylvania and Delaware, suggests exploring possibilities together.

Magen notes, “Parents can get children excited about summer camp by involving them in the process of choosing a camp. Some children wish to pursue a special interest, while others may want to break from school-year activities. Some children will like the idea of going to camp with friends; others may benefit from the freedom to reinvent themselves with new friends at camp. Once you’ve made a decision together, have a ‘countdown to camp’ to build excitement for the wonderful camp experience to come!”

Do Your Homework
When you start your research, look for camps accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA).

“ACA accreditation assures parents that a camp has passed a rigorous inspection that exceeds state and federal regulations and covers more than 300 areas of operation,” explains Michael Chauveau, executive director of ACA Keystone.

The accreditation and safety audit includes thorough reviews, every three years, of the camp’s facility, staffing, programs, kitchen safety, and transportation. “If a camp is not ACA accredited, there may be a good reason, like inspection from another official agency, but parents should know to ask,” says Chauveau, adding that there are over 2,400 ACA-accredited camps nationwide.

Parents can simplify their research by visiting ACA’s “Find A Camp” feature at www.campparents.org.

Take a Tour
Plenty of information is available about local camps through websites, brochures, camp DVDs, local newspapers and the library; however, the best way to determine if a camp is right for your child is to take a tour and meet the staff.

“When parents call or e-mail me, I schedule a personal tour for the family. We want parents to feel 110% comfortable with where they are sending their child,” explains Steven Bernstein, camp director at Diamond Ridge Camps in Jamison, Bucks County. “It’s important for the family to meet the owner or camp director in advance and take a walk through the facilities,” Bernstein adds. Diamond Ridge is a privately-run camp on 33-acres offering day and overnight camps and a teen travel option.

Kids attending Diamond Ridge enjoy traditional activities such as swimming, team sports, arts and crafts, cooking, ceramics, talent shows, nature and outdoor activities. Campers may participate in basketball, T-ball, softball, baseball, lacrosse, soccer, tennis, street hockey, traditional camp games, gaga and ropes courses.  “Kids between the ages of 8 and 15 can participate in our elective-based program. If they choose something and don’t like it, they can try something else,” notes Bernstein, “we’re very flexible.”

Another local camp, Elbow Lane Day Camp in Warrington, Bucks County strongly encourages parents and children to tour before camp starts. “When parents contact us, we ask them to visit for a personalized tour,” says Adrian Hazell, the camp’s assistant director, “It’s the best way to see everything we have to offer.”

For 41 years, Elbow Lane has helped children and teens form lasting memories. The camp, situated on 27-acres with four swimming pools and a 9-hole mini-golf course, provides kids with ample opportunities for fun. “Every kid experiences at least 30 activities per week. We have kids coming here from the time they were in pre-k until college,” Hazell notes, “We have teachers that were campers. Some of our staff has been here for 20 years. Our number one priority is the camper’s safety and our second priority is that they have fun!”

Choices Galore
In addition to traditional day and residential camps, Bucks and Montgomery counties are home to many camps that specialize in specific activities, hobbies or interests.

At picturesque Buckingham Valley Farm near Peddlers Village, kids ages 5 to 16 can attend summer horseback riding camp on the 25-acre farm established in 1986. “We have kids that have never been on a horse before and other kids who are experienced riders and participate in shows,” notes Deirdre Snyder, marketing manager for the riding camp that also includes an indoor and outdoor riding ring, swimming, arts and crafts.

Kids learn about horsemanship, grooming, tacking, horse breeds and anatomy. They enjoy the great outdoors, riding on trails on the farm or along the trails in Tyler State Park or Bucks County Horse Park.  And they get to show off their riding skills at a horse show that many parents attend. “We’re a friendly farm and we strongly encourage parents to visit to make sure riding camp is the right choice for their child,” Snyder adds.

Many children and teens are interested in the arts and find the summertime the perfect season to explore their talents. “Children naturally love play acting and expressing themselves. Summer camp is a great opportunity to expand their horizons, play, have fun and explore,” notes Terri Herring, camp director of Ravens Run New Hope Visual & Performing Arts Camp in downtown New Hope.

Campers discover their creative side through painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, crafts, stained glass, photography, dance, yoga, music, magic, juggling, theatre, creative writing and fashion illustration. “Often there is little opportunity to do these things during the school year. We have the kids rotate through everything offered,” says Herring, noting that the kids often get a chance to visit local galleries and walk to the canal to paint and draw.
The culmination is the campers’ art exhibit and stage show held outdoors. “It’s amazing what these kids accomplish in a few weeks. It’s magical,” Herring adds.

Camps to Meet All Budgets
According to the American Camp Association, 90% of camps offer some type of financial assistance called “camperships.” They are usually based on need, however, ACA urges all parents to inquire about financial assistance, special discounts or early enrollment benefits.

The College Settlement Camp in Horsham, founded in 1922, is a traditional day and overnight camp that offers camperships to many families. “We serve financially disadvantaged children who are usually referred through schools, churches and other community-based organizations. No child is turned away for inability to pay,” notes Karyn McGee, the camp’s residential program director. College Settlement Camp has an outstanding counselor-in-training program and a strong connection with former campers. “We have third and fourth generation campers here. It’s a family tradition,” notes McGee.

Many military families also qualify for financial assistance. ACA-member camps in the Keystone Regional Section have given about 150 military children a camp experience through an award-winning program called “Operation Summer Camp” (OSC) launched in 2003. Since its inception, OSC camps donated nearly $300,000 allowing children of parents serving in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard’s 111th Fighter Wing based in Willow Grove, Montgomery County to attend camp. In 2008, 25 children benefited through donations by area camps. The program is expanding in 2009 to serve children in Western Pennsylvania.

Maryanna S. Phinn is a freelance writer from Washington Crossing, Bucks County.