CHOOSE YOUR SUMMER
ADVENTURE!
– San Diego Camps & Programs –
2020 Virtual Camp Fair
Cherie Gough
HAPPY CAMPERS Tips to help children with their first camp experience
After months of quarantine, your
kids are probably excited to get outside and enjoy being with peers at summer camp. While you’re also ready for a bit of freedom, you may be worried to send your little camper to unfamiliar territory. Help prepare kids with these tips to make his first camp experience a positive one.
The Basics • Have children memorize their full name, address and a parent’s phone number before camp begins. • Many day camps require closed-toe shoes and may need kids to get shoes on and off quickly. Practice tying shoelaces; if your little one hasn’t mastered this skill before camp
starts, consider a pair of Velcro shoes. Do trial runs until he masters getting shoes on and off in a timely manner. Practice makes perfect! • Children should be able to zip their own pants and sweatshirts (or wear pull-ons so they are self-sufficient). Teach them to tie a sweatshirt around their waist. • Apply sunscreen before leaving for camp; children who attend full-day camp should know how and when to reapply.
Practice Active Listening and Assertive Communication • Be sure your child listens to and follows directions. This year
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especially, camps will emphasize health and safety. Following directions is vital to keeping everyone safe while having fun. Practice active listening skills by asking kids to follow multi-step directions following sequential order. • Review camp rules together before camp starts to help manage expectations. Note that a child who pouts until he gets his way may not be ready for camp. • Practice simple, direct responses to communicate dissatisfaction if and when necessary. Such as, “I don’t like that. Don’t do it again.” If an annoying or inappropriate behavior continues from another child, ask a camp counselor for help.
• Practice speaking up in matters of safety, such as wearing a mask or social distancing. Act as a role model in public to show kids how. • Children should know how (and be willing) to ask for help when needed. If he has a special need, let camp staff know ahead of time. Kids and staff can even agree on a signal to get a staff member’s attention. • Have kids practice asking for what they want (politely). Manners go a long way. You’ve taught your child “please” and “thank you”—be sure he says these important phrases without your cue.
Make Lunch Stress-Free • Packaging often poses a problem for little fingers. Practice opening wrappers and containers at home. Don’t assume camp staff will have time to assist everyone at lunchtime. • Handwashing is sure to be emphasized, but it’s OK to ask camp staff if hand wipes, sanitizer or placemats are allowed in
lunchboxes. Practice using these items with kids at home. • One in 13 children has a food allergy; it’s likely that someone at camp will, too. Swapping snacks sounds like fun, but it’s not safe as cross-contamination can pose a big problem for kids allergic to nuts or gluten. Teach children not to share food and to respect other people’s space by not touching their lunchbox and food. • Stop yourself the next time you start to clean up after your kids. Teach children how to sort trash from recyclables, throw items in proper bins, and most importantly, not to expect adults to clean up after them. Part of being successful, happy campers is for kids to help out and do their part.
Social Skill Essentials For many first-time campers, enrolling with a buddy helps ease jitters. But it’s important to gain the confidence and skills to make new friends. Review and roleplay skills that show openness to making friends:
• Practice how to greet someone new. Make eye contact and smile. • When someone says “hi”, teach children to reply, even if they feel shy. Not responding may be misconstrued that a child doesn’t want to be friends. • Teach children to take turns. • Discuss the idea that not everyone has to be friends—especially if your child is a people pleaser. Camp is a place to try new things and have fun doing so. Let kids know they’re expected to participate in all activities, and that it’s OK if they don’t do everything just right. Kids who follow directions and are willing to venture into “new territory” have an opportunity to learn many skills that build confidence and independence, while making new friends along the way. v Cherie Gough is a local freelance writer and mom of two who enjoys the enrichment camp brings to summer break.
Digital Camp & Summer Programs Guide 2020 • SanDiegofamily.com •
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Virtual Summer Camp with Birch Aquarium Virtual camps bring the wonders of the ocean to your home. Program Highlights Explore the ocean world this summer through Birch Aquarium’s NEW virtual camps. All camps are live and taught by two of our expert instructors. Kindergarten-Grade 5 graduates will create crafts, participate in experiments, learn about oceanography, and virtually interact with ocean animals. Dates & Times The 1.5 hour long camps are available for a full week or single days. Ages Kindergarten - 5th grade Rates & Discounts $20/day
2300 Expedition Way La Jolla, CA 92037 Phone: 858 534-3474 mailto:aquariuminfo@ucsd.edu www.aquarium.ucsd.edu https://www.facebook.com/BirchAquarium/
SIGN UP NOW!
4 • SanDiegofamily.com • Digital Camp & Summer Programs Guide 2020
Digital Camp & Summer Programs Guide 2020 • SanDiegofamily.com •
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Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego offers modified Summer Camp.
Program Highlights: Summer may look different, but it’s not canceled! Young people in kindergarten through 8th grade can enjoy a summer of fun. Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego (BGCGSD) is offering a limited and modified Summer Camp for the Summer of 2020 at three locations: 4S Ranch Branch, Clairemont Branch and Conrad Prebys Escondido Branch. Space is limited. As of right now, there will be no field trips, cooking projects, swimming or activities that bring members into close contact with one another. Activities will still include: arts & crafts, computers, STEM, sports, special events and much more. Everything has been re-imagined to adhere to social distancing and other health & safety guidelines. Daily free lunch and afternoon snack will be offered at the Clairemont Branch and the Conrad Prebys Escondido Branch. *In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. Dates & Times: Monday - Friday 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM Ages: Grades K - 8th Rates & Discounts: $160 per week per child, plus a one-time $60 annual membership fee per child. Sibling discounts are offered, as well as scholarships for families with a proven financial need. Membership fee waivers are available for military families. Area: Clairemont, 4S Ranch, Escondido
4635 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego, CA 92117 Phone: 858-866-0591 mailto:info@sdyouth.org www.SDYouth.org
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www.facebook.com/BGCGSD
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Digital Camp & Summer Programs Guide 2020 • SanDiegofamily.com •
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Helen Woodward Animal Center
An interactive camp with hands-on animal interactions, crafts, games, and more!
Program Highlights Summer Critter Camp at Helen Woodward Animal Center is an interactive experience unlike any other! With hands-on animal encounters, unique crafts, exciting games, and team building activities, your kids are sure to have a blast. What kind of critters will campers meet? All types! Our animal ambassadors encompass a variety of small mammals, large mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians, and invertebrates. In addition to being adorable, all of these animals have invaluable lessons to teach us! Your little ones will walk away with new knowledge about each species and, perhaps more importantly, a greater sense of compassion for all creatures. Various discounts, and scholarships are available. Dates & Times Now - August 28 Morning sessions for all grades: 8–11 AM; Afternoon sessions for all grades: 12:20–3:20 PM Ages Kindergarten - 6th grade Rates & Discounts Weekly registration fee is $195 for all grade ranges. Military and sibling discounts available. Area Rancho Santa Fe
6461 El Apajo Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067 Phone: 858-756-4117 mailto:education@animalcenter.org
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www.animalcenter.org/education https://www.facebook.com/helenwoodwardanimalcenter/ 8 • SanDiegofamily.com • Digital Camp & Summer Programs Guide 2020
Watch the camp preview video. Digital Camp & Summer Programs Guide 2020 • SanDiegofamily.com •
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