Author: Element6

Sending your kids to camp for the first time? Here are some tips to help make the transition as smooth as possible!

• Choose camps based on your child’s interests.
  You know what your children like, so sign them up for something they will enjoy, but don’t be afraid to throw something new into the mix. Even though it’s summer vacation, there is still plenty of learning to be had.
• Get in the know.
  Check out the organization’s website to get information about the programming and policies. Even if it’s just a general outline, this will give you and your child an idea of what his or her day will look like. If you’re unsure about any of the activities, check out the registration options. Many camps have half day options so you can choose which activities you want to focus on.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
  If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact the camp to get answers.
• Complete your registration as soon as you can.
  Sometimes camps have limited capacity and the earlier you get in your registration, the more likely you are to secure a spot. It’s 2018, so most camp registrations are online and easy as pie to complete.

Now that you’re a camp expert and you have completed your registrations, what’s next?

• Get your camper excited about the first day of camp.
  The goal of camp is to have fun! So make sure that you come to camp ready for fun new experiences. Talk about it at the dinner table and discuss what your child is excited (and maybe nervous) about. If your child is nervous (and you might be too!), give the camp a call or send an e-mail. Camp staff are always happy to help!
• Know what you need to bring to camp and prepare the weekend before.
  Most camps list what you need to bring on their website. For the most part (and depending on the activity), day camps tend to spend a lot of time outdoors, so be sure to dress your child according to the weather (don’t forget the sunscreen!). Be sure to pack plenty of healthy nut free snacks and water in your camper’s lunch. Most camps don’t have refrigeration, so if there’s anything in your camper’s lunch that needs to stay cool, ice packs tend to come in quite handy.
• Introduce yourself to the camp staff on the first day of camp.
  If you have any concerns about your child that you think the staff should know, be sure to share it with them at this time. The first day of camp is like the first day of school. Everyone is meeting each other for the first time, and it might take a little bit longer to start up the activities on the first day so be patient as everyone gets to know each other.
• Make summer camp part of the routine.
  We don’t need to quote a bunch of studies to prove that having a routine is beneficial to just about everyone on this planet. Falling out of routine is easy to do over the summer vacation (that’s what vacation is for after all!), but being out of routine for the summer can make it tough to adjust back into the school routine in the Fall. Just like during the school year, set your alarm for the same time every day so you can arrive to camp at or around the same time.
• If you have any questions about camp, talk to the camp staff.
  The onsite supervisor is the one in charge of the camp and should be able to address any questions about camp that you might have. If not, contact the head office.
• Have fun…It’s summer camp!
  We think this one is self-explanatory!

Growing up, my childhood lacked exposure to summer camps, and I struggle to recall how I filled my days. My parents never enrolled me in such programs. Now, as a mother to three boys, I realized the challenges of having them at home all summer, especially dealing with the dynamics of three energetic boys 24/7. Recognizing my inability to entertain them for nine weeks straight, even as a stay-at-home mom, I found the idea of sending them to camp to be a practical and mutually beneficial solution. While they gained much from the experience, it was also a relief for me.

Sending children to camp isn’t merely about having someone “watch your kids.” The essence lies in motivating and stimulating them while ensuring they have fun. Over the years, my boys have participated in various camps, some they loved, others they disliked, and that’s perfectly acceptable. The range of activities has been diverse, spanning from soccer and gymnastics to cooking, art, science, and even city-run camps. Some camps were costly, while others were reasonably priced.

What excites me about sending my boys to camp is the wealth of experiences they gain. They get to try new activities, occasionally venturing into uncharted territories, and sometimes, they delve into areas they already know they love. The benefits extend beyond screen-free days and exposure to fresh air; they develop gross and fine motor skills, independence, responsibility for their belongings (despite the occasional losses), leadership skills, socialization, and the ability to function as part of a team.

The criterion for selecting the best camp for my boys has always been simple: did they have fun? Regardless of the specific camp, the ultimate factor was their enjoyment. While they might not emerge as the next Messi, Chef Ramsay, or Picasso, their interest and engagement were evident through the joy they derived. They learned to interact in a social setting without my presence, embraced responsibility and compassion, and discovered new aspects of themselves and their interests. This upcoming summer, my 16-year-old will be working at one of his favorite camps, my 14-year-old will volunteer at the same camp, and my youngest, at 10, will continue being a camper—all choices they made because of the fun they experienced.

‘Twas the night before the match, when all through the house
All of the players were stirring, and so was coach Strauss;
The jerseys were hung in the closet with care,
In hopes that the sun soon would be there;

The players were jumping and laughing in bed,
While visions of victory danced in their heads;
And mom in her onsie, and I in my briefs,
Had just settled down with a sigh of relief,

When the morning came we arose to a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the landing I flew like a flash,
I stubbed my toe and tripped over the trash.

The sun it has risen, the time I didn’t know,
But today was the match, so we soon had to go.
We couldn’t be late, this league is premier,
There’s so much to do, but what did I hear?

First one, then two, they went by so quick,
I knew in a moment it must be team Kicks.
More rapid than eagles the players they came,
And they whistled, and shouted, and cheered out their name;

“Now, ALEX! now, BEN! now, COLTON and SAMMY!
On, MATTHEW! on JONNY! on, MILES and RILEY!
To the van in the driveway! to the seats they all filled!
Oh my gosh I need to get dressed! They are all so thrilled!”

As we reach the pitch the players are ready to fly,
When they push out of the van, they look up to the sky,
So glorious a day the birds they all flew,
With not a cloud in site, and the sky the perfect shade of blue.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard in the distance,
They came out of nowhere – the other team’s existence.
As I drew in my hand, I closed the automatic door,
Thinking this will be the last time it has a clean floor.

The ref was dressed all in black, from his head to his feet,
And boy was it muddy, just look at his cleat;
A whistle and note pad he had hung on his neck,
And made sure to do his final field check.

“Captains” he called, with a smile so merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
The captains shook hands and it was about to begin, the show,
Which team would win, only in the end we would know;

The whistle it blew, I tried not to breathe,
Being a soccer parent is hard, all I do is grind my teeth;
The players they had rhythm, and back in net was Kelly,
He was the last line of defense, if the ball makes it back – oh nelly!

Team Kicks gained possession and showed the team their best self,
And I cheered when I saw the look of pride they saw in themselves;
The net it neared closer it was directly ahead,
A kick and a swoosh in the net off of a head;

The boys showed so much spirit as a team they do work,
As my son looked over at me, saying “I did it” with a smirk,
The players they gleamed and all had a glow,
Us parents yelled out again “way to go!”;

The team jumped and cheered, when the ref gave a whistle,
And away they all flew to thank the officials.
This is my favourite way to spend all of my day,
HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL,  SOCCER IS THE BEST GAME TO PLAY!