Let’s Reflect On What Camp Has Taught Us

We can’t believe that 2017 is right around the corner! The end of a year is a great time for us to reflect on all of the things we learned in the previous year and to take time to be grateful for all that we have. As we set our intentions for a wonderful 2017, it’s important to take a little time to reflect on what camp has helped us learn in 2016.

Of course, the things that camp has taught us are endless. Giving your child the gift of camp is actually the gift that keeps on giving. To enroll your child for summer 2017, visit here to save big before 12/31/16. Help our child have the best summer of their lives at Camp Tioga. To learn more, visit our website or give us a call at 516.938.0894 today!

Debunking Common Summer Camp Myths

When it comes to summer camp, everyone has an opinion or a story to tell. However, don't believe everything you hear! If you’re wondering whether your child will be homesick without attending camp with a friend, or you think the most expensive camps are the best ones, we’re here to debunk those common summer camp myths!

Expensive Camps Are The Best Camps

This is simply not true! It is important to weigh all of the factors when choosing a summer camp. Find out what amenities are offered, speak to campers and families who have attended that camp and do research on the staff. Different camps appeal to different kids, so finding one that works best for your child is the key to a successful experience!

My Child is Not Old Enough For Camp

Quite the contrary! Children who attend camp at an earlier age actually adjust much better than those who start late. It also helps them gain a sense of independence at an early age.

It Is Better To Go To Camp With A Friend

This plan sounds good in theory, however, it proves to be more harmful than helpful. When children attend camp with a friend, they tend to rely on each other, instead of befriending other campers! One of the best benefits of sending your child to camp is the fact that they are introduced to all different people from different walk of life, often making friendships that last a lifetime!

I’ll Start My Planning In The Spring

If you’re considering sending your child to camp next summer, it’s best to start the planning process early. Many repeat campers have already enrolled early, so to be sure your child deserves their spot, it’s best to be in contact with their camp now.  The peak months for camp enrollment are December through March, so act early to ensure your child will experience the best summer of their life!

We hope that we set the record straight on these common summer camp misconceptions. At Camp Tioga, we provide fun, friendships, and fantastic lifelong memories. Besides offering more than 80 activities such as sports, drama, crafts, nature, swimming, and boating. We also have a state-of-the-art Fitness Center, and a Computer Center with internet access. For more information or to schedule a tour of the camp, visit our website or give us a call at 516.938.0894.

7 Reasons Why Businesses Should Hire Former Camp Counselors

Hardworking and diligent employees are invaluable assets to any organization. According to the American Camp Association, being a camp counselor is one of the hardest jobs that breeds top notch workers. Here are some reasons why being a camp counselor will make you valuable to any business:

A good communicator: Camp counselors have to be able to communicate extremely well with children, parents, coworkers, and superiors.

A resilient individual: Camp counselors can handle anything. It’s up to them to solve the problems of their campers, many times dealing with multiple issues at once.

A problem solver: For the most part, camp tries to keep things very scheduled and organized, but at the drop of a hat, plans can change. Counselors become skilled at being adaptable and agile, switching gears when necessary.

A creative thinker: When you need a new plan immediately, leave it to a camp counselor to come up with the most brilliant and fun game that anyone has ever heard of. Thinking outside of the box and being resourceful are great traits of a counselor.

A leader: The moment children arrive at camp, their counselor is their leader and their biggest role model. Campers watch their counselor’s every move, looking up to all of the things that they do. Camp counselors learn how to quickly take on this leadership role and own it.

A team player: Camp counselors are some of the best team players you will ever meet. Camp is such a collaborative environment, where counselors learn that they can not handle everything on their own and that they get the best results when working together.

A solid work ethic: It is very difficult to explain to someone who has never been a camp counselor how hard this job really is. Counselors work tirelessly 24/7 for three months to make sure that all of their campers always have a smile on their face! That’s the type of dedication any employer would be lucky to have in their company!

Working at Camp Tioga is a great experience! If you are interested in applying for a job at Camp Tioga for next summer, visit our website to learn more. Our staff is composed of carefully selected sports instructors, coaches, health care professionals, graduates and students from the leading colleges and universities from 18 different countries and all over the United States. We look forward to hearing from you!

Tips for Surviving Your Child’s First Summer at Sleepaway Camp

While we know that children can often experience homesickness or anxiety when having to be away from their families for an extended amount of time, it’s not uncommon for parents to also get a touch of the separation blues as well. To avoid being down and out when your child leaves for summer camp, here are some tips for surviving their first stint at sleepaway camp:

Help them choose the camp: While it is important to have your child’s input on the decision making process, don’t be afraid to put in your two cents as well. Helping decide on where they will spending their summer will help ease your fears and make you feel more comfortable with them being so far away from home.

Don’t sweat the small stuff: Once they are there, trust and believe that they are in good, nurturing hands. If you notice that they get a little more sun than usual or have lost some weight, don’t get upset! Summer camp is a time for kids to cut loose and break away from the stresses of daily life. They will be running around outside for up to 8 hours a day, and enjoying fun outdoor activities. Things will return back to normal once they return home, so let them enjoy this time and try not to stress!

Ask the right questions: To help ease any apprehension you might have, communicate with your child any concerns you may be having. Ask them if they are feeling lonely or nervous, and talk through it together. You’ll feel much more confident with their decision to go away if you have these open discussions. Don’t be afraid to turn to the counselors for any additional questions or issues to help you get a better understanding of all that is going on.

Sleepaway camp isn’t just a great way for a kid to take some safe space and gain independence, it’s that for a parent as well. And just remember, you will survive.

At Camp Tioga, all parents can ease their fears because their children are in good hands. We create the most nurturing, comforting environment possible and will do everything in their power to make each camper and their parents  feel confident in their decision to come here. To learn more about all that Camp Tioga has to offer, give us a call at 570.756.2660 or visit us on Facebook.

Ways To Help Your Child Beat Homesickness

For any parent sending their child to camp for the first time knows that homesickness is a very real possibility. Even though your child is about to embark on a summer full of fun, friendship and adventure, it’s normal for them to experience a bit of being-away-from-home blues! To help them overcome their homesickness and get the most out of their camp experience, here are some ways to help them shake the sadness!

Practice makes perfect: Having your child spend some nights away from home at a relative or friend’s house is a great way to get them slowly used to being apart from their families. The more your child experiences nights away, the smoother the transition to camp should be.

Explain that homesickness is normal: It’s very common for every camper to miss home sometimes and explaining that to your child may help ease their fears to let them know they are not alone. You can discuss coping strategies with them prior to their departure for camp, such as writing letters home or talking to a counselor.

Express your confidence in them: Praising your child for making the decision to go to camp is helpful in easing their anxiety from being away from home. Express your confidence in their resilience and admiration in going away. You can also go over all of the great things that they will experience when going to camp, like making lots of new friends who will act as a support. They'll be so busy taking part in activities with their friends that they wont even have time to feel sad.

Don’t show your anxiety: Sure, as parents there will always be some concerns when your child is going to be away from your for any amount of time. It’s normal for you to feel apprehensive as well, but make sure not to express your anxiety in front of them. The more confident and comfortable you are, the more your child will feel at ease with their decision to go.

Many children experience homesickness, and our caring staff has been trained to help them deal with homesickness. At Camp Tioga, we create the most nurturing, comforting environment possible, and with all of our unbelievable activities, no child stays homesick for long. Our camp counselors will do everything in their power to make each camper feel at home. To learn more about all that Camp Tioga has to offer, give us a call at 570.756.2660 or visit us on Facebook.

4 Tips To Help Kids Unplug

In a world run by ever-evolving technology, kids can miss out on experiences and real life connections to others. The children of today spend an average of nine hours per day using technology, according to CNN. Those numbers are alarming and can lead to lack of social skills and health problems down the road. Removing yourself from technology, even for a little, is so crucial for the mind and body. Camp is a place where children can put down their smartphones and learn to connect to others while enjoying nature.

Help your children unplug from technology when they’re not at camp, with these four tips:

1. Encourage hobbies: Encouraging your child to take up things like sports, art, dance or music are all great ways to help lessen their screen time.  They’ll keep busy going to practice or getting ready for a big game that they won’t have as much time to text.
2. Set Limits: Limiting the amount of time your child can spend on their electronic devices is a great way to make sure they also get to experience the world going on around them. Some parents like to ban cell phones at the dinner table or during family conversations, which is helpful in getting your child into an “unplugging habit.”
3. Spend Quality Time Together: A lot of technology use comes from your child being bored and having nothing to do. Spending quality time with them- such as going for a walk, to the movies or just having a talk over ice cream- helps steer them from the screen.
4. Motivate Them To Exercise: It’s really important to get your kids moving! And making it a family affair is even better. Arrange outdoor activities like swimming or hiking, or even join a gym together! You’ll both reap the health benefits and have some time away from your phone!

At camp, children can unplug from the cyber-world and focus solely on building real life relationships, an important skill that will help them throughout life.  Are you searching for a place to help your child unplug next summer? Look no further than Camp Tioga! We are confident that by the end of camp, your child will have new friends and memories that will last them a lifetime. To learn more about all that our camp has to offer, visit us on Facebook or call 570-756-2660 to schedule a tour of the camp.

Best Camp Care Package Ideas

You labeled their clothing, you packed their bags and now your kids are off to camp! But your parent duties don’t end here--now it’s time to put together the ultimate camp care package to send their way! While there are some restrictions on what camps will allow in, there are certainly lots of little items you can include to put a smile on your child’s face. Here are some fun ideas for a summer  camp care package:

Glow Sticks: When the counselors call for “lights out,” glow sticks could be a great alternative to ease the fears of a first time camper and provide them with a little comforting glow. They are also great in helping lead the way to the bathroom at night or for hanging outside to keep the mosquitoes away.

A Taste of Home: Send your child their favorite treat from home! If their camp has rules on food restrictions, such as keeping them nut free, make sure to abide by them to ensure the safety of other campers!

Love Notes: A simple note telling your child how much you love & miss them and are proud of them goes a long way. It’s like sending an instant hug through the mail. Sometimes a little reassurance from home eases any apprehension they might have.

Small Toys & Games: A deck of cards, bouncy balls, yo-yos, frisbees and even your child's favorite graphic novel are always a sure-fire care package hit. While camp is chock full of super fun activities, these are great additional ways to keep them busy and entertained on their own time.

Toiletries: Chapstick, hair ties and headbands, oh my! Since their stock might be running low, packing up some toiletries and accessories are a great way to replenish your child’s stash and bring some excitement to their package!

Happy shopping, moms & dads!

At Camp Tioga, we provide fun, friendships, and fantastic lifelong memories. Our campers love getting care packages--we welcome 2 packages per session! If you’re looking for a great sleepaway camp for next summer, choose Camp Tioga! Located in the incredible endless mountain region of Pennsylvania, our state-of the-art campus is built on 110 scenic acres, with panoramic views reaching over 40 miles.To learn more about all that our camp has to offer, visit us on Facebook or call 570-756-2660 to schedule a tour of the camp.

Sleepaway Camp Myths Debunked

Sending your child to sleepaway camp can come with a slew of questions from parents who are hoping to make this the summer of their child’s life.  If you’ve ever found yourself wondering if your child will be homesick or if they will learn anything at camp, we’re here to set the record straight.

Here are some common sleepaway camp myths, debunked!  

Are you looking for a summer camp for your child that will give them an overall fun, nurturing and educational experience? Choose Camp Tioga! With a camper to staff ratio of  3 to 1, Camp Tioga is composed of carefully selected experienced and caring individuals who make sure that each child feels welcome and comfortable. To learn more about Camp Tioga, visit us on Facebook or Twitter.

10 Signs You Were A Summer Camp Kid

We bet you and your child are impatiently counting down the days until summer camp begins--and good news, it’s right around the corner! Attending summer camp is such an unforgettable experience. The memories you make and the lessons you learn are all things that never really leave you. From boosting your self esteem to developing a sense of independence, attending summer camp comes with a long list of lifelong benefits.

But, as you know, it’s also tons of fun! There’s a special bond that kids who attend sleepaway camp all have, one  that those who don’t attend can’t relate to. I guess it really is true when they say “once a camp kid, always a camp kid!”

Here are 10 signs that you were a summer camp kid:

Want your children to share the wonderful experience that you had as a summer camp kid? Let Camp Tioga help! Set in the beautiful Endless Mountain region of Pennsylvania, we’re here to provide your child with a summer full of activity, fun and friendship. For more information on all that Camp Tioga has to offer, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, or give us a call at 516-938-0894.

Tips for Sending Your Child to Overnight Camp For the First Time

We know the never-ending benefits of sending your child to overnight camp--the increased self confidence, building long lasting friendships and developing independence. But for a child who is off to camp for the first time this summer, it can seem overwhelming, and dare we say it, even scary! But fear not! We’re here to ease your child’s fears with these tips to help them realize that camp is going to be one of the best experiences of their lives.

It’s All In The Approach: When speaking to your child, don’t talk about camp as being “4 weeks away from home,” but rather “a summer full of adventures and new friendships!”

Visit The Camp: Scheduling a tour ahead of time to explore the facilities and meet the camp staff is a great way to familiarize your child with their new summer home. This will help them feel more comfortable as they’ll be able to visualize themselves there.

Talk About It: During the months leading up to camp, it’s helpful to talk about what they can expect this summer.  Mentioning things like sleepovers in the cabin and meeting new people  are both positive topics that will get your child excited about their new adventure.

Surf The Web: Exploring the camp’s website is a great way to have a virtual experience, especially if there are videos or interactive maps of the grounds. Seeing pictures of other campers having fun, or an activity calendar for the summer ahead is helpful in building enthusiasm.

Acknowledge Their Concerns: Ask your child positive questions, such as, “what activity are you most excited about?” or “what do you think your counselors will be like?” This will hopefully spark a conversation between you and your child, bringing up any concerns they may have. Let them know you are listening, which should redirect their concerns and minimize their apprehension.

We want your child to know that camp is fun! With a camper to staff ratio of  3 to 1, Camp Tioga is composed of carefully selected experienced and caring individuals who make sure that each child feels welcome and comfortable. To learn more about Camp Tioga, visit us on Facebook or Twitter.

Reasons Why Parents Enroll Their Children In Summer Camp

Each summer, parents enroll their children in summer camp. You may be wondering why this is so. Children aren't the only one who benefit from attending summer camp. Parents can reap the rewards, too! Keep reading to learn more. 

A Deeper Appreciation For Home and Family Life

The first session of camp is four weeks long. This may be the first time your child has stayed somewhere else for an extended period of time. They say that distance makes the heart grow fonder, and this seems rings true! When your child returns home, they will have a new-found appreciation for your home and family life. After all, they will miss all of the comforts of home!

Unplugging From Technology

When your child attends Camp Tioga, they will have the opportunity to disconnect from technology for a long period of time. This can reduce their dependence on technology. Parents can enjoy family game night without the interruption of cell phones. 

Will you be sending your child to overnight camp this summer? If so, choose Camp Tioga. We are confident that Camp Tioga is the right fit for any child. This is due to our superior staff, picturesque grounds and the 80 activities we offer. Call 516-938-0894 to inquire about enrollment. 

Web Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mitch-and-stephanie-reiter/why-parents-are-thankful-_b_6181484.html

How To Become A Great Camp Counselor

There is no denying that a camp counselor can change a camper's life. Do you want to have that kind of impact on your campers this summer? If so, find out how to become a great camp counselor.

Get Acquainted With Each & Every Camper

At Camp Tioga, we want to make sure that each and every camper has the best summer ever. In order to do that, counselors must get to know their campers. That way, they can learn about their interests and talents. Having a personalized experience can make all the difference.

Establish A Routine

Counselors should also establish a routine with their campers from the very beginning. It will give the days more structure. Best of all, it will teach campers about the importance of time management. 

Be A Role Model For Your Campers

It is no secret that campers look up to counselors. That's why it is so important for counselors to set a good example. After all, they act as role models for the campers! 

Working at Camp Tioga is a great experience! If you are interested in applying for a job at Camp Tioga, please email camptioga@gmail.com. Our staff is composed of carefully selected sports instructors, coaches, health care professionals, graduates and students from the leading colleges and universities from 18 different countries and all over the United States. We look forward to hearing from you!

​Web Source: ​

​http://www.acacamps.org/resource-library/articles/top-10-tips-working-todays-campers

​What Sets Camp Tioga Apart From Other Overnight Camps​

There are so many camps in Pennsylvania. However, there is only one Camp Tioga! Keep reading to find out what sets Camp Tioga apart from other overnight camps. 

The Circus Program

Did you know that Camp Tioga has its own circus program? Not many other camps can say that! Our one-of-a-kind program is designed to teach children about clowning, acrobatics and juggling. Best of all, it gives children the unique opportunity to learn about circus skills. 

A Personalized Summer Experience

Some camps do not give their campers a choice of sports and activities they'd like to participate in. That is not the case at Camp Tioga! The daily schedules are tailored to the wants and needs of every child. We strive to provide our campers with a truly personalized summer experience.

The Camp Tioga Family

Camp Tioga is not just another camp. There is a strong feeling of family at Camp Tioga, and everyone, staff and campers alike, become part of our Camp Tioga Family. For many, Camp Tioga is a second home and a second family in the summertime. 

Are you thinking of sending your son or daughter to sleepaway camp this summer? If so, choose Camp Tioga. We are confident that Camp Tioga is the right fit for any child. This is due to our superior staff, picturesque grounds and the 80 activities we offer. For an in-depth look at what Camp Tioga has to offer, call 516-938-0894 for more information.