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.

Is Your Child Ready For Sleepaway Camp?

For a parent, tossing around the idea of sending your child to sleepaway camp can be daunting. Overnight camp has so many wonderful benefits and advantages, but how do you know when your child is ready to go?

They ask about it: Kids, themselves,  are the best judges of when they are ready to go to camp. Sometimes they show a spontaneous interest in camp on their own, and other times it’s sparked by seeing their older siblings or friends having a blast at camp. Either way, talking to your child about the benefits of camp and how serious they are about going will provide you with the best insight on if they’re ready!

They exhibit certain behavior: Kids who are relatively self reliant, confident and adaptable to new surroundings usually fare well at summer camp. If they’ve been away on school trips, or even stayed for a prolonged period of time away from home, they should be a happy camper.

Consider the length of session: The typical sleepaway camp session runs anywhere between 4-8 weeks. For children who are on the younger end or for kids who are experiencing camp for the first time, a shorter session might be a great way for your child to get their feet wet and ease into going away. Some camps offer a one week starter session, with the option of tacking on additional weeks.

Are you looking for a sleepaway camp for this summer? The solution is simple: 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 enroll now, visit us here or call 516.543.6521.

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.

Get-Ready-For-Camp Checklist

The countdown to camp is on! We bet your child is ready for some fun in the sun and s’mores by the fire.  But not so fast! Being away for a few weeks takes a lot of planning and prepping so before you load up the car, make sure they have everything they need with this summer camp checklist!

• Camper Forms: Prior to your child’s arrival at camp, you’ll need to create a camper profile and complete their medical forms. Schedule those doctor appointments now to ensure you’re all set as camp gets closer.
• Medications: If your child does require medication or has any medical concerns, it’s important to coordinate these logistics with the camp. Make sure you get the contact information of the nurse or medic on staff in the event of an emergency. It’s always better to be prepared!
• Schedule a Camp Trunk Pick-up: Most camps use baggage carriers, so remember to schedule your pick up ahead of time.
• Go Shopping: If your child is a return camper, see what items they have from last year and then reassess their shopping needs. Contact your camp for a suggested list of clothing to pack, and inquire about camp discounts from local retailers.
• Transportation Arrangements: Some camps offer transportation services for the kids. Whether it be a charter bus, or chaperoned flight, check with your camp on any services offered and schedule accommodations accordingly.
• Review the Basics: Since your child will be away from home for the summer, make sure they know how to take care of themselves and exhibit proper hygiene.

• Plan Your Visit: Now it’s time for you to plan your summer fun! Make arrangements for visiting day ahead of time to avoid overbooking at nearby hotels.

After completing that checklist, now it’s time to get excited! Your child is only a few weeks away from having a life-altering, confidence-building, fun summer at  Camp Tioga. For more questions visit us here, or contact us at (516)938-0894.

Health Benefits of Attending Sleepaway Camp

There’s no doubt that attending sleepaway camp is tons of fun, but is it actually good for your child too? You bet! In a world with ever rising levels of stress and illness, camp has been proven to optimize the physical and psychological development of those who attend it. If that’s not enough to sign your kids up immediately, here are some reasons why camp keeps them healthy.

Teaches Resiliency: The ultimate camp experience offers a nurturing and supportive environment away from home. Camp introduces kids to new skills and teaches them the importance of trying again. It’s easier to endure setbacks and face your fears in this type of caring atmosphere.

Gets Them Moving: We can’t stress enough the importance of getting fresh air and moving your body! Exercise is crucial in achieving optimal health, and camp is all action! From swimming to hikes, your children will learn to develop a healthier lifestyle.

Makes Them Unplug: When kids take a break from technology, they rediscover their creativity and imagination. Stepping away for their phones encourages them to interact with others and build social skills. This introduces them to all different types of people and allows them to form new friendships.

Promotes Independence: Camp is the perfect place for kids to make decisions for themselves. It provides them with a sense of control and builds self-esteem. This transformative experience offers kids opportunities to challenge themselves and go outside of their comfort zone, filling them with a sense of accomplishment.

Want your children to have a happy and healthy summer? 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.