Testimonial Spotlight: Camp Tioga

For those ‘Tiogans’ out there that have been distraught the past 10 months - you’re not alone; thankfully, we only have a few short months left until Tioga17! For those that have never been to Camp Tioga, you might be wondering what it’s all about. We’re much more than just a sleepaway camp. Campers and counselors alike are apart of the Camp Tioga family!

But don't just take our word for it! See what our counselors, campers, and their families are saying about Camp Tioga in the reviews below:

“One of the most beautiful and happiest places on earth. Experiences that will last a lifetime and a family forever.” - Camper

“Camp Tioga is the best camp to be at. I’m going for my 4th year and I love it! You can't get a better camp than this! All of the directors and head staff are amazing and I made my true best friends here. It always makes me happy just thinking about it. I call it my home!” - Camper

“I definitely had the “summer of my life.” I was made to feel welcome not as an employee but felt all the counselors were treated as a member of an extended family.” - Counselor

“The best experience for your child's youth! Great camper population, attentive staff and a WORLD CLASS family-oriented ownership team! Wags, Cuz and Ronnie are the greatest! Our kids LOVE it.” - Parents

“Perfect. Has exceeded all of our potential expectations for our three sons. We've been dealing with Tioga for years and they've practically become family to us.” - Parents


Do you have a favorite memory from Camp Tioga over the past 20 years? We’d love to see your best  #TBT (#ThrowbackThursday) picture! Share your memories with us on Facebook and Twitter.

For a parent, tossing around the idea of sending your child to sleepaway camp can be daunting, but 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. If you would like to become apart of our family, call 516-938-0894 or visit our website to enroll today!

Is Summer Different Now?

Different generations will always debate who had it better; from movies, to music, to summer fun. Memories are unmeasurable, so there probably isn’t a way to prove that past generations enjoyed better summers. However, there’s no denying the evidence that summer is different now - not worse or better, just different.

Programmed Camps
According to the American Camp Association, there are around 7,000 overnight camps in the U.S. (a 17 percent increase in the past four years). And contrary to popular belief, camps aren't all about hiking and making friendship bracelets. There are dozens of different specialties to choose from now, including computer programming, fashion, and even archaeology.

The Great Outdoors
According to a study done by the University of Michigan, there is a 69 percent decrease in kids participating in outdoor activities. These days, they’re glued to their phones and computer screens (no surprise there!). However, research has shown that children's lives weren't always that carefree in the past either. In 1910, a quarter of boys from 10 to 15 years old were employed.

On The Road Again
The quintessential family road trip began in the 1950s and 1960s when the Interstate System expanded and offered quicker passages across the country. Today, not much has changed. Around 41 million Americans would rather drive than fly to their vacation destination. Also, thanks to technological advancements like air conditioning and television screens, as well as safety features like seatbelts and airbags, car trips are much easier for the restless backseat driver.

Scream For Ice Cream
In 1946, America produced around 22 pounds of ice cream per person. While ice cream still remains enormously popular, compared to other desserts and snacks, ice cream is the one on the decline. One thing that hasn’t changed? Vanilla is still the winner of the country’s heart and taste buds.


How much do you think summer has changed for kids today? We would love to hear your feedback! Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter or visit our website to learn more about Camp Tioga!

5 Summer Camps Empowering Girls

It’s tough to be a teenager, specifically a teenage girl. Research shows that as soon as some young girls attend high school, their self-esteem plummets. Once they become unhappy with themselves, they begin dieting, avoiding normal daily activities, and becoming bullies.

It’s important for women to learn confidence at a young age in order to lead healthy and successful lives. So for all the girls out there battling today’s societal standards, here are four summer camps to help empower you to be fearless.

Girls Who Code
You won’t find any outdoor hikes or bonfire stories at this summer program. Girls Who Code is for the future computer scientists and engineers of the world. Young women get to interact with professionals and see what it takes to make it in the tech world. You can find this program in more than a dozen cities across the U.S., so there's a good chance you’ll find a summer program near you.

Girls Rock! Camp
This camp aims to get young girls behind an instrument and ready to have some fun! After just a few days, they’re on stage, at a real music venue, rocking out. Even if your daughter doesn’t know how to play the drums or the guitar, Girls Rock! camp will help her learn - they even offer classes in yoga and self-defense as well! There may be a camp near your neighborhood; if not, they’ll show you how to start one!

Girls Leadership
This may seem like a classic American summer camp on the surface, but this camp digs deep into the minds of teenage girls (which is not always an easy task). Girl Leadership focuses on their confidence, communication, and relationship skills so by the end of the summer they’ll be able to take more risks and stand up for themselves (and others). This program is offered in select states including California, Colorado, New Jersey, and New York.

GirlVentures
It doesn’t need to be summer for you to enjoy this “summer camp;” GirlVentures is a program you can enjoy year-round! They work with girls on their conflict resolution skills while still having fun at the same time - rock climbing, backpacking, or kayaking, anyone?


Camp Tioga is much more than just a camp. Campers and counselors alike are apart of the Camp Tioga family. We hope to see all of our Tiogians grow and succeed. At Camp Tioga, your child can continue to grow as a person, while also still having fun on their summer break.This is due to our superior staff, picturesque grounds and the 80 activities we offer. If you would like to become apart of our family, call 516-938-0894 or visit our website to enroll today!

Top 5 Summer Camp Movies

While we may be yearning to be back at Camp Tioga - when all that mattered was winning our 'color run’ race - we realize we still have a few months to go. Luckily, there are a few summer camp movies, filled with adventures, friends, and fun, to help us pass the time. Here’s our top five camp flicks to help with our summer camp blues.

1. Heavyweights (1995) -- The fun doesn't last long for the campers at Camp Hope, a fun-loving weight loss camp for boys. A fitness guru, played by Ben Stiller, takes over and drives the campers insane with his over-the-top fitness regime.

2. Camp Nowhere (1994) -- Morris “Mud” Himmel’s parents want to send him to summer camp, which he is adamantly against. Mud plots with his friends to fool his parents into sending him to a made-up camp where there are no rules - and no parents allowed.

3. Meatballs (1979) -- This classic comedy was filmed at a real camp in Ontario which adds to it’s authenticity and humor. You won’t stop laughing as you watch Camp North Star, the bad news bears of the camping world, face off against fancy-pants Camp Mohawk.

4. The Parent Trap (1961, 1998) -- The Parent Trap is a captivating story about a pair of identical twins, separated at birth, who run into each other at an all-girls camp. After terrorizing one another all summer, they decide to switch places to see how the other half lives, but mostly so they can get their parents back together.

5. Space Camp (1986) -- A group of kids attend space camp over the summer where they learn how to operate a space shuttle. It’s all fun and games until they accidentally launch the shuttle, and themselves, into orbit.

Have you ever watched one of these summer camp movies? We would love to hear your feedback! Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter or visit our website to learn more about Camp Tioga!

Podcasts Even Your Kids Will Love

Podcasts have been around for more than 10 years - almost as long as the iPod. However, only recently have people discovered their convenience, quality, and educational advantages. Studies show that kids can listen to content two-to-three grade levels higher than they can read. So, given the thousands of podcasts available, where should they start?

99% Invisible 
We rarely think of the who, why, and how when it comes to particular designs - i.e. our cell phone’s ring or certain flags and font patterns. This smart, insightful podcast focuses on the many ways that design impacts our lives.

The Allusionist
Do you have any word nerds in your family? This podcast investigates the weird and wonderful history of language. For instance, why are puns difficult to pull off and ‘groan-worthy?’ How are crossword puzzles created? What on Earth is equivalence?

RadioLab
Whether they’re science geeks or not, curious kids will appreciate this podcast. It touches on why humans laugh to what makes space worth exploring. The two hosts are determined to unpack science in all of its uncertainties - amusement and humor included!

Pitch
Your music lovers will enjoy this one! Pitch explores how and why sound works in our ears and our hearts. It features episodes that look at how careful pauses and silence are built into songs, as well as how one change in CD packaging revolutionized the music industry. To dig deeper into how individual songs are created, try Song Exploder.


Camp Tioga is much more than just a camp. Campers and counselors alike are apart of the Camp Tioga family. We hope to see all of our Tiogians grow and succeed. At Camp Tioga, your child can continue to grow as a person, while also still having fun on their summer break.This is due to our superior staff, picturesque grounds and the 80 activities we offer. If you would like to become apart of our family, call 516-938-0894 or visit our website to enroll today!

Summer Camp For Adults

Why should the kids have all the fun? According to the American Camp Association, summer camps for adults are thriving with more than a million people signing up each year. This is no surprise - in a hectic world, camps offer an oasis for people of all ages. So while you send your youngsters off to camp, pack your bags and do the same!

Camp No Counselors
This camp offers an adult version of the classic All-American sleepaway camp, only with an open bar included. Adult campers can set their own schedule and choose from activities like waterskiing, tubing, archery, and more.
Locations: 13 locations across the nation
Dates: Dependent on location preference

Camp Grounded
Camp Grounded is a typical summer camp experience with a twist - it’s theme is “100 percent IRL (In Real Life).” This means, no business talk, strict schedules, or technology! Enjoy activities like color war, meditation, photography, and stargazing. They’re even accommodating to both vegans and carnivores!
Location: Mendocino, California
Dates: May 19th-22nd and May 26th-29th

Soul Camp
If you sign up for Soul camp, you can go for the day or a weekend getaway. They offer yoga, meditation, dance, and arts and crafts. Campers will also be able to attend lectures from wellness experts and thought leaders.
Locations: New York, Chicago, California
Dates: Dependent on location preference

Wine Camp
This adult-only camp is four days complete with wine education and appreciation in the wine country of Long Island. Campers learn about sustainable vineyard management, wine tasting, food pairings, and you even get to blend your own wine! They also provide free time to visit the beach or other local vineyards.
Location: Peconic, New York
Date: May 4th-7th and July 10th-13th


Have you ever been to one of these summer camps? We would love to hear your feedback! Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter or visit our website to learn more about Camp Tioga!

Team Building Activities Your Employees Won't Hate

When someone hears the words “ice breaker” they usually break out in a cold sweat. While we recognize how important it is in building morale and camaraderie within your team, these activities can often feel forced and awkward. How can you include team building in a way where it doesn’t feel like a daunting process? Add some creativity to your plans and your team will surely rally.

 1. Take a field trip
Sometimes the best way for your employees to get to know one another is to interact freely, without a formal plan. Set up a field day filled with games and prizes or plan a quarterly outing. Depending on how much time you can allocate, your team will benefit from getting to know one another away from their jobsite.

 2. Get together to give back
Working together on a cause your team cares about is a great way to bond and learn about everyone’s interests. Facilitate volunteer outings with local non-profit organizations or set aside an hour a week for a simple charitable act, such as writing letters to service members.

 3. Participate in professional activities 
Professional learning and growth are important parts of your employees’ success. Get your team together to participate in a professional development activity and encourage them to learn collaboratively. Guest speakers and online seminars are great educational tools and opportunities for everyone.

 4. Show and tell
This may seem a little childish, but when done correctly show and tell can be a fun, low-pressure way to learn a little about one another. Try setting out five minutes during your staff meetings for a few people to share something that reflects who they are. Whether it’s a favorite recipe, interesting article, or sports uniform, encouragement is key!

At Camp Tioga, one of the secrets to our success is the bond between our employees. Campers and counselors alike are apart of the Camp Tioga family. 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. If you would like to become apart of our family, call 516-938-0894 or visit our website to enroll today!