Holiday Gift Guide: Best Gifts For Camp Kids

Tis the season to go shopping! While we know that camp is still months away, for camp kids, it’s never far from their mind! Since most campers live 10 months out of the year, for two, you can bet that the will be really thrilled to get some new camp items for the holidays. If you don’t know what to get  the camp kid in your life this holiday season, here are some great gift suggestions:

A Colorful Diary: Since camp is full of making memories, what better gift to give the camp kid in your life than a place to write them all down? This sweet diary is the most fun way for kids to keep track of all of their experiences, and allows them to personalize it with stickers and gems. And if they’re worried about someone snooping, it comes with a lock to keep those personal memories, personal!

Camp Clothing: We bet your kids already have so much pride in their camp, that they want to show it off to the world all year round. Gifting your kids with camp t-shirts, sweatpants or headbands is a great way to keep them cozy and in the camp spirit, even when it’s not in session.

Cupcake Autograph Pillow: What better way to spruce up a camp bunk, and be creative with bunkmates than by adding this cute autograph cupcake pillow to your little camper’s bed? Your child will be able to have everyone sign their pillow so they will always be able to remember the fun days of Bunk 14.

Mini-Games: While we know that camp is non-stop fun and games, giving the camp kid in your life some extra games to bring to camp this summer will certainly be appreciated. You can make a basket filled with their favorite mini games and activity books to keep them busy up until camp arrives. Games like Mad Libs, Thumb Wars and mini hoops are all great ways to pass some quiet time in the bunk.

Friendship Bracelet Making Kit: We would be remiss if we failed to mention a friendship bracelet making kit on our holiday camp gift guide, as camp is practically the birthplace of friendship bracelets! Any camper would be happy to unwrap this for the holidays! This kit gives them everything the need to weave their own bracelets in their bunk for all of the new friends that they will make at camp.

What will you be getting your camp kid for the holidays? Let us know on our Facebook page.

If you’re looking for the perfect gift for any child for the holidays, give them the priceless gift of sending them to Camp Tioga! Our superior staff, picturesque grounds and the 80 activities we offer, make our camp the perfect fit for any child. For an in-depth look at what Camp Tioga has to offer, take a look at our website or call 516-938-0894 for more information.

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.

Reasons Why We’re Thankful For Camp

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and is the best time for us to reflect what we’re thankful for. When your child is sitting around the Thanksgiving table next week, we bet that they will give thanks for the opportunity to go to summer camp! While it may be cold out now and camp is months away, camp provides an array of benefits that will positively impact your child on a daily basis. Here are some reasons to be thankful for camp:

The Opportunity to Try New Things

From facing their fears of swimming in a lake to trying new sports and activities, Camp Tioga provides kids the opportunity to step outside of their comfort zone. We love providing our campers with a sense of adventure and excitement and helping them discover new things that they enjoy doing.  We pride ourselves on encouraging kids to try new things in a safe environment with supportive people cheering them on!

The People

Connections made at camp are incredibly strong. Camp introduces children and staff to people from all different places and walks of life, who leave a lasting impression on us. Campers are forever changed by these meetings, often carrying these friendships throughout their lifetime.

The Lifelong Benefits

You’ve heard us talk about the benefits of camp time and time again, but it is only because they are just so great! Confidence building, self-esteem developing and learning to be agile are all priceless benefits of attending camp--not to mention, new found independence and learning survival skills too!

The Fun

Ok, we all know by now that camp is an inspiring, positive experience. But beyond all that, it’s also a total blast! Making s’mores by the campfire, swimming, hiking,  dancing, making music, making art, making friends and off-camp trips are just some of the ways we have fun at Camp Tioga!

Why is your child thankful for camp? Let us know on our Facebook page.

We are thankful for the great staff, campers and their family that make up Camp Tioga. If you’re thinking of sending your son or daughter to sleepaway camp next year, Camp Tioga is the answer! Our superior staff, picturesque grounds and the 80 activities we offer, make our camp the perfect fit for any child. For further information, visit our website or call 516-938-0894 to schedule a tour of the camp!

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!

November Is National Child Mental Health Awareness Month: Here's How Camp Helps Kids Mentally

November is Child Mental Health Awareness Month. In honor of this month, it’s important to recognize any issues your child might be having or to open up the conversation about kids and mental health. Did you know that sending your child to summer camp can do wonders for their self esteem, confidence and mental health? Let us tell you how:

Resiliency Gives Kids Encouragement

Children who attend summer camp gain a sense of resiliency when they face new challenges like learning how to build a fire or climb a high mountain.  At camp, they will experience a nurturing environment where children are encouraged to take safe risks and learn from them whether they succeed or fail.

Confidence Helps Children Overcome Challenges

Summer camp can do wonders for a child’s self-esteem. At camp, they learn a "can-do" attitude, which is a trait many parents want to instill in their kids. Summer camps provide plenty of opportunities for kids to face new challenges and build their self-confidence through the daily achievements they make.

Independence Builds Character In Children

Children can learn how to do things for themselves at camp without their parents supervising them. They learn to become self-reliant, taking care of their every day personal needs. That helps them feel that a sense of responsibility has been delegated to them, making them feel important and good about themselves.

These are just a few ways that camp can help your child feel great about themselves. At Camp Tioga, your child will also learn the importance of developing social skills and making friends, which impacts a child’s mental health greatly. For information on how Camp Tioga can help your child develop socially and emotionally, visit our website or give us a call at 516.938.0894.

Frequently Asked Questions About Camp Tioga

At Camp Tioga, our main goal is to make sure that every happy camper has the best summer ever! If you’re thinking about sending your child to Camp Tioga next summer, it’s important to know before you go. While camp is still a few months away, it’s the the perfect time of year to get all of your questions answered so you feel ready and prepared.

When Should I Enroll?

This is an important yet easy question to answer. Space is limited and is filling up very quickly. To ensure a spot, you should always enroll for camp as soon as possible. Click here for a 2017 enrollment form--and if you enroll now (before October 31st) you’ll can save $500! So what are you waiting for?

What Do I Pack?

Leave your fancy clothes at home! Instead, bring clothes that you don't mind getting a little dirty. Camp is all about trying new things, staying active and exploring the Great Outdoors. Plus--you never know when a food fight will break out in the dining hall! For a full camp checklist, visit here.

What Qualifications Do Camp Counselors Have?

At Camp Tioga, the camper to counselor is 3 to 1. This ensures that each camper is supervised at all times. We know the importance of providing a supportive and nurturing environment for our campers, so our counselors endure a rigorous screening and interview process. This helps us ensure that only the best counselors join the Camp Tioga family.

Do Campers Go On Trips?

Yes! This is one of the ways we keep our campers happy. We attend trips in Pennsylvania and the surrounding area.

What Are The Bunks Like?

Each bunk has enough space for 10-12 campers and 4 counselors and are equipped bathrooms and storage space. Campers sleep in bunk beds for the true camp experience--and the best party? Each cabin is air-conditioned!

Is There Medical Staff On Site?

Yes, we have 4 licensed RN’s and an onsite camp doctor on duty at all times. Our upper staff is also fully trained in First-Aid and CPR. We are always stocked with all necessary medications and medical supplies. The Camp Tioga Medical Staff personally contacts each family that joins us prior to the summer, and familiarizes themselves with the medical history of every Tioga Camper.

Is Your Camp Safe?

At Camp Tioga, we take safety very seriously. Our commitment to safety and incredible staff has allowed us to be rated “One of the safest camps in America” by the A.M Skier Agency – one of the largest camp insurers in the nation.

For more FAQs, visit here.

Are you thinking of sending your son or daughter to sleepaway camp next year? Camp Tioga is the answer! Our superior staff, picturesque grounds and the 80 activities we offer, make our camp the perfect fit for any child. For further information, visit our website or call 516-938-0894 to schedule a tour of the camp!

The Importance of Teamwork in Kids

T-E-A-M! What does that spell? Team!!!! Why is it important? We’ll tell you!

The ability to work together with others as part of a team is a crucial skill that children need to possess not only at school, but throughout their entire lives. Instilling a value of working together in your children is something that can’t be taught soon enough. Teamwork requires people to work cooperatively with others towards a shared purpose, and when they do, great things can happen!

Teamwork is a highly social activity and when children work together it takes all of the members of the team to respect each other’s opinions and abilities. Being part of a team is so crucial for the development or strengthening of your child’s social and emotional skills. It  enables your child to move from more intrapersonal ways of thinking to interpersonal. Teamwork helps children develop their social skills. Improve their confidence and makes them feel part of a community.

Children may be asked to work in teams at school, during sports games and certainly at camp! While your child will experience plenty of team-based activities outside of the home, it is important to continue the ethos of good teamwork there. Here are some reasons why:

• Make sure your child understands how great they’ll feel when they are part of a team and how it can be upsetting to be left out. Once they realize this, they will be sure not to exclude others.

• Teamwork can often inspire competitiveness with other teams. Encourage your child to be a good sportsman and a team-player and that it is OK to lose.

• Get children to work together on a project or play a board game at home – Board games can inspire teamwork, while working together on a project at home can encourage every child to decide on a role in the team.

One of the best ways to instill teamwork in your child is by sending them to camp! Camp Tioga provides children with an array of benefits--from making friends to gaining confidence. If you’re looking to help your child grow and develop, send them to Camp Tioga next summer! For an in-depth look at what Camp Tioga has to offer, visit our website or call 516-938-0894 for more information.