How To Be A Good Camp Counselor

Nothing beats being a summer camp counselor. You learn how to manage and motivate a team, become one with the great outdoors, and develop lifelong friendships. But, it’s not all fun and games — you have a serious responsibility on your hands. A camp counselor is one of the main components of camp that can either make or break a kid’s experience. Here are four tips to help you become an exemplary camp counselor.

Get to know all of your campers.
Each one of your campers is accustomed to being seen as an individual, not a member of a group, cabin, or bunk. Take the time to get to know some of their interests and talents, and create a “List of Firsts” chart for each child. This chart not only helps you keep track of the new and exciting things your campers are doing, but it also gives them individual recognition in a group setting.

Get into a routine.
Routines provide security for campers because they’re predictable. They’re also good for counselors because they allow you to plan ahead and put consistency and self-discipline into your interactions with your group. Try using the “five-minute warning” routine before the end of every meal, game, and activity. This routine will help children master the difficult task of transitioning from activity to activity.

Keep your directions simple and sweet.
You’ll end up getting little to no results if you give your campers too many things to do at once. For the younger campers that are easily distracted, follow this simple process:
 • Tell the camper to complete one task.
 • Ask the camper to repeat back what you just said.
 • Instruct the camper to tell you when they have finished.
 • Praise them for getting it done.

Get rid of the word ‘no.’
When you tell a camper, “don’t run,” what his brain really hears is “run as fast as you can!” Children today are visual learners, which means they picture in their minds what behavior we’re suggesting when we speak. If you want to be more effective with your campers, try rephrasing your words.

Did you find these tips helpful? We would love to hear your feedback! Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter or visit our website to learn more about Camp Tioga!

Signs You Were A Summer Camp Kid

There’s a reason more than 14 million children and adults attend camp every year - camps are the epitome of summer. Whether you’re going to an adult camp for one weekend or a kids summer camp for eight weeks, you can create the most amazing memories.

Here are a few signs that you used to be a summer camp kid:

1. You had a completely different identity with your camp friends.

2. Attending sleepaway camp also meant dealing with long-distance relationships. Upside? You rarely get homesick.

3. You still find pieces of clothing with your initials marked on the tags.

4. Color wars (which are equivalent to the olympics for camp kids) were the highlight of your summer. You really honed your team-building skills during this time.

5. You actually enjoyed rainy-day activities. Playing card games and watching movies all day with your bunk? Yes, please!

6. You owned a drawer-filled with tie-dyed items. Bonus points to you and your DIY-skills if your shirt was also cropped or fringed.

7. You still wear your camp gear to bed (good thing you bought that oversized sweatshirt).

8. Even if you haven’t seen them in years, you have an irrational love for your camp friends. There’s nothing like bonding over mosquito bites and cabin chores.

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 activities, 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.

Fun Hobbies To Try

Americans today spend less time in the great outdoors than ever before. Even during the summer, most of us are only outside for an hour or two per day. Yet being outside has some serious health benefits (lowers stress levels, boosts mood, and improves body image). So with the weather getting warmer and the days getting longer, it’s time to get off the couch and get outside!

Off-roading - If you’re an adventurous person, riding ATVs may be the perfect hobby for you. All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are off-road 4 wheelers that can conquer virtually anything that’s thrown at them.. Make sure to follow a few safety tips so you can enjoy the thrill without getting hurt.

Hiking - This outdoor activity allows you to get a workout in that isn’t as grueling as running a few miles around a track. It’s easy to find a trail or scenic route and spend an hour or more exploring. If you want to take your hikes to the next level, try geocaching - the world's largest treasure hunt.

Equestrian - Equestrianism, otherwise known as horseback riding, dates all the way back to 3500 BCE. It’s a great way to spend some quality time outside and get beyond your basic gym routine, which is why it’s still so popular today. You’ll just have to decide first which style of riding you prefer (English or Western).

Golf - With so many rules and a long list of different clubs, golf can seem a bit complicated and intimidating. However, golf is a very rewarding sport - there’s always room to improve, no matter your age. Plus, spending a sunny day out on the course can be extremely relaxing.

Whether it’s becoming faster, stronger, a better swimmer, a soccer player, a writer, or directing or acting in a movie or play, we cater to the interests of each and every child. At Camp Tioga, we work with our campers to improve and develop new skills, as well as help build their confidence and self-esteem. We are confident that Camp Tioga is the right fit for any child. If you would like to become apart of our family, call 516-938-0894 or visit our website to enroll today!

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!