4 Tips For Sending Care Packages To Camp Tioga

Camp has finally begun! Which means your child will be enjoying fun field trips, special events, and even late wake ups. Time flies when you’re having fun! But,that doesn’t mean your camper wouldn’t love to hear from you! Sure — a phone call or e-mail will do, but a care package is even better! Here are four tips for sending a care package to Camp Tioga!

1. Indicate the return address.
We have to be strict on what comes in and out of camp — your child’s safety is important to us! Therefore, we don’t allow packages from unknown locations, so don’t forget to label your return address!

2. Think of the entire cabin.
Don’t forget, your camper is apart of a large community this summer. They’ll also be spending the night in a much larger space, with more than one person. A care package that includes items for the entire cabin will help the campers bond.

3. Don't forget to pack practical items.
Your child's favorite snacks and magazines are great to send. But, adding a few practical items to your package never hurt either. For instance, toothbrushes, extra socks, and even stamps can really help over the next 8 weeks.

4. Consider sending small packages.
Big packages are expensive to ship. But more importantly, they take up a lot of space (and we want your child's cabin to stay neat and tidy). For these few reasons, you should consider sending small packages. Besides, its not the size that matters, its the thought that counts!

If you want to make your camper feel special, sending them a care package will definitely do the trick! At Camp Tioga, 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.

Water Activities Offered At Camp Tioga

Splish-splash, that was an absolute blast! That’s right, we’re talking about the various water activities we offer that other camps don’t. Aquatic activities are a wonderful way to take advantage of the summer sun, and stay cool at the same time. In addition, they’re an excellent source of exercise, too! It’s time to take the plunge — and dive into something new! 

Kayaking
If you’re not one to jump directly into the water, kayaking has you covered!! Kayaking is a great source of exercise, and is even considered an official Olympic sport. In addition, Kayaking is the perfect way to see some of the best scenery, that you can’t see on shore!

Stand-up Paddle Boarding
Always wanted to surf, but didn’t like the waves? Stand-up Paddle Boarding is an excellent alternative to live out that ambition! You’ll be standing on an actual surfboard, while using a boat’s paddle to guide you around the water. Fun Fact: this method of “surfing” dates back thousands of years ago, and was initially used as platform to fish from!

Water Polo
Polo doesn’t only exist on land with horses — it’s a water sport, too! Originally known as “Water Rugby” in 19th Century England, this aquatic phenomenon is a blast to play and is definitely a must to check out this summer!

Pedalos
Ever wanted to be the captain of a ship, or drive a boat? Pedalos are small boats, that seat two side-by-side, and are controlled/steered with foot pedals! It’s another great way to sightsee from the water without getting drenched!

150ft Waterslide
Saving the best for last, this inflatable “beast” speaks for itself. After you climb to the very top, you’ll slide down this slippery slope at high-speed, right into the cool water! It will definitely be the highlight of any summer!

Whether you’re interested in gliding through the water, or staying dry, we have all interests covered! 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!

Being a Camp Counselor Can Boost Your Resume

When you sign up to become a camp counselor, you’re signing on for a lifetime of endless possibilities — one of them being a full-time position in your desired career field. That’s right — in addition to having fun playing soccer, and crafting, it’s actually giving your resume a boost! So why is this position desired by many potential employers? Let us explain:

Boost 1: Leadership Skills

Whether you’re taking attendance, or on a field-trip, you’re required to supervise your campers at all times. When potential employers see that you’ve been a camp counselor, they’ll see you’re organized, and well versed as a leader. This is the key to any successful workplace experience, whether you’re working alone, or managing a team project.

Boost 2: Time Management

Although summer camp is a fun environment, counselors must adhere to a daily schedule. This means arriving on time for their Group Leader Meeting, bringing the campers to lunch, and more. A multitude of work environments set a daily work schedule that employees must abide by. Potential employers will seek those who have a clear sense of time management, and know how to use it wisely.

Boost 3: Communication Skills

When working as a camp counselor, open communication is key. Whether you’re bringing the campers on a hike, or taking them to the flying-trapeze - the camp counselor must make this clear to the rest of the staff. Potential employers seek those who can manage clear channels of communication. In short: communication is the key to success.

Working at Camp Tioga is a great experience, and looks great on a resume! 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!

5 Ways Sleepaway Camp Prepares Kids For College

Need a way to prep your kids for college? If they go to sleepaway camp, they’re already one step ahead of the game. Here are five ways sleepaway camp prepares kids for college.

1. They get used to an early wake up call.

Every day at camp is jack packed with fun activities, and there’s no time for tired, yawning faces. So, campers are used to waking up at a decent hour.

2. They learn how to manage their time and responsibilities.

Sleepaway camp installs morals and values in kids at an early age, so they have a better idea of making smarter decisions in college.

3. They’re not afraid of being away from home.

A majority of college kids have never been away from their families, let alone their homes, for an extended period of time. So while kids are just getting accumulated, former campers already know how to handle this situation -- which makes their adjustment in higher education that much easier.

4. They become apart of a community.

Just like camp, college is a place where so many people feel at home and connected to. Both are a place to build friendships, learn new skills, and contribute to a larger community, which will affect their lives greatly!

5. They end up making friends — and networking at the same time.

Networking in college means befriending professors, students, and any other person on campus that can help you out. But, for new timers, networking can be a bit intimidating -- but not for past campers! Sleepaway camp provides you with your very own networking circle.

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!

How To Get Your Kids Ready For Camp

The countdown for Tioga’17 is on! In just a few short weeks we’ll all be together again, but not so fast! Being away for weeks on end takes a lot of planning and prepping. So before you start heading out the door, make sure they have everything they need for the summer of their life!

Follow a packing list. There are a few must-have items when it comes to packing for sleepaway camp (soap, shampoo, laundry detergent). However, you should also prepare them for the unexpected (raincoat, sweatshirts, bug spray). And for those returning to sleepaway camp, check your belongings from previous years and reassess your list from there.

Label, label, label. And we mean everything — shirts, socks, shoes, bed sheets, you name it. Use a permanent or fabric marker and give yourself a few days before camp to organize and mark all of their belongings.

Prepare for homesickness. Reassure them that although they’re spending time away from mom and dad, you’re still only a call or email away, if need be. You can also calm their nerves by discussing what to include in their care packages.

Schedule a camp trunk pick-up. Most camps use baggage carriers, so remember to schedule your pick up ahead of time.

After checking everything off your to-do list, 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.

Help Your Kids Stay Healthy At Camp

Summer camp is a time for your kids to grow friendships, build confidence, and make lifelong memories. It’s not the place for sick days, sunburns, or a bad case of the blues. They may be far away from home, but there are a few ways you can make sure your child stays healthy and happy all summer long, even when you’re not around.

Be honest with the camp staff. The more detailed you are about your child and their needs, the better the camp staff will be able to cater to them. Even minor allergies and behavioral conditions should be communicated.

Pack properly. Your kids will have a much better time at camp if they’re thoroughly prepared for rain or shine. Pack clothing with thin material and light colors, a rain jacket, sandals, and don’t forget about their sneakers! Studies show that strained or sprained ankles are the most common camp injuries, which could easily be avoided by wearing a good shoe or sneaker.

Teach them about their health. The most common illnesses at camps are the common cold, a sore throat, and the flu. Help your children with their hygiene routine, and they will have less of a chance of getting sick. For instance, they should be washing their hands frequently, coughing into their elbows, and avoiding sharing any food, drinks, or utensils with others.

Relax. It’s common for you to be nervous, but you shouldn’t run every possible, worst-case-camp-injury scenario through your head. Rest assured that your child is in good hands — you will constantly stay notified and updated on their safety and fun summer camp experiences.

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!

Pool Games Your Kids Will Love

Swimming is fun all on it’s own, but it’s even more entertaining when you have games to play in the pool. While Marco Polo is a classic, there are plenty of other activities your kids will love as well. Here are five of our favorite pool games for kids.

Mermaid races - You may also know them as dolphin or submarine races, but no matter the name, the point of the game remains the same - whoever can swim  underwater the longest, wins.

Shark in the pool - Players are allowed to hop in and out of the water (but only five seconds at a time). The shark, which can have a mask, snorkel, or even fins, can only tag the other players while they’re in the water.

Popsicle - When someone is tagged, they have to stand straight with their hands above their head, like a popsicle. When a player is underwater, they can’t be tagged, but players can swim past a ‘popsicle’ and unfreeze them.

FISH - This pool game is based on the basketball game, HORSE. For FISH, have players compete for the best dives, splashes, and other pool moves. First one to form the word FISH, loses.

Watermelon relay - Divide into two teams, each with one watermelon. The first team to push the watermelon from one end of the pool to the other, without touching the bottom - wins!

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.