Traditonal summer camp or specialty camp?

Every summer, more than 250,000 New York children go to day or resident camps and enjoy learning life skills, making new friends and trying new activities. Now more than ever, there are so many different camps to choose from, including traditional summer camps and specialty camps. What is the difference between the two, and how do you know which one is best for your child?

A traditional summer camp gives your child a well-rounded experience. Children participate in a variety of activities, such as baseball, swimming, arts and crafts, waterskiing, canoeing and much more. They’ll learn leadership skills, resilience and independence as they become part of a community. Bunk activity days, a carnival, Olympics and color wars are a few traditional summer camp activities.

When a child attends a specialty camp, she’ll focus on a specific activity. There are specialty camps for just about every interest, including tennis, drama, gymnastics, basketball, etc. If your child has an interest in a specialized activity, there is bound to be a camp geared toward that interest.

So how do you know which is best for your child?

Consider her age. Young children often don’t show a specific interest in just one activity, because they are still figuring out what interests them. A traditional camp gives children the opportunity to try many different activities and develop many different skills. Often, older children and teenagers have narrowed down their interests to a particular sport or activity. Either a specialty camp or a traditional camp that offers focused programs in an activity that interests her might be the right fit. Traditional camps often hire top athletic coaches to teach as specialists so campers receive top instruction.

Also, keep in mind your child’s interests. Does she play basketball, but also perform in school plays? If so, she might enjoy a more varied day and may prefer a traditional camp, so she can participate in many activities. Or, does she focus on one activity or skill? In that case, she may prefer a specialty camp, so she can concentrate on her passion.

At the end of the day, keep in mind what your child would like, and what you would like for your child.

“Parents should consider the whole child when choosing a summer camp,” says Adam Weinstein, executive director of the American Camp Association’s New York and New Jersey branches. “They should think about all they would like their child to gain at camp. Consider a camp’s leadership, mission, and activities. These all support a positive camp experience.”

Whether you’re considering a traditional summer camp or a specialty camp, there is a summer camp for every child.

The American Camp Association has been serving the camp community and families for 100 years. To find the right camp for your child, visit www.campwizard.org, or call (800) 777-CAMP for free, one-on-one advice in finding a summer camp. American Camp Association-accreditation is a parent’s best evidence of a camp’s commitment to health and safety, and ensures that children are provided with a diversity of educational and developmentally-challenging learning opportunities.

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CBE Kids Summer Day Camps

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Congregation Beth Elohim is so excited to announce the return of CBE Kids Day Camps starting THIS summer!</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Two programs will be offered in summer 2022: Elementary Day Camp and Camp Kef Hebrew Language Camp, both for rising Kindergarten to 4th graders. A typical day will include community building through play, and activities such as sports, art, computer coding, dance, instructional and free swim in our indoor pool, and much more. Camp Kef Hebrew Language Camp offers all of the same great activities in a Hebrew immersion setting appropriate for dual language learners, native speakers, and kids looking to grow their Hebrew skills.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Both camps utilize their beautiful Temple House in the heart of Park Slope, as well as Prospect Park — CBE’s backyard — for outdoor programming. CBE Kids aims to be a place where campers can try new things, make new friends, and grow through play.</span></p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">CBE can't wait to welcome everyone back to camp this summer. Whether you are a returning camper who cannot wait to get back after two summers away, or a new camper who is ready for a magical summer, there is something for everyone at CBE Kids Summer Camps!</span></p> <p> </p>

Marks JCH Summer Camp

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">About Us: Marks JCH of Bensonhurst offers age-appropriate and stimulating experience for all campers. The mission of the JCH is to be a center of community life in Brooklyn, rooted in Jewish values and fostering an inclusive environment. Camp is an embodiment of that mission: it fosters positive relationships, encourages new experiences, and creates lasting friendships where all are welcome. Developed and led by a group of professional instructors, educators, and parents, JCH Camp is a combination of hands-on activities, instructional swim, and exciting trips – all of which nurture growth and foster child’s development. JCH always puts safety of the community first and is looking forward to providing a high-quality camp experience this summer — out in nature, and off screens. The doors of the “J” are always open – please visit JCH website at www.jchcamp.com</span></p>

Trail Blazers

<p><span style="color: #1f4e79; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px; background-color: #ffffff;">Since 1887, Trail Blazers’ programs have been where campers connect to nature, make new friends, and create life-long memories. From Grades PreK-10, there is a day or overnight adventure for your camper. Registration is currently open for farmstead, rock climbing, canoeing, biking, and backpacking adventures. We’ll leave the screens at home for a summer full of learning about our environment and building skills, guided by staff from all over the world! Of course, there will be songs and s’mores! Come outside and play, adventure awaits! Visit our website to learn more and secure your camper’s spot. Trail Blazers is accredited by the American Camp Association.</span></p>