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By: Dana Liberman, Summer 365 Counselor located in New Jersey

So, first of all, I am not really old enough to have a child ready to start looking at sleepaway camps, let alone get on a bus and go to one.  And second, I just got off a bus a few years ago from my camp, right?  Was 1994 not a few years ago?!  

I vividly remember having camp directors come over to my house in the snow, setting up their slide projectors in my living room and projecting their ‘camps’ onto my uneven wood-panel wall.  Don’t judge, it was the mid-80s 😉.  I remember road-tripping with my parents later that year to visit and tour the camps. I remember the songs being sung around each camp, the colors the girls wore and what the bunks looked like.  How is it that I am now the one in charge, contacting camp directors, reaching out to set up tours and booking hotels to stay in?  Where did the years go and how do I even begin to explain to my daughters how lucky they are they have their entire camp lifetime in front of them and how they need to treasure each and every moment they have at camp for it goes by way too quickly? They will blink and someday find themselves at a desk doing the same for their kids.

When I think about how fortunate I was that my parents gave me the opportunity to go to camp, the gift of sending me to a place to grow into my own, to try things I would never otherwise be exposed to, to learn from others I may never have met and to truly find who I was meant to be in this world, I recognize the importance of the decision.  

And so, as I embark on this journey with my oldest daughter, unsure of what her camp experience will be, I am trying to keep a level head about it all.  I loved camp…I am camp.  There is no place in the world I feel more myself than at camp.  But this isn’t about me, it is about her. And I want her to have her own experience.  I want her to find a place that is all her own.  Of course, she knows how I feel about camp, she will tell you it is my happy place, but I am doing my best not to influence her decision about where to go or what to expect.  I want her to experience the websites, the videos and the conversations with camp directors with an open, unbiased and clear mind.  I want her to walk on to campuses this summer and not know what to expect.  I want her opinions to be her own. I want her to be wow-d and surprised. I want her to be curious and ask questions…not the ones my husband and I will ask, the ones a 7-year old wants to know about.  She’s already excited to ‘stay up all night’ (and my apologies in advance to her future counselor because she very well might some nights!) and she doesn’t quite understand how you really just get to have fun and do activities all day and night for 7 weeks straight.  I love the innocence and can’t wait for the adventure that lies ahead for her.

So here we go.  Bring on the brochures!  Let the videos roll!  Our bags are packed (well not just yet but in my head I’m already mentally packing)!  I have waited my whole mom-life to do this and after the year our children have had I can’t imagine a more perfect time to tour and start this journey.  Hope you will follow along with me on this ride…plan to keep you all posted.

Wish us luck!

XO

Dana

A special collab that is to (tie) dye for!

Is your blood type tie dye too? Tie dye is such a summer / camp staple and clearly a trend that is not going anywhere anytime soon.

On this National Tie Dye Day we want to take a minute to honor this quarantine obsession. Tie dye is everywhere and there’s a reason why. So where did it come from and why is it relevant now more than ever? Little might you know, our fave pattern has historical roots and its emergence and popularity in 2019 and 2020 is not coincidental. According to a blog from Heroine by Jessa Chargois, “a synonymous symbol of the counterculture movement, tie-dye has an undeniable place within American history and the American future. While tie-dye has been a form of self-expression for centuries, the cultural significance surrounding the rainbow swirls and bright colors was solidified within the 1960s and 1970s, serving as an emblem of the rejection of strict social norms imposed on society within the 1950s. Rejecting violence, capitalism, materialism, and uniformity, the hippie culture preached love and compassion and sought individualism through the use of tie-dye techniques on their garments.”

Furthermore, Chargois says that “until recently, tie-dye was a friendly backyard activity for the youth, rather than a symbol of rejection for the establishment. However, in Spring 2019, high fashion luxury runway shows began to show elevated forms of the psychedelic print in sophisticated silhouettes.” And at many shows many in the fashion world showcased the the connection between politics and high fashion and brought tie dye swirls into the conversation maintaining the “integrity of the psychedelic print” to represent love and peace.

Tie dye’s everlasting presence beyond the summer months is sparking such joy by bringing summer vibes all year long. So whether you create it or wear it for nostalgia, to make a political statement, or because you love its burst of colorful swirls and want to continue to ROCK IT AND ROCK ON 24/7 for all fours season… no judgments here!!

Celebrate National Tie Dye Day with a very special collab!  

We are beyond excited to partner with Live & Let Dye to launch a limited edition custom collection for summer ’21.  Nothing says camp fashion more than tie dye, so we put together two bundles for ordering: our Happy Camper print (rainbow tie dye!) or customized Spirit print (camp colors!).  Each bundle includes a hoodie, tank & bandana and we cannot wait to see your happy campers rocking it all during rest hour, on the fields, campfires, or during Color War!  

From morning line up to evening campfire, this collaboration is TO (TIE) DYE FOR!

To celebrate the season of giving, we are introducing two exciting GIVE SUM give back initiatives to raise money and awareness for our partner SCOPE (Summer Camp Opportunities Promote Education) and participate in their ‘Do Something December’ CAMP-aign. Let’s do this, together!!

There are THREE (easy) ways to give back with Summer 365!

Get the bunk back together this winter season and sign up for a S’more 365  virtual elective focused on giving back this holiday season, camp style! Learn about service, fundraising, the mission of SCOPE, and come ready to brainstorm a creative and fun service project you and your friends will put into action! Children and teens of all ages are welcome. Set up a private elective or join an open class, all proceeds from the elective will go to SCOPE. Electives will be instructed by awesome camping professionals and/or campers!! Email to get more info and set up an elective.

Also – the buddy system!  It works just as well in business. For every friend referred to Summer 365’s service we will make a $100 donation to SCOPE, simply make a note you want to #GIVESUM!

Finally, what is GIVE SUM? We know so many cannot afford a summer camp experience, which is exactly why GIVE SUM was born —a special scholarship fund that affords kids from underserved communities, life changing opportunities through the experience of summer camp. For every child or teen we work with that enrolls in a camp or program we made a donation to this fund as well as other fundraising and volunteer initiatives that Summer 365 engages in throughout the year.  Learn more here and to donate directly.

We are proud to partner with SCOPE.  Children who receive SCOPE camperships gain access to attend overnight summer camp throughout the United States, free of cost to their family.  As you know, camp is one of the greatest gifts you can give this holiday season.

We’ve got two scary good (and easy!) recipes cooking up in the Summer 365 Canteen from our favorite pediatric nutritionist, Jodi Greebel MS, RDN @greengrownmeals. Get festive this Halloween with a healthy TRICK – veggie jack-o-lantern – and sweet TREAT – chocolate bark. 

Jodi also is one of our talented s’more 365 instructors offering virtual private cooking classes. Visit our website or email smore365@summer365.com to learn more and book a delicious experience!

TRICK: Halloween Veggie Jack-O-Lantern

(peanut, tree-nut, sesame and gluten free)

Ingredients

Veggie Jack-O-Lantern:

• Orange bell pepper
• Edible food pen
• Carrot Sticks
• Cucumber Strips
• Pepper Strips
• Celery Stalks
• Jicama

Sesame-free hummus:

• 1 c garbanzo beans, drained
• 3 tbsp water
• 1 tbsp + 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 small clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• pepper

Instructions

Process all ingredients for sesame-free hummus in food processor until smooth. 

Cut off top of bell pepper and remove seeds. Using edible food pen, draw jack-o-lantern face on bell pepper or a knife or pumpkin carving tool, an ADULT can carefully cut out the face. Place hummus in bottom 1/3 of bell pepper. Stand assorted veggies inside.

*Short-cut: use store bought hummus or guacamole 

TREAT: Halloween Chocolate Bark

(peanut, tree nut, sesame free: make sure to check ingredients of toppings)

Ingredients

• 12 – 14 oz good quality (60 – 70% cacao) chocolate bar

• Halloween toppings: orange and black sprinkles, candy corn, candy pumpkins, orange nonpareils, edible eyes

Instructions

Cover quarter sheet pan (9×13) with parchment paper or silicon mat. Place chocolate in microwave safe bowl. Heat in 20 second intervals until about 90 percent melted. Stir until melted the rest of the way. Pour chocolate onto prepared pan. Use spatula to spread chocolate evenly over pan. (It doesn’t need to reach the edges.) Add desired toppings. Press gently into chocolate. Allow to cool at room temperature at least 2 hours. Once hardened, break into pieces. 

First time camp parents often ask a lot of great questions and sometimes have a few spooky thoughts about their child’s well being during their inaugural summer.  Their children may be 7-8-9 years old and still need mom and dad for nearly everything.  Yes, it might feel like there is a lot to worry about when you send your little human off to camp.  Naturally, this is the first time you are separating in this kind of way for an extended period of time.

Here are some of the most common questions and concerns we receive from our clients. No, there’s nothing we haven’t heard or camps haven’t handled!  Here are 7 (not so) spooky camp myths de-bunked!

My child is a picky eater.  He/she won’t eat anything at camp and will starve!

Your child will eat.  He/she will not starve!  Really! Camps provide so many options at each meal, from a salad bar to bagels and plain pasta.  Even the pickiest of eaters learn to fend for themselves and learn how to manage their mealtime needs on their own. There are cook outs, taco nights, pizza parties and lots of farm fresh fruit and veggies.  There’s something for everyone and you can speak to the camp director before camp to share any allergies or real concerns.

 We’re sending our child to camp alone, not knowing a soul.  What if they don’t make any friends?

Before camp: Many camps assign a big brother or sister before (or sometimes) during camp, and camps are often open to connecting you with a buddy or two in the age group or in your town or one nearby.  There are pre-camp events for first year campers.  Also, older parents are always eager to welcome new people into the camp family.  Kids never get off the bus, plane or car lonely and there’s always a warm familiar adult or teenager waiting on the other side with a smile.

Once camp starts: Learning to make new friends in new environments is challenging no matter how old we are. It’s hard, scary and even exhausting! But guess what? Your kid will do what many adults are afraid to do. They let go of inhibitions and open up to new friendships, to let new people in. Kids also learn how to manage individual friendships within a group dynamic. One day at camp is pretty much equivalent to a week in the real world. Friendships bloom is much different ways, and there are counselors and adults there to make sure everyone is adjusting, acclimating, and connecting. They are also there to provide support, reassurance, and feedback when campers need assistance.

My child won’t sleep – they wake up so early or can’t go to sleep at night!

Here’s the truth: Your child may run into your room at an ungodly hour on Sunday mornings. Here’s the other truth: s/he will learn how to occupy herself/himself so s/he doesn’t have to. The beauty is that by occupy, we don’t mean plop down in front of the TV. We mean draw, write, read, listen to music, dream. Your camper, at this moment, has within him or her the ability to embrace tech-free down time, and that’s a truly beautiful thing.

I need to be close to where my child is going to camp, in case something happens.

Many parents initially like the concept of sending their child to a sleepaway camp that is in close driving distance. It is a very normal and common thought and concern but let’s unpack that for a second. Your overnight camp director, their leadership team, and their health center will deal with any emergencies within the first few minutes of them occurring.  There are protocols, procedures, and plans of action for these moments. Camp directors will call parents, but it’s the camp who is doing the heavy lifting if ‘disaster’ strikes.  They’re experienced and you trust them, or you wouldn’t be sending your kids to their camp for a summer. This trust and understanding is why so many are comfortable choosing a sleepaway camp that is the best fit even if it is a plane ride away.

My child doesn’t know how to shower alone! 

We promise, all kids will learn how to shower alone.  The whole bunk does it and the campers have their shower caddies with the soap, shampoo and conditioner all right there for them.  Guess what?! They figure it out on day one with a little help from their counselor or bunk mom.  They stay clean all summer long.

My child won’t wash… his/her hair, teeth, sheets, won’t cut nails, put on sunscreen, know how to get dressed!!

Yes s/he will!  And anything they can’t do, the camp moms or camp counselors can do or teach! These adults are also there to make sure these daily or weekly hygiene tasks are done and done well. Kids are like sponges and learn fast and they’ll learn from each other. This is the good kind of peer pressure and peer learning.  They’ll surprise you when they get home and can braid hair, make their beds perfectly and entertain themselves on a rainy day! Don’t worry – the dreaded stories of full bottles of shampoo, sunscreen, and toothpaste returning home are mostly myths.

My child won’t speak up for themselves if they need something.

Kids at camp learn to advocate for themselves and how to meaningfully communicate with adults in ways they just don’t have to at home or in school. Why? Because you (appropriately) are there to help advocate. At camp, your kids are interacting with adults other than you in important and healthy ways. So let’s say that picky eater really isn’t into what’s for dinner s/he had to tell someone when s/he is hungry even or if that not so great sleeper didn’t get enough hours the night before s/he lets the counselor know s/he needs extra rest (really sleeping during rest hour or maybe a lower energy choice period). Your child learns to speak up in the dining hall, on the courts, and even in the health center.

We love getting these questions.  It’s why we are here as well as to remind you again: there’s just nothing like the gift of camp. Camp helps give your children independence, resilience, and confidence.  And with those gifts, kids have the opportunity to become the best, happiest, truest version of themselves. They get better at camp! (And you didn’t think it was possible!)

Not only do we help you find the perfect camp for your family, we stick with you before, during and after the summer as well!  Reach out any time with any questions! xoxo

A recap from Summer 365’s Camp Decision 2021 Webinar

If you missed our Webinar a few weeks back, do not worry! We are sharing a few key highlights below. To receive access to our exclusive resources or begin the sleepaway camp search process, contact us!

These are the smiles of future happy campers who are excited and ready to go to camp in summer 2021. ⁣⁣

⁣These past few weekends many of our families packed up their cars, hit the road, and headed to the great outdoors to go on advenTOURs to visit sleepaway camps. Some have simply clicked on a link to “Zoom” right into their overnight camp search. ⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Ok so you’re thinking, how could I possibly think about sending my child away from home now and why plan so far in advance for summer 2021? We know we know (!), it might seem crazy when so much has been changing and so much is uncertain including the school year ahead. And if you’re not in this headspace and living life on day by day survival mode we get it and we feel you. However, if and when you’re ready to make the shift, there are countless benefits not only for investing in a sleepaway camp experience but also starting to plan, prepare, and execute (a different kind of PPE) now with in person or virtual tours. Here’s why! ⁣⁣

🏕 Get into nature: After a long stretch of time indoors and disconnected from social interactions, we know and believe in the power, value, and importance of a positive overnight camp experience more than ever. Take a day or weekend to see the magic of camp firsthand. It’s a fun outdoor activity and change of scenery for the whole family. 

🏗 Build up courage, enthusiasm, and confidence for this new experience: Fear is a common response to new challenges or experiences. These situations make children feel uncertain, vulnerable, and anxious. As a result, many children avoid the unfamiliar. They prefer not to risk attempting something new, leading to missed opportunities. Taking your future camper on an in person tour or getting them involved on a video chat will help take the idea of camp from concept to reality. You and your child will get a personal feel of the campus and have your future sleepaway camper see firsthand where they’ll eat, sleep, and play. A visual introduction and familiarity with a new place, especially for young kids in particular, is very helpful to empower a future camper and get them excited and in control. 

🔎 Take your search to the next level: We truly believe, and have always said, camps are run from the top down. The summer more than ever it’s so important to get to know the camp directors and their leadership teams. They are the heartbeat of their camps. Finding the connection that resonates most strongly with you is integral in making an educated decision about the sleepaway camp that is right fit. On in person and virtual tours you’ll get intimate access to these people!  

😎 Future looks so bright you’ll need to wear shades: This school year we might be in for a bumpy ride ahead. Finding the best fit camp for your child will give them something concrete to look forward to and a new community to be a part of. 

Just remember, our camp consulting service was created with one goal in mind: to help you find the perfect and best fit sleepaway camp for your child and family. And like a good camp friend, we’re here for you WHENEVER you’re ready. We’ll be your counselors, your guides, your eyes and ears. Just remember we’re all in this together.

To sunnier days ahead… summer 2021 is looking incredibly bright!

Our service was created with one goal in mind: to help you find the perfect fit camp for your child and family. Like lot of things in 2020, exploring camps will not look how it usually does this year. And like good camp friend, we are here for you!

Join our team tomorrow for campy hour! You’ll get insider info, tips, and a helpful Q&A  that will be applicable no matter where you are in your search whether you’re just getting started or in the process of planning tours. All participants will receive access to our exclusive 2021 resources.

We’ve been collaborating with Directors from our partner camps on the best and safest ways for families to see and learn about camp for this summer and moving forward.

In the spirit of helping our clients and community navigate this challenging period, we want to set the stage with your options so you plan accordingly! Social distance tours – in person or virtual? This summer or in the fall?

We will also be answering participants’ questions, so come prepared if you’re seeking clarity on how to find the best fit camp during this unprecedented time. 

If you can’t make it, do not worry! Schedule a time to get a recap and access to our presentation.