How to find day camp options in your area

Start with an online search where you type in “[your city] kids day camps.” Begin researching as early as possible, as popular camps may sell out quickly.

Instead of settling for the same old camp as last year, investigate camps that are hosted by:

• Your city or municipality
• A nearby university or college
• The local community center, public library, or YMCA
• Kids’ activity program providers such as dance, gymnastics, martial arts, theatre, art, or computer coding
• Birthday party businesses, such as indoor trampolining, pottery painting or LEGO building
• Common field trip destinations, such as children’s museums, zoos or nature centers
• Youth sports associations, including team sports, individual sports, and aquatics

You can also collect ideas and recommendations the old-fashioned way — by asking around to friends, relatives, neighbors, and fellow parents at your child’s school or activities.

If you have your eye on a specific camp but registration isn’t open yet, add the date to your calendar or follow their social media feed for updates.

Choosing the right day camp for your child

There are many factors to consider when selecting a camp, including:

• Set a target budget and stay within it as much as possible. If your child has their heart set on a particular camp one week, you may have to select a more reasonably priced option another week.
• What are the travel and logistics involved? Is it close to home, or on your way to work? Is it easy to get in and out, with free parking?
• Each camp will have different drop-off and pick-up times, so check carefully to see how these align with your schedule. If needed, inquire if there is additional supervision available at the start or end of the day.
• Who is leading the camp, and what are their credentials? Do the on-site staff have First Aid and CPR training? What is the ratio of leaders to participants?
• It’s a wonderful bonus if a camp’s theme connects to something your child already loves, such as science, nature, performing arts, or technology.
• Does the camp require any specific equipment, clothing, or footwear? For example, a baseball camp might expect the child to bring their own glove and bat.
• Skill level. Is any prior experience required? If the camp activity (for example, horseback riding) is something brand-new for your child, make sure it is truly a beginner program, so they won’t be the only rookie in the group.
• Age groupings. Especially in sport and activity camps, it’s preferable to have age-limited groups (ages 5-6, ages 7-8, etc.). An “all ages” camp could be tiresome for a 12-year-old who will be surrounded by little kids all day.
• Physical demands. If your child is enrolled in a competitive sports program and has games or practices in the evening, it may not be practical to put them in a highly active camp where they are running around outdoors all day and are exhausted by 3:00 PM. In this case, a more sedentary indoor camp might help conserve their energy.

Day Camp registration tips

Here are a few extra suggestions as you navigate the registration process:

• Sign up with a friend. Reach out to the parents of your child’s closest pal and see if they want to register for the same camp. Benefit #1: added excitement for your child to be heading to camp with a buddy. Benefit #2: you and the other parent may be able to share the driving duties.
• Do your homework. Take the time to carefully read all the information on the camp website, including cancellation policies. If you have further questions or want to discuss special considerations for your child, contact the camp director by phone or e-mail. They want your business and will be happy to provide answers.
• Trust your instincts. It is fine to ask for your child’s input about the camps they’d like to attend, but you need to make the final decisions based on the many factors above. Your child could beg for a certain camp now, but have moved on to a different hobby or interest by the summer.
• Label everything.Part of camp preparation is making sure you have enough name labels on hand, so your child’s belongings aren’t mixed up or left behind. The Mabel’s Labels Day Camp Label Pack has two bag tags and 39 personalized labels in assorted sizes, to keep everything organized.
  

The advance work you do now on camp registration will help ensure that your child has a summer filled with learning opportunities, new friends, and fun experiences. Good luck and have a great camp season!

The post Day Camp Registration Tips appeared first on The Mabelhood.

If you have plans to send your kids to camp this summer, you can be sure they’ll spend their days swimming, making new friends, playing sports, learning new games, exploring nature, singing songs, laughing, and making memories to last a lifetime. That’s why packing lunches for day camp that will fuel them for endless days of fun is so important.

Need some tips on how to pack a lunch for day camp that they’ll love? We’ve got ‘em!

Keep them on their toes

Camp isn’t like school. School lunches are filled with food to fuel their brain to help them learn and work hard. Camp lunches should be filled with food to fuel their bodies to help them run and play hard! So, keep them on their toes all summer by changing up their lunch a bit. Think an extra juice box, fruits that help hydrate them, and extra protein.

Summer Camp is a time to have fun, so it’s always most important to ensure they eat (anything!). They need fuel to keep going all day in the sun – so maybe add a treat or two!

Keep it cool

Ice packs are your best friend when it comes to packing camp lunches. Remember that their lunch could be left outside in the summer heat for most of the day. It’s a good idea to find out from your camp where lunches will be stored, as this will impact how and what you pack.

If you use one ice pack for school lunches, you’ll likely need an extra one for camp. Also, don’t pack anything that will melt or spoil if those ice packs don’t hold up. No kid wants a smushed banana. Make sure to toss any food that may have sat out too long; it’s not worth the risk.

If lunch is being left outside, make sure your items are shelf-stable, like nut butters, apples, bananas etc.

If your kids are a little nervous about attending camp, send some of these Washaway Lunch Box Notes labels in their lunchbox to add a special note to make them feel better.

Keep it in season.

Summer is full of amazing fruits & veggies kids love to snack on. Throughout the summer months, different produce comes into season, and you can change it up based on what’s available. June & July are great for strawberries, July is perfect for raspberries, and watermelon season kicks off in August!  If you’re looking for a weekend activity, you can take them to pick their own!

Here are a few ideas to add to the lunch box:

-Snap peas and hummus
-Strawberries and yogurt (sprinkle in some chocolate chips for fun!)
-Cherry tomatoes & cheese skewer
-Celery or apple slices with wow butter

Keep it simple

Camp lunches don’t need to be anything fancy. You know what your child will eat, and keeping things simple is usually the best way to go. I would rather pack my child a lunch filled with things I know he likes than pack a bunch of things I know he won’t eat. We want our kids to eat and fuel themselves – especially when they’re out there being active all day in the heat.

The most important thing is that they eat; if this means apple pouches and crackers, so be it!

Keep them hydrated

Water! Lots and lots of water! Send them with a refillable water bottle that they can refill throughout the day. Make sure to label their water bottle, as they all look similar!

Kids love these Water Bottle Bands, which avoid germy mix-ups and make their bottle special!

Summer camp is such a great experience for kids, and we hope yours love it and come home each day full of dirt, stories, smiles…and memories!

And of course, we hope they come home with all their own stuff – don’t forget your Day Camp Label Pack!

If you’re a seasoned pro at packing camp lunches, we’d love to hear from you! Leave your tips for other parents in the comments below so we can all have happy campers!

Here are some additional lunch ideas and recipes that your kids may love!

The post How to Pack a Lunch for Day Camp appeared first on The Mabelhood.

Here are some things to consider packing and preparing in the weeks leading up to camp to help yourself have smooth mornings. This list is everything you’ll need to know for how to pack and label for day camp.

Labels: 
Firstly, you need a label pack! Everything that goes back and forth each day will need to be labelled. These are all new kids, and there will likely be look-a-like items. Plus, with new kids, they can’t easily tell who’s is who. Labels are essential and often mandated at camp.

The best pack for day camp is the Day Camp Label Pack. It will include everything you need for camp. We’ll include how to label each item in the list below.

Durable Backpack:
It’s time to look at the school backpack and decide whether it will survive the summer; often, by the end of the school year, we notice the backpack is on its last thread. This backpack will take a beating, so make sure whichever you choose can withstand summer camp.

You can use your Bag Tag to properly label their backpack; it’s included in the Day Camp Label Pack!

Change of Clothes:
Summer camp is nothing if not messy, and your kids will get covered in paint, water, mud, and grass stains, you name it (actually, you probably can’t name that mystery stain – but it’s a stain nonetheless!) So don’t buy them expensive clothing for camp, or send them in clothes they love. This is a great time to stock up on shorts and tees on sale. Nothing fancy is the name of the camp game!

The Day Camp Label Pack includes 21 Tag Mates, so all your clothing can easily be labelled.

Extra socks and underwear:
Because accidents happen, and when they do… they can dribble down their little legs, so pack extra socks too.

Layers and weather:
As much as we’d like to believe that summer camp will be all sunshine, it won’t. There could be chilly mornings and wet afternoons – so make sure you have the layers and raingear they may need. Especially if your camp is primarily outside.

Swimwear:
depending on your camps program, you may not need swimwear at all. But it’s smart to keep a spare ready to go in a bag, even if a ‘water day’ pops up.

Don’t forget the towel, goggles, water shoes (and a plastic bag for wet stuff).

Another option that parents love is the Custom Clothing Stamp – not included in the Day Camp Pack, but an add-on that is great for tagless clothing like swimsuits.

Non-negotiable sun protection:

-Waterproof Sunscreen (check with your camp about it- as some don’t allow spray)
-sunglasses
-hat
-SPF lip balm

Your small rectangle labels are included in the Day Camp Label Pack and are perfect for the items!

Plastic Bag:
Keep one in their bag for wet or dirty clothes.

Toiletries:
Sure, they’re not sleeping away, but they’ll still need personal items like sunblock- labelled, bug spray- label it, and it doesn’t hurt to include hydrocortisone cream and some band-aids! (First aid will always be on site, but kids often pull off band-aids to “look at the boo-boo,” and so they often need multiples)

-band-aids
-bug spray
-Tissues or wet wipes
-hand sanitizer
-chapstick with SPF

*Make sure that if your child needs medication, make yourself familiar with the process and policies in place at your camp.

*If your child has allergies, make sure ALL camp counsellors are aware and purchase your child some Medical Alert Labels or Custom Allergy Labels

Water Bottle:
In the heat, it’s imperative that your kids drink enough. Always send them with a refillable, labelled water bottle.

A fun way to label your water bottle is with the Water Bottle Band.

Lunchbox and Snacks:
Check with your camp to see the guidelines and schedule for lunch. Always be aware that when you’re packing lunch, it may not go into a refrigerator, so make sure to pack ice packs and don’t include lunch items that may not fare well on a hot day.  Don’t forget the spoons, forks etc!

*Make sure you’re aware of the food schedule so you know that you’ve packed enough to cover all the breaks if needed.

Overall, always check in with your camp director to understand the day-to-day activities, requirements, and policies, as these may change how your pack for camp each day.

If your child is nervous about day camp, it’s a nice idea to include a little note or give them a photo or stuffy that will make them feel a little more comfortable.

Remember that summer camp can be very long days for our kids, with lots of exercise, fresh air and new experiences, so they’ll come home exhausted each day. Expect that they may be a little grumpy, tired, and irritable. The smoother you can make the process, the easier it will be for everyone.

Heading off to sleepaway camp? Here is a pack list for your kids camp experience!

The post How to Pack (And Label) For Day Camp appeared first on The Mabelhood.

The benefits

Day camps offer a practical solution for working parents, as well as kids who may be prone to boredom at home. Here are a few compelling reasons to register:

Close to home. While some kids crave the adventure and independence of overnight camp, others may prefer a familiar environment where they sleep in their own bed.

More affordable. A Monday-to-Friday day camp typically costs less than a sleep-away camp that involves extra travel and amenities.

High structure. If your child thrives in predictable routines at school, they will likely transition well to the similar format of day camp, with an organized agenda of instructor-led activities, outdoor time, and lunch breaks.

Flexible evenings. With day camp, you can still enjoy your evenings together as a family. If your child plays on a sports team, they won’t have to miss any practices or games.

So many cool options. As you’re filling out registration forms, you may feel envious of all the neat things your child will get to do! If they will be attending multiple camps throughout the summer, you can keep it fresh by choosing a variety of themes and locations.

Specific interests. A week-long day camp lets your child immerse themselves in something they’re truly interested in, whether it’s science, technology, nature, art, music, or sports. An important bonus: over the course of the camp, they will likely meet friends that share the same passion!

Making your choice

There are many factors to consider when choosing a camp, and we’ve already compiled the top 10 considerations for this year. If you’re feeling unsure where to start, here are a few additional tips:

Buddy up. Seek recommendations from other families, especially the parents of your child’s friends. If they have rave reviews of a certain day camp, maybe the kids can sign up together.

Brainstorm. To cast a wide net in your search, think about places that host kids’ activities and birthday parties. Consider dance or gymnastics clubs, theatre groups, craft studios, nature centres, children’s museums and zoos. Check your city’s seasonal activity guide, along with other community locations such as libraries, churches, and community centres. If your child is the sporty type, inquire with your local sport association, aquatic centre, or university athletics program.

Ask questions. If the camp website or brochure doesn’t provide all the details, reach out to inquire about age groupings, number of attendees, leader/participant ratio, and pick-up/drop-off times (including options for later pick-up, if needed).

Getting ready

To assist you in preparing for day camp, we consulted Courtney Didier, Director of Operations, Outdoor Services for YMCA of Three Rivers. “All families receive a list of things to pack to ensure campers are prepared for activities in all types of weather,” she says. She highlights a few key items for your child’s backpack:

• Proper footwear. “Camp is very active, so running shoes are required for safe participation,” Courtney says, adding that sandals and slip-on shoes are only suitable for water play.
• Sunscreen, labelled with the child’s name. “We recommend labelling everything,” Courtney explains, “but sunscreen is the number one item that ends up in the lost and found bin every summer.”
• A reusable water bottle that your child can refill independently.
• A book or other quiet activity in case there is “down time” at the end of the day while waiting to be picked up.
• If relevant, a bathing suit, towel, hat and bug spray.

Pre-camp jitters

“We recognize that it may be a tough decision to send your child off to camp. Especially after two years of being very connected during the pandemic,” Courtney says. “Please know that camp staff members are here to answer any questions you may have- and trust us, we have heard them all!”

It’s natural to for kids (and parents) to feel nervous, especially if they’re camp rookies. “Most of us who work in camp were once campers ourselves,” Courtney notes. “We remember our first day of camp and understand that being dropped off at a new place with new people can be intimidating.”

The good news is, if you’ve done your homework and chosen a reputable camp, your child is in good hands. Courtney points out that YMCA day camp staff are certified in Standard First Aid and CPR, and all swimming and boating activities are supervised by fully certified lifeguards. “Our staff receive extensive training to prepare them to be safe, caring, engaged, and responsive,” she says. “When camp is in full swing, there will be a Site Coordinator or Director available to discuss your child’s individual needs.”

Chances are, your child will settle in and have a fantastic time. In fact, you may want to avoid scheduling a lot for the evenings, as they may be tired from their action-packed day. A kid who’s ready for bed after a day of summertime fun – now that’s a happy camper! 

Make sure to always ask if your Camp has a Fundraising Program. This one allows parents to buy their kids camp name labels, and the camp earns 20% commission!  

Never head off to camp without purchasing your camp labels! You don’t want germy mix-ups and lost items! 

The post Helpful Tips for Day Camp Rookies appeared first on The Mabelhood.

Here is a checklist of the things we think you need to consider when choosing the right summer camp for your kids.   

 1) Financial Decisions

This is often the top reason to select one camp over another. Day camp varies from approximately $25 to $150 a day. Some things that influence the price are the type of camp the location, but it’s also worth inquiring about the price. The following may be included in the price, making the high price tag fit your budget after all. 

 -Is any food is provided 

 -whether a bus service is provided  

 -Is there before and aftercare services if you require a late pick-up?  

 -Are day trip costs included

Depending on where you live, you may have access to YMCA camps, Parks and recreation, or other local camps that may offer subsidies.

2) Your kid’s interests

This is a huge deal. A big of summer camp as a kid is exploring areas that they don’t experience during the school year. There are so many great options these days. It’s a time when the kids who don’t thrive in the classroom can finally find themselves, and the kids who bounce off the walls all year sitting at a desk can finally burn off some energy at soccer camp. 

Everything from music, sports, language, outdoor activities, horse riding, coding, or even camps, especially for kids with medical conditions (diabetic camp, for example), there is truly something for everyone. Your job as a parent is to find the right fit. The right kind of camp for your child is easy to find; a quick google search of camps in your areas will bring you to all your options.

Finding a good fit means that you’ll send your kid to camp after the school year and see a new kid return. Stronger, healthier, happier, and thriving. We encourage you to narrow down the camp to fit the interest of your child, and you’ll reap buckets full of rewards!   

3) Safety and protocols

It is always wise to check any camps your considering for an ACA, OCA, or similarly accredited, depending on where you’re from. ACA’s accreditation This process evaluates the site, food safety, health care, transportation, management, staffing, and program elements such as water safety. These days, covid protocols is also top of mind. Again, this is something to look for and consider as you narrow down your search. In addition, you have every right to reach out to the camp director and ask about other health and safety protocols, the accreditation of their staff, etc. 

 4) The right fit for the family 

Some families find that sleepaway camp is the right fit; perhaps parents work late or travel often. Or maybe parents have more time during the summer and can enjoy family BBQs in the evening. This is a personal decision that only you can make. How will camp fit into the family life? 

 5) Logistics  

No matter how much we’d love to send our kids to the most ideal camp, it isn’t always possible. And you’re not a bad parent if you don’t select the perfect camp for your child; you have a whole family to consider, so drop the guilty feeling.  Make sure you consider: 

•  Camp times- can you make it work with your schedule?
•  Location- do you require public transport, do they offer a bus, do the times work with your schedule for pick up?  
•  Can you carpool with friends or family? 

 6) Multiple kids? You need to consider this.

 If you have more than one child, the camp logistics get a little more difficult if you send them to different camps. You need to consider pick-up times of multiples and all the logistics around scheduling. 

Sometimes, it can be great to send kids to camp at different times. That way, kids at home with parents, friends, or family can also get excellent one-on-one time.   

 7) Schedule 

Check the dates the camp runs and make sure it doesn’t coincide with a family vacation away, cottage time, or grandma’s visit!   

 8) Check the demographics 

Make sure the kids in the camp are of similar age demographic; a good rule of thumb is to age up, so don’t put your child with the grade they’ve just finished, but with the grade, they’re heading into. 

 9) Ask Around 

The best way to get an idea of a camp is to ask around and speak to other parents who have attended, they won’t hold back on any negative reviews, and it’s always a good sign when a child returns year after year. 

 10) Ask Your Child 

Maybe they have different thoughts about camp than you know; perhaps they’ve had their heart set on an overnight camp but have never mentioned it. Or maybe they want to attend with their best friend, or try horse riding?? It would help if you had an open and honest conversation about their desires, expectations, and what’s reasonable for your family. Make sure to involve them in the process! 

If you’re wondering about the overall benefits of camp, click here for 6 Reasons Summer Camp is Totally Worth it 
Don’t forget, before your head off to camp to get yourself organized!

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For help finding the right camp, click here

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