10th Hour Camp Planning

The Executive Moms “One-Stop Summer Planning” Event and Expo was filled with great ideas and resources. One of the most instrumental resources there (who was in turn instrumental in orchestrating this event) was Jill Tipograph, founder of the premier camp/teen/family resource Everything Summer. So that everyone can benefit, we’ve borrowed a few of Jill’s smartest tips from her talk on…

“10th Hour” Camp Opportunities for Your Kids… for THIS summer:

Even though it’s already mid-March, it’s not impossible to find excellent camp solutions for this summer for kids of all ages, providing you are willing to be a little flexible and adaptable as you explore potential options.

Some good ways to approach…

Recognize that most programs fill first in the month of July, leaving many camp directors looking to fill their spaces in August. Reach out to different camp directors to see which weeks may still be available in your child’s age and grade.
Specify your child’s birth date— it might qualify him/her to be placed in two different age groups.
An insider’s tip: if you sign up your child for a later session you can often place your child on a real wait list for July; given you are now an enrolled and paid family.
Ask about drop-outs. (Yes, these do occur). Second or final payments are due in the Spring, so right around now, some camps that were ‘full’ may have a limited amount of new openings.
Maintain contact with the camp; interested parents demonstrate real commitment. Directors react positively to parents who are proactive.

Be Creative, and Experimental…

Investigate specialty or local town or city programs that run frequent, short sessions. Parents typically enroll their child in these for one or two weeks, leaving spotted openings in other weeks, depending on your child’s age.
Don’t be afraid to pioneer: sometimes owners of established camps see a gap in the marketplace and develop new camps or programs to meet those needs. Their initial summers require new enrollments to build a base of returning campers. Be on the lookout for opportunities like these.
Consider a rookie week as a trial for overnight camp. This includes family camps too. Typically offered in the second half of summer; some camps also run a short term option of 10 days-to-two weeks for young campers– a good way to test the waters for future summers.

Encourage ‘Tweens and Teens to Sample…

‘Tweens and teens can be kept busy with tastes of short programs that they may pursue for a longer timeframe next summer. Adventure trips, sports or single focused academic enrichment programs are good examples of programs often offered in one or two week sessions.
Use summer as a time to give back (and accrue some volunteer hours); look for organized volunteer programs, or simply start with your local Y, church or synagogue.

With a little independent digging (or by shortcutting it via an expert like Jill), you can quickly fill those summer weeks with big memories in the making…

Determine your best options by visiting everythingsummer.com (and mention Executive Moms)!

This Momorandum is sponsored by Chestnut Lake Camp

Imagine 3 weeks of wondrous moments that will bring out the best in your child. Beginning in 2008, Chestnut Lake will emulate the traditions and excellence of its esteemed sibling– Trail’s End Camp— while providing your family with the flexibility of 3- week or 6-week alternatives, in northeast Pennsylvania, just 2 ? hours from NYC and Philadelphia. Mention you are an “Executive Mom” ans SAVE $500 off tuition this summer!