2016
Summ r FunGuide
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MERCER ISLAND REPORTER | www.mi-reporter.com
2016
Summ r FunGuide • In the age of global environmental awareness, summer camp can play an extremely useful role. In the study, over half of the young people learned how to better protect the environment and to act appropriately with regards to it. • Camp helps children be less sedentary. Being in a group and having easy access to the outdoors increased children’s interest in physical activity. At the end of their camp, 61 percent of participants felt more interested in sports.
101 benefits of summer camp Children and teenagers who go to summer camp don’t return home with just good memories. According to a recent study by Canada’s University of Waterloo, these young people also experience remarkable levels of development in several areas. Here are some statistics that were revealed by this study:
Even if children have already participated in a few summer camps, the experience is always beneficial. Each new camp brings its share of challenges and positive growth, and that contributes to their development. And best of all, it’s fun.
How to prepare the kids for their first summer camp
• Summer camp is a good remedy for shyness. Sixty-five percent of the young people studied improved their ability to make friends and resolve conflicts. • Emotional intelligence is refined. About 69 percent of participants had an increased ability to recognize and analyze their own emotions as well as those of the people around them. • Summer camp is excellent for improving selfconfidence. Some 67 percent of the young people felt more independent and had more confidence in themselves after attending camp.
This summer, your children may be going away to summer camp for the very first time. And maybe it’s also the first time you’ve been separated from them for so long. Everyone’s probably feeling a little apprehensive. Here are some tips to help everyone prepare for the day of departure. • The best way to reassure children is not to worry. If you have specific concerns, call the camp and ask all the questions that are bothering you. Some camps hold open house days; they are
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a great opportunity to check out the location, meet the counselors and get some reassurance.
• To build your children’s enthusiasm and interest, talk positively about the camp and ask them about the activities they can’t wait to try. You can also tell them stories about your own experiences, if you ever went to summer camp. • If your children have never slept away from home, it would be a good idea to let them have a trial run. A weekend at their grandparents will likely be a comfortable initiation, and it will prepare them for the few nights they’ll soon be spending away from you. • Don’t promise your children that you’ll bring them home if they feel homesick or if they don’t like the camp. They could very well test your promise at the first hurdle. It will also keep them from making a genuine effort to adapt if they know they can leave whenever they want. Instead, encourage them to persevere. They can decide whether they want to repeat the experience once they’re back home. Above all, put on your biggest smile when you say goodbye to them at the camp. It will let them enter into their experience without worry that you’re in distress. After all, they’re going to be having an extraordinary adventure!
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 2016 | PAGE 11
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Summ r FunGuide
Pack your bags; it’s time for summer camp Every summer camp has its own list of what children need to bring for the duration of their stay, and some extra attention should be given to the requirements for specialty camps. However, some things are standard, whether your child will be riding horses or building circuit boards. Here are some of the must-haves you’ll need to include in your children’s luggage. Be sure to start packing well ahead of departure day so you have enough time to purchase any items they don’t yet have.
Apart from a daily change of weatherappropriate clothing, underwear and socks, the following items are recommended: • sun hat or baseball cap • bathing suit • warm sweater and pants, in case of cold weather • running shoes, plus a pair of back-up shoes • raincoat or poncho • plastic bags for dirty or wet clothes
Make sure their toiletries kit includes:
• insect repellent
Most summer camps will require you to provide: • flashlight • water bottle • sleeping bag and pillow • backpack
Not every minute of the day is going to be filled with organized activities, so pack some entertainment for free time: • book • deck of cards or small board game • drawing pad and pencils
Be sure to pack a few things that will offer comfort during any moments of homesickness: • a stuffed toy • stamped and self-addressed envelopes and writing paper so they can write home Your children are going to come home with lasting memories of summer camp. Why not throw in a disposable camera so they can capture some of them in color?
• sunscreen • lip balm, ideally with sun protection • medications, if any
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A Different Kind of School! Summer Promotion • Save 20% on all one-to-one instruction • No enrollment fee During summer months, many students lose some of what they’ve learned or simply slip out of practice. Let Dartmoor help prevent summertime regression. Take advantage of our summer promotion and receive a 20% discount on tuition. Flexible scheduling and one-to-one classes allow students to catch up, prepare, or even get ahead in a fraction of the time spent in traditional summer school programs. Dartmoor School is an accredited school serving students in grades 1-12 and offering for-credit coursework as well as supplemental programs that support academic skills. All instruction is one-to-one and tailored to meet the needs of each student. Promotion applies at all four locations:
Issaquah, Bellevue, Bothell, and Seattle. To inquire, please call Admissions at 425-885-6296 www.dartmoorschool.org
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2016
Summ r FunGuide
For kids who love art
As shocking as it may seem, it’s already time to enroll the kids in summer camp. What sort of adventure will they experience this year? A traditional camp? A sports camp? Why not an arts camp? If your kids have imagination to spare and boundless creativity, a summer camp specializing in the arts will give them the opportunity to express themselves to their heart’s content. Many different art forms can be found in summer camp programs: visual art, film making, photography, cooking, sewing, cartoon art, theatre, music, song, dance and the circus arts. If your kids love expressing themselves with words, colors, sound and movement, they will love art camp. Some programs specialize in one art form, while others
allow young people to experiment with a variety of disciplines. Discuss this with your children to find out what they would prefer. In addition to developing creativity and imagination, art teaches children to better understand themselves and to be independent. Immersing oneself in the arts is also a great way to open the mind. The arts promote tolerance and respect for others, as well as openness and curiosity. Above all, art makes you want to excel and to take up challenges. In other words, it cultivates in children a positive image of their abilities and it boosts their self-confidence. Going to a day camp or sleep-away camp that specializes in the arts can only be beneficial for your budding artists. They’ll come home with their heads full of great ideas and a box full of wonderful memories.
Photo courtesy of Digital Vision/Thinkstock
Summer art camp offers kids a world of possibilities: dance, music, sewing, art, cooking and more.
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Discounts available for siblings and members of FISH. Space is limited. Please visit our website www.issaquahfish.org to reserve your space today!
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Friends of Issaquah Salmon Hatchery (FISH) offers day camps for kids from preschool to 5th grade. Each camp offers hands-on, age-appropriate activities that encourage discovery and stewardship of our natural world and our local watershed. Campers learn about the salmon’s life cycle, habitat, and anatomy; conduct investigations of water and pollution; play games and do art projects; learn about native plants; and more!
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 2016 | PAGE 13
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Summ r FunGuide
City offers summer camps Mercer Island Parks and Recreation Department will provide day, sports, aquatic and creative camps for youth this summer. Register online, in person at the Mercer Island Community and Event Center or by calling 206275-7609. The following are some of the camps offered. For a complete listing and for cost
Photo courtesy city of Mercer Island
Kids pose for a photo during the city’s Mini Mercer Camp. information, visit www. myparksandrecreation.com.
Day Camps Camp Mercer: Ages
6-11, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday from July 5 through Aug. SEE CAMP, 18
A not to be missed Summer Day Camp Experience
May the Forest Be With You
Learn, sing, cook outdoors, get crafty, and have a blast at this teen-led summer camp. South Bellevue – Mercer Island Day Camp July 18-22, 9:30-3:30 Monday – Thursday | 9:30-2:00 Friday Newport Heights Elementary School, Bellevue Only $90 for the entire week! Additional $15 if camper is not a registered Girl Scout.
girl scouts of western washington
Registration forms can be found at: http://sbmidaycamp.weebly.com Registration due: June 1, 2016. No refunds after June 15, 2016. Discounts available for children of volunteers – and we will have a boys unit available. Contact us at sbmicamp@gmail.com for additional information.
ISSAQUAH (425) 395-7302 Issaquah.SchoolofRock.com
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What: When: Where: Cost:
At Bellevue College At Bellevue College
Learn baseball skills from actual college coaches who year-round as aactual profession Learncoach baseball skills from college coaches who coach year-round a profession Coaches with over 20+ as years of experience Coaches with over 20+ experience Experience baseball onyears one ofofthe best fields around Experience baseball on one of the best fields around Nationally-ranked baseball program Nationally-ranked baseballfor program Longest running tradition summer baseball camps inrunning area—30 plus years! Longest tradition for summer baseball camps in area—30 plusfor years! Age-specific sessions ages 7-9, 10-12 Age-specific sessionsthe forsummer ages 7-9, 10-12 Sessions throughout Sessions throughout the summer INFORMATION
INFORMATION www.bellevuecollege.edu/athletics/sports/baseball/camps www.bellevuecollege.edu/athletics/sports/baseball/camps mark.yoshino@bellevuecollege.edu
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BELLEVUE (425) 949-4733 Bellevue.SchoolofRock.com
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2016
Summ r FunGuide Free Micro Soccer! Come try out NPSA Tiny Titans! Starting March 26th, 6-weeks Open to all skill levels • FUN, FUN, FUN Register at www.nowlandpremiersocceracademy.com today!
Girls Only Spring Break Camp! We have designed a soccer camp specifically for the female player who wants to be challenged. The curriculum will address all ages and skill levels, fun games to sessions specific to the high school player. This camp will include position specific training, a goal keeper track, speed and agility training, technical training, and so much more! Not just any soccer camp, a girls only EXPERIENCE! Register at www.goproelitesoccer.com
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 2016 | PAGE 17
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Register now for SJCC summer camp
The Stroum Jewish Community Center (SJCC) is offering summer camps for kids entering pre-K through the 10 grade from June 27 to Sept. 2. Sign up before April 8 and save 10 percent. The following are some of the center’s camps this summer. For a complete listing and more information, visit www. SJCC.org or call 206-388-1987. Camp Garinim: Pre-K half-day camp from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.. Camp Garinim (seeds) is the perfect way for the center’s youngest campers to get their first taste of the joy of summer camp. Children spend the morning cooking, exploring nature and art, conducting science experiments and playing outside, while making new friends and having fun in the sun. Camp Katan: Katan (little) campers experience it all: art, science, sports, drama, cooking, storytelling and outdoor exploration. This intimate camp features programs specifically for kindergartners. Performing Arts Camp: First through eighth grade. Kids in this camp, which
SUMMER MUSIC CAMPS
is powered by Youth Theatre Northwest, will hone theater and life skills and gain confidence both on and off stage as they learn performance skills with drama, dance and music classes taught by theater professionals. Campers problem-solve, share and use their voices, bodies and imaginations to express themselves. Each three-week session culminates in a performance for all families, friends and fellow campers in the SJCC auditorium. Teva Camps: Fifth through eighth grade. Join the SJCC on Teva (nature) adventures. Hike mountain trails, kayak winding rivers, improve your wilderness skills, soup up your skills in the kitchen and more. Campers face fun challenges indoors and out. Counselor in Training: Ninth through 10th grade. This training program facilitates the transition from camper to counselor. Counselors in training plan programs, lead activities and help supervise campers. A combination of classroom learning and time with campers helps teens develop valuable skills for working with kids, become role models in the community and prepare to be future SJCC summer camp counselors.
a nonprofit community music school
Music Works Northwest offers music-themed day camps for all ages, instruments and abilities. Check out Rock Shop, I Love Music Camp, Pop Voice Camp and more!
REGISTER TODAY!
online at www.musicworksnw.org or 425-644-0988 1331-118th Ave. SE | Suite 400 | Bellevue, WA 98005 1560835
Conveniently located near downtown Bellevue
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425-644-0988 | www.musicworksnw.org
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2016
Summ r FunGuide
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 26 at the Mercer Island Community and Event Center. Experience a summer packed full of adventure, crafts, field trips, swimming, friends, educational activities and more. Every Monday, a daily itinerary will be available with a supply list of what to bring each day. Campers will need to bring a lunch, swimsuit, sunscreen,
towel and water bottle every day. Mini Mercer Camp: 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday from June 27 to July 22 at West Mercer Elementary. This half-day camp for 3 to 5 year olds is a perfect fit for campers and their parents. Each week has a creative and educational theme that includes activities, games, arts, crafts songs and more. Safety Town: Ages 3-5, 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 1-5 and
Aug. 8-12 at West Mercer Elementary. This day camp is a must for all preschoolers. Campers will learn important safety information through fun hands-on activities, crafts and games. Topics will include bike and traffic safety, stranger danger, school bus riding, playground behavior, and fire safety. This camp is packed with special guests, including lifeguards, police, fire and the school district staff.
Movie Star Camp: Ages 7-12, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 27 to July 1 and Aug. 29 to Sept. 2 at the community center. Lights, camera, action! This new camp lets campers learn film acting skills and then actually be in a short film. The movie is shot by professionals and then campers are given a chance to walk the red carpet at their very own movie premiere, complete with paparazzi and fans. Each camp week’s movie screening will take place in the community center dance room starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Adventure Playground Camp: Ages 6-11, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 27 to July 1 at Deane’s Children’s Park adventure playground. Participants will design and build forts, treehouses, zip-lines and more with the instruction of camp staff, professional builders and naturalists during this new camp. The outdoor
camp will include elements of planning, building and outdoor recreation, while incorporating teamwork and fun. Cooking Camp: Ages 7-9 April 11-14 and July 5-8; age 10-13 July 5-8 at the community center. Learn the basics of cooking, discover new foods, roll in the dough and satisfy a sweet tooth at cooking camps with Cook, Learn, Grow! Campers will learn age-appropriate cooking techniques, food origins, seasonal recipes and kitchen safety while have yummy hands-on fun.
Sports Camps TetraBrazil Soccer Camp: Age 7-12, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 8-12 at South Mercer Playfield. TetraBrazil will inspire players to practice and improve their ball control, foot skills and moves that Brazilian soccer is famous for. Players are grouped according to age and ability. From there
players are challenged to raise their game and reach new heights within an excellent learning environment. Registration is through Challenger British Sports at www. challengersports.com. Gymnastics Camp: Weekdays June 27 through Aug. 12 at Mercer Island High School. The emphasis is on fun. Instruction is based on overall skill development. Instructors are certified and trained by Cascade Elite Gymnastics Training Center. Cascade Elite has over 15 years of experience. Cheer Camp (with Eastside Dream Elite): Ages 5-14, from June 27 through Sept. 2 at Homestead Park. Camp is designed for those who want to cheer, jump and dance. It’s a fun camp where participants will learn to perform cheers and a dance routine. All cheerleaders will receive a camp gift. Cheerleaders will be divided into age appropriate groups.
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CAMPS
Learn more and register online at:
bellevuechristian.org/camps
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