Parent Pointers
Smooth Sailing: Navigating the Transition to Summer Camp
Ahoy, parents! It's time to prepare for the exciting summer camp adventure as summer draws near. Transitioning to camp life can be thrilling and daunting for kids and parents alike. Here's some advice to help navigate this journey and ensure a smooth transition for your camper.
Involve Your Children in the Decision Process
Giving your kids a chance to voice their opinions can make picking the right camp experience that much smoother. Depending on their interests, personalities, and comfort levels, finding a camp that's the right fit can make or break their summer fun.
Whether it’s traditional camps such as Camp Seymour, a day camp experience close to home, or camp at a familiar space like their local schools, involving them in decision-making will empower them to take ownership of their camp experience.
Pack for Camp Together
Packing for summer camp can be an exciting and enjoyable task. Make a list and allow your kids to select the clothes, bedding, toiletries, and any extras they would want to bring from home. When kids get to camp, this will make them feel more prepared and in charge of their environment. Even if it’s only a day camp experience, being able to pack for a day of fun away from home can ease the transition of being away.
Get Ready for Homesickness
Discuss with your child coping mechanisms for handling when they feel sad and homesick, such as letter writing or talking to the camp counselor. Tell them it's alright to miss home and that these emotions will probably fade with time.
Both the child and the parent may undergo profound changes when they make the switch to summer camp. Your child's summer camp experience may be made both easy and unforgettable by you if you set clear expectations, let your child participate in decision-making, and remain upbeat and supportive throughout the process.
Care Curriculum
In April, children at the YMCA will enjoy various themed activities, exploring and discovering with friends.
Arts Education and Exploration: Fingerprint Lupins
Diversity and Global Learning: Happy Gnomes
Wellness and Nutrition: Mindfulness in Nature
Literacy: Tiny Seed Adventures
Interested in upcoming activities in the community? Explore more upcoming events and activities with fun for all ages.
Educator Spotlight
Since February of 2020, Miss Chelsea has been bringing her passion for teaching and empowering youth to our programs in South Kitsap.
Sunnyslope is where she has been serving as Site Director for nearly three years. She is currently pursuing her degree in elementary education and is completing her student teaching at Sunnyslope as well.
By facilitating weekly student jobs, morning meetings, and leadership opportunities, Chelsea has helped instill a sense of belonging, and community in each of the kids in her care.
This is evident by the way each student thoughtfully cares for their environment and each other. When there is a new student or staff member, the group at Sunnyslope welcomes them with open arms.
At Sunnyslope, there is no opportunity to be bored. Miss Chelsea ensures the children in her program are always having fun. . . all while learning! Chelsea stresses the importance of literacy and writing with the students, often implementing extra learning opportunities such as NaNo WriMo (National November Writing Month), as well as daily oral reading.
The students are always excited to see what new life science studies Miss Chelsea will come up with next. This year, they have experienced an ant farm, chicken egg incubation on live feed, and soon, the life cycle of butterflies.
Of the many activities Chelsea thoughtfully prepares for the students, she especially enjoys teaching STEM activities, art projects, and the importance of self-care and wellness.
If you talk with Chelsea for any period of time, you will quickly learn her passion for animals is a close second to that of teaching. She has two dogs named Artemus and Patrick, a cat named Rosemarie, 17 chickens!
To learn more about all YMCA Before and After School has to offer including scholarships, free and discount YMCA memberships, access to YMCA360, and more, visit https://www.ymcapkc.org/child-care/before-and-after-school.