San Diego Named Summer Camp Capital of North America

America's Finest City" Is the City Hosting the Most Summer Camps, According to a MySummerCamps.com Analysis of Most Popular Summer Camp Locations


San Diego is the most popular summer camp city in North America, according to an analysis of the 20 most popular summer camp locations by Mysummercamps.com and KidsCamps.com. 

The complete list of the top 20 most popular cities for summer and day camps in the United States is as follows:

1.  San Diego, CA

2.  New York, NY

3.  Champaign, IL

4.  Milton, MA

5.  Los Angeles, CA

6.  Fairfield, CT

7.  Atlanta, GA

8.  Stanford, CA

9.  Seattle, WA

10.  Orlando, FL

11.  Lawrenceville, NJ

12.  Garden City, NY

13.  Denver, CO

14.  Chicago, IL

15.  Boston, MA

16. Toronto, ON

17.  Portland, OR

18.  Lakeland, FL

19.  Dallas, TX

20.  Brooklyn, NY

"Camps attract more than 11 million youths each year, and offer much more than a vacation.  It is an opportunity for children to explore a world that goes beyond their neighborhoods," says Nicola Marconato, Director of MySummerCamps.com and KidsCamps.com.  "This top 20 list demonstrates how camps cover the entire spectrum of places in North America, from its large urban cities to its smaller towns." 

Read the whole story with detailed city commentary on Market Wired or contact MySummerCamps.com and KidsCamps.com

Joe Ewaskiw
(310) 280-4539
joe.ewaskiw@internetbrands.com

Filmmaking Camp at the New York Film Academy

This year is the 18th annual Summer Camp being held across the New York Film Academy's global network campuses.  For many tweens and high school students, it's their first step into the world of film and game acting in a professional, supportive atmosphere.

Film1.jpg

Naturally, prospective camp attendees will have many questions about New York Film Academy's camp programs and what they can expect during the weeks they're on site.

Who Will Get the Most Out of the Experience?

-Students between the ages of 10-17

-Those who have a budding interest in the fields of film creation and production, theater, music video, photography or video game
design

-Tweens and teens looking to make connections and meet others with a shared passion for the media

-Students who want to get hands-on with state of the art equipment on real film sets and professional editing suites

-Anyone who would like to achieve something great this Summer! 

All students will finish the camp having completed a fully polished project of their choosing from start to finish.

What is the New York Film Academy's Filmmaking Camp Like?


First of all: fun!

While all the tutors and faculty staff in the New York Film Academy are there to guide students through a very full-on schedule, there's never a dull moment at the New York Film Academy summer camp.

In addition, since attendees share a common interest in filmmaking they can expect an enthusiastic environment in which everyone works together to get the most out of it.  This collaborative spirit is especially useful since students will be working to complete their own films (four in total depending on camp length) throughout the course of the program in New York Film Academy.

Alongside filmmaking skills, the workshops are designed to develop students' social and organizational skills in order to solve problems- a vital asset for any career in the film industry that's emphasized in the New York Film Academy camp.


What Tuition Will Be Given?

Whether you're attending New York Film Academy's Summer Camp in Australia, NYC, or the Disney Studios in Florida, the New York Film Academy prides itself on offering second-to-none tuition to aspiring filmmakers.

Film2.jpg

Although the atmosphere- both during class and while on down time- is relaxed and friendly, students in the New York Film Academy can expect an intense crash course packed with one-on-one advice from industry experts.  By the end of the program, students will have a working knowledge of the fundamentals of filmmaking as well as the equipment used to bring that knowledge to life.

What About Housing During the Camp?

Younger students (10-13 years of age) are invited to attend either the one and two week camps during the summer months, or the weekend beginner and intermediate workshops.  The latter program takes place over twelve consecutive Saturdays.  In both cases, accommodation will not be provided and parents need to arrange transport to and from the workshops.

Film3.jpg

Teens (14-17 years of age), however, will be provided housing for the duration of the camp at each of the seven campus locations.  The accommodation set up, meal provisions and pricing will vary with each student.

Faculty staff is committed to providing a safe and positive learning environment, and in turn students are expected to conduct themselves with maturity.  All New York Film Academy programs are strictly free of alcohol and narcotics, and staff will exercise the right to immediately expel any students who contravene these rules. 


Is Your Child Ready for Overnight Camp?

by Amanda Formaro

Overnight Camp.jpgIs your child ready to embark on an adventure that's far away from the comforts of home? It's a question that is asked over and over again by concerned parents everywhere. By asking yourself some questions about your child, you can determine if they're ready for a fun few weeks at an overnight summer camp.

Does your child attend sleepovers with friends?

While some children have been attending slumber parties and spending weekend nights at various friends' houses since they were in first or second grade, others have only slept away from home once or twice, or not at all. If you answered yes and this is something your child does with no negative issues, that's the first step to knowing if he/she will be able to handle sleeping somewhere other than their own bed.


Is your child shy or withdrawn?

While shy children can certainly attend summer camp, it can be a more challenging adjustment, though overall it's an experience that that could help him/her come out of their shell. On the other hand, if your child expresses any sort of fear or major apprehension, overnight camp may not be something you want to explore just yet. If you child is shy, but still able to make friends and get along with others, summer camp can be a very positive experience for them.


Whose idea was it anyway?

When the topic of summer camp came up, who was it that expressed the interest? Did you present the idea to your child, or did he/she come to you first? If your child brought this idea to you and is excited about the notion, that's a great step toward knowing he/she will adjust quickly to their new surroundings. If you brought up the idea and your child is still hopping up and down, that's great too! The key here is that your child is showing genuine excitement and is looking forward to camp.


How does your child behave in school?

The school environment is structured, with a set of rules that must be followed for everyone's safety and well being and subsequent consequences for breaking those rules. Does your child do well following the rules at school? All camps have rules, much like a school, to keep everyone safe and keep their program running smoothly. The ability to follow rules ensures that your child will have a great time at camp.


Is your child fairly self sufficient?

At bed time, does your child brush his/her teeth? Does he/she get dressed without too much assistance? Overnight camp means your child will be spending several days and nights away from your reminders. They will need to be able to shower, practice good personal hygiene and be able to sleep comfortably in a bed other than their own.


Is your child socially active?

Most children that are socially comfortable with their peers will have little to no problems adjusting to overnight camp. Generally children that have no problem making new friends or getting along with a wide variety of peers will return from camp with plenty of smiles and stories to tell.

Searching for a Camp

camptypes.gifNot sure where to start? Find a day camp or an overnight camp by browsing our directory. You can search by state or by type of camp. You'll find traditional day camps and overnight camps, as well as themed camps that focus on specific activities. 

Perhaps your child is heavy into ice hockey or maybe their interests are focused more on astronomy or biology. There are adventure camps, art camps, and religious camps as well. If you have a special needs child, there are camps focused on them as well. From Asperger's to the visually impaired and everything in between. 

The Financial Benefits of Researching Camps Now for Next Summer

by Amanda Formaro

laptop-research.jpg
For some parents, paying for summer camp can cause a uncomfortable dent in their family budget. Their children love camp, it's an enriching experience that helps them grow, so parents are willing to strain a bit financially to make it happen. However, if you start researching now, you can save yourself a lot of stress and some money while you're at it!

Taking Your Time
By starting early you can spend some quality time looking up different camps, finding out what programs they offer, and contacting them with questions. Keep a note pad handy to jot down any questions you might have for the camp director when you call. Peruse their websites in depth, read reviews on message boards from parents like yourself, and even check the better business bureau for any blemishes. 

Getting the Best Value
Finding a camp that is within your financial means and is able to provide your child with the experience they will truly enjoy is what will provide the biggest bang for your buck. Identify what programs each camp has. Will your child be interested in what they offer? Or will they only enjoy a small percentage of the activities? Sometimes saving a few dollars and sacrificing certain activities is not the best value. You want to make sure that the programs offered are going to pique your child's interests.

You Get What You Pay For
Shopping around for a summer camp strictly by tuition price is not the best bet. While you may save money, you may be giving up on some things that are worth paying for. Be sure to check all that the camp has to offer and weigh that against other programs, comparing prices as you go. Bargain camps can be okay for some and not okay for others. Just be sure you are shopping for  a fun and enriching experience, and not just the least expensive option.

Identifying Programs
What are your child's interests? Are they into science experiments or more on the crafty side? Do they prefer the outdoors and enjoy active sports, or are they more on the quiet side and enjoy hands on activities? It's very important to research what programs are available from each camp and what percentage of those programs your child will engage in. Sending your child to a camp where they will enjoy only 20% of the programs is not the best value and will not create lasting memories for you or your child.

Getting the Right Fit
In your research, identify several factors that make a camp the right fit for your family's needs. Location can be an important factor for some families, while certain themes (horseback camps, adventure camps, etc) may be higher on your priority list. it's imperative that you get the right fit for not only your child, but for your pocketbook as well. 

It's important to ask questions. Don't be afraid to contact each camp and provide them with your concerns. Some websites are more comprehensive than others, so do your research, order free brochures and read what others have to say on the internet. Don't forget about family and friends too! They can offer great insight into camps they or their children have attended.

Hopefully you took our advice in October and started a fund for summer camp to make things a little easier come summer time. By doing your research now, you can find the right camp for your child and your budget.

It's Never Too Early to Sign Up for Camp!

Summer may be months away, but now is actually the perfect time to start planning for camp.  These are just some of the benefits of enrolling early:

  1. Take advantage of early bird specials - Many camps will give you a discount if you enroll before a certain date.  Who doesn't love an opportunity to save money?
  2. Save yourself stress later - Planning early gives you time to research all your options and get your kids involved in the process.
  3. Reserve your spot before it's gone - Popular programs can fill up as early as March.  Enrolling early prevents disappointment later.
  4. Nail down your summer schedule - Knowing your child's camp schedule early allows you to make plans for vacation and other activities early as well.
  5. Create connections - Start talking with your child's friends' parents to see what camps they are considering.  Having pre-established relationships can make camp more enjoyable and stress-free for your kids.

So shake off that winter chill by diving into summer camp preparations!  Head over to MySummerCamps and KidsCamps and browse our comprehensive directories to find the summer camp program that's right for your child.  We have over 45,000 camps waiting for you to discover in the United States, Canada, and worldwide.  Happy planning!

It's Not Too Early to Start Planning for Summer Camp

parent-brochure.jpg
Planning early for summer camp ensures that you will consider everything necessary to choose a camp wisely and start a meaningful discussion with your children. 

Many popular summer camps fill up fast and even start recruiting in September of the previous year. Early planning gives you a head start and relieves the pressure of the weeks before summer break. It also almost guarantees a slot at the summer camp your child chooses. 

Before you choose, you may want to check out our suggestions of the 6 questions to ask yourself when choosing a summer camp.

Planning for Summer Camp Early Saves Money
Even though the school year just started, most camps offer considerable discounts for early applicants. Be sure to understand the camp's cancellation policy before giving a deposit.

Schedule Appointments in Advance
You might want to check out the camp in advance to make sure that you get to know the staff in advance.  Not to mention the fact that many camps require a physical exam before enrollment. This doctor's visit is a great time to ensure your child is up-to-date with vaccines, prescriptions, dietary restrictions and allergies. Remember, schools often require physicals too, and most insurance policies only cover one annual exam per child. Think strategically about check-ups to avoid multiple visits.

Reserve Early to Ensure a Bunk
The most popular camps fill quickly each year, so it's time to grab your calendar and start planning summer activities for your kids -- if you haven't already.

To start looking for a summer camp, visit MySummerCamps.com or KidsCamps.com, the leading directories for summer camps in the USA. 

5 Quick Ideas for Staying in Touch

09.2012-blog.jpg
When camp is over or neighborhood friends move away, it's hard to keep in touch with them. You both get busy with your separate lives and don't have the time to catch up with each other. Nonetheless, it's important to keep in touch with friends. Here are some ideas for staying connected with your buds.

Call often. Simply pick up the phone and call whenever you can - it doesn't have to be a long phone call. Just a quick 5 minute call can get you caught up with your pal, and he or she will know you were thinking of them.  With Skype, you can video conference with people who live far away from you. Just get a camera for your computer!

Write letters. It's fun to get mail, and sometimes letters can be a great way to let your pal know what's going on with you. Not sure where to start? It's easy! Tell them how much you miss them, and then tell them all about what's going on in your life. Don't be afraid of being boring...if they know exactly what's up, they'll feel closer to you.

Send cards. Hallmark cards are easily accessible, and it's a non-time-consuming way to let your bud know your thinking about them.

Send gifts in the mail! Baking, books, magnets, bookmarks, jewelry, games, pictures and videos of you and your family and friends...anything goes! Sometimes the littlest things can show that you care the most. Here are some ideas you can make yourself:

These News From Camp Postcards can easily be adapted to be news from home!
This Pet Rock Necklace would make a fun gift to send to your bud from summer camp.
Have a photo of you and your friend? Make this Friends Stenciled Frame to hold it, a great gift to send through the mail!

Email or chat online. Make sure you both have e-mail addresses, and you're all set! Homemade letters can easily get lost on the way, get torn, or just get boring.


Plan for Camp

august12-main.jpeg
Start preparing yourself and your child now for next summer's life changing experience known as summer camp! Getting a head start will save you time and money in the long run.

  • Get on Camp Mailing Lists
  • Seek Recommendations from Friends

References, references, references. 
Get several from parents of repeat campers. Make contact with people who can describe their experiences with the camp, and why they'd recommend the location. Also, find out from the camp what the camper and counselor return rates are.

Secure Application Deadlines
Camps tend to fill up quickly - so secure the spot for your child as soon as possible!

Review Camp Prospects with Your Child
Include your child in the decision.  It's important for parents to make an effort to understand what their child wants and why.

Be sure to check out our archives for plenty of helpful articles to get you started.

Find a camp on MySummerCamps or KidsCamps

Packing Right for Summer Camp

camper-blogpost.jpg
It's time for your child to head off to summer camp! Don't send them off without first going through this list and making sure they are prepared. Be sure to check with your child's camp office. Chances are they already thought of everything for you. Most likely they will have a list of items you should pack as well as a list of items to leave hat home. If your child has any special needs, be sure to take that into consideration as well. 

Keep Hydrated
If you don't have a reusable water bottle you may want to pick one up. If you have time before your child heads off, make one of these fun water bottle carriers for camp. If there isn't time, print the instructions and send them with your child. Your camp craft director may appreciate it! A reusable bottle is a must as there should be ample water fountains around the camp where your child can fill up.

Sun Protection
It goes without saying that where there's summer there will be sun, and the danger UV rays that come along with it! Be sure to pack sunscreen, a sun hat, lip balm, and even some sunglasses. A tube of Aloe Vera after sun lotion wouldn't hurt either!

For Practicality Purposes
Remember that while it's warm during the day, nights can cool off dramatically, especially at camps located in the mountains or near the ocean. A jacket, sweater or hoodie is a must. It's better to have to remove layers than it is to be cold and not have something to warm up in! A good pair of closed toes shoes is an ideal choice as well. Campers get dirty, so you may want to leave the good clothes at home and reserve the play clothes for camp. 

Comforts of Home
You certainly don't want to pack your child's entire bedroom, but a familiar pillow, a favorite stuffed animal and a book or two can make all the difference in the world. If you feel it will help, pack a few snapshots of family members or the family pet that your child can set on their bunk's side table. 

Leave it at Home
Check your camp's list and chances are electronic games, MP3 players and other such distractions are either not permitted or highly discouraged. Once your child realizes how much fun they'll be having at camp, they'll forget that they "needed" those things anyway!

Most importantly, refer back to your camp's packing list. If you have a question, by all means ask! It's best to adhere to their guidelines so that your child has the best camp experience possible.