Dear Friends,

It's official. The summer camp planning season is upon us. While we hope you enjoyed the December holidays, they are surely a memory now and we are all looking ahead to warmer weather.

It has been a busy few months for Camp Specialists. We kicked off the fall as proud sponsors of many local soccer teams, followed by basketball this winter. Not only do we feel great about supporting your local teams, but we really enjoy having the opportunity to get out onto the field and meet so many nice families. We can't wait for little league!

We also spent the fall solidifying our relationship with Denny's Childrenswear, a longtime friend in many of our communities. Denny's is a family-owned and operated establishment, and their quality items are ideal to outfit your child for camp.

So, as you look outside at the snow, imagine it's a lake. As you look out at the bare trees, pretend they are a lush, green forest. Then picture your child having the time of his or her life at sleepawap camp! We are here to help you make this vision a reality.

Best Wishes,

Arlene Streisand
Director

To Attend Summer Camp with a Friend -- or Not: That Is The Question

Some parents insist that their child trek off to summer camp with a best buddy. Others would never hear of it. So is there a right? Is there a wrong? Absolutely! But the answer is different for each family. To decide which choice is right for your child, think carefully about your goals for his or her summer experience.

“I wanted my daughter to go [to summer camp] alone,” said Ivy Cooperman of Long Island. “I wanted Dana to have what I had: a whole separate group of camp friends. One of my best friends today is someone I went to camp with. We wouldn’t have that friendship today had we met any differently.” Prior to summer camp, Cooperman contacted the camp for the name of another first-time camper in her area. The girls met beforehand and even went camp shopping together. As Cooperman said, “If nothing else, it was a familiar face on the bus. It was up to them whether they would forge a lasting friendship.”

Karen Dreyfus, also of Long Island, believes her son Zach had the best of both worlds. “I didn’t plan for him to go to camp with friends,” explained Dreyfus, “but the families of two of his friends ended up choosing the same camp. Luckily, we all agreed to bunk them separately. This way, they had the comfort of a friend nearby, but also the opportunity to spread their wings.”

If you do decide to bunk your child with a friend at sleepaway camp, think carefully about the state of this particular friendship. Does either child get jealous easily? Do the kids know how to successfully work out their differences? Is it an equal partnership? Of course, no child should be too reliant on another child, as this is not good for either of them. And don’t allow another parent to pressure you into a situation that you’re not comfortable with.

So what’s the right answer to this age-old question? The answer is, (like anything else in parenting,) trust your instincts!

A Bully-Free Summer

Were you ever taunted by the popular girls? Or excluded for your athletic shortcomings? Some of you may have encountered bullying of some form during your summers at camp. Maybe you didn't even realize it was bullying. You simply "took your lumps" and moved on.

While we hope this doesn't define your camp years, one in four kids does experience some form of bullying during their childhood. What's more, most bullying incidents go unreported.

Directors have become increasingly aware of the damage that bullying causes, and many summer camps have instituted "zero-tolerance" policies when it comes to bullying behavior. Additionally, camps are being pro-active by training counselors on how to diffuse situations that may evolve into bullying.

Many camps are turning to psychologist and "bully coach," Joel Haber, Ph.D. of RespectU.com in White Plains, NY. Each June he makes his rounds to dozens of sleepaway camps, providing an intensive staff workshop, which includes role play, conflict resolution techniques, and clear codes of what behavior is and is not acceptable.

My Second Summer at Sleepaway Camp

By Camp Specialists' Camper, Lyndsay

Last summer was my second time at sleepaway camp. I was excited, but also nervous. When we got to camp I was happy to see all of my friends and to be in the same bunk as them.

The next day we began activities. This summer I tried things that I didn't try last summer, like jet skiing, mountain cycling, trapeze, circus, and the bungee trampoline. I made new friends from all over the world, and still hung out with my old friends. My counselors became my friends too, and I was able to talk to them about my problems. I will miss all of them!

Camp is cool!!! I can't wait to see the new things they have for me to try next summer.

Some of the topics he touches upon are the differences between boy bullying versus girl bullying; sports bullying; off season cyber-bullying, and how to help kids who "don't quite fit in." Dr. Haber strongly encourages directors and staff to institute a camper reward system for positive and inclusive social behavior.

Ask your prospective camp director what they are doing to discourage bullying. Find out how they train their staff, and what their protocol is when these situations arrise. Make sure there is a formal anti-bullying program in place. Bullying is an issue that all parents should think about.

Denny's Childrenswear: Our New Partner

Camp Specialists is pleased to announce our exclusive partnership with Denny's Childrenswear. We confidently recommend Denny's to our clients for all their camp needs. Since 1978, Denny's has been outfitting kids with the coolest fashions and the hottest names in clothing and accessories. Denny's now has 11 locations servicing both the New York and Philadelphia metro areas with the upscale brands you love.

From the first time camper to the most experiences camper, Denny's staff, professionally and personally outfits each child with what he or she needs. From camp trunks, duffle bags and laundry bags to all your clothing needs, Denny's 10,000 sq. foot stores have it all. They'll even sew name labels on your camp purchases, free of charge! Check your mail for Denny's special camp savings coupons, or take advantage of the offer below.

Camp Shopping Appointments at Your Convenience!

Denny's will set up "Camp appointments" at your convenience. You can even come in before the store opens, or stay late after hours. Denny's has combined suggestion lists from all the great camps to ensure that your campers have everything they need. Their experience sales staff is extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and patient.

Nobody can beat Denny's combinations of selection, price, experience, and customer service. Whether it's for day camp or sleepaway camp, you and your kids will find that the "Denny's Experience" is unbeatable. Visit the location nearest you: NY: Baldwin, Commack, Cedarhurst, Little Neck, Plainview, Scarsdale. NJ: Paramus, Marlboro, Cherry Hill. PA: Hutingdon Valley.
www.dennyschildrenswear.com

Enroll your child in sleepaway camp and receive a $50 Gift Check toward your summer camp purchases at Denny's!

Offer applicable to purchase of $250 or more. gift checks will be awarded for every chid who enrolls in a seven week camp for 2006 via Camp Specialists' free service.

Is Your Child Ready for Sleepaway Camp?

Here's a quiz. Give your child a rating of "usually", "sometimes" or "never."

Does Your Child...

• ...easily stay overnight with friends & relatives?
• ...sleep through the night?
• ...function well in a group setting?
• ...ask for help or assistance, when needed?
• ...easily warm up to new situations & people?

• ...have the ability to handle feelings in a safe, appropriate manner?
• ...enjoy new experiences?
• ...make friends easily?
• ...keep track of his or her belongings?
• ...respond appropriately to people in positions of authority?

Scoring: If you answered "usually" or "sometimes" for most of these questions, the likelihood is that your child will thrive at sleepaway camp. If there are a few trouble spots, don't fret... a summer camp experience just might help your child learn to keep track of his or her things, or meet kids more easily. However, if most of your responses are "never" or "sometimes," you might want to think about delaying camp for a year or two.

Camp Specialists Timeline:
Get Your Childed into Desired Summer Camp for 2006!

NOW: Call Camp Specialists to discuss your child's needs. We will promptly order your free camp brochures and DVDs. Then, based on your child's interests and your budget, we will work with you to determine which camps are going on your "short list."

March: Call summer camps to set up visits for as early as allowed in the summer season.

July: If you like what you see during your visit, leave a deposit right then and there! Most deposits are refundable. If you wait even a week to send it in, there is a possibility you will forfeit your child's spot.

2005: There are still limited openings for this summer! Call us today!!

Top 10 Reasons to Send Your Child to Sleepaway Camp