[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”0px||0px|” custom_padding=”0px||0px|” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]This summer, camp is more important than ever. For some kids, it will be their first chance to see other kids face-to-face without a screen in an organized setting. Most camps are offering at least some in-person options this year, some are continuing to also offer virtual, and some are excited to drop virtual altogether. While this is great for our little screen zombies, not everyone is comfortable yet with in-person camp for one reason or another. It is also going to be different. Not only because of the mask wearing, but because everything is organized in small groups. No big sing-a-longs, marches, assemblies, or large team sports.
Even our Camp Expo this year will be virtual to avoid large groups. You can see all of our camp expo participating camps here.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://www.achildgrows.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/School-of-Rock-Spring-Break-Camp.jpg” align_tablet=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.16″ border_style=”solid” sticky=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” align_phone=”center”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]Photo from the School of Rock Williamsburg
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” column_structure=”1_2,1_2″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_testimonial author=”Elisa Pupko” company_name=”Treasure Trunk Theatre” admin_label=”Treasure Trunk” _builder_version=”4.16″ border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]I feel a giant weight lift as we plan for this summer because so much of the fear of the unknown has disappeared. We’re all expert pandemic-ers!
[/et_pb_testimonial][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]This year camps have it together when it comes to safety. Most of them are either on their second year of pandemic summer camp or have been offering school break camps and classes throughout the year. They have honed their virtual game to get kids participating across their screens and have come up with strategies to enforce social distancing and masks while still having fun.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” column_structure=”3_4,1_4″][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Options” _builder_version=”4.16″ border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]
Virtual Camp Options for Those Who Need It
Some camps are giving parents the option to choose virtual or in-person. Treasure Trunk Theatre recognizes that many families have actually left Brooklyn or may be out of Brooklyn for the summer but might still want to participate in a community program they know and love. They are offering virtual camps for these families as well as in-person camps for families that really need it.
School of Rock in Williamsburg offers in-person and virtual camps in different topics with musical performance in-person but songwriting and music production available virtually. They echo the trend of having more break-out rooms during virtual sessions to encourage collaboration.
The Mark Morris Dance Center is also continuing to offer virtual dance classes although focusing on the in-person options with live accompanists.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial author=”Elisa Pupko” company_name=”Treasure Trunk Theatre” admin_label=”Treature trunk virtual” _builder_version=”4.16″ border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]With small group sizes (no more than 7 kiddos), and full interaction throughout the 90-minute [virtual] camp, each child is given the opportunity to share their imaginations, collaborate with their peers, and feel seen and heard. We also mail a craft kit to the campers each week so parents don’t have to scramble putting together materials ahead of time. With our action-packed sessions, kiddos dance, act out stories, share their creative ideas, and make unique crafts every day!
[/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_text admin_label=”Options two” _builder_version=”4.16″ border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]The Tiny Scientist offers both virtual and in-person options. For the virtual camps and classes, they send materials to your home. This summer they have many themed classes to choose from.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_testimonial author=”CinemaKidz” company_name=”On Their Virtual Camp Option” _builder_version=”4.16″ border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]We’ve worked hard and built a program that is very engaging and interactive. Classes and camps are small sized, come with materials, and focus on content that kids are passionate about.
[/et_pb_testimonial][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”in-person” _builder_version=”4.16″ border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]
The In-Person Camp Choice
All the camps we asked who are offering in-person options expect to have their staff fully vaccinated by this summer. It is still unclear if this helps reduce contagion, but we hope it does. Most camps have had some experience with post-COVID in-person camp or classes by now and have developed some best practices based on what is working and what isn’t when it comes to working with children. The CDC guidelines are great, but we all know that kids don’t really get social distancing. It isn’t natural.
Trail Blazers only offers an in-person camp and sees it as a kind of anecdote to the non-stop virtual demands on families right now. Their “decentralized camping” philosophy means they have always practiced small group programming–so they had fewer changes to make for COVID.
Similarly, Treasure Trunk Theatre has gone back to their origin format of traveling to different locations to host small group classes–now in parks.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial author=”Elisa Pupko” company_name=”Treasure Trunk Theatre” admin_label=”Treasure Trunk” _builder_version=”4.16″ border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]Watching my daughter squeal with delight as she bounds toward her masked friends at the playground for a socially distanced playdate makes my heart yearn for the days before Covid. It also reminds me how important social interaction is for young children and how little they’ve had this year.
[/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]Koko NYC is continuing their famous Soap Box Workshop this summer in person, but they are also offering a new camp for younger ones (5-7), Destroy and Construct.
Here are the camps from our expo that are offering in-person camps this summer. Keep an eye out for our round-ups that will have even more options in the coming weeks.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial author=”Riel Peerbooms, Executive Director” job_title=”Trail Blazers” admin_label=”Trailblazers” _builder_version=”4.16″ border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]We believe that children need to be outside and have screen-free, in-person experiences – it is a critical component of healthy child development. After delivering a COVID-free summer in 2020, and spending the fall and winter keeping up with guidance from experts and authorities, Trail Blazers is ready for in-person camp for summer 2021.
[/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_testimonial author=”CinemaKidz” _builder_version=”4.16″ border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]In person camp is so important to the kids who may learn differently or need that in person connection. We want to make sure those kids are provided with a fun, safe, collaborative environment. These kids need camp most of all, and Cinemakidz will be there for them!
[/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_image src=”https://www.achildgrows.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/663A9942-10c8e04ab59d92e7a27fb8fde0b47962.jpg” align_tablet=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.16″ border_style=”solid” sticky=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” align_phone=”center”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]Photo from Child’s Play NY
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” column_structure=”1_4,1_2,1_4″][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_testimonial author=”Riel Peerbooms” company_name=”Trail Blazers” admin_label=”Trail Blazers” _builder_version=”4.16″ border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]Trail Blazers has always been an outdoor program, we love the saying, “There is no such thing as bad weather, just inadequate clothes!”
[/et_pb_testimonial][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Indoor vs. Outdoor” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”||0px|” custom_padding=”||0px|” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]Some camps are all outdoors, but almost all the camps we asked have at least some outside time–particularly for eating, when it is necessary to remove your mask. Most camps offer activities at the parks we know and love around Brooklyn.
The Independent Lake Camp is a great option for sleepaway camp.
When inside, camps are following the CDC regulations and going even further. CinemaKidz says they will be practicing ongoing sanitation of workspaces and equipment throughout the day and every evening. School of Rock in Williamsburg also says that each room has plastic dividers, good ventilation, and available PPE and hand sanitizer. They also clean between each music lesson. Many of the camps we talked to have purchased HEPA filters for their indoor spaces.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_testimonial author=”CinemaKidz” _builder_version=”4.16″ border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]Virtual is a really great option at Cinemakidz. Kids can really dive into their projects and learn at their own pace. They learn how to master tools at home and can continue to use these skills beyond camp with their very own setups.
[/et_pb_testimonial][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”masks” _builder_version=”4.16″ border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]
How Do Camps Encourage Kids to Wear Masks?
One of hardest things about in-person school and camp may be making young children keep their masks on. I have seen kids marching in groups around the neighborhood and there are always one or two pulling off their masks. My own children struggle with it quite a bit.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_testimonial author=”Riel Peerbooms” company_name=”Trail Blazers” _builder_version=”4.16″ border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]For Trail Blazers this was not difficult at all. We start by normalizing mask-wearing. For example, we wear shoes to protect our feet so we wear masks to protect our bodies. Our staff also set the example by demonstrating safe behaviors: they are always masked, sanitizing, and keeping the appropriate distance. We also make mask routines and sanitation routines fun. We have songs that we sing while washing our hands to make sure that we are cleaning them properly.
[/et_pb_testimonial][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_testimonial author=”Elisa Pupko” company_name=”Treasure Trunk Theatre” _builder_version=”4.16″ border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]We’re all about “imagination” at Treasure Trunk. So we quickly turn our masks into magical disguises that we need to keep our magic ready for adventures ahead. We just use a quick creative reminder for everyone to pull up their slipping masks, followed by instructions to whisper the magic word inside their masks. Both are necessary to open our treasure trunk while keeping everyone safe and having fun!
[/et_pb_testimonial][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_testimonial author=”CinemaKidz” _builder_version=”4.16″ border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]We make it a game and incorporate a DIY mask into their costumes and projects! Everyday children will make a new mask designed specifically for what they are doing that day.
[/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_testimonial author=”Ken Kramer” company_name=”School of Rock Williamsburg” _builder_version=”4.16″ border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]For the younger kids 3-5, we require a parent or guardian to be in the class until they can show that they can keep masks on.
[/et_pb_testimonial][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” column_structure=”1_4,1_4,1_4,1_4″][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://www.achildgrows.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Treasure-Trunk-Theater-Image.png” url=”https://www.achildgrows.com/project/treasuretrunktheatre/” url_new_window=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Treasure Trunk” _builder_version=”4.16″ border_style=”solid” sticky=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” align_phone=”center”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://www.achildgrows.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/square-logo-2020.png” url=”https://www.achildgrows.com/project/trail-blazer-camps-2/” url_new_window=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Trail Blazers” _builder_version=”4.16″ border_style=”solid” sticky=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” align_phone=”center”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://www.achildgrows.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Untitled-design3.png” url=”https://www.achildgrows.com/project/the-tiny-scientist-2/” url_new_window=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”tiny scientist” _builder_version=”4.16″ border_style=”solid” sticky=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” align_phone=”center”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://www.achildgrows.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/CinemaKidz-Logo.gif” url=”https://www.achildgrows.com/project/cinemakidz/” url_new_window=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Cinemakidz” _builder_version=”4.16″ border_style=”solid” sticky=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” align_phone=”center”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]*The camps specifically mentioned in this article are sponsors of our annual Camp Expo for 2021.
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