With thousands of choices out there, how can you be sure that you have chosen the correct camp for your child?Thinking of having your child try something new next year - an Overnight Camp, a Teen Tour, or Specialty Camp? If you have been considering a new program, now is a great time to plan a visit. Many camps host Open Houses and schedule visits for prospective campers. This is a great opportunity to see in action the program you are considering. Brochures and video tapes are great resources, but if you want to be sure, an in-session visit might be for you.

A visit allows you to see the facilities, experience the activities; even taste the food, to make sure this camp is the right match. If you think a visit would be beneficial, contact Judy for information on camps or programs that may interest you. Judy will help set-up visits and interviews. Most camps schedule visitation to limit the disruption as little as possible for the current campers.

Visiting a program when it is in session is the best way to get a true picture of what the program is all about and can help dispel concerns for both the camper and parents. Regardless of your child's age, the most successful summer adventures occur when you have extensive knowledge about the program and are confident it is a good match for your child.

If you think your child might be ready for a new experience, now is the time to start your search. To set up a convenient visit schedule, contact Judy today at 800-609-2267 or at judy@campandtour.com

There are hundreds of fabulous programs and tours all over the world, but you don't have to travel far from home to have a fantastic summer adventure. There are nationally recognized overnight camps located in the Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania. These camps are some of the longest running summer programs in the United States and are still owned and operated by their founding families.

These camps can be gender specific or co-ed. The accommodations vary, but are outdoorsy with modern amenities. Welcoming campers entering grades 2 through 11, these facilities offer fun-filled, action packed activity programs:

Water Sports: Canoe, kayak, sail, windsurf and fish in the lake. Improve your swimming skills or become a certified lifeguard at the pool. Sports: Basketball, baseball, soccer, lacrosse, volleyball, hockey, softball, touch football, track and field, gymnastics and more. Creative Arts: Artwork, craft making, model rocketry, photography, drama, dance. Host your own radio show or be part of a show. Outdoor Adventure: Climb a mountain. Raft down a roaring white-water river. Hike the world- famous Appalachian Trail. Go on a mountain biking trip or an overnight campout. Shoot down an over- water zip line or scale a four-story high climbing wall and ropes challenge course. Specialty Activities: Tennis, golf, riflery, archery, horseback riding, self-defense, weightlifting, ceramics, animal care and many unique activities. Get-Togethers: Many of our gender specific camps have a sister/brother camp and schedule joint organized activities.

Just a few hours drive from the tri-state area, these camps are a great option for anyone, but especially for the first-time camper who is a little anxious about leaving home. These traditional programs have something for all ages and every interest. Many campers, regardless of where they live, spend their summer in the Poconos, returning year after year.

Finding a balance between staying in touch with your children at camp and giving them the independence they need is a tricky endeavor. You want them to know that the family has not forgotten them but, on the flip side, you don't want them to feel that they're missing anything back home. Try these tips to keep connected with your child.

• Give your child plenty of stationery, stamps, and postcards. Pre-address envelopes and postcards so she can easily jot a note and drop it in the mail.
• Start writing to your child before he leaves. Send a note or postcard in advance so that he'll have a letter waiting for him when he arrives.
• Keep letters positive and encouraging. Assure your camper that you know he or she is having a good time and express enthusiasm for the camp's activities. Now's not the time to break the news that the goldfish went belly-up, but don't detail how much fun you're having without her.
• Don't be discouraged by short and/or infrequent letters. Your child is probably busy having fun. Ask simple questions about activities and daily life she can easily respond to and make it easy for her to reply. Or send a letter on which your child just needs to fill-in the blanks and return it to you. You can begin sentences such as, "My favorite food at camp is___________." Or "The best activity so far has been____________."
• If you get a "homesick letter" - begging to be picked up and detailing the hardships of camp life - be sympathetic and offer calm reassurance. Almost all children, and adults, feel a little homesick when they are away. Remember, the staffs at the high quality camps we recommend are always there to help. Plus, by the time you received the letter, your camper may have changed her mind completely. If you keep getting them, however, call the camp director to relay your concerns and find out more information.
• Review the camp's rules about sending packages (many don't, for example, allow food) and send a care package full of puzzles, books, or other treats.
• Finally, don't worry! Many camp directors will tell you that they often have a few homesick children, but they always have ton of homesick parents!