Brooklyn Camps Things Nobody Tells You Before You Sign Up Your Kid

Every year around February, parents start losing their minds over summer. Trust me, I know. You Google 'summer camps near me' at 11pm and promptly panic whilst reading an article with 400 similar results, half of which feature the same smiling children in a field photo. You feel like you are missing some key information, which you are, and it all comes down to your preferences. Here's my unsolicited, non-salesman advice on what you should look for when searching for Brooklyn summer camps, minus the fluff and nonsense.

What Does Your Child Want?

What they say they want. I have seen more than one parent sign their child up for something they do not want because they believe it to be 'good for them.' It almost always ends badly, especially in July when it is 90 degrees Fahrenheit. You might say your child would enjoy something with a heavy focus on one sport, but in a July afternoon it is not going to happen. You should ask what they want to do, and it is fine if they do not know the answer. A summer camp in Brooklyn with great reviews may not work out for your child if they are looking for the complete opposite vibe than what is being offered. Some children want a full-on adventure whereas others just want arts and crafts with an option for downtime, and both are totally valid. Find something that fits your child, not the other way around.

How Far is it?

You should absolutely factor in the distance. A camp that is an hour away sounds great in April, but trust me, it will not be nearly as endearing by week 3. When you type 'summer camp near me,' try to factor in how long it will take to get there during drop-off time. You should ask questions about what the roads are like, especially in Brooklyn because the traffic can be outrageous. If you can find something closer that is a little further away from your house than the local park, go with it because it will be well worth it. You should always ask how long it takes to get to the camp in the morning and how far it is in the afternoon if transportation is offered. Nothing is more stressful than a long car ride with bored children, especially if something comes up.

What are the Counselors Like?

The counselors are everything. If you find a wonderful facility with amazing equipment, but the counselors are lazy teenagers who spend the entire day on their phones, it is not going to work out. You should ask how they hire counselors, if any of them go through training before the summer starts, and how many return every year. You should ask how many counselors return every year because it is a great sign if many of them stick around. In the best Brooklyn day camps, they will have the same counselors every single year, and the children know them by name when they arrive. You should also ask who oversees the counselors and how they handle problems, because a group of teenagers with no one watching over them can get pretty rowdy.

What is the Day Like?

You should ask for a sample day. You want to know how much time is spent doing things versus sitting around, how much downtime there is, and how much is packed in. Some camps will stuff so much in that the children come home exhausted and mad, whereas others will be totally boring and the kids will be fidgeting the entire time. You want a mixture of some planned events, down time, and lunch. If you ask about a day at the camp and they are pretty vague, it is a pretty bad sign. You should know exactly how much goes on, otherwise it is hard to tell what you are getting.

Do They Care About Safety?

The thought of safety is not exciting, I know, but ask a few questions regardless. You should ask about drop-off and pick-up procedures, who is allowed to pick up your child, and if they check any form of identification. You should ask if all of the staff is certified in CPR and First Aid, and what they do for children with allergies. The best summer camps in Brooklyn will answer these questions easily and will not get mad or annoyed that you are asking them. If they seem annoyed, you should move on. I promise you, it is always good to be a nagging parent when it comes to safety. No one ever regrets asking too many questions.

What Do They Do About Hot Weather?

You should ask what they do on hot days. Do they have access to a pool, sprinklers, shade, or air-conditioning? There are so many summer camps in Brooklyn that revolve around swimming and have great programs for it, but you should know how they handle hot weather. How many lifeguards are there, and what is the staff to child ratio? You should ask if they do water breaks and make sure they apply sunscreen, because children forget to do that pretty often. A good program will also have a plan for hot weather, which means they are probably good in most other areas as well.

How Many Kids are there in a Group?

What is the difference between a group of 8 children and 25? A ton. You should ask how the children are grouped, by age, grade, or something else, and how many counselors there are per group. Mixing a 5 year old with a 10 year old will go pretty smoothly or pretty badly depending on the situation. Groups of children that are smaller have more individual attention, which is great for shy children, those who want to be held back, or those who need extra help. Groups of larger children can be great for outgoing kids, who will get tons of friends in one day. It depends on the child, and you know them better than anyone.

How do they Communicate With Parents?

Communication is everything. Do they send you anything, pictures, or an email, or do you have to call and hope someone picks up? If you sign up for a camp and they do not respond to your questions, it is not a good sign. You should know how to contact them and know that they will respond, especially during the summer. The best summer camps in Brooklyn will have an easy way to contact them, whether it be an application, email, or someone you can speak with in person. You should not have to chase them down for information about your child. If they do not respond to you during sign up, how are they going to respond to your worried phone call in August?

What is Everything Cost-Wise?

It can be pretty shocking to see how much things cost. Is lunch included? Are any extra activities or t-shirts required? I have been shocked multiple times to see how much things add up to when I least expect it. When you are comparing the prices of different day camps in Brooklyn, make sure to put them all together so you know what you are getting. You should also ask about any discounts for siblings or early payments, because a lot of camps offer them, but will not tell you unless you ask.

Can I Tour the Facility?

If you can, you should tour the facility. You can get a feel for the staff and the children, and you will know pretty quickly if you like how everything is run. If there are any other parents there during pick up, you can ask them a few questions because they will know more than any website. A tour can only take 30 minutes, and if you do not like what you see, you will not waste your time and money on a miserable summer. Ask around and trust your gut, because sometimes one can be had without the other.

The Final Say

Finding the right camp for your child does not have to be the worst experience of your life. You want to know what they are interested in, what the distance is, ask them tons of questions, and make sure you know the costs. You should also tour the facility and trust your gut instincts because if you know what you are doing, most parents find a camp that is right for their child, and their child comes home with a sunburned nose and 1000 new stories.

If you are in the southern part of Brooklyn and want a camp that fits these criteria, check out Mill Basin Day Camp at Strickland Avenue. They are a great summer camp in Brooklyn, and you can always visit their website or call and ask about availability and tours. There are always spots open up, so do not wait until the summer is right around the corner. I know plenty of parents who have gone to day camps in Brooklyn and have been nothing but impressed with how their summer went.

Name: Mill Basin Day Camp

Address: 5945 Strickland Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11234

Phone No.: 718-251-6200

FAQs

When should I start looking for a summer camp?

As early as you can! Some popular camps book up early on, and if you sign up earlier, you might get a discount. If you are running late, still call around, because there are plenty of cancellations.

What age can kids start day camp?

It depends on the camp, but most take kids who are around 3 or 4 years old, as long as they are potty trained. Some have groups for younger children. You should always call and ask ahead of time to make sure there are no surprises.

How do I know if my child is ready for camp?

If they can be separated from you for a few hours and play nice with other children, they are probably ready. It is normal for them to feel a little nervous, but visiting or going for a trial day helps.

Are Brooklyn day camps worth it?

For most people, yes! They get to have fun, make new friends, and you get some extra time to yourself, which I think is important. Children should not spend their summers staring at a screen, in my opinion.