Description of Program
Each morning at 8:30 our campers arrive and head for their homerooms. Greeted by a seasoned staff of teachers as well as college and high school students, the campers are encouraged to participate in a variety of classroom activities. Campers use their homeroom for play, art projects, games, building and quiet activities such as reading and singing. As this is summer, our heartfelt wish for every child is that they make new friends, feel comfortable trying new opportunities and above all else, have fun!
Swimming, outdoor play, and structured activities in physical education, art, computer, science, drama, and ceramics are the core of each day. Tennis is offered for campers six and older. Homeroom counselors organize the few remaining periods. Lunch, changing for swim, reading, snack, and class projects complete the day. Our goal is for the campers to leave each day at 3:30 having had a terrific time with their peers and counselors. The campers’ smiles are a clear indication that they have had a great time.
Swimming
All campers, with the exception of the four year olds, have sixty minutes of instruction and free swim each day. They receive small group instruction as well as have the opportunity for structured water play. Four year olds have instructional swim only. Our lifeguards are both lifeguards and teachers. We have a fundamental belief that if you become involved with the campers by teaching, you are a better, more observant lifeguard. Therefore, we have many more lifeguards than required by the New York Board of Health. We take pride in a program that promotes safety and encourages our campers to become the best swimmers possible. Campers proudly demonstrate their progress to their families on Visiting Day each summer.
Athletics
All campers have scheduled physical education classes. The classes focus on age appropriate units of games/skills each week of camp. For example, one week the unit will focus on basketball, another week the unit will be on soccer, still another week the unit will be on softball, badminton or Project Adventure. Campers not only focus on the skills, but also on playing the game. Our goal is for the campers to have a physical education experience that allows them to learn new skills and games, work within a group and leave the class having had a great time!! Tennis is taught, in small groups, to campers aged six and older. Instruction is given twice a week.
The Arts
Our arts programs include crafts, general art, ceramics and drama. As with the physical education classes, all of the head counselors in these groups are seasoned professionals. Campers can play drama games or sing and dance on the stage in the theatre. Older campers write and/or perform short skits or plays.
Campers create pottery in the ceramics room, or delve into the art materials in the various art studios. Campers have many opportunities to express themselves creatively in all of these classes. Our goal in the arts and crafts and ceramics programs is for individual expression.
Tennis
Tennis is taught to campers 6-11. Groups are small with approximately 12 children and two counselors. This class is an introduction to the sport and is meant to be fun!
Computer and Exploration Station
Exploration Station is a science based discovery class. The class is totally hands on and allows campers to begin to explore and experiment with elements of the natural world as well as the physical world.
Twice a week campers are in the computer lab learning new software that revolves around educational themes. Our twenty-four computers were new in 2007.
Outdoor Recreation
All campers have supervised outdoor free time on the "turf" or the other playgrounds as described in the above portion titled Facilities. It is our belief that children benefit from unstructured as well as structured play. Our goal is to provide this each day.
Electives
Campers seven and older have an electives program each day. During electives, campers may choose their activities. Some of the choices have included basketball, turf games, soccer, capture the flag, papier-mâché masks, jewelry making, tennis, sewing, ceramics, and kickball. There are two cycles of electives during camp. Our electives program not only allows children some choice within their day, but also allows campers to pursue an area of true interest.
Closing Week Celebrations
Parents Visit Swim
During the final week of camp we invite parents to come and watch their children swim. The swim presentation is a time for the campers to show off their skills whether they be swimming the various strokes or jumping in the “little pool”! Swim visitation takes place on Tuesday, July 22 and Wednesday, July 23. Specific times will be sent to parents.
Field Day
All campers participate in Field Day. This event is for all campers and includes a parade into camp by group with their banner. The older groups also write their own camp songs and sing them for the other groups. Groups participate in a number of events including different relays, basketball, kick ball, capture the flag, and the bucket challenge. This event is for campers only and while we know that parents will be with us in spirit, we ask that they not join us that day.
Biathlon
Our older campers are all invited to participate in a camp biathlon, which includes swimming laps in the pool and running laps around the "turf." As they sign up early in the summer for this event, they are able to train with our physical education counselors throughout the summer.
Safari – Whole Camp Celebration
Each summer we have an end of camp celebration for all campers. Camp groups parade in with banners, masks, hats or other hand created. Campers and counselors perform songs and dances!
Photo Day
Each summer photos are taken of each camp group. A week or so before the photo shoot, an envelope is sent home with campers asking if parents want to order a photo. The envelope and check are returned to TDC. The date for the photo is Thursday, July 10, 2008.