Little Moments, Big Memories: Making the Most of Summer at a Brooklyn Day Camp

Summer can creep up on you in a flash. You can be having a busy time getting them to school one week and then the next you have 10 weeks of nothing to do and your boss still expecting you in the office. You then realise you need to find a Brooklyn Day Camp. Most people aren’t looking for a glamping experience for their kids. They simply want somewhere safe, with flexible hours and somewhere their child will enjoy. Although this sounds simple, every website will claim to offer the best summer ever! With the right approach you’ll be able to find a camp that can work with your schedule.

Brooklyn Camp Hours

Start by asking about hours. Full day varies between different camps. Some will offer 9am – 4pm whilst others will offer 8am – 6pm. This can make a big difference to your travel time. Ask about early drop off and late collection. Some Brooklyn Camps will offer extended hours as part of their package whilst others will charge hourly or weekly. Get this in writing! It sounds very formal but it’s better than getting hit with a big bill in July. Are there buses? How long are the buses? 40 mins each way can be a long time for a 5 year old. How do they handle late arrivals? They will happen at least once! A good camp will have a calm and clear policy.

Comparing Summer Camps in Brooklyn

When looking at summer camps that Brooklyn parents rave about start by looking at the staff. Counselors are the camp! Whilst a nice pool and logo is a bonus, your child will be with the 19 year old leading their group everyday. Ask how they recruit their counselors, how they train them and how many return each year. Usually a good number of staff returning means it’s a healthy environment. Ask how many children are in each group and what the counselor to camper ratio is. A decent summer camp will be straightforward with this information. Smaller groups means more attention for each child. Look at the price. What is included? Lunch, swimming, excursions and special events? What is charged extra? Sometimes a more expensive Brooklyn Day Camp can be cheaper as they offer everything. A camp that is clear with their pricing usually are with everything. This is a huge bonus as you’ll be putting your child in their care.

Safety Questions

Whilst no one likes to ask these questions it is the most important. Before paying any deposits ask how they handle collections. Who can collect? Allergies? Medications? Who are first aid and CPR certified? If there is a pool, how many lifeguards are there? How many lifeguards are on duty at any one time? How do counselors count children? Any good Brooklyn Day Camp will have a system in place and will explain it in a calm manner. They’ll have heard these questions a hundred times! If someone gets defensive then take note. If possible visit the camp. Even if it’s during your lunch break. See how the staff interact with the children, is the area clean and do the children look relaxed? Your gut will tell you a lot in 10 minutes. If it doesn’t look like a good place in spring it won’t suddenly become a great place in July. If one of your Brooklyn Camps don’t allow visits then take note.

Keeping Kids Happy Whilst You’re Busy

As a parent this is what you’re really worried about. Will they get bored, lonely or just sat there? A great summer camp will have a good structure. They’ll have lots to do throughout the day with active sessions in the morning and more relaxed sessions after lunch. They’ll have a good push before collection. Look for a variety of activities. Sport, swimming, arts and crafts, music and free play. Special days such as colour war, talent show and carnival day will mean they have stories to share at dinner. Some Brooklyn Camps will focus more on sport whilst others will focus more on creative activities. Think about what your child enjoys. Sometimes this can be a bit of a bummer! They’ll get to try new things. Your shy child may love performing, your tablet obsessed child may be surprisingly good at archery! A good Brooklyn Day Camp will encourage kids to step outside their comfort zone without forcing them. By August they’ll be walking a bit taller and you won’t feel guilty for working.

Mill Basin Summer Camp

A great option is Mill Basin Day Camp. Located on Strickland Avenue, Brooklyn, NY. Many local families will know this camp. If you’ve been looking for a mill basin summer camp then this should definitely be on your tour list. This camp has a very laid back vibe. They have space to run around, friendly staff and a good balance between keeping them busy but not hectic. Parents tell me their children come home tired (in a good way!), a little sunburnt and chatty about their day. That’s about as good of a review as you can get! They aren’t over the top. They focus on the children, they take safety seriously and are honest. It’s a great relief to find a camp like this. It has a local vibe but still has the structure you need as a working parent. Call them and ask about hours, drop off and whether it fits your schedule.

Getting Through the First Few Days

The first few days can be tough even for the most outgoing kids. They’ll be meeting new people, new rules and new toilets. They may cry when you drop them off but this doesn’t mean you’ve picked the wrong camp. Usually they’ll stop crying within minutes of you leaving. Preparation can help a lot. Go through the day with them, let them choose a snack and label everything they take. Everything! Sweatshirts disappear at camp so label them! If they have an open house visit. Having one familiar face will help on the first morning. Keep drop off short and positive. The longer you spend the worse everyone will feel. After a few days check in with the counselors. Any decent camp will want to know how they’re getting on. Usually a quick email will do. Most families will get into a routine by week 2. Some children will even beg to stay 5 minutes longer at collection. A great problem to have!

Final Thoughts

To sum up, know your schedule, ask clear questions about staff, safety and price and visit. It’s not complicated. Just requires a little patience. Think of it as purchasing something you want to last. You’d probably be told by the team at it’s all in the detail. The same goes for camps. If they have caring counselors, a clean environment and a clever daily structure then they’ll turn an ok summer into an amazing one.Don’t leave it too late as the best Brooklyn Camps will fill up quickly. If you want a camp that locals trust then visit Mill Basin Day Camp. Located on Strickland Avenue, Brooklyn, NY. Book your tour today!

Mill Basin Day Camp

5945 Strickland Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11234, USA

Phone: 718-251-6200

Alternate Phone: 718-251-3600 

FAQs

What Age Do Brooklyn Day Camps Usually Take?

Most will take children aged around 3-15. Check with the camp for specifics.

When Should I Register for Summer Camps?

Early spring is best. Sometimes winter. Popular Brooklyn Camps will fill up quickly. You’ll have less choice in June.

Where Is Mill Basin Day Camp?

Located on Strickland Avenue, Brooklyn, NY. Easy to reach for local families.

What Should My Child Take to Summer Camp?

Sunscreen, water bottle, swimwear, towel and extra clothes. Label everything!

Is a Mill Basin Summer Camp Good for First Time Campers?

Yes! A friendly and supervised environment like Mill Basin Day Camp will help new campers settle in.