guides

2018 Summer Camp Guide Preview

Coming Soon!

March 18, 2065

OUR 2018 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE IS IN THE WORKS! Bookmark this page, and return in March!


How to Choose the Right Summer Camp for your Child

Picking a summer camp can be overwhelming. Here are 5 easy steps that will have your child on their way to a great summer. 


1) Decide whether a day camp or a resident (overnight) camp is best for your child. Many overnight camps start at the age of 7 but most experts agree that the average child is not ready to be gone from their parents for two weeks (the average length of camps) until the age of 10-12. Day camps are a great starting point for kids. Most start between age 3 and 4 and go through high school. Children can become accustomed to being gone from parents for a half a day or a whole day. It is a good transitional step to a residential camp. If your child has done well at day camps and is interested in a more “in-depth” camp experience, then you might want to consider a resident camp.

2) Consider your child’s interests. From art to theater to sports to computers to dance to gymnastics, there really is a camp for everyone. Ask your child, “What do you want to do this summer?” Ask yourself and people who are close to your child, “What do you think he/she would like?” or “What would be good for them?" Know your child. If your son loves horses and the outdoors, spending five days in a computer camp might not be a good fit. However, if you have seen your daughter's artistic side and would like to be able to explore it further, add an art camp to your short list.

3) Take a close look at your budget. Camp costs can vary dramatically. Day camps are typically less expensive than residential camps. Once you’ve determined your budget, involve your child in the selection process. For younger kids, give them a few camp options and let them know that they can pick two. For an older child, tell them the monetary amount and that it is their choice to go to one expensive camp or three less expensive camps.

 4) Ask Questions. Okay. You have narrowed the camps down based on your child’s age, their interests and your budget. Now, ask questions! Ask the camps, your neighbors, your friends and other trusted outlets. Below are a few questions to guide you.


•How is the staff hired, screened and trained?
•What is the camper to counselor ratio?
•When are camper supervised?
•Do you provide snacks and lunch (day camp)?
•What is the pickup/drop off policy?
•What is the range of children attending camp?
•What is my child really dislikes it (refund policy)?
•What is your return rate?
•What is a sample daily schedule?
•How do you handle conflict between campers?
•How do you handle separation anxiety?
•Do you have an open house?
•What should my child bring to camp (sunscreen, hat, swimsuit, money, etc.)?

5) Sign up! Check out our listing of Lehigh Valley summer camps below.



Want to add your listing to our guide? Email Tammy at tammym@macaronikid.com

Macaroni Kid Easton-Phillipsburg is a free weekly newsletter and website focused on fun family events and activities for kids in Easton Metro area and the surrounding area, including the Lehigh Valley. We gather together all kinds of local family events and activities each week, and add useful information about classes, family-focused businesses, product reviews, recipes, crafts, school and camp guides, family-friendly photographers and more. We are your go-to-guide for kids activities in the Lehigh Valley! We proudly serve families in Easton, Belvidere, Bangor, Washington, Pen Argyl, Roseto, White, Mt Bethel, Stewartsville & Phillipsburg.


Sports Camps


The First Tee Golf Camps--

The First Tee uses golf to teach youth life lessons and leadership skills. Sessions include a fun, group setting for youth ages 8 to 18 regardless of background or previous experience. Teaming up with experts in positive youth development, The First Tee helps youth become good golfers and even better people. Multiple locations at golf courses across the Lehigh Valley and Berks County.

Riverview Country Club PLAYer Program Coach Kevin McCarthy
Mon, Weds, Fri 10:00-12:00 July 9-Aug 3
July 9-27 at Heil Park, Easton July 30-Aug 3 at Riverview CC


Theatre Camps

State Theatre 2018 Summer Acting Camp--The State Theatre is proud to present its Summer Acting Camp for the sixteenth year in a row! The State Theatre 2018 Acting Camp will be held July 9-20, with Camp Recital on July 21. Consisting of 4 separate morning sessions , Grades 1-3, Grades 4-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12, and Grades 4-12 in the afternoon, the two week course is designed to include an educationally based yet fun-filled theater experience.


State Theatre Center for the Arts


453 Northampton Street,

Easton, PA 18042

1-800-999-7828

Email: info@statetheatre.org