Hagaon Hacham Mordechai Eliyahu z.s.l.

By: Mrs. Sarah Zafrani

Perhaps it was a poor choice of day camp, maybe it was unsuited for my four-year-old son; in any event, his refusal to stay in the summer program was rock solid.

Instinctively, I knew that this was one area where I must accommodate his wishes. While I don’t recommend leaving boys home in an unstructured environment for two or even one month, somehow I knew young Ari would thrive. As an educator, my summer hours were flexible and I could work from home, so each day saw us visiting parks and stores, and splashing in a backyard pool which my aunt maintained. Discovering other mothers who were directing home day camps gave me a particular thrill, and I sought out the companionship of their children for my son.

I utilized the time I had with Ari as best as I could. Academically he needed a boost, so I spent time with him practicing the Hebrew vowels, playing all sorts of Aleph Bet games which are available in teacher stores like Scribbles on 14th Avenue or Teacher’s Edition on 18th Avenue. Amidst the serenity of the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, my husband, my son and I played memory word games and other reading games. Wherever we went and sat for awhile, Hebrew reading was a ritual. With time, my Ari’s reading underwent a dramatic turnaround.

That summer was chock full of distractions and it passed quickly and successfully enough. Subsequent summers posed no repetitions of the mommy-as-counselor sort. But this past summer saw me and my husband doing some serious belt-tightening. Many years and children later, the day camp bill promised to be formidable, with four boys in sleep away, and even more in day camps.

“That’s it,” I announced one day to my young girls. “One month in camp will be all there is. August will be family- bonding time.” (I don’t recommend home camping for boys unless their father is on-hand to structure them in learning and sports.)

To which my daughter cleverly quipped, “I know, you’re saving up for the tuition next year.”

Surviving the next four weeks of August plus the remaining weeks left before school challenged not only my nerves, but also the best of my parenting skills. But ultimately, the summer was a great success. It should be noted though, that in my experience both as an educator and a “home counselor,” home camping is best suited for younger children. I find that older children are more vulnerable when being left out of their peer group and need a level of encouragement, fun and guidance that most parents would find very difficult to deliver at home.

Though it is certainly a demanding endeavor, home day camp also has some important advantages. Finding quality time to spend with each child individually is a challenge when you have a large family. Once I decided that there was inherent benefit in keeping my daughters home for a month, I finally found the quantity of time needed to connect with my girls.

The Home Based Summer Camp Experience for Girls

For anyone who ever wants to attempt the home camp challenge, here’s a rundown of the activities and ideas that made our last summer an educational and fun-filled experience.

• Get access to a pool. Whether it’s a neighbor who opens it up for pay, a day camp or school pool, or a local Y – the girls must get wet regularly during the summer heat.
• Buy hook rugs. Get an age-appropriate one for each daughter. I find them cozy to hang up and more fun to work on than needlepoint. If you know how to sew or knit, use the time to teach it to them.
• Get out of the house. Use this time to travel, visit new stores, go to the library or visit with friends.
• Take up scrapbooking. You don’t have to be a pro. There are numerous kits available to get you started.
• Cook up a storm. The kitchen represents a world of opportunity for fun and learning.  Try new recipes together.
• Organize a hesed project. I hosted a ladies class in my house once a week and my daughters enjoyed setting up and talking to the guests. Participating in package parties and Chinese auctions can be rewarding for them also.
• Plan an event. I had my girls organize their brother’s birthday carnival which we hosted in our backyard during the week right before school started. It actually attracted lots of children who thoroughly enjoyed the variety of booths (and it took over a week of serious planning, shopping and setting up).
• Out of town overnights. If possible, let one or two girls spend time at a cousin’s home out of town. Since I have many siblings who live in a different cities or countries, there are frequent visitors in my home which keeps the girls contentedly busy. The letter writing that becomes necessary as a result of these visits is also a welcome activity.

A Chance to Connect with Your Kids

Mrs. Esther Hatchuel

Motivated more by my desire to bond with my children than to save on day camp, I kept my children home for one month each summer. I didn’t like the prevalent practice of pushing the kids “out of the house.” Children belong to their parents more than to anyone else, and allowing them to hang out in the house sends a powerful message of who is in control, and who their true role models are: their mother and father. Before you turn around, the house will be empty, so enjoy them while you can.

Before you start each day, you have to be mentally prepared with what you are about to do. Lunch, dinner and snacks are to be served at a fixed time.

I maintained a collapsible Wet Set Pool which was 4 ft deep and 10 ft in diameter on my back porch. My porch was sturdy enough to hold the considerable weight, locked and enclosed which made it safe and childproof. There were special swimming hours for the boys and girls. We also had night swim for the older kids. Carpet runners laid down in the kitchen ensured the floor was safe for walking.

While the kids were water painting or doing projects, I had story tapes playing in the background. My four sons used the large backyard to play baseball and other sports with their friends. And the cleaning help that I had definitely made it a more enjoyable month.