Virtual camps?

[Anonymous]

My kids camps have sent parent surveys to gauge any interest in virtual camps this summer. Anyone else receive such surveys? We are not interested in virtual camps. I hate distance learning and can’t wait for it to be over, can’t even imagine dealing with virtual camps!

[Anonymous]

I am very interested in virtual camps, if the alternative is no camp.

I would imagine the forma that might work best for our kids would be to something that invovles a small group of kids wh work together on projects/activities (virtually, of course), but with some element of either competition, or performing for the other kinds in the virtual camp, to "raise the stakes" of the activity.

things like a "tik-tok dance competition" camp, or "film your own movie" camp, things like that....design an app

ideally there would be some "real' content, like acting lessons, or science, rather than just silly games, but for sure there shoudl also be silly games.

Anyone run across anything like that? there must be a ton of college students one could hire as counselors/group coaches to make things like this work...

[Anonymous]

I am VERY interested in virtual camps, as well, especially if they are free/low-cost. I have teens and they do not need supervision but they are missing out on sleepaway camp and need something to look forward to this summer.

I would also LOVE acting or dance camps. We are looking to do science with "Outschool" (not recommending it because we are trying it this summer) but would like a FUN class for at least a couple hours every day (outschool seems to be short classes that would require us to sign up for a bunch of them).

There should be free or low-cost options since it is the internet and they could be run from anywhere!

[Anonymous]

Holton/Creative Summer just sent such a survey.

I have no interest in paying for a virtual camp. My kids are young enough that I don’t think they would get much out of it.

[Anonymous]

Yes, I would do virtual camps for educational camps, they’re still learning and meet friends.

[Anonymous]

A virtual camp sounds absolutely miserable.

[Anonymous]

I think it completely depends on what type of camp it is. Music lessons, maybe. Sports camp, no.

[Anonymous]

I would love virtual music, art, dance classes. Maybe writing, too.

But I have older kids. I think it does not work for younger kids at all.

[Anonymous]

At least it’s something to do and stay engaged and keep your mind active. My kids love camp (tween and teen) and will not know what to do with themselves home all summer with no camp, friends, trips, pools, visits with grandparents, movies, museums, stores, restaurants, mini golf, bowling, and so on.

One of my kids likes to read, but for like an hour a day. The other one, despite my urging, is not a reader - will do some crafts. They’ll do some chores, done baking, screens and then what? (While DH and I also need to be working not that we’d be all that entertaining)

So,yes, I’m scoping out virtual camps. Some of them are shockingly expensive. I get it - they’re trying to stay in the black, but I’m not paying thousands for virtual camp and I’m someone who spends money on good camps,

[Anonymous]

My 13yo is burned out on screens already, after this extended stretch of online learning. Now that her screen-free sleepaway camp has been canceled—and with online school still a possibility for the fall—I can‘t see her committing to a big chunk of summer in front of the computer, even for something she was really interested in. She’s got enough off-line interests to keep her busy for a while, before she eventually drifts back to tv and video games.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:At least it’s something to do and stay engaged and keep your mind active. My kids love camp (tween and teen) and will not know what to do with themselves home all summer with no camp, friends, trips, pools, visits with grandparents, movies, museums, stores, restaurants, mini golf, bowling, and so on.

One of my kids likes to read, but for like an hour a day. The other one, despite my urging, is not a reader - will do some crafts. They’ll do some chores, done baking, screens and then what? (While DH and I also need to be working not that we’d be all that entertaining)

So,yes, I’m scoping out virtual camps. Some of them are shockingly expensive. I get it - they’re trying to stay in the black, but I’m not paying thousands for virtual camp and I’m someone who spends money on good camps,

You know there are myriad free options out there, right? Like, really good free options.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My 13yo is burned out on screens already, after this extended stretch of online learning. Now that her screen-free sleepaway camp has been canceled—and with online school still a possibility for the fall—I can‘t see her committing to a big chunk of summer in front of the computer, even for something she was really interested in. She’s got enough off-line interests to keep her busy for a while, before she eventually drifts back to tv and video games.

That is why I keep my 12 and 6 year olds in virtual camps if they’re offered. Honestly, at least they have other kids to interact with and hopefully have fun and learn. I also will need to work from hope and that helps. They will go out in the yard for a while and eat and continue with camps. I mean, even if we don’t do online camps with work schedule they will end up in front of the screen, right?? Hey, online camps with real people are better than YouTube in my view.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think it completely depends on what type of camp it is. Music lessons, maybe. Sports camp, no.

I’m looking for virtual sports camp options if they do not open in person. My kids want training and a group to work out with other than their parents. One child is participating in zoom practices now and looks forward to these. They are more of strength and cardio training instead of the actual sport. I’d happily pay for a class this summer if we are still home. Not an all day camp.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At least it’s something to do and stay engaged and keep your mind active. My kids love camp (tween and teen) and will not know what to do with themselves home all summer with no camp, friends, trips, pools, visits with grandparents, movies, museums, stores, restaurants, mini golf, bowling, and so on.

One of my kids likes to read, but for like an hour a day. The other one, despite my urging, is not a reader - will do some crafts. They’ll do some chores, done baking, screens and then what? (While DH and I also need to be working not that we’d be all that entertaining)

So,yes, I’m scoping out virtual camps. Some of them are shockingly expensive. I get it - they’re trying to stay in the black, but I’m not paying thousands for virtual camp and I’m someone who spends money on good camps,

You know there are myriad free options out there, right? Like, really good free options.

There are free options and we will definitely intersperse with those, but I’d like something that’s more scheduled and includes actual real-time interaction with a teacher/facilitator/counselor and hopefully other kids as well.

[Anonymous]

We would not do virtual camp as kids are too young to benefit. Even the zoom classes are not going that well so don't see how virtual camp will be any better