AppleTree Celebrating our Bar Mitzvah Year! Chflii!GN SHAAREY ZEDEK! A SMART START FOR CHILDREN ENTERING KINDERGARTEN, 1ST, 2ND, AND 3RD GRADE IN FALL 2005 Weekdays 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM IRVING AND BEVERLY LAKER EDUCATION & YOUTH COMPLEX 2075 WALNUT LAKE ROAD WEST BLOOMFIELD Camp Betman is an exciting day camp opportunity for your child to have a terrific time, make friends and have new and exciting Jewish experiences. By giving children an eight-day Hebrew/Judaic smart-start in Jewish education, they will gain some solid Hebrew skills and be more successful in Religious School WITH PERMISSION OF AND THANKS TO TORAH AURA PRODUCTIONS FOR BETMAN© Experience a Wild Time on a Slimmer Safari at the Detroit Zoo! Kids ages 4-13 explore the animal kingdom through tours, hands-on activities, games, arts, and crafts. The Summer Safari Camp is a fun opportunity to learn about wildlife, wild places, and the ways that people can help animals. DETROIT ZOO Whether you spend a night, a week, or an afternoon you'll have a wild time at the Detroit Zoo. For Information or Registration Materials: 3/10 2005 68 Visit detroitzoo.org, email education@detroitzoo.org or call 248-541-5717 ext. 3740 942490 SPECIAL PLACES from page 67 Bergstein and Rosenthal, though, say toys should be the least of a good day camp. "Toys are for slow times only," Bergstein says. Younger children should be using their energy discov- ering and learning and playing out- side, relishing every moment in a safe but "unstructured atmosphere." Rosenthal also has little interest in toys — unless they're the kind chil- dren create themselves. "Boxes are incredible," she says. "I like when children are able to use familiar objects in a new way," such as when they turn a big, empty box into a spaceship or a refrigerator. Older children don't even need games at camp, Bergstein says. Instead, they should be enjoying sports and going on day trips. Bergstein says it's best for tiny children to spend most of their day in the same, reliable atmosphere. The older ones, though, need day meal with their little ones heading off to day camp. Don't worry, Bergstein says. Children might want to bring their own water bottle, and they can even tote it around with them all day. But when it comes to food, better to make certain first that your day camp pro- vides healthy snacks, like fruit and pretzels, instead of sending extra goodies with your son or daughter. Note, however, that parents should advise camp directors of any special food or other allergies their child may have. Don't depend on your son or daughter, no matter how responsible he/she is, to do this. Whatever your child's age, always be sure you're comfortable with the phys- ical safety provided at your day camp. This means fences for young children, attentive and loving staff, and a sound knowledge of how the day camp func- tions when off grounds. "The staff should be vigilant at all times," Bergstein says. "When kids go on a trip, staff needs to make certain that the children are all together. Even if they think they know they're watching 10 kids, staff needs to con- stantly count and take attendance." Good day camps that plan outings know the value of colorcoding, Bergstein says. When off grounds, campers will be wearing color- coded hats or T-shirts, A camp fire truck" is a perfect place to talk to a fireman. as well as a safety-pin- attached label with the child's name and the trips and planned activities. name and location of his/her camp. Some of these trips and events Rosenthal also advises parents to should provide an educational ele- carefully consider the ratio of adults ment (Bergstein often invites a to children. 'And ask yourself, Are policeman or a fireman to speak to their [staff] eyes always on my the campers), but most should be child?" or are the adults standing "just plain fun." These might around talking with each other, disin- include a visit to an amusement terested in the campers. park, bowling lanes, a trip to go "Your child should feel happy at roller blading. Look for programs camp," Rosenthal says. "If he isn't, ask that nurture their sense of curiosity yourself, 'Why is my child uncom- and even educate — like a magic or fortable?' Day camp should always be exotic animal show — but don't a safe, warm and loving environ- come in the typical package of a ment." school classroom. And basic as it may sound, Though many of a child's actions Bergstein says moms and dads would (and teen - age speech patterns) are do well to make certain to see if their alien to adults, like grown - ups chil- day camp has a sign-in and sign-out dren do eat. Perhaps out of an sheet for boys and girls, which will understandable, but unnecessary, provide the most important informa- parental fear, some moms and dads tion parents need to know: "exactly like to send a full-course gourmet where your children are."