Your Cellular Superstore/ Ask the Free Family Expos Summer camps and teen programs in spotlight. Question: Carolyn Krieger-Cohen Special to the Jewish News Which is the best network? Answer: p arents whose children want to do something different this summer will be happy camp- ers as they stroll through the Ultimate Summer Camp and Teen Program Expos being held for the first time locally at four different venues Dec. 10- 11 Whether their sons and daughters prefer adventure to arts and crafts, water sports to world travel, or horse- back riding to computers, local Jewish families will find a wide range of spe- cialty camps for kids and specialized programs for teens (many of which provide Jewish content) throughout the U.S. and abroad designed to tap into the individual interests of boys and girls and to accommodate parents' varying budgets. Admission is free for the expos, which are being planned by Birmingham resi- dent Judy Karp with the Camp Experts & Teen Summers. This international company, founded more than 20 years ago, provides free assistance and advice to parents about summer camps and specialized teen programs for kids between 7 and 18. Karp, a married mother of three, has personally visited many of the overnight camps across the U.S., meeting with their staffs and touring their facilities to experience everything they have to offer firsthand. "No two kids are alike and family budgets differ dramatically as well: explains Karp. "It is so rewarding to match each child's passions, skills and personal traits with a summer camp or teen program that allows them to grow as individuals and create positive, last- ing memories. Many parents in Metro Detroit don't realize how many extraor- dinary summer experiences are out there for their children!' Karp has arranged for the participat- ing camps and teen programs to extend their early-bird registration discounts for families attending the expos. Jennifer Mattler of West Bloomfield turned to Karp to help her find a camp that her 10-year-old son, Morgan, and 8-year-old son, Ari, would enjoy. "My boys are so different, but I wanted them to go to camp together. Judy found us the perfect camp environment and their first experience was a big success!' Exi5ert Birmingham residents Jolie Altman and sons Sawyer, 13, and Aldan, 15, review summer camp and teen program options with Judy Karp, standing, organizer of the Ultimate Summer Camp and Teen Program Expos. Jordyn Waterstone, 17, of Farmington Hills was determined to spend the sum- mer between her junior and senior year at North Farmington High School doing community service in a country with underprivileged children. Her parents, Carrie and Joey Waterstone, were hesi- tant until they met with Karp. "Judy provided us with great infor- mation about a community service pro- gram in Thailand that met our criteria as well as Jordyn's," Carrie Waterstone explained. "She gave us feedback ahead of time from other families whose children had participated in the same program. Jordyn was able to distribute the funds she raised here at home to orphanages in Thailand. Her trip was life-changing." More than 50 overnight camp direc- tors and teen program representatives from the U.S. and Canada will be on hand at each event showcasing their programs, which include traditional overnight caps and middle school and teen programs which include com- munity service, internships, pre-col- lege programs, language and cultural immersion, outdoor adventure and specialty camps in sports, arts, theater, film, computer and music. Parents will have the opportunity to discuss issues unique to their children, such as homesickness, special needs, allergies, coed/all-girls/all-boys options, kosher menus and so on. There is no charge to families for Karp's service. "I save parents a lot of time and remove the pressure they feel;' said Karp. "It's often hard for people to differentiate camps and programs when looking at their Web sites. "I'm like a matchmaker. I take every- thing into account, from a kid's hobbies and interests to their personalities and concerns to the types of people and envi- ronments they enjoy, and then I try to find a perfect fit. I think I thrive as much finding just the right summer program as the kids do participating in them." For information, Judy Karp can be reached at (248) 723-2880 or judy@ campexperts.com. Ultimate Summer Camp And Teen Program Expos • Wednesday, Dec.10, 2:30-5 p.m. , Birmingham Community House • Wednesday, Dec. 10, 6:30- 9 p.m., Jewish Community Center, West Bloomfield • Thursday, Dec. 11, 3-5 p.m., Detroit Country Day School, Beverly Hills (A closed event: for parents and students only) • Thursday, Dec. 11, 6:30-9 p.m., Andover High School, Bloomfield Hills. Free admission There is no network that is the best everywhere. In general, they're all good. Which is best for you, depends on your lifestyle. Coverage, customer ser- vice, fees, and many other factors come into the equa- tion when selecting a car- rier. You also need to con- sider the handset you like best. Not all handsets are available on all networks, so certainly that preference will effect your network choice. Our expertz will be able to make a solid recom- mendation once they get the chance to evaluate your needs and lifestyle. Stop in at one of our 40 Metro De- troit locations and an expert will be able to find the best carrier, handset and acces- sories for you. Email Questions to: asktheexpertz@wirelesstoyz.com and visit the nearest locations at: Jennifer Babby 12 Mile & Northwestern 248.945.0090 Elizabeth Price 10 Mile & Evergreen 248.948.5000 Sandy Maizi Orchard Lk. & Telegraph 248.253.1400 Adverusement December 4 • 2008 1423590 A21