My daughter will be five in June and we are thinking of signing her up for a week of day camp at the YMCA's Camp Christmas Tree. Has anyone had children go to the camp? What did you think? Also, I'd love any other summer class or camp ideas for her - Minneapolis or west metro. Thanks so much! I always get great ideas from all of you!
We love it. My 6.5 year old girl went last year and is going to the horse camp this year. My 4 year old boy will be going at the same as her this year. It is a long bus ride, but that is part of the fun. The camp is small but has everything they need. After one week, my daughter asked to go another week - and she was hesitant the first day.
My two children, aged 6 and 8 went to Camp Christmas Tree. they really enjoyed it but one week was enough. The counselors were nice and dedicated. My only issue was that many families use this camp as day care during the summer. So some children attend for multiple weeks. I find that a bit sad. It is a great experience, but long term it would get old. Being a YMCA camp, there is a lot of diversity (which is great) but also quite a bit of cost consiousness. This is a silly little thing, but my daughter was very distraught that she was only allowed to make one lanyard in arts and crafts class. They keep a very tight reign over supplies and how much each child is allowed to do. All of which is completely understandable given the low cost and high volume of kids. But, after two years we switched to a camp with a bit lower camper to counselor ratio and a bit higher quality of services. But yes, at a much higher cost! Oh well... what we do for our kids!
My step-son has been going to Camp Christmas Tree a couple of weeks a summer for a few years and absolutely loves it. The counselors are really great and they wear out the kids with all of the activities & fresh air. Be prepared for early bed-times that week!
I don't know what your daughter's interests are, but the Children's Theater in Minneapolis has some terrific camps too. They haven't posted next summer's offerings yet, but here's their website - http://www.childrenstheatre.org/education/tat.html
I went there as a kid and I am 38 yo now! Some of my best childhood memories are from going to camp there. It was a blast! My sister loved it so much, she worked there for years when she grew up! If your dd has a friend to go with, she may feel more comfortable, but there are plenty of kids who go not knowing anyone. I had a blast!
S.
It was years ago, but when my son came home from Camp Christmas tree after the first day or two, his comment was "I think camp is the most fun a kid can have." He liked the experience a LOT. I think it depends on how your daughter does in groups, and if she likes being outdoors.
