Peace, Love, Stonybrook

‘Tis the season for giving and getting. Whether your family celebrates 8 days of Chanukah or one eve and one day of Christmas, the holiday season is the next best time of year to a Stonybrook summer. As parents, there are few times when we feel more appreciated than when our kids are overjoyed about receiving their new Wii, DSi, Mario games, or their newest Littlest Pet Shop toy. But beyond the giving of gifts to children and loved ones, there is another joy to be shared- the gift of giving. Call it altruism, philanthropy, Tzedaka it all translates to caring.

There are 4 core values at Stonybrook Day Camp: caring, honesty, respect and friendship. Everyday the kids drive into camp, these words are posted down the entry drive. And beyond being words, we live the values all 8 weeks of camp. During this miraculous season, we thought it would be a good time to call out "caring." With caring, ultimately we can have greater peace. One great example of caring exercised during our summer together is thru the Teen Xtreme program. Since 2005, we incorporated giving back to our community as an integral part of the campers' summer experience and growth..

During summer 2009, the Teen Xtreme campers volunteered at Habitat for Humanity. They helped to build, paint and landscape homes. Years past, campers helped build a home for a wheelchair bound girl and her family. They were so moved by the experience, they went back to visit the home and the family the following year. Teen Xtreme campers also spent time with the elderly at Merry Heart where they played games, danced and read. Their third experience was a visit to Valley Settlement House (shelter) where they played and led games and activities with the children. Ask any Teen Xtreme camper about their summer, their favorite activity may have had something to do with a roller coaster, but their most memorable may likely have had something to do with volunteering.

We are all so busy throughout the year, and it is sometimes hard to get through our own agendas, but we hope that after all the wrapping paper is put away, and the toys are in the closet, that Stonybrook families will share in the gift of giving. There are so many charities that need volunteers. If you are interested, here are a few great places to explore volunteering opportunities:

JFS

http://www.jfsmetrowest.org

Essex County Mental Health Organization,

www.mhaessex.org/

Habitat For Humanity,

http://www.habitat.org/cd/local/

Happy Holidays to all. Peace.

Give your Preschooler a Fantastic Summer in 2010

Maybe you can not believe your little “baby” is already going to camp this summer. Or maybe he or she went to pseudo preschool camp at nursery school last summer, and you know he or she is ready for something bigger and better. So, we want to help you make the obvious best choice for your young camper this summer- Stonybrook Day Camp. Here are our top 8 (in the Chanukah spirit), very biased, but still true reasons why your junior camper should come to Stonybrook this summer….

1. Camp is a community, and it is never too early to establish a kid's roots in community. SBDC campers form life-long friendships, and our junior campers bonds continue for years to come.
2. Real camp has swim in a real pool, with real instructors, outside in the real summer.
3. Tennis is more fun on the tennis court, basketball on the basketball court, baseball on the diamond, etc, etc – at any age.
4. Shlepping kids back and forth to “camp” does not measure up to home or central mini-van pick up and drop off for a full day of camp (and the ride to camp is part of the fun camp has to offer).
5. Packing dairy lunches in the summer vs. having a full spectrum of kid-friendly, yummy, hot or cold lunch options just does not measure up.
6. We have had 100s of super satisfied 3 & 4 year old junior campers and families over the years, who return year after year.
7. Other summer programs are only 7 weeks with half days, while SBDC is an 8 week, full day program customized to a preschooler's energy and skills. (daily nap/down time is always scheduled for the kids to rest and refuel)
8. You get a whole lot more camp for your money- especially with Stonybrook’s junior camp rates of $3300 for 3’s and $4400 for 4’s.

We look forward to spending the summer with you and your little ones.