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 Some of you might remember this time last year, when I wrote asking you all for moral support. My oldest daughter Caroline was heading off to sleep-away camp for the first time. I survived. But I'm sorry to report, this year I'm back, and I'm falling apart all over again. And this time it's worse. She wants to take her little sister Aly with her this year. And the worst part is that Aly wants to go! Don't get me wrong ... Paul and I are already making plans for a blissful six days without drop-offs, pick-ups and peacekeeping. But I'm going to miss them, even though they are having the best time E-V-E-R.
 Meanwhile, while they are blobbing and singing and zip-lining and s'moresing and bonding and campfiring, I will be JABBING with you guys. I certainly look forward to that.
As for you, JABBERS, how will your kids spend the summer? Are your campers the independent types who love sleeping in wood cabins with their friends? Or are they close-to-home types who prefer to play all day and sleep in their own beds at night? Fortunately for all of us, no matter what personalities our kids have, what hobbies they're into, or what their interests are, there is a camp for each them right here in South Florida. We hope you will find this camp-themed issue a helpful guide in finding just the right summer spot for each of your little campers.
Happy camping and Happy JABBING!
-Boo
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Bound to ChangeOur teenage son has made several bad decisions this school year. We are not happy about the boys he hangs out with, and he has gotten into more trouble with teachers than ever before. I've been told he might benefit from an Outward Bound-type of program. If you have an experience with Outward Bound or a summer program for teens similar to it, we would love to hear from you.
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Summertime is just a few months away and it's time to decide how your child will spend their time off. Beach Summer Camps will give your child a great summer vacation and you a well-needed break. Mornings will be spent enjoying the cool ocean water and our shady location at Ft. Lauderdale Beach Park. Hot afternoons are spent on fun, air-conditioned field trips. Come for one week or multiple weeks. Click HERE to learn more.*
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Planning for a Pre-Teen
Our 11-year-old grandchild is traveling from Canada to stay with us for a month this summer, and I have no idea how we will keep up! I would like to enroll her in an East Ft. Lauderdale day camp for two weeks. I would prefer something Florida-themed ~ at the beach, a local museum, or a program related to the Everglades. If you can recommend a day camp or have any other advice to give regarding entertaining a pre-teen, please reply.
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Selecting a summer camp or teen program for your children deserves a good deal of thought. Making a choice that reflects their interests, needs and abilities will lead to a rewarding experience and a lifetime of memories. At Camp Experts & Teen Summers, we learn about your whole family's needs, time and budget. Representing more than 950 camps and summer programs worldwide since 1987, we provide FREE personalized and confidential guidance. Click HERE to learn more or call at 305.931.5437.*
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 Dive into Day CampFrom Team JAB
JABBERS, this is the perfect time of year to tour local day camps, and to secure one-on-one time with a director to learn more about the philosophy and regimen they offer. The American Camp Association gives these six questions to ask on your tours:
1. How will my child be grouped (placed) or "bunked" with other campers? Factors such as grade, age, gender, and parent input all come together to play a role in placement. Generally though, campers are grouped by the same gender and age with approximately 10 to 16 campers per group depending on age.
2. Who will be taking care of my child and what are their qualifications? Camps should have counselors and specialty staff complete an extensive application, submit two to three references from non-family members, retain a Child Abuse Clearance and a Criminal Background Check, and attend a personal interview. Day camp programs hire Junior Staff (those usually in high school) while Senior Staff can be college age or a teacher.
3. What is the ratio of counselors to the group (bunk)? Generally, with the Pre-K three- to four-year-old campers, there are three counselors with 10 to 12 campers. The five- to seven-year old campers also have three counselors with groups of 12 to 14 campers. Those campers entering 3rd grade and older, traditionally have 14 to 16 campers with two counselors.
4. Does the camp provide (either included or as an option) transportation, and in what type of vehicle? Depending on the distance from your home as well as your work schedule, will determine whether transportation will be a requirement for your family. Will the vehicle be a bus or a van? Will it have seatbelts? Who will be the driver and what are their qualifications? Will it be door-to-door or central pick-up?
5. Does the camp provide healthy snacks and lunch choices daily? Is lunch included in the tuition? Are there provisions made for children with allergies and other food related issues? Check out the camps choices by asking for a sample lunch menu.
6. Is there a before and after the camp care service, and if so, is there a charge? For many working families, early and late camp care is a necessity. Find out what is the earliest time in the morning and the latest in the afternoon. Ask exactly what will take place during those times and who will be supervising the program.
Reprinted by permission of the American Camp Association © 2013 American Camping Association, Inc.
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Looking for a great day camp experience in East Ft. Lauderdale? Children in PK2- Grade 6 will have a blast at St. Mark's Episcopal Church and School. Day camp and sports camps offer flexible days and weeks, from June 3 through July 26. Enjoy arts and crafts, music, water activities, field trips, science, sports and state-of-the-art MAC labs. For camp information, click HERE. Vacation Bible School runs from June 10 through June 14. For VBS information, click HERE and HERE.*
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A Place to Pitch a Tent
I have the most wonderful memories of summer weekends camping in the Catskills with my parents. I would like to create similar memories for my own children. Can anyone recommend a place to pitch a tent in the summer within a few hours drive of Boca? Or am I begging for a hot, buggy disaster?
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Summer Sitter
From Mindy Zeitlin: REPLY I would like to hire a part-time nanny for the summer, to pick my children up from day camp and care for them until dinner time. If you can recommend anyone, please reply. I will consider a responsible teenager. We are located in Hollywood. My family thanks you!
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Whether your child plays soccer year round or is just starting, they need a camp that keeps their interest and increases their technical skills without burning them out or causing injury. Beach soccer is the answer! Located on breezy Ft. Lauderdale Beach and coached by professional and college players, this unique surface keeps the game fresh with cross-training, superior conditioning and aerial ball skill training in an environment that is fast and fun. Click HERE to learn more.*
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Summer Time Swim: Ready, Set, Go!
Want your children to be efficient swimmers and SAFE in the water? From infants to adults, water survival to triathletes, Jackie Nelson Doyle has over 30 years experience and can teach you or your children how to swim safer and faster! Learn to swim in 5 days, guaranteed or return for free! Don't waste your time and money on the rest, learn with the best! Private lessons or group classes offered six days a week at Westminster Academy in Ft. Lauderdale. Come to the heated pool or learn privately in your own home. To schedule your summer swim classes, click HERE. For more information, click HERE.*
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Summer Schooling
From Veronica McNab: REPLY I am considering enrolling my son in a VPK program this summer. Can someone please explain how all of this works? I see a variety of the schools to choose from ~ from neighborhood daycares to Montessori ~ and don't quite understand my financial responsibility (or lack thereof). I really appreciate the information!
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Get tangled up at the AmericanAirlines Arena's newest adventure when Disney on Ice brings Dare to Dream to town! Come see all your favorite Disney characters on an unforgettable journey and experience the beauty, sparkle and spirit up close! Click HERE to buy tickets at a special discounted rate just for JABBERS!*
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From Marlene Aleman: REPLY
I am planning a dance party for my two sons who are turning 13 and 15 this June. I am looking for a location to host an evening party. I have checked out Wherehouse 2016 in North Miami Beach, but is there anywhere else I should look? Your suggestions will be very helpful.
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Two VIP Tickets to Tortuga Music Festival for Sale
 I am selling two VIP tickets to the two-day Tortuga Music Festival in April. VIP perks include complimentary select alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and finger foods, private air-conditioned restrooms, unlimited access to VIP Grove lounge area and VIP-only viewing areas, early-access to the site and special artist performances. Asking $650 each or best offer.*
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JABBERS' Picks: What to Pack for Sleepaway Camp
From Team JAB
We wanted to know what you like to pack in your kids' trunk to make their stay at sleepaway camp feel more like home. Here are a few of your top picks:
Something to Write Home About
Victoria Assa says, "Stamped envelopes, pre-addressed to family and friends, to make it as easy as possible for your camper to write letters!"
Cut a Rug
Karen Meister says, "The girls love little rugs to place at the center of their bunk so their cute little feet don't get dirty/cold that first step out of bed."
 Hidden TreasureHilty Hazzard says, "I don't have kids, but my mom would tuck little presents throughout my trunk. Candy, small games, etc. They would be in a pocket, tucked in a towel, in a shoe and I found these little gifts throughout my entire stay at camp. It was really fun!"
Sweet Treats
Stephanie Herlory says, "A bag of sweets to share with her roomies one night."
Smells Like Home
Nena Rich says, "I packed Vick's VapoRub. My daughter loved putting a bit under her nose at night - the smell made her feel like home."
Put to Bed
Amy McCrory says, "I always packed a colorful comforter and fluffy decorative pillows for my daughter to brighten her bunk at camp. She says it reminds her of home."
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Vying for a VehicleFrom Nicoletta Williams: REPLY I am searching for a scooter or a commuter car for my husband to take to and from our local Tri-Rail station in Ft. Lauderdale. If you have one to sell or know someone who does, please let me know! Thanks!
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Commercial Cleaning Manager/Supervisor Position
From Mayre Rodriguez: REPLY LuxPro Environmental Management is seeking a full time manager for our commercial cleaning business in the North Broward and Palm Beach areas. Experience with janitorial and maintenance services a must. Great customer service and management skills required. Must oversee 10 locations and 15 employees. Please email for more information.*
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The Lighter Side of Camp
From Team JAB
 We love to hear from JABBERS! Sleep-away camp veteran Jesse Kleinstein of Parkland wrote in to educate us on the importance of care packages and visiting days to a camper ~ not to reconnect with parents, but to acquire "irresistible" contraband, usually in the form of snacks and treats! And lest you think that kids don't know how to show their gratitude to their generous parents, please see this delightful souvenir ~ a postcard to her father ~ the item that most represents her summers past.
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Best Garage Sale Ever!
From Lisa Quinn-Gonzalez: REPLY Yes, it's that time again! We do this sale twice a year and have a TON of stuff: baby items, kids clothing, toys, furniture, electronics and bric-a-brac ~ it all must go! This Saturday, March 16, from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. 407 Seven Isles Drive, Ft. Lauderdale, 33301 (off E. Las Olas Blvd.)*
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 Try This on for Size!
From Team JAB
Camp is a great place to try new activities and hobbies. Afraid of rock walls? According to ACA research, 74 percent of campers reported that they tried new activities at camp that they were afraid to do at first. And, those activities often leave lasting impressions. In the same survey, 63 percent of parents reported that their child continued new activities from camp after returning home.
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Awesome Exercise Bike for SaleFrom Stacey Farlie: REPLY Like-new Schwinn Airdyne exercise bike for sale. An incredible way to get a whole-body workout while staying cool. Your arms and legs both move, while the fan wheel keeps you going with a refreshing breeze. The bike also has front wheels for easier maneuvering. Asking $299.*
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