Welcome YMCA Camp Kern's Summer Camp Director , Michael Costlow.  Michael has a great guest post on "Summer Camp Through the Ages". Mike has been a camper since he was 7 years old, and has grown up at camp himself.  I met Michael at my daughter's carnival day at Western Row Elementary where he was showing the kids turtles and cockroaches (the joy). He was so interactive with the kids and really showed a love of animals and love of camp that I asked if he'd like to do a guest blog post.  I'm so glad he did.  I think you'll get lots of great tips and ideas for the upcoming summer camp season at Camp Kern.  We'll be heading to Camp Kern over Labor Day weekend for their family camp - I'm sure there will be a blog post at the end of that trip. lol. 


Summer Camp through the ages!

Whether this is your child’s first visit to summer camp, or you’re looking for a new experience, there are opportunities for all ages and tastes.  From the littlest campers beginning around 5 years old to teens who are preparing to become counselors, each new year brings different challenges, needs and expectations.  Read on to get ideas about what to expect during each age and how camp changes as your children get older.

Ages 5 to 7

These little guys are generally just starting out their camping experience.  Although it varies from child to child, if there is a program designed for this age, these youngsters LOVE camp!  Boundless energy and excitement combine with a great opportunity to work on independence and friend-building.  Programs for this age should have a heavy focus on safety, specially trained and chosen staff, and are probably a day camp format with perhaps an optional overnight experience. 

At Camp Kern, our First Camp program is designed just for this age.

Ages 7 to 9

This is generally the age at which campers begin exploring both Day Camp and Sleep-away camp for the first time.  Count on this being a program designed to introduce them to the traditions and schedule of camp.  Counselors working with kids in this range are chosen for their ability to deal with bouts of homesickness, bed-wetting, and nervousness.  Expect a focus on welcoming, friendship building, structure, and a great teaching environment. 

At Camp Kern, Taste of Kern and Frontier Village both cater to this age.

Ages 9 to 11

At this age, many campers have either been to camp before, or are looking to attend with their friends.  First time campers will find it easy to join in with the rest of the community and counselors will keep it interesting while taking campers through tons of new activities.  This group is looking to explore, try new activities, and use their imagination.  Teamwork and community are a huge part of this age, and campers begin to learn basic leadership skills. 

At Camp Kern, Explorer Village and Harry Potter Camp are aimed at 9 to 11.


Ages 11 to 13

This is the prime camper age!  Independence, friends, the outdoors and so much more are the perfect place for this age to adventure.  Programs for this age emphasize forming and solidifying their personal identity.  Any camp for this age should be focusing on decision-making and should teach campers how to make good life choices.  Counselors are chosen for their ability to gain the respect of campers while leading them through the week’s activities, and to teach the values of camp at the same time.

At Camp Kern, Adventure Village, Ranch Camp, Boys Leadership, Ultimate Survivor and more are all available for this age group.

Ages 13 to 15

At this point as a camper, most kids are looking for “more” or “what’s next” or “what will make me forget about my video games”!  This is also in some ways the most exciting programming at camp, as older campers are able physically and mentally to tackle the biggest and best activities at camp.  High ropes experiences, ziplines, leadership activities, off-site trips and advanced equestrian programs are widely available.  Any teen who thinks they are “too old” for camp are just flat wrong!

At Camp Kern, Leaders in Training (LIT), Kern Challenge, Teen Survivor, Rock and Raft Trip and more are aimed at this age group.

Age 16+

This is the age of taking leadership roles and enjoying a final summer of camp.  Many times there is a Counselor in Training program (CIT) that trains and teaches this age to become full-time counselors.  Lots of kids who have grown up at camp see this as the culmination of their camper experience, but don’t discount the opportunity to spend one last summer as a camper.  A final chance to play, travel, and build memories with their long-time camp friends can be a great highlight to a summer.

At Camp Kern, Counselors in Training, Kern Challenge, Raft, Mud, and Paint and more are all available for this age.

However young or old your child is, there are programs specifically designed for their needs.  Use word-of-mouth, web searches, camper fairs and sites like Masonmetu to find the best fit for your child.  Follow that up with an Open House visit, or most camps will schedule an individualized tour for you and your family.  Summer Camp is great for kids, whatever their age!

You can find Camp Kern on Facebook or call them (513) 932-3756. 

For a listing of other great summer camp opportunities, check out our summer camp page too.

Disclosure:  I was not provided with any discounts or camp registration fees for having Michael do this guest post.  We registered  and paid our deposit for family camp in early October and are very excited to try it out Labor Day Weekend.  Thank you Michael for taking the time to let MasonMetu readers know about all the wonderful programs available at Camp Kern.