WHAT PARENTS SAY.  Page 1/Page 2

Some of the written comments received from CK-NJ camp parents:

My daughter was a new camper this year.  She was there for the first 2 weeks what a wonderful time she had.  When she gets the camp newsletter her whole face lights up.  We look forward to sending her back this summer for 6 weeks and she's looking forward to the reunion.  (parent of an 11-year-old girl)

What I like best about Campus Kids is my daughter's total and complete comfort level and happiness.  She tells everyone about what a fantastic, wonderful, super, great camp she goes to in the summer.  She is so very happy there and she has grown in so many ways as a result of going to a sleep-away camp.  Everything from the food, activities, counselors, campers, nurses, directors to the bus ride�it is all simply the best.  I think the bunk group meetings are very helpful to each of the campers.  I know at night when she would call home, it was so important for her to quickly talk because she had to get to her meeting.  She enjoyed them and contributed her thoughts when asked.  What I found fascinating was that after the first two weeks when campers left and new campers started she was sad that the new campers were shy and different from the ones that had just gone home.  I told her to give them time and to help them along because she had been there for two weeks already�by the next night or so, they were all good friends, talking and having fun.  It is a wonderful experience and I would recommend Campus Kids to any child or parent.  It is beneficial for the child and the parent�we both grow.  Campus Kids is a secure, comfortable and happy environment that any child would adapt nicely.  On another note, there is such a sense of camaraderie among the counselors, campers and camp personnel.  The bonding and respect which forms between the counselors and campers is very special.  You have done a fine job selecting each counselor and my daughter speaks highly of all the counselors at camp.  Great job, fabulous camp and many thanks for making our children feel so special and secure at CK.  (parent of a 10-year-old girl)

Another wonderful summer is coming to a close for our son at CK.  Over the past two summers, _____ really blossomed and has become quite self-confident.  I know that his time at CK has contributed greatly to his enhanced sense of self and I wish to thank you for providing not only a wonderful place for our "little boy" to have fun, but a safe haven of self-discovery.  See you next year!!   (parent of a 13-year-old boy)

I just wanted to take this moment to say Thank You for making _______'s summer so special.  He came off the campus kids bus on Friday and said "last night was the best night of my life!".  _____ has been on a high about his experience this summer at camp ever since and he keeps remembering fun stories to share with me.  During one of the first phone calls that we had while he was at camp I asked him how he liked the boys in his bunk. He said ,"They are all great!!  They are all nice and we all get along.  Oh yeah, my counselors are AWESOME!".  As a mom, I can't imagine hearing anything better than that!   (parent of a 15-year-old boy)

I just want you to know a little bit about my daughter's camp experience this summer.  She absolutely didn't want to go to sleep away camp this summer.  Every time we brought up the subject she voiced her strong opinion about not going.  Well, fast forward to the present.   She wants to go for 6 weeks next summer!  She has met many great friends and says its one of the best experiences of her life!  Great Job!!   (parent of an 11-year-old girl)

The next week is going to be very tough for ______ as he winds down his stay at Campus Kids.  I can't tell you what a special place it has been for him over the years.  He will be feeling the positive impact from his life at CK for years to come.  (parent of a 15-year-old boy)

Just wanted to send you our heartfelt thanks again for everything you & your staff did to help _______.  We cannot express to you how grateful we are.  She was beaming with pride when she came off the bus today - Everyone at Campus Kids has truly made a difference in her life!  (parent of a 12-year-old girl)

The kids have thoroughly enjoyed their experience and have created memories that will last for many years to come!  Thanks for all you and your staff do in running an amazing program!  (parent of three campers: 9 to 14 years old)

I wanted to thank you for yet another wonderful summer.  When I saw ______ get off the bus today, filled with such emotion, I just had to write.  There's really something special going on there and I'm so pleased that my boys have been able to be a part of it for all of these years.  Thanks so much for all that you do!  (parent of a 15-year-old boy and a former camper)

I just wanted to thank you and the rest of the staff for making ______'s first sleepaway  camp experience so successful.  Prior to camp he never had a successful sleepover - even at a friend's house.  This experience was great for his self esteem.  He also had a great time and enjoyed the many activities - I think he tried everything (except yoga) !  I too was most impressed with the way the camp is run, the responsiveness of the staff, the quality of the activities and the facilities.   (parent of an 11-year-old boy)

We just want to offer our thanks for making this another memorable year for _____.    As you know this was his fourth summer at Campus Kids and maybe his best yet.   He has always matured dramatically at camp (emotionally and socially), probably even more so than during his 10 months in school.  This year was no different. . . . He came home on weekends full of stories and excitement.  He loved the opportunities that camp offered to showcase his talents.   It's as if Campus Kids has a secret potion for self-esteem.  He has become confident and comfortable with his own individuality.  (parents of a 14-year-old boy)

I wanted to drop a note to say Thank You for another great summer. ______ has never felt more comfortable, or happy anywhere else...She has made great friends, probably learned a lot of good life lessons and will have a lifetime of memories from camp. I remember meeting you the first time and being "nervous" about sending her to "sleep away." You put my fears at ease and it was the best thing I had ever been talked into.. Your staff has been wonderful throughout the years, which adds to the fantastic experience _____ had..I'm sure you get many of these letters from parents, but I am very thankful, that ______ had a "2nd Home" to look forward to going to every summer.  (parent of a 15-year-old girl)

Thank you for giving _____ the opportunity to have a fantastic time at CK.  He came home with the "I can't believe camp is over" blues.  Some of his specific comments were how great the kids were, he loved the activities, he loved the Weekend Adventures, he loved the staff.  I think you get the theme.  He continues to comment on how much his swim instructor helped him.  He had so much more confidence in the water when we were at our cousin's lake house this past week. . . . I think you run an excellent camp.  When we feel _____ is happy and safe, we're happy.  So thank you from all of us.
(parent of a 13-year-old boy)

I just wanted you to know what a wonderful experience (my daughter) had at camp.  As a parent, I am grateful for your friendly, encouraging staff and how well the camp is run.  It is extremely organized and easy to communicate with. Thank you.
(parent of a 12-year-old girl)

_____ had a wonderful summer!  I thank you for keeping him busy and engaged in something other than video games!  (parent of a 13-year-old boy)

Hard to believe the summer is almost over.  My girls are having a great summer (I think!)  They stopped calling me at night�and I am only taking that as a great sign.  Of course, I haven't heard a word about _______'s weekend adventure�(3 nights in a tent and no complaints - that's pretty good) .. and how did anyone every get _____ to be in a play (even if only for 1 minute as she tells me)�.is pretty amazing!  (parents of 13-year-old and 15-year-old girls)

My girls are both enjoying your camp.  Our little _____ is excited about Campstock, she is into dance, and _____ likes the older girl activity time.   Both girls like yoga, tie dye, jewelry making, gymnastics, guitar, the food, canteen, etc, and most important, they are happy personally and socially, and feeling good.  (parent of 12-year-old and 14-year-old girls) 

(Our daughter) will be graduating from college in a few months and we still look back on Campus Kids as one of the major highlights and turning points in her development.  (parents of a former camper)

Thanks again for a wonderful summer- what a difference I see in _____- he is so independent, caring and listens when I say " Lights out" I no longer have the struggle with him at bed time and I attribute that  to Campus Kids!! Thank you, we are all looking forward to next year!  (parent of 9-year-old boy)

Just got off the phone with my boys and I have NEVER heard them so excited!!!  They talked and talked and talked some more and their excitement was infectious.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.  _____ and _____ love their friends, love their counselors and are having a great time.  You and your staff are amazing.  You have perfected the art of camping!!!  With heartfelt gratitude,  (parent of 13 and 14-year-old boys)

Just a note to let you know how thrilled we are that _______has settled in and how very happy he is at camp.  Speaking with him for the past two evenings made us feel that not only do we love Campus Kids, but he truly does too.  He can't wait to return on Monday!  When (the division leader) called us the first day, we felt so comfortable that the camp was committed to making this experience for ______ the very best.  I thank his counselors for working so hard to accomplish this goal.  Every parent wants the best for their child.  I believe Campus Kids was the best choice for our son!  Thank you for directing a terrific program.  (parent of 12-year-old boy)

HAVE QUESTIONS?  WANT TO TALK ABOUT CAMP?
Don't hesitate to call us toll-free.
Campus Kids-NJ: 800-633-7350
Campus Kids-Minisink (NY): 888-621-2267