Is Summer Camp a Possibility??

Updated on April 08, 2008
L.S. asks from Dayton, OH
17 answers

Our son is 27 months old & we live in the Dayton area. My question is, are there any summer camp programs for such a young child? I was hoping to find some place to 'send' him for maybe a few hours a day, a few times a week. My goal is to keep him active & improve his social & language skills. At this age, it seems spending time with kids his own age is the perfect way to accomplish these goals. He currently goes to a 'Mothers Day Out' program once a week for 5 hours & he LOVES it. I'm willing to drive maybe 15-25 miles (gas prices -- YIKES!!) in any direction around Dayton. My preference is for a diverse population of both kids & staff. Are there any programs????? Any input would be appreciated :)
THANKS!!

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H.

answers from Dayton on

I really don't know of any programs for that age, but once he hits 3 I highly recommend the programs run by Montgomery County Parks & Recreation.
http://www.mcohio.org/revize/montgomery/services/parksrec...
They have a program called Running Rascals at Thomas Cloud park for ages 3-6. My son (age 11) has gone to Camp Outback at Thomas Cloud for the past 3 years. The prices are incredibly affordable, & I feel that it is more than worth the drive form Ketering to Huber Heights each day for him to be involved in this quality program.

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M.A.

answers from Muncie on

HI L.,
I had the same situation when my now 14 yr. old son was a toddler. I found out then that local YMCA's usually have a summer day camp program and if you call your local Chamber of Commerce they can give you names of places who provide summer day camps. Good Luck, I'm sure he'll have fun.
MIndy, 37, 3 children 14, 9, 3.

1 mom found this helpful
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K.E.

answers from Lafayette on

I don't know of anything that would take your son right now, but Camp Tecumseh, near Delphi, has a Day Camp that your son can go to when he's 5. It's a bit in the future, but it's a great place! They also have bussing, which would save you on the gas. Good luck finding something else for until then!

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M.B.

answers from Lima on

I'm sure there are daecares & in home babysitters close by which would meet at least some of your expectations.

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E.C.

answers from Columbus on

What about looking into local special needs programs that incorporate typical (non-special needs) peer models? I do not know if such programs exist in Dayton, but you cuold check with you local county board of MR/DD. Not only would your child be getting some stimulation, but he would be helping other chlidren!

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D.R.

answers from Dayton on

L.,
I would check with Boonshoft Museum of Discovery. It is in Dayton I believe on or close to Riverside. They have great things for kids of all ages. boonshoftmuseum.org

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D.G.

answers from Columbus on

HI L.,
Have you thought about perhaps a really good part time day care center ,there are many that go on a basic plan similar to Head Start. Head Start is a great program but only runs during the school year and I believe you must be 3 and potty trained for it.I worked for them some 20 years ago. I know all Mom's need a break now and again, but at his age he really needs lots of Mommy time.Ever think about starting him out with nieghborhood kids play dates.Or perhaps doing a Child art class for his age group.Children love to express them selves and at his age the words are not always there.

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M.T.

answers from Dayton on

Wee Haven has all kinds of things going on in the summer. They are a daycare/preschool and they are great with my daughter. If you aren't familiar with it, it is located near Carillon Park on Shantz. You can send him 2 days, you can send him 5 days. I have never sent my children to the summer program, but another mom I know sent her son and she said it was absolutely wonderful.

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S.P.

answers from Indianapolis on

I don't think camp is a possibility, but you might find a summer Bible School program or 2 or 3 at churches in your area that might accept toddlers.

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M.W.

answers from Toledo on

L.,

I am not sure where you live. There are programs that are mommy and me type of things.( toledo zoo, ymca)As far as drop off programs have you thought of child care? if you go this way make sure you research the center. if you live in toledo area The apple Tree Nursery school is a great center( three star and acc.) I use to work there had to quit due to going to have twins and already have a three year old at home, but will be going back ina couple of years when the twins are older.
good luck
M.

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H.M.

answers from Cincinnati on

I doubt you'll find any "camp" programs for anyone under three. That being said - daycare is an option. There are some that have a "summer camp" style program during the school's out months. I can't vouch for the quality as I haven't been there in awhile, but the LaPetite Academy in Miamisburg (near Lexis-Nexis) used to be really good - I knew the director there (no longer there). He's old enough, or should be by the beginning of summer to be eligible for part-time rates. If you go that route, send him in the morning and pick him up after lunch to get the most for your money, unless they charge for lunch, then pick him up just before. MWF would be a good way to start, or even Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday is sometimes better for the younger crowd, helps keep them from getting confused about what's happening today. You can try checking your community and see if there are any programs, but like I said, most of those types of things are "mommy-and-me" style until at least age 3 if not 3 1/2.

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C.P.

answers from Cleveland on

Summer camp already? Come on now. Your baby is 2 years and 2 months old. Try to find a regularly scheduled play group for your son. How about swimming lessons or a Tiny Tots' program through your recreation department. If it's "alone time" you're looking for, try finding a good in-home baby sitter that you could take your son to for a few hours, preferably someone who watches a few other kids.

During the next few months, investigate Montessori preschool for him. Many have programs for children as young as 18 months. Next fall would be a great time to enroll him.

Enjoy your two year old this summer. He'll be 20 before you know it!

C. P.

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D.C.

answers from Toledo on

Lots of churches have Bible School for a week or so in the summer. It wouldn't be a permenant thing, but it would be something. I was an 'instructor' at the bible school at my church when I was in high school. I remember it being more about fun and song than about actual church. I think the YMCA may have something during the day too.

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B.K.

answers from Indianapolis on

Check with the American Camping Association and your local Parks and Recreation Department. Also, I'm assuming Dayton has a zoo and most zoos also have summer programs. If you have a Montessori school in your area, they also might have programs for your child as they usually start at 2 years of age. My husband is the Director of a camp (not in your area) and my daughter has been going to camp since she was 3 (she is now 5 1/2). She absolutely loves camp. Just be sure to get your child in a camp that is age appropriate.

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M.S.

answers from Bloomington on

the ymca does summer day camps, you might check there.

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J.F.

answers from Toledo on

I would suggest a part time spot in an educational day care center. They are wonderful as far as social skills are concerned. If you find the right center, then they will have educational lessons every day too.

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R.D.

answers from Indianapolis on

Mom's Day out, or Parent's Day out is the only thing I am aware of for that age. Sounds like what you wanted anyway. Is the program not done over the summer?
R.

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