IIt’s that time of year again when we all need to begin preparing for the upcoming summer months.

The Ithaca Times and the Tompkins County Youth Services Department are pleased to bring you this listing of summer camps and programs in our area. For convenience and affordability, note that many towns/villages offer summer recreation programs in schools and community centers throughout the County

The content was prepared as a public service by Theresa Albert at the Tompkins County Youth Services Department. The Department receives tax support from Tompkins County, and the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. This information can also be found on the County’s web page:

http://www.tompkins-co.org/youth/campguide/index.asp

Website development by Nathan Tarter at Tompkins County ITS.

We try to list most of the pertinent information about each camp/program; however, you can get more detailed information by calling the camps or programs you are interested in directly. Below are a few things to think about when deciding on a camp or program for your child (ren).

• It's not all in the name! Be aware that there are differences between “camps” and programs, workshops, or classes. Official camps must be registered with the New York State Health Department and meet specific criteria. Some programs, workshops, or classes offered, may call themselves a camp, however, they may be exempt from Health Department regulations due to duration, group size, focus or location. For example, some programs may be registered as school-aged child care programs through the Day Care and Child Development Council but still call themselves camps. If you have any concerns or questions, 1) speak with the director of the camp or program you are interested in, 2) contact Audrey Balander at the County Public Health Department, 274-6688, or 3) contact the Day Care Council at 273-0259 about camps operated by school-aged child care programs (SACCs).
• Reduced fees or scholarships: If fees are a problem, be sure to ask if scholarships are available, even if the descriptions fail to mention them. Be sure to ask for details.
• For parents who receive public assistance, please contact the Department of Social Services regarding subsidized fees for 2008 camps for more information, contact: Amy Mills @ 274-5677
• Many camps will provide before and after supervision for an additional fee making it feasible for working parents. Don’t count a camp or program out automatically just because of the hours listed – make sure to inquire about supervision provided outside of camp or program hours.
• Inquire directly about program accessibility for youth with disabilities. For advice or more information about mainstreaming youth into recreational programs, contact the Recreation Mainstreaming Services Program at the Ithaca Youth Bureau (607) 273-8364.