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advice

Preventing & Recognizing Concussions: Keeping Your Young Athlete Safe

March 8, 2019 by Stacey Pfeffer

(L-R): Lisa Rusch, PT, DPT, GCS, Chari Hirshson, PhD and Sarah Todd, PT, DPT, CLT
PHOTO BY CAROLYN SIMPSON, DOUBLEVSION PHOTOGRAPHERS

With the 53rd Super Bowl behind us and a spike in media coverage on NFL players and concussions, the 2017 season saw the highest rate of diagnosed concussions (291) in NFL players in a six-year period, according to the NFL and Quintiles, an independent third-party company. Although 2018 figures showed a 29 percent decrease in the number of concussions, it still remains a serious health problem for players.

Although NFL players may be at a higher risk for sustaining a concussion, which medical researchers refer to as a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI), they are not the only athletes experiencing concussions. Many high school athletes and younger ones are also suffering from concussions in our towns and the problem seems to be county-wide. In fact, in 2016 the former County Executive Rob Astorino formed the Westchester County Concussion Task Force to address the problem.

In observance of Brain Injury Awareness Month in March coinciding with the spring sports season kicking into high gear, Inside Press spoke with leading medical practitioners at Northern Westchester Hospital (NWH) to separate fact from fiction when it comes to concussion prevention, treatment and management.

Changing Perceptions About Concussions

When many people think of concussions, they think of an athlete on a football field who perhaps has lost consciousness. While losing consciousness can certainly be a symptom of concussion, there are a host of other concussion symptoms and they don’t necessarily present themselves at the time of injury. Concussions are a type of brain injury that results from a bump, blow or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move back and forth. This back and forth movement can cause the brain to bounce around in the skull which can result in stretching or damaging brain cells. Many health professionals classify concussion as a mild TBI (traumatic brain injury) because the injury is usually not life-threatening and in most cases, symptoms resolve on their own. However, some patients have lingering symptoms that require treatment from a specialist trained in concussion management.

Ryan Esposito sustained a concussion falling off his scooter without a helmet

Chari Hirshson, PhD is a neuropsychologist with NWH who specializes in brain injury and treats both adults and children (ages 8 and up) who have sustained a concussion. According to Dr. Hirshson, who sees her patients at the hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center at Chappaqua Crossing, “concussion symptoms vary from patient to patient,” she explains. “It is important to take a multi-disciplinary approach with patients that have lingering symptoms because their symptoms can be multifaceted, encompassing physical, emotional and cognitive realms,” adds Lisa Rusch, PT, DPT, GCS, a Supervisor in the Concussion Rehab Program at NWH.

Acknowledging that concussions can be diagnosed by urgent care specialists, pediatricians or in the ER, an MRI or CT scan rarely shows signs of concussion. “Most of the time, these tests come back normal. It is not like with an X-ray that shows a broken bone. This can make it difficult to gauge the severity of the injury,” says Dr. Hirshson.

Varying Symptoms

Patients with a concussion can experience observable signs such as:

  • Appearing dazed and confused
  • Forgetting instructions
  • Moving clumsily
  • Answering questions slowly
  • Losing consciousness (even briefly)
  • Showing mood, behavior or personality changes
Ryan recovering from his concussion. PHOTOS COURTESY OF FAINE ESPOSITO

Patients with a concussion may also report these symptoms:

  • Headache or “pressure” in the head
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Balance problems or dizziness/blurred vision
  • Bothered by light or noise
  • Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy or groggy
  • Confusion, concentration or memory problems
  • “Feeling down,” irritable or anxious
  • Changes in sleep patterns

Some patients do not exhibit any symptoms until a few hours or even a few days after the injury. That was the case with Ryan Esposito, an Armonk child who decided to take his scooter down the porch and ride it without a helmet and unsupervised when he was five years old. He fell down the stairs by his driveway and while his head was bruised and bloody, he did not exhibit any concussion symptoms that afternoon upon examination by a pediatrician. “The doctor did not want to give him an MRI because he was so young but told us to take him to the ER if he starts vomiting,” recalls his mother Faine Esposito. Sure enough, at midnight Ryan started vomiting and was taken to NWH and diagnosed with a concussion.

Falls: A Leading Cause of Concussion

Despite many people believing that contact sports are a leading cause of concussion in children, more than 55 percent, in children up to 14 years old, are actually due to falls like Ryan’s. Hirshson adds, many of her adult patients sustain their concussion as a result of falls which could have been easily prevented. “I’ve seen falls resulting in concussion from women wearing jeans that are too long, or men who are carrying messenger bags with a strap that is too long and they trip. These injuries are not related to football, or skiing. These are things that can happen in everyday life,” she says.

Nevertheless, sports-related concussions due to being struck by an object or person is the second-leading cause of concussion in youth, accounting for 24 percent of cases in children up to 14 years old. In addition, 71 percent of sports and recreation-related TBI emergency department visits are among patients 10-19 years old. According to 2017 statistics from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 15 percent of high school students have had one or more concussions and 6 percent experienced two or more as a result of either playing a sport or being physically active. The rates were higher among males and the more sports a child played the higher the prevalence of concussion. Even more troubling was the fact that 40 percent of high school athletes reported that their coach was unaware of their symptoms. The researchers also found that some high school athletes tried to hide their symptoms from their coaches so that they would not get reduced playing time.

“I’ve seen falls resulting in concussion from women wearing jeans that are too long, or men who are carrying messenger bags with a strap that is too long and they trip. These are things that can happen in everyday life,” Hirshson says. PHOTO BY RAWPIXEL ON UNSPLASH

Gender Disparities in High School Athletes and Concussion Prevalence

There also appears to be a gender disparity in terms of the prevalence of concussion when high school athletes of both genders are playing the same sport. Females are more likely to suffer from concussion when playing soccer, basketball and lacrosse. Some of the reasons may be due to proper safety equipment. Boys are required to wear helmets in lacrosse while girls are not. Lauren Dinhofer, a senior who plays varsity lacrosse at Horace Greeley High School feels that helmets for her teammates should not be mandatory. “The use of helmets for me gives off the idea that girls are more protected, so you can be more aggressive on the field. However, helmets for girls don’t really have adequate materials for protection. Unlike boy helmets, girl helmets are soft and won’t make a difference against a check to the head. They invite more contact instead of offering protection.” But Melissa Mykytiuk, an Armonk mother of three boys who played lacrosse and ice hockey fervently disagrees. “Why don’t girls who play lacrosse wear helmets? Those sticks and balls are hard. It’s crazy to me.”

The Road to Recovery: Part 1: Return to School

Many of the patients who visit Dr. Hirshson or Rusch have been referred by a physician or a pediatrician. With a comprehensive approach tailored so that each patient can return to school and/or play, the team in the Concussion Management Program at NWH offers physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy and neuropsychology. A coordinated team with their colleague Sarah Todd, PT, DPT, CLT who is the manager of Outpatient Rehabilitation Program at the hospital’s Chappaqua Crossing site, demonstrates why specific training in concussion management and a multi-disciplinary approach to care is critical to successful treatment. They often find a patient will seek treatment for one symptom, for example balance disturbance, and upon evaluation and assessment, additional effects of the concussion, such as memory issues, are uncovered and able to be treated.

Dr. Hirshson specializes in neuropsychology. The neuropsychological tests she performs can last from 4-8 hours and are designed to assess a patient’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses. “Typically, we don’t do neuropsychological testing until three months post-injury if cognitive symptoms have lingered,” explains Dr. Hirshson. If necessary, Dr. Hirshson will help young students manage their symptoms post-concussion before that 3-month period and help them transition back to school. The rigorous demands of high school, college applications and entrance exams can be very taxing on a student with lingering concussion symptoms. In certain cases and upon Dr. Hirshson’s clinical observations, some students may require support from the school, and she will work with the district to advocate for this, if necessary.

It is really important for a student suffering from concussion to get what medical professionals call adequate “cognitive rest” because this helps the brain recover. For example, if a student has an important test coming up, studying for it uses a lot of brain power and instead of using that energy for the brain to recover, it gets depleted which can ultimately delay recovery. Dr. Hirshson assesses each student and makes recommendations for returning to school on an individual basis “Take your cues from your kids,” advises Mytkiuk. Each of her three sons had a different recovery time from their concussion. “It’s frustrating because you don’t have control over when your kid’s brain gets better.”

Dr. Hirshson always tells her patients, “Don’t do something that doesn’t feel good. Don’t look at a screen if it hurts your head. Slowly build up tolerance. If you got a concussion over the weekend skiing, then don’t play soccer on Tuesday. Allow yourself the proper time to recover.”

Road to Recovery: Part 2: Return to Play

While the priority for all students recovering from concussion is to get them to return to school, for high school athletes returning to the field is often a main goal of recovery. With more than 4,000 New York based students under 19 treated at hospitals for sports-related traumatic brain injuries, following a return to play protocol is very important. In 2013, all states were mandated to pass laws to address concussion management in school athletics.

NY state school nurses, certified athletic trainers, coaches, and physical education teachers are mandated to complete sports concussion management training every two years. In addition, in both the Byram Hills School District and the Chappaqua Central School District, high school athletes undergo IMPACT (Immediate Post Concussion Assessment & Cognitive Testing) pre-season for a baseline assessment and upon returning to the field. Not all New York State school districts conduct IMPACT testing. Before a student returns to play, they must have medical clearance from a physician permitting it.

While Dr. Hirshson helps students return to the classroom, Rusch and Todd help students return to athletic endeavors. They help students suffering from symptoms such as neck pain, vestibular (inner ear) dizziness or disorientation and provide therapy to help them strengthen their eyes or restore equilibrium in addition to several other modalities. Todd often works on improving the vestibular system which can affect balance. “We retrain and recalibrate the vestibular system with dynamic exercises such as hopping on one foot on a foam board,” explains Todd. “We are part of that return to play conversation with the athletic trainers. We ensure that the athlete takes on exercises with increasing intensity in a controlled setting and then we make recommendations regarding return to play,” notes Rusch. “Interestingly, the research is indicating that patients who sustain a concussion are three times more likely to sustain a lower extremity injury of the knee or lower leg,” adds Todd.

“Each specific discipline that is part of the Concussion Management Program uses measurement tools to identify symptoms, measure their severity and develop a plan to progress so that patients return back to school and/or the field,” sums up Todd. “Because each concussion and its symptoms are unique, see a medical professional with credentials in concussion management who understands all the nuances,” advises Dr. Hirshson.

Ryan like most concussion patients had his symptoms resolve quickly and is now a happy six-year old back to playing on scooters and riding bikes. “But he remembers the injury and tells all his friends to be careful and of course wear a helmet,” his mother adds.


Helpful Helmet Tips

While there is no such thing as a “concussion-proof helmet,” the CDC notes that a proper fitting helmet can protect from a serious brain injury. Todd, who herself is a triathlete says that “helmet manufacturers are studying the dynamics of concussion and improving their designs based on the research.” As the biking season gears up, the CDC recommends the following tips when purchasing a helmet. The CDC also offers sports-specific guidelines for helmets available on www.cdc.gov/headsup.

Start with the Right Size

  • Bring the bike rider with you to assess fit.
  • Measure the child’s head size.
  • Sizes vary from brand to brand, so look at the helmet’s fit and sizing chart.

Get a Good Fit

  • The helmet should fit snugly all around with no spaces between the foam and bike rider’s head.
  • Ask your child how the helmet feels. A too tight helmet can cause headaches.
  • Have your child wear the hairstyle they will be wearing to ride the bike. If a long-haired child cuts their hair short, adjust the helmet accordingly.
  • The helmet should not rest too high or too low on the rider’s head.
  • Make sure your child can see straight forward and side to side.
  • The side straps should make a “V” shape under and slightly in front of the bike rider’s ears.
  • Chin straps should be centered under the bike rider’s chin and fit snugly so that no more than one or two fingers fit between the chin and strap.

Take Care of the Helmet

  • Check for damage. Do not use a cracked or broken helmet or one that is missing parts.
  • Clean it only with warm water and mild detergent.
  • Keep the helmet away from direct sunlight and do not store in a car.
  • Do not decorate with stickers or paint as this could affect the helmets safety.

Look for Labels

    • Have the date of the manufacture in case of a recall.
    • Purchase a helmet that is US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) certified.

 

Replace the helmet if it is damaged and has been involved in a crash!

Source: CDC Heads Up campaign

Filed Under: Armonk Cover Stories Tagged With: advice, Athletic fields, Bicycle Helmet, Brain, CDC Heads Up Campaign, Concussion Management, Concussion Symptoms, Concussions, falls, head injury, High School Athletes, kids, Neuropsychology, Northern Westchester Hospital, Physical Therapy, Precautions, Preventing Concussions, Recognizing Head Injuries, Risks, Traumatic Brain Injury, Westchester County Concussion Task Force

Making a Move to the Big Apple? A Check List

March 8, 2019 by The Inside Press

1. Some 18 months before your anticipated move, interview and choose your selling agent. He or she will be able to advise you on the value of your home in your market, suggest the best selling season and keep you apprised if and when changes occur. They’ll also make recommendations on putting your home in its best possible selling condition: pointing out where a coat of paint or a landscape refresh will punch up the curb appeal, or caution against spending renovation money you won’t recoup on your sale.

2. Research estate and/or tag sale managers. Depending on your style and the age and quality of your furniture, art objects, musical instruments, even cars, you may want to sell the things you can before you start tossing, recycling and donating. You’ll want several vendors to come to your home, appraise your items and give you an idea of their own style and record of success, how they would manage your sale, and an estimate of your net. Be sure to get a list of references and check them!   

3. Throw it out! No way are you taking all that suburban stuff with you. In all likelihood your place will be smaller and you just won’t have the storage. Be ruthless and if possible, start a year ahead of your move, throw it out, recycle it, give it away. When the moving van comes, you’ll be glad you did.  

4. Check out the neighborhoods you think you might like. Visit open houses to get a feel for what’s available in your price range, and stop in at stores and restaurants at different times of day, on different days of the week, and even in different seasons. The block you thought was sleepy and serene on an August Sunday afternoon could be hopping with tourists, skateboards or baby strollers on the Tuesday after Labor Day. Consider renting for a while if you’re not absolutely sure.

5. Assemble your buying team. Assuming you are buying, you will want to identify your buyer’s agent early for the same reason you choose your seller’s agent early. A good professional will want to get to know you–not just your wish-list, but who you are, how you will live, work and have fun in your new environment. That takes time…and a lot of questions.

The buying team should also provide you with market updates and info you really can’t easily find anywhere else–like tips on passing your coop board application, or which condos might be offering unadvertised discounts. In addition to decorators, contractors, movers and painters, they should also recommend other members of your team – lenders and, most important, attorneys.

Keep in mind: 90% of owned real estate in New York is cooperative and there is nothing more complicated and fraught with potential pitfalls than a coop purchase. Choosing a top notch real estate professional team–responsive, responsible and knowledgeable selling and buying agents; an eager and honest lender; and a savvy, diligent and cautious attorney–will have the greatest impact on making this move to a new home and a new chapter in your life stress-free, exciting and tremendously satisfying.

Robin Roy was a 12-year resident of Chappaqua. She now lives in midtown Manhattan and is a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson with The Corcoran Group.

Filed Under: Words & Wisdoms From Our Sponsors Tagged With: advice, Big Apple, city migration, downsizing, moving, Robin Roy, storage, The Corcoran Group, tips on moving to the city

Armonk Indoor Sports Center: A Great Place to Brush Up Your Tennis Skills & Other Athletic Pursuits

March 8, 2019 by Deborah Raider Notis

On any given day, carloads, even busloads, of people, young and old, are arriving at Armonk Indoor Sports Center. Because at Armonk Indoor Sports Center, the sports season never ends. With two bubbles, Armonk Indoor Sports gives baseball, field hockey, football, lacrosse, and soccer players a year-round turf field to compete and hone their skills all under one roof.

“This is one of the most versatile facilities around,” notes Stuart Smith, the Director of Sports Programs at the Center. “We cater to everyone, from birthday parties for two and three-year-olds to activities for senior citizens. This is a great place to come in and get active, whether you’re playing on the turf or on the tennis courts.”

On the other side, in the second bubble, Armonk Indoor Sports Center’s premier tennis facility affords players their own space on which to perfect their game. Since the early 2000’s, Armonk Indoor Sports Center has been training tennis players and giving them a competitive edge. Offering everything from development programs for juniors and adults to competitive league play, Armonk Indoor Sports Center caters to every potential tennis player. Additionally, Armonk Indoor’s tennis boasts five of the most effective tennis pros around, including Kevin Anderson, who is ranked as the fifth best tennis player in the world.

Armonk Indoor Sports Center, along with its sister facility a few miles down the road, Armonk Tennis, offers players a total of eight indoor and 10 outdoor tennis courts at the two locations. Armonk Tennis, one of the oldest tennis facilities in Westchester County, employs five additional tennis pros.

These facilities are home to the Armonk International Tennis Academy, run by Kevin’s brother, Greg Anderson. Their program, the Armonk International Tennis Academy Pathway offers a Beginners course at Armonk Tennis. Players graduate to Armonk Indoor Sports Center’s more competitive program. “Throughout the program, we are not only teaching tennis, we are building athletes,” notes Facility Manager Lisa Marie Bastardi. “We take our youngest players and foster their athletic growth, giving them a home throughout their junior tennis career and often times preparing them to play in college.”

The adult program includes high intensity clinics, a variety of USTA teams, and ample court time for open play. “We encourage tennis to be a family sport, helping everyone to achieve their individual tennis goals,” says Bastardi.

Tennis Pro, Webster Munyenyembe, who has worked as a High Performance and Ten & Under Tennis Professional for the past four years, believes that Armonk Indoor and Armonk Tennis’s program is an ideal environment for tennis lovers to achieve their goals. He has several suggestions to players who want to brush up on their tennis skills.

1. Work on your backhand.

Backhand strokes can be key in competitive match situations. Whether you use a one-handed or two-handed backhand, technique is the secret to mastering the backhand. The most powerful backhand strokes are most effective when the player’s body does more of the work than the racket. There is almost no swinging in a powerful backhand, and to master this technique, improve accuracy, and generate topspin, players should do repetitive drills.

2. Work on your serve.

To practice serving, try playing an extended game in which one person serves for the entire game. The “server” only gets one serve or loses the point. This is a great way to build up serving stamina, and after playing a few games this way, serving will become second nature.

3. Work on your footwork and line drills.

The most effective way to improve your footwork is to jump rope. Jumping rope helps people to improve balance and build stamina. Munyenyembe believes that this activity is essential to improving concentration.

4. Work on volleys and doubles skills.

If you are interested in playing high school tennis, playing an effective doubles game is essential. Learning how to move efficiently and effectively on the court prepares players to be on the attack. Skilled doubles teams are in the right place at the right time and can readily intercept a shot to back up a partner. If players practice moving forwards, backwards, and side to side together on the court, they will be more in sync.

5. Join a group lesson.

Munyenyembe feels that this activity has multiple benefits for junior players. From building social skills to competing with peers, group lessons also give players a chance to observe others’ techniques.

Ultimately, enjoying the game is essential to a great tennis match. And Munyenyembe thinks Armonk Indoor and Armonk Tennis both “strive to maintain a fun atmosphere,” making these facilities ideal for a competitive yet fun experience.

Filed Under: Words & Wisdoms From Our Sponsors Tagged With: advice, Armonk Indoor Sports Center, Athletic training, sports, Tennis, Tennis instruction, Tennis pros

I Wish I Would’ve Known…

April 21, 2018 by Marlene Kern Fischer

(L-R): The author and her family, Eric, Marlene, Jonah, her husband Mark and Isaac
PHOTO COURTESY OF MARLENE KERN FISCHER

A Letter to Younger Moms from an Older Mom

Now that I’m on that other side of parenting (meaning my three sons are mostly grown and I’m no longer in the trenches), I’ve had some time to reflect. When I say reflect, I mean think about things I think I got right and things about which I was off base. There are things I wish I had known–things I would tell my younger self about being a mother if I could. Here is some of what I would say…

Dear Younger Me,

First-

I am not going to tell you to enjoy every minute of parenthood because, if I offer that advice, I know you will find a way to reach across time, into the future, and smack me (and you would also think an impostor was writing to you). While one kid is vomiting and another is shrieking and the third is out of sight and up to mischief, it’s hard to think about how fleeting time is. I realize that from where you’re standing right now, time may as well be standing still. Just know that the time will pass and, despite their best efforts to break you, you will survive somewhat intact.

Give them your all but-

Save a little something for yourself. I threw myself into parenting because it’s the job I always wanted. However, I wish I had done just a tiny bit more for myself. Like writing–I know I barely had time to think, much less create cogent and insightful sentences but I wish I had held tighter onto the things that were important to me. I’m grateful to get a chance to do more now but I wish I hadn’t waited so long. So, younger me, please listen and nurture yourself, as well as those children. Carve out a little time for you.

Stop worrying so much-

I know you can’t help worrying. Unfortunately, that’s not going to change in the future. But I can tell you that all the worrying you are doing is a huge waste of time and effort. At least try and dial it down a notch if you can. Or start meditating a little so you can be a tiny bit more Zen.

You’re not screwing them up-

Good news; despite a few mistakes we made along the way, they all turn out fine. They are actually pretty hardy and resilient creatures. Even the high strung one. In fact, they are more than just fine–they are terrific. They aren’t necessarily any tidier but they are good people who care about each other, their friends and girlfriends… yes, I said girlfriends. They are now human enough to have significant others–really nice ones you’re going to like. You will finally have other females in the house. And, as a bonus, I want you to know the kids will be able to get jobs and support themselves.

It’s just a phase-

The baby who wakes up all the time? He does learn to sleep through the night. And that kid who only eats pasta? He will start eating chicken and veggies at some point. How about the one who keeps having tantrums and throws things when he loses? Yup, he will stop doing that. In fact, he’s so docile now it’s hard to believe he’s the same person. And how about the one who can’t manage his money? OK–we are still working on that one but I’m guessing he learns how to do it someday soon. My point is, although their personalities don’t completely change most of the behavioral stuff really is just a phase. Just ride it out like you would a wave and know that some new weird behavior will come along before you know it. And that even if it doesn’t, it eventually ceases to be your problem (at least to some degree).

You already know this but-

Despite the craziness and lack of money and time, work on keeping the marriage magic going. Try and go out a little more; the kids will be fine without you. I know you want to be with them but they really will grow up and have their own lives. You need to make sure you and the hubby still have things to say to each other after they are gone.

I don’t want to tell you everything that is going to happen–some of it is amazing and some, well…you will get through the bad things too. And at the end of the day you will even still have a sense of humor.

Most of all I want you to know two things:
You did a great job and I’m proud of you.
When it’s all said and done you will be so glad you did it all.

So hang in there. I will check in on you again and, if you need me, feel free to reach out and I will be there for you.

Love,
Older Me

Filed Under: Inside Thoughts Tagged With: advice, mom, Older Moms, parenting, wisdom, Woman to Woman, Younger Moms

After the Camp Fair too… A Vital Check List!

March 8, 2018 by Shauna Levy

Despite the low temperatures, many parents’ minds are on the summer months that lay beyond the snow. Much consideration goes into the camp selection process. As the American Camp Association notes, “camp presents a tremendous opportunity for your child to widen horizons, make new and lasting friends, and discover new strengths.” But, with all the options ranging from day camps to sleep away camps in addition to specialties such as dance, art and sports, pinpointing the right one can be downright daunting.

The Li Family of Greenwich checks out various camp options at a recent camp fair
PHOTO BY ROBERT FLEISHER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Local camp fairs feature an array of highly curated prospects that parents can become acquainted with in just one afternoon. Since many attend these events with a laundry list of questions and children in tow, arriving with a strategy is instrumental to reaping the benefits.

Why A Camp Fair?

There is a plethora of information about each camp online and in glossy brochures, but camp fairs give parents the unique occasion to meet the individuals who set the tone of a camp in person. Tables are typically manned by two representatives including the camp director or high ranking camp personnel. “Many camps offer similar activities and amenities, but it is the director and staff who infuse their distinct philosophy into the program that sets them apart,” according to Renee Flax, director of camper placement at the American Camp Association of NY and NJ. “These face-to-face opportunities give families the chance to see if there is a true connection between them and a camp,” she says.

Jean Sheff, editor and co-publisher of Westchester Family, says, “This is your chance to read between the lines and get to know a camp’s nuances.” Sheff knows more than a thing or two about the topic as the publication recently hosted two “Westchester Family Camp Fairs” in both southern and northern Westchester. She enthusiastically describes the events as “not massive, noisy functions, but intimate, personal gatherings of approximately 30 thoroughly vetted camps.”

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“Camp fairs are ideal for those who are truly starting from scratch,” according to Flax. “These events offer a wide array of camps spanning all philosophies and price ranges.” For all of those multi-tasking loving parents, Sheff also points out that camp fairs offer efficiencies, for example “visiting with a sleep away camp for one child and a day camp for another.”

Not all camp fairs, however, are created equally. Flax recommends looking at the list of camps that will be exhibiting and advises “if the programs do not stand out to you, don’t waste your time!” An added benefit of these events is that they are often attended by impartial experts in the camp arena such as representatives from the American Camp Association or the organization hosting the event. Therefore, it’s important to identify who the organizer is and whether they are legitimate and responsive. Sheff counsels, “Camp fairs should be free to the public as the camps pay to attend. Any fair charging an admission fee is a red flag!”

Set yourself up for success. Attend a camp fair on a convenient day that’s close to home, particularly if you are visiting with day camps as they tend to promote at local events. Consider whether it makes sense to bring your children as some may be bored or present as distractions, while others enjoy the fun activities exhibitors offer. For older children especially, it presents a chance to be involved in the decision making process and get them excited for what the summer has in store. “The beauty of a camp fair,” Renee explains, “is that it can be eye-opening to see what excites your child. Their enthusiasm can be instrumental in guiding your final selection.”

Mission Possible

“Investing a little bit of time to narrow your options in advance can be so helpful,” Flax points out, saying, “Identify factors important to your family. Don’t simply think of your children as they exist today, but look at camps that could work for them in the long-term.” Sheff adds to that, “Know what you are looking for, know your family, know your child. There are camps for everyone.” She advises against, “becoming dazzled by a camp’s vast offerings if they are not right for your child.”

Visit the camp fair website in advance and familiarize yourself with the exhibitors if the information is available. Assess your family’s needs and narrow down the options by identifying some of these differentiating factors:

  • ages the camp serves
  • day camp vs. overnight camp
  • availability/location of busing
  • session camps vs. full summer camps
  • availability of early hours/aftercare
  • food offerings, i.e., allergies
  • indoor vs. outdoor focused programming
  • special needs services

Seek a map of the event space upon your arrival to locate the camps you found appealing. Flax warns against roaming aimlessly and highly recommends arriving with time to spare before the event closes. Additionally, be patient if the camp representatives are engaged for a short time upon your arrival.

What Matters Most

Prepare your questions in advance and bring a notebook. “It’s not about the right number of questions, but more importantly, the specific issues that are your family’s top priorities,” says Sheff. Curate your questions using the sample list below. Good questions will result in a strong sense of the camp’s culture and enable you to learn which simply do not work for your family.

1. Does a camp provide your child with your definition of safety, i.e., lifeguards, supervision, during field trips, etc.?

2. What does the camp strive to achieve, i.e., what’s considered a successful summer?

3. What activities does the camp focus on, i.e., frequency of swimming program, etc.

4. How is staff selected and trained?

5. What is the counselor-to-camper ratio and is it higher for younger campers?

6. What is the staff retention rate?

7. How are disciplinary problems handled?

8. How do you deal with child specific issues including homesickness, bedwetting, food allergies?

9. Do you offer busing and if so, who provides the service, where does it pick your child up and who is monitoring the children?

10. What do the children do on rainy days?

For overnight camps, how is bunk placement determined and how do they incorporate new children into existing bunks?

Follow-Up

While undeniably informative, camp fairs can result in information overload. Review your notes, taking into account the intrinsic connection you may have had with camp personnel. Following this exercise, one to three camps should emerge. Contact those camps to schedule off-season tours and use that opportunity to meet with the director and ask any questions you didn’t ask during the fair. Flax recommends requesting references from parents who have children in the same group that your child would be placed in to get an insider’s perspective on the camp experience.

Once you make your selection, feel confident that you have truly done your research and prepare your children for a wonderful experience. Flax provides peace of mind, asserting, “People who do their homework thoroughly and make a decision based on their family’s needs don’t tend to make mistakes.”

VISIT OUR CAMP SPONSORS!

Breezemont Day Camp
BreezemontDayCamp.com
914-367-1936

Club Fit Summer Camp
www.ClubFit.com
914-250-2768

Future Stars Summer Camp
FScamps.com
914-273-8500

Harvey Cavalier Camp
HarveyCavalierCamp.org
914-232-0581

Jodi’s Gym Camp
www.JodisGym.com
914-244-8811

World Cup Camp
WorldCupNurserySchool.com
914-238-9267
WorldCupGymnastics.com
914-238-4967

Filed Under: Armonk Cover Stories Tagged With: advice, Camp Fairs, camps, fair, Preparing for Camp, summer, Westchester Family

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