[boys standing by a pool with water guns]

Rookie Camp

Rookie Camp Sessions & Fees
Register for Rookie Camp

A wonderful way to ease into camping, Rookie Camp presents a unique opportunity for seven and eight year olds who are first-time campers (and perhaps first time camp families as well). It is also very appropriate for those who have had some camping experience but may want to dip their toe in just a little more.

A week-long session it has all the feel of the general camp session. Rookie Campers join in alongside all of the other campers/activities providing countless opportunities to model new behaviors and learn new traditions. Plus it allows for more camp-to-parent interaction.

In addition to the core values of Camps Airy and Louise, the Rookie Camp is devoted to supporting the particular needs of our first-time campers. Knowing that every child occupies her/his own unique spot on a developmental continuum, there are also some common behaviors/tasks that might need further encouragement and/or support as the campers take on new challenges. Some of these include the awareness that children in this age group may:

Enjoy sharing their knowledge with others
Have a refreshing curiosity about the world
Use increasingly complex approaches to problem-solving
Exhibit motor skills growth that ranges from skills acquisition to the beginning of athleticism
Enjoy making friends
While responding to rules and procedures, they also enjoy playing independently
Begin to demonstrate empathy for others
Express frustration with self and others
Begin to take on leadership roles
Still rely on adults for comfort, safety and security
With exposure, their interest in arts, music, dance and drama may jump significantly
Demonstrate language and literacy skills that create a foundation for future academic progress

With these behaviors in mind, at camp our primary focus is developmental play. As the central activity in the lives of healthy and well functioning children at camp, it is a canvas on which a child can explore their world from all directions. From quiet independent activities to the exuberance of group collaboration, children's hearts and minds are always nurtured when at play. As parents and educators we fully recognize the importance of play (and all of its assorted presentations) for a child's physical, social, emotional and cognitive development.

A thriving Jewish camp is Jewish every day. It is important to take a hands-on approach to capturing a child's imagination. Once we get their attention we work to weave Jewish values into the daily conversation. In the Rookie Camp we teach a love of learning to each child and we teach them to care about each other. And knowing that children develop at different rates we are always working to meet the needs of the individual child.

If you have any questions about Rookie Camp, please do not hesitate to contact us at 410-466-9010 or rookie@airylouise.org.

Camp Registration

Go to Camp Louise

Go to Camp Airy