Day Camp Program & Structure:

There are four divisions within Mermaid Country Day Camp. Each division is involved in our traditional day camp program. Our morning program is structured with scheduled activity periods. The afternoon program, in addition to free swim, offers varied activities designed specifically to meet the needs of campers within each division and changes daily. The afternoon program is designed to allow our campers to plan their own day by selecting activities that appeal specifically to them. Finally, throughout the summer, special events and field trips supplement the programs of each division.

JUNIOR CAMP PROGRAM:

The Junior Camp is for children ages 4 (the “Pee Wee” group), 5 and 6. Both a full-day and a half-day program is available to children in the Pee Wee group. Only the four year olds may choose the half-day option. Each group follows its own daily schedule which begins at 8:45 A.M. and ends at 4:15 P.M. for full day campers and 12:45 P.M. for half-day campers. The day consists of a variety of activities including: swimming, arts and crafts, snack, group and quiet games, sports, music, nature study, and lunch. An optional afternoon rest time is available for the Pee Wees. The Junior Camp promotes a safe environment that reinforces positive behaviors in a developmentally appropriate program. Counselor to camper ratio at this level is one to five.

MIDDLE CAMP PROGRAM:

The Middle Camp is designed to meet the developmental needs of our campers, ages 7 and 8. The enthusiasm and energy of campers this age demands appropriate supervision and structure. The Middle Camp program will challenge the camper, but will also allow each individual to have fun and experience success. In sports development, fundamental skills are taught and team situations are introduced. In arts & crafts campers are guided through various projects and are encouraged to stretch their creative abilities. Optional activities, special events and occasional field trips are carefully planned and selected to meet these special needs. The counselor to camper ratio is one to seven.

INTERMEDIATE CAMP PROGRAM:

The Intermediate camp, for campers ages 9 and 10, offers a wider range of creative and athletic opportunities and challenges to campers in this group. These activities are selected according to the abilities and interests of this age group. Artistically, projects become more challenging and campers are encouraged to make their own decisions about creativity or seek the advice of the instructor or counselor. Athletically the progression into advanced skills and team situations continues. Optional activities, special events and occasional field trips are carefully planned and selected to meet the specific interests of this age group. The counselor to camper ratio is one to nine.

SENIOR CAMP PROGRAM:

Campers between the ages 11 and 13 begin to need some activities and time frames that depart from the traditional day camp setting. Mermaid Country Day Camp recognizes these developmental changes. Therefore, in addition to all of the regular camp activities, senior campers will also be able to enjoy activities such as special field trips, inter-camp athletic events, community outreach, outdoor challenge and ropes course events, learning the techniques of rock climbing on our outdoor climbing wall, and other exciting activities appropriate for young adolescents. Counselorto camper ratio is one to ten.

MODEL ROCKETRY CLUB:

All campers age 9 or older can participate in a model rocket club. The club will meet two or three afternoons a week. Campers build and paint their rockets and, on Fridays, we launch! Safety is stressed and taught by qualified and experienced staff. STAR SEARCH: As part of our expanded drama and dance activities, a talent show production will also take place this year. An open invitation to practice and perform any special talent a camper would like to share is the focus of this activity. At the end of the camp season, the campers’ hard work is enjoyed by all at the Star Search Show.