Champions Champ Camp gives kids all the fun they are looking for, and parents get the convenience and flexibility they need. Champ Camp takes place at Champions locations across metro Detroit.
The best part: kids in grades K-6 are engaged daily with various activities and adventures that nourish their social and academic development.
“We are really excited about the new programming we are offering campers this year,” says Jane Kim-Ware, Director of KinderCare’s Summer Operations. “This is going to be Champ Camp’s best summer ever.”
Flexibility for families, variety for kids
Busy parents need flexibility, options and the knowledge that their kids will have a safe, fun and stimulating summer experience. One of Champ Camp’s goals is to make life easier for parents by offering many types of summer camp experiences for their children all rolled up into one, says Kim-Ware.
“Our program is ideal for busy working parents,” says Kim-Ware. “When they drop their child off with us, they don’t have to worry about driving and enrolling their child in several activities because we have it all here: field trips, sports, art, academic enrichment and the opportunity to make new friendships.”
Plus, unlike many summer camps that have limited hours, Champ Camp’s programs last the entire workday.
Variety is a big part of the programming at Champ Camp. The camps feature two-week units with a theme, which are then incorporated into all activities. Whether campers stay for the full summer schedule, attend for a couple of weeks, or even for a couple of days, they will experience something new each day.
Freedom to explore
Kids choose their own adventures, and their interests will determine much of what they do. The camp schedule has a certain amount of structure — but it is summer, after all.
“Too much structure can be draining,” Kim-Ware says. “Our campers have lots of time to explore, connect with each other and choose activities that are most important to them.”
For example, in a sports unit, kids can play the sport — or they may want to explore sports broadcasting, goalkeeping, or refereeing. Kim-Ware believes that this approach keeps all kids engaged. “We tailor each activity so that kids can explore their own interests.”
STEM made summer fun
Academic enrichment is a big part of Champ Camp and that includes STEM. Kim-Ware points out that parents have requested increased STEM activities as part of the learning experience, and she and her team have listened.
“Every camp theme has elements of STEM woven throughout,” she says.
For example, one STEM activity may be learning how to make robots. The next day the kids might bring that knowledge outside to experience the information in a different setting.
Campers also get to explore STEM through summertime camp staples: pool time, ample outdoor play and field trips to places such as hiking trails, local nature centers and Imagination Station.
“We bring STEM to life in a way that makes the children curious about the world around them,” says Kim-Ware.
Caring staff support campers’ social growth
Building friendships and social skills are two side benefits of camp, and Champ Camp staff members are there to support kids in this endeavor.
“We have a good camp counselor-to-camper ratio so that the kids can foster relationships with their fellow campers and get to know their teachers,” says Kim-Ware. “We support the kids socially.”
Once teachers get to know the kids, they can help guide them into camp activities they might enjoy and give them a feeling of safety as they explore new friendships and new activities.
Group games and teamwork activities are two other ways the camp helps kids connect with each other and feel confident in their social skills.
Besides all the stellar programming the camp has to offer, Kim-Ware wants one of the main takeaways of Champ Camp to be fun. “Our goal is for kids to enjoy our camp so much that they don’t even realize how much they are learning and growing: they’re having too much fun.”
Champ Camp offers convenient locations in Brownstown, Canton, Dearborn, Flat Rock, Garden City, Gibraltar, Plymouth, Romulus, Riverview, Southfield, Taylor, Westland, Woodhaven and Wayne. Learn more at discoverchampions.com.
