By Alex Costello and Nora Slonimsky
Sporadic weather in the summer months mean counselors always need to be prepared to entertain children of all ages, from preschoolers to preteens. The Jack and Jill Montessori in East Rockaway presents its employees with a rainy-day strategy before the summer even begins. Occupied by arts and crafts, computer games and a "pretend room" filled with toys, the children have a structured and full day just like any other.
The Five Towns Child Care Center switches to indoor activities. "We have an indoor basketball court, climbing tubes, and we set up an obstacle course. Our staff is used to indoor games," said the center¹s director, Paula Robinson.
Other day camps turn to field trips or outings. At the Alphabet Preschool Center and Summer Camp in Merrick, counselors provide entertainment away from the camp. They procure a "fun bus" full of Gymboree athletic equipment for children to play on. The counselors also take the campers to places like Party Palooza and the movies.
The Merokee Day School in Merrick takes campers to the Newbridge Road pool four days a week. On rainy days, however, they take campers to the local bowling alley or show movies.
Bright Star Country Day Camp utilizes unconventional forms of amusement. A favorite for campers is bobbing for M&Ms in a vat of whipped cream. And they hold watermelon-eating contests in which everyone is awarded a first-place ribbon. Participants at the Rockville Centre Recreation Center are treated to a special room complete with a disco ball, where they can dance and have fun.
Camp administrators and counselors agree that children enjoy rainy days when the activities are engaging. Indoor activities can provide a change in atmosphere; even the most enthusiastic camper can get tired of the same outdoor activities after a while. Saving activities specifically designed for rainy days can give campers a unique and novel experience.
Some summer programs hold activities designed for older children that aren¹t hindered by bad weather. Both the South Side Middle School in Rockville Centre and the Baldwin School Summer Program offer activities that can be held inside school buildings without interruption. Sometimes they just watch a movie.
Camp and day care programs have always been a great way for kids to get together and have fun during summer months. The difference in today's programs from those of old is that rainy weather doesn't have to be a fun-killer. On the contrary, inclement weather opens up avenues for kids to have entirely different kinds of fun. So the next time it starts to rain, don't worry about your children's day being ruined; they may be bobbing for M&Ms in whipped cream.
