White Plains Camp Gearing Up For Summer Of Fun

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A summer of fun is just getting underway at camps everywhere as parents are trying to make sure their kids get the right amount of physical activity.

CBS2's Steve Overmyer reported that children are supposed to get 60 minutes of physical activity a day and getting them motivated to participate begins with options.

"If you can find a camp that offers a little of everything, that makes a difference. This way they'll be exposed to martial arts – we have a thing called superhero training – dance programs, music programs, things you might not have introduced them to they might find out they're passionate about," Camp Mohawk director Adam Wallach said.

Parents should try to find activities their children like. Even if it's non-athletic, they can still find ways to be outside.

"For example, behind us here is ceramics. They're getting fresh air, but covered by the tent," Camp Mohawk athletic director Ken Barer said.

Active children have higher water requirements and don't always recognize dehydration as children under 10 need up to two liters of water every day.

"It's not the morning of when you drink and get hydrated, it's the days before, you have to keep drinking," Barer said. "They should be drinking and hydrating at night to make sure, whether it's rain or shine, they're still going to need to be hydrated."

The American Academy of Pediatrics said the average child spends seven hours per day using electronic devices for entertainment. The benefits of being outside and playing team sports is an education in socializing.

"You have to learn how to share," Barer said. "You have to learn how to count on someone and someone count on you."

The most important tip for summer fun is simply parent involvement.

"You need time and effort and time spent together, parent and child, and you can find ways to make this summer very enjoyable," Barer said.

For more on camps in the area, please go to the American Camp Association website.