Meet Jen Cippoletti, a mother of three with two high-school kids and one middle schooler. A Wilton native, she and her husband are now raising their children in Darien. Jen is a consultant for Tips on Trips and Camps, and she connects families to overnight summer programs. Find out some of her tips and what she loves about living in town!
How many kids do you have and what are their ages?
I have three kids: Kane is 16 and a junior at DHS, Brooke is 14 and a freshman at DHS, and Drewe is 11 and in 6th grade at MMS.
What brought you and your family to Darien?
I grew up in Wilton, and when my husband and I were looking to move back to the East Coast from California in 2002, we knew we wanted to be in CT. Darien was a great fit for us in terms of being close to family and friends in Wilton but a new community for us to raise our family.
What’s your favorite aspect about being part of the community?
I love the spirit of a small town like Darien – I am so impressed with the people in town who do so much for the community and volunteer their time and effort to make it the great place that it is.
You work with Tips on Trips and Camps, a free advisory service connecting families to overnight summer programs. How did you first get involved?
I was a camp kid from a very young age and benefitted tremendously from the experience. I feel so strongly that, now more than ever, kids need the independence, resilience, exposure to new experiences, and time away from screens that camps and other overnight summer programs provide. When my youngest daughter started elementary school, I looked to find work that could enable me to bring this experience to more families. Becoming an advisor with Tips on Trips and Camps was a perfect fit!
Favorite part about working with this group?
I love camp! I believe strongly in the benefits of camp and other overnight experiences, and my work with Tips on Trips and Camps allows me to help families find the right camp or teen program for their child. I love talking to families, learning about their kids, understanding what kind of experience they want for them, and finding a great match. There is nothing more satisfying than hearing that a child was transformed by his/her experience at camp, made new friends, and can’t wait to return!
If someone is starting their search for summer camp for their child, how can parents get in touch with you to learn more information?
My email is [email protected] or I can be reached by message on Instagram @jcippoletti or FB. I like to start with a quick conversation to learn more about a child’s interests, personality, and hopes for a summer experience. I then offer some recommendations, can answer questions, help narrow the list, and ultimately find the right fit. With over 600 camps, travel and academic immersion programs that I represent, there is something for every kid!
As a mother of three, how do you juggle work and motherhood?
Sometimes, I don’t do it very well! My job allows me some flexibility to set my own hours, which is great, and I try to do most of my work while my kids are at school. My whole family is used to hearing me go on and on about another amazing summer opportunity for kids and teens!
What’s the best advice you’ve gotten from another mom?
Only fight the big battles – let the small ones go!
Do you have any go-to ways to relax and get a little “me time?”
I was a dancer growing up and taught jazz and hip hop for many years. As often as I can, I take dance classes – mostly hip hop – and love the brain/body connection that dance provides. I also love hiking with my dog on local trails and parks.
Any words of wisdom?
Read Raising an Adult by Julie Lythcott-Haims. It will change your life!
Anything to add?
Tips on Trips and Camps is a free advisory service connecting families to overnight summer programs. We represent over 600 such programs, including traditional and specialty camps (sports, creative/performing arts, STEM, sailing, fishing, etc.), travel (adventure, service, cultural/language immersion, tours), gap year programs, special needs, and academic enrichment.
My goal is to suggest appropriate programs and help parents distinguish among them to select the one that is right for their child. Through interviews with directors, personal visits to the programs in action, and feedback from recent participants, we provide a wealth of information to families. We consistently and carefully monitor our programs to ensure high standards and to be able to make informed recommendations. Our service is free of charge to families – as compensation, we receive a commission from programs when a student enrolls.
There are so many amazing summer camps and programs, and while there is something for everyone, not every program is right for every kid. Googling “camp” will result in an overwhelming number of camps, all of which look great on screen. My job is to help sort through all the information and find what works best for each family.
I am here to help! You can reach me by email at [email protected], phone/text at 203.247.8204 or on social: Instagram @jcippoletti or FB. Or check out our website: www.TipsonTripsandCamps.com
We like to support local businesses. What are your favorite places in the area to:
Have dinner: 1020 Post or Rowayton Seafood
Grab a drink with friends:The Goose
Have a date night: Gray Barns in Silvermine
Spend time together as a family outdoors: Waveny Park in New Canaan, Quarry Head in Wilton (great for dogs!)
Grab coffee: SoNo Bakery or Rosie’s in New Canaan
Workout: Double Up Dance in Fairfield