What to think about before signing up for SUMMER CAMP

It is that time of the year…the sun is shining, the flowers are beginning to blossom, and summer is just around the corner.  It is time to start thinking about what your child is going to be doing this summer.  Summer day camps are a great option for kids!  Camp allows kids to take a break from all the electronics and distraction of technology.  It teaches them to find fun in other activities, like games and conversations in a natural setting.  Not only do day camps allow for exploration and fun, but it helps kids learn independence in no-parent zones.  You want to sign your kids up for summer camp, but how do you know which one is right for you child?  Here are some tips and things to consider helping ensure you select the best summer camp for your kids! 

 Family decision: 

When deciding what camp to sign your kids up for, let them be a part of the decision making process.  Tell them about the camps you’re thinking of sending them to, read them the themes/activities and let them help choose what camp they are going to go to!  If a child has a say in what they are doing, it makes it more fun for them. 

-        Programs:  

     There are countless camps available to your children; sports camps, computer camps, academic camps, sleep-away camps, the list goes on and on.  Find out what sort of camp you and your child are looking for.  Do you want a specific one, or a general camp that covers a lot of different activities?  Having a camp theme helps focus and engage your child in the various games and activities.

-        Location: 

     Many sleep-away camps require you to think about where you want to send your child.  Day camps keep the location close to home.  There are plenty of neighborhood camps and it is up to you to choose where you want to send your child.  For day camps, try finding one close to home that caters to your child’s needs.  If you are looking for a sleep away camp, try finding places that are accommodating to your child’s needs. 

-        Activities:  

     Find out what sorts of games and activities your kids will be doing throughout the day.  Will there be a downtime where kids can engage their creative side?  Will they get time to play both indoors and outdoors?  Will kids be swimming and playing games?  Do not be afraid to ask what a typical day is like at each camp.

-        Staff: 

      This might be one of the biggest deciding factors for most parents.  It is important to know who will be watching over your children.  Are background checks conducted?  Is the staff experienced and are they trained?  What is the staff-to-camper ratio?  You want to feel confident that the people looking after your children are qualified and trained to handle any situation.

-        Facility: 

      Feel free to find out what sort of facility the camp will be held at.  Will it be mostly outdoors at a park, or will they be inside all day?  Most places will be happy to give you a tour and let you walk around the place.  You want a camp to be in a place where both you and your child will feel safe and also entertained.  If you cannot check out the place directly, most places have pictures of their facilities online. 

This summer could be your child’s best summer yet!  Use these tips to help you find the best camps for your kids.  You will be able to drop your child off with confidence knowing they will have a positive camp experience.