Summer camp provides a great opportunity for your children to socialize, learn and grow during the summer months, but there are factors before you choose a summer camp.
You will need to take several things into account, ranging from your child's temperament and development to your own comfort level with the location and activities, and your budget for the summer camp expenses.
Here are some keep factors to selecting a summer camp for your kids. Before you choose a summer camp, ask yourself:
- What is your budget? If your budget is limited, you might consider a local day camp, which is typically very inexpensive. Often times, your local park association, YMCA, arts association or public pool will have week-long summer camps based on various themes. The bonus of this is that you can try one week of camp and see if your child enjoys it enough to sign up for more.
- How long should your child go to camp? This is something to consider carefully, and to discuss with your child. If this is your child's first visit to a summer camp that is away from home, you might consider a shorter stint for this summer to see how it goes. If your child is older and has gone to summer camp a few times, a longer camp could work well.
- How attached is your child (or you)? If you and your child are usually attached at the hip, remember that it will be difficult for you both to jump right into a long three-week summer camp on the other coast. Start smaller with a day camp, a camp that is a short one-tank drive away and that lasts a short time.
- What is your child's temperament? Ask yourself what your child's personality is. Is he sociable? Is she independent? If so, summer camp will be a great fit. If not, that doesn't mean your child cannot go to summer camp (in fact, that can help your child come out of his or her shell and develop more self esteem). But remember that this will be a challenge for your child, and choose the camp accordingly.
- What are your child's interests? Don't force your child to attend a camp that really interests you. You may love art, but your kid could be a fan of basketball. Consider finding two or three camp themes, and ask your child to choose. Also be sure you select a camp with a mix of activities. Your child might think drama camp sounds fascinating, but if your child has never delved into this realm you might want to be sure there are other activities there as well.
- What are your child's skills? If your child isn't particularly athletic, don't subject him or her to a week of soccer camp just because you want your child to be more active. It will not be fun for your child to be embarassed all week at a camp. Consider a camp that includes new skills, but also works with your child's existing affinities.
- How far can you travel? You might be enthralled at a cool camp in the Southwest, but if you live in New England it could be more trouble than it's worth. How will your child get to camp? Can you afford to fly there with your child, or can you take the time off work to drive a long distance? You might even consider staying a couple extra days at the start and end of the summer camp for a getaway for the parents.
- How old is your child? You will be hard-pressed to find many camps for preschoolers, and for good reason. That is an age to find a local day camp. Is your child getting too old for camp? Your teen who has always loved summer camp might be ready to get a summer camp job instead.
- What is your goal with summer camp? This is a very important step in selecting a summer camp. What do you want to accomplish? Do you just want some peace and quiet for a stretch? Do you want your child to get better social skills? Is your child showing real talent in an area that you want him or her to further develop. Consider this before choosing your summer camp.
The copyright of the article Summer Camp Selector in Family Travel is owned by Kelby Carr. Permission to republish Summer Camp Selector in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
