How to Choose the Right Summer Camp for Your Child

The right summer camp can provide more than just a relief from boredom. If chosen wisely, summer camps can offer kids memories that will last for the rest of their lives, and teach them valuable skills. Summer camps range from day camps that are a few hours each, to week- or month-long overnights (sleep-away camp). How do you choose the right one for your child?

Age, of course, is your first consideration. But we’ll take a look at some of the key points to consider in choosing the right summer camp for your child.

How Long Has It Been in Operation?

You may like the idea of a brand-new camp, and if it’s a good program and the other things check out, it may be just the thing for your child. Alternatively, you may find that you prefer a tried-and-true camp, like a Boy/Girl Scouts program, or something at the YMCA/YWCA. It’s a good idea to find out how long the camp has been in existence so you can make an informed decision.

Ask Others

If you are looking at a camp that has been around for at least the previous year, check with others to get their feedback. Would they recommend the camp to others? What kinds of activities were they doing? Did the kids like it?

The Camp’s Staff

Day or overnight camp will have some sort of staff running it. Meet them and talk to them about their credentials, and ask the head of the camp how the staff is trained. Make sure that staff members and counselors undergo background checks.

Do You Agree with Their Philosophy?

Although good summer camp programs may be available, if you aren’t in agreement with their underlying philosophy, you might not want to go with that particular camp. For instance, some camps focus on learning, others on creativity, still others on independence. The activities will be geared toward whatever philosophy the camp claims as its own, so even similar activities may be approached differently.

An example would be an art camp. If the program’s emphasis is on learning, then art projects would be more likely to focus on technique and method. An art camp with more of a creative focus might have art projects that are more emotion-based and free-form.

How Regimented Is It?

Your child may have a temperament that responds well to external discipline, or he/she might thrive in an environment where there is more freedom and the opportunity for self-discipline. Find out if kids get choices with regard to activities and so forth.

Choosing the right summer camp program will give your child the opportunity to get away from home, learn some new or additional skills, and make memories that will stay with them for a long while. Go ahead, give them the opportunity to sprout their wings!

That’s it for now. Until next time Divas, wear your heels well and Be Blessed!

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