Parenting Tips: kids and summer camp

A child’s camp experience can have a profound impact on his/her life. Because of this, parents should choose a camp carefully. Never send a child to a camp just because it is the one that you attended when you were young. Over the years, it has probably changed or possibly your child’s needs are different from what yours were at the same age.

Camp must meet your child’s goals, accommodate his/her interests and fulfill expectations if the camp experience is to be a positive one. Ask your child what he/she wants in a camp and the reasons for wanting those experiences.

There are several things that must be considered when choosing a camp: location, programs, activities, cost and special needs. Usually camps are either all boys or all girls. Occasionally, you will find a camp that allows brothers and sisters to attend. Co-ed camps provide extensive interaction between boys and girls through activities. Brother/sister camps provide some interaction but usually activities for boys and girls are separate. These camps can be next door to each other or some distance away.

Camps where children stay overnight have residences where your child stays. Activities include all campers and take place in the evening as well as throughout the day. Depending on your choice, camp experiences can last one day or take in the entire summer.

If you are considering a camp where your child will be staying overnight, there are things that should be considered. For instance, is your child ready for such an experience? What costs are involved and what do you and your child hope to gain by such an experience? Then, when all of these questions have been answered, make a list of any other concerns you may have.

Nonprofit camps are less expensive than private camps but as a parent you have to be cautious regarding costs. Consider the cost of childcare and meals if your child were to stay home. Be sure to ascertain if there will be additional costs if your child attends camp. Camp uniforms, transportation, the cost of visiting your child, spending money and charges for trips are all something that should be taken into consideration. Most of all consider that a positive camp experience will affect other areas of your child’s life. A few extra dollars could make the difference between a positive or negative camp experience for your child. If your child has a negative experience, the loss will be much more than what you’ve saved.

Summer camps vary in size. Some take only a few children while others make take up to five hundred. Often, smaller camps provide a closer atmosphere. The staff and children get to know each other quickly. This ensures that the needs of your child are met and he/she will feel more secure, especially if this is the first time they are attending. At times, large camps divide the children into small groups. This provides the same type of experience as a smaller camp. You need to investigate these issues carefully.

Camps have many different programs. Some focus on one specific activity while others offer a vast array of programs. If a camp focuses on one particular activity, it is called a Specialty Camp. The facilities and staff at the camps provide an extensive experience in one area. For instance, when my niece was small, she attended a ranch camp. Here, she learned all aspects of ranch life. The activities included knowing all the parts of a horse, horseback riding, learning to care for your horse, maintaining saddles and harness and how to prepare chow from the back of a chuckwagon. At night, they sat around the campfire and sang songs. On the last day, the children invited their parents to attend a rodeo in which the children participated. So, the children who attended this particular camp needed to have a great interest in horses and ranch life in general in order to have a positive camp experience. Specialty camps cover a multitude of activities. Wilderness camps, tennis camps and sailing camps are just a few of the many specialty camps available.

There are a few other things that need to be looked at. What activities must the child participate in? Will the camp’s program enable them to explore new things? Will your child have sufficient supervision? Will your child have a choice of activities or are the programs strictly structured? At what level must your child compete and is he/she ready for that level of competitiveness?

Compare camp programs and be certain to visit the camp. Then, you may want to review your findings to be certain that the camp fits the needs of your child. Never send a child to a camp just because his/her best friend, brother or cousin is attending that particular camp. Children’s interests vary and they should attend a camp that will fulfill their needs and expectations.

When you visit a camp, ask lots of questions. If they are not answered to your satisfaction, keep looking. A good camp is willing to discuss all aspects of their facilities and programs. They should be more than happy to deal with the concerns of parents.

Do not focus on only one area. This may cause you to overlook important factors that need to be considered. Your child needs to attend a camp where there is a lot of social interaction, knowledgeable staff and a friendly atmosphere.

Be sure to include your child in the selection of the camp. Let the child visit the facility and ask questions. If he/she does not feel secure in going to a certain camp, continue to look around. Eventually you will find the perfect camp for your child. This assures him/her a positive experience and the memories will last a lifetime.

After both you and your child are satisfied and have chosen a camp, ask the camp management for references from other parents whose children have attended there. These parents can provide valuable information about both the camp and the families whose children attend.

Be certain to go over this list several times to ensure there is nothing that you’ve overlooked. After all, our children are our most precious assets and we want them to have a safe and memorable summer.