COURTESY OF METRO CREATIVE
Millions of adults have lots of great memories of summer camp. The right summer camp keeps kids engaged during a time of year when parents may be all too familiar with the phrase, “I’m bored.”
Finding the right summer camp can be challenging. A range of variables, including budget, availability and accessibility, must be considered before making a decision that’s right for each family. As summer camp season approaches, families can consider these tips to narrow down their options for prospective campers.
Involve children when narrowing down your options. Kids will be the ones spending time at camp, so it’s best to include them in the selection process. Camps cater to various interests, so kids who play musical instruments might get more out of a band camp than they might out of a sports camp. Some kids also might thrive on a more structured camp, while others may benefit from one that offers a range of activities each day and lets kids choose which ones they want to participate in.
Seek recommendations. Family members, friends and neighbors can be great resources when looking for a summer camp. That’s especially true for families who have never sent a child to camp before. Ask around about each camp you’re considering. Fellow parents may offer insight into the structure of the camp, its atmosphere, the attitude of staff members, and additional information that might be hard to glean from an open house.
Determine your budget. Budget is a notable variable, as some camps may cost thousands of dollars for a single session. If that’s beyond your budget, then you can narrow your focus to less expensive offerings or consider sending children for fewer weeks or even half days (when camps allow it). While it can seem as though all camps are budget busters, that’s not the case. Many local government recreation offices offer affordable summer camps. Local churches also may offer camp options that won’t stretch parents thin. The earlier parents begin exploring their options, the more likely they may be to find a camp that won’t break the bank.
Avoid making it all about cost. Safety should be parents’ foremost priority when choosing a summer camp. When exploring options, ask about staff and staff training. Are adults on staff, or is the camp predominantly staffed with local high school students on summer vacation? Even if a camp is staffed exclusively by adults, ask about the safety requirements necessary to be hired. That’s especially important at camps where kids will be swimming and engaging in other physical activities that can lead to accident or injury. Even free play outside in summer can be dangerous if temperatures rise and staff members are not trained to spot the signs of dehydration or heat exhaustion.
Millions create lasting memories at summer camp every year. Finding the right place for kids to spend the summer requires careful consideration of a host of variables.