Summer camp can be a fun way for your child to build skills such as self-esteem, creativity and teamwork. But before you send your child to camp, you need to know a few things.
Types of camps
There are three main types of camps.
- Resident camp: Children sleep overnight and take part in a variety of activities.
- Day camp: Many offer programs like resident camps, but without sleeping quarters.
- Tour and travel camp: Campers move to sites by hiking, canoeing, horseback riding or other means. The camper’s housing can vary. Those in travel camps explore places of interest.
Find out your child’s interests
After your child has made the choice to go to a camp, sit down with them and answer these questions:
- What do they want to get from the camp? What do you want them to gain? Learn new skills, build more self-confidence, improve skills in certain areas?
- What are the areas they want to explore?
- What kind of emphasis will they profit from the most? For example, is a lot of structure desirable; do they need a place where they are encouraged to grow at their own pace?
While some camps offer many activities, others focus on one area of interest. Look at your child’s interests before choosing a camp.
Know your child’s needs
Do they have health issue that may hinder their ability to take part in certain camps? Many groups sponsor camps for children who have certain health issues.
Keep in mind any intellectual, social or emotional limitations your child may have. For example, many hospice groups offer summer camps for children who are grieving the loss of a loved one.
If you are thinking about a sleep-away camp, think about how happy your child is being away from home and if you think they are ready for sleep-away camp.
If you’re sending your child to a resident camp, think about the distance and travel arrangements. If it is a day camp, know the hours, if meals are served and if transit is supplied.
Finding a camp
Local newspapers and magazines are one place to start. Your town may hold day camps for residents; call the municipal office to find out. Other resources include libraries, nonprofit groups, churches, parks and recreation bureaus, historical societies, schools, YMCA or YWCA, Boy or Girl Scout councils, and the internet.
Choosing a camp
Keep this in mind when choosing a camp:
- What is the camp’s philosophy?
- What is the number of counselors to campers?
- What are the ages of counselors?
- How does the camp handle special needs?
- How are behavioral and disciplinary problems handled?
- How does the camp handle camper homesickness and other adjustment issues?
Know the camp’s reputation, safety records and cost. Fees vary according to the type of camp, the facilities offered and the camper’s needs. Some camps offer financial help.
Involve your child in the choosing process. Narrow down the choices, review the info with your child and then choose the ones in which you are most interested.
The early bird catches the worm
Sign up can start as early as January, with some giving the past year’s campers priority in registration. While some camps require early enrollment, others allow sign up until it starts. Some offer discounted rates for those who sign up ahead of time.
Resource
Summer camp can be a fun way for your child to build skills such as self-esteem, creativity and teamwork. But before you send your child to camp, you need to know a few things.
Types of camps
There are three main types of camps.
- Resident camp: Children sleep overnight and take part in a variety of activities.
- Day camp: Many offer programs like resident camps, but without sleeping quarters.
- Tour and travel camp: Campers move to sites by hiking, canoeing, horseback riding or other means. The camper’s housing can vary. Those in travel camps explore places of interest.
Find out your child’s interests
After your child has made the choice to go to a camp, sit down with them and answer these questions:
- What do they want to get from the camp? What do you want them to gain? Learn new skills, build more self-confidence, improve skills in certain areas?
- What are the areas they want to explore?
- What kind of emphasis will they profit from the most? For example, is a lot of structure desirable; do they need a place where they are encouraged to grow at their own pace?
While some camps offer many activities, others focus on one area of interest. Look at your child’s interests before choosing a camp.
Know your child’s needs
Do they have health issue that may hinder their ability to take part in certain camps? Many groups sponsor camps for children who have certain health issues.
Keep in mind any intellectual, social or emotional limitations your child may have. For example, many hospice groups offer summer camps for children who are grieving the loss of a loved one.
If you are thinking about a sleep-away camp, think about how happy your child is being away from home and if you think they are ready for sleep-away camp.
If you’re sending your child to a resident camp, think about the distance and travel arrangements. If it is a day camp, know the hours, if meals are served and if transit is supplied.
Finding a camp
Local newspapers and magazines are one place to start. Your town may hold day camps for residents; call the municipal office to find out. Other resources include libraries, nonprofit groups, churches, parks and recreation bureaus, historical societies, schools, YMCA or YWCA, Boy or Girl Scout councils, and the internet.
Choosing a camp
Keep this in mind when choosing a camp:
- What is the camp’s philosophy?
- What is the number of counselors to campers?
- What are the ages of counselors?
- How does the camp handle special needs?
- How are behavioral and disciplinary problems handled?
- How does the camp handle camper homesickness and other adjustment issues?
Know the camp’s reputation, safety records and cost. Fees vary according to the type of camp, the facilities offered and the camper’s needs. Some camps offer financial help.
Involve your child in the choosing process. Narrow down the choices, review the info with your child and then choose the ones in which you are most interested.
The early bird catches the worm
Sign up can start as early as January, with some giving the past year’s campers priority in registration. While some camps require early enrollment, others allow sign up until it starts. Some offer discounted rates for those who sign up ahead of time.
Resource
Summer camp can be a fun way for your child to build skills such as self-esteem, creativity and teamwork. But before you send your child to camp, you need to know a few things.
Types of camps
There are three main types of camps.
- Resident camp: Children sleep overnight and take part in a variety of activities.
- Day camp: Many offer programs like resident camps, but without sleeping quarters.
- Tour and travel camp: Campers move to sites by hiking, canoeing, horseback riding or other means. The camper’s housing can vary. Those in travel camps explore places of interest.
Find out your child’s interests
After your child has made the choice to go to a camp, sit down with them and answer these questions:
- What do they want to get from the camp? What do you want them to gain? Learn new skills, build more self-confidence, improve skills in certain areas?
- What are the areas they want to explore?
- What kind of emphasis will they profit from the most? For example, is a lot of structure desirable; do they need a place where they are encouraged to grow at their own pace?
While some camps offer many activities, others focus on one area of interest. Look at your child’s interests before choosing a camp.
Know your child’s needs
Do they have health issue that may hinder their ability to take part in certain camps? Many groups sponsor camps for children who have certain health issues.
Keep in mind any intellectual, social or emotional limitations your child may have. For example, many hospice groups offer summer camps for children who are grieving the loss of a loved one.
If you are thinking about a sleep-away camp, think about how happy your child is being away from home and if you think they are ready for sleep-away camp.
If you’re sending your child to a resident camp, think about the distance and travel arrangements. If it is a day camp, know the hours, if meals are served and if transit is supplied.
Finding a camp
Local newspapers and magazines are one place to start. Your town may hold day camps for residents; call the municipal office to find out. Other resources include libraries, nonprofit groups, churches, parks and recreation bureaus, historical societies, schools, YMCA or YWCA, Boy or Girl Scout councils, and the internet.
Choosing a camp
Keep this in mind when choosing a camp:
- What is the camp’s philosophy?
- What is the number of counselors to campers?
- What are the ages of counselors?
- How does the camp handle special needs?
- How are behavioral and disciplinary problems handled?
- How does the camp handle camper homesickness and other adjustment issues?
Know the camp’s reputation, safety records and cost. Fees vary according to the type of camp, the facilities offered and the camper’s needs. Some camps offer financial help.
Involve your child in the choosing process. Narrow down the choices, review the info with your child and then choose the ones in which you are most interested.
The early bird catches the worm
Sign up can start as early as January, with some giving the past year’s campers priority in registration. While some camps require early enrollment, others allow sign up until it starts. Some offer discounted rates for those who sign up ahead of time.
Resource