Locating a summer camp that's right for your child, fits into your schedule and is affordable can be a challenge. Overnight summer camps offer an opportunity to learn and make new friends, so it's important to find the right one for your child. Here are tips to ensure your child's summer camp is enjoyable and memorable.
Do a search for fun summer camps online and locate the best spots around where you live. Compare prices, activities, sleeping conditions and parental ratings. Don't be shy in making a few phone calls either.
Check local newspapers in the area you're interested in. Camps are businesses and place ads in a lot of publications. If you're looking for a sports camp, look in the sports section of the newspaper: Many big athletes like Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal and Tiger Woods host great sports camps.
Ask at your child's school administrators and teachers about camps. Most school counselors and sports coaches have this information. Some even have access to discounts.
Check your local church. Many offer summer camps for youths.
Decide if distance is important. If it's a day camp, you may have to provide transportation to and from. Consider the cost of transportation there and back as well as the cost to visit during the week if it's a sleep-away camp. Gas isn't cheap anymore.
Look into the total camp program. What activities does the camp emphasize? Are the activities structured? Are there elective activities your child can choose from? If it's a sports camp, what kind of medical attention is available?
Compare camps based on your child's interests and needs. All camps have an itinerary for each day: A detailed schedule of activities, meals, free time and sleeping/nap times. Sit down with your kid and ask them what they're looking for.
Examine the credentials of the camp staff and the kind of supervision provided. Is the ratio of adults-to-kids within recommended limits? Check the American Camping Association. (See Resources below.)
Read the rules and requirements for what your child needs to bring to camp. Sleep-away camps will have a list of required items allowed and items not allowed. There may be extra expenses involved such as special camp T-shirts, spending money or a camper awards banquet.
