I know it sounds nuts, but summer camps really are already starting to fill up! I also know that sending your kids away to summer camp can be stressful for parents, especially newbies.
Below is a helpful checklist from a bonafide summer camp aficionado to ensure that you choose the right camp for your family, so you can relax and enjoy the summer… and speaking of summer and camps, don’t forget to also download our free planner:
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Camp Accreditation
Just who are these people we’re leaving our kids with anyway? You can confirm that the camps you are considering are accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA). The ACA has been ensuring the quality and safety of camp programs for over 100 years.
Camp Type
Depending on their age and your personal family needs, you’ll want to consider a few things:
Single-Sex Camp
Girls-only or boys-only camps can remove distraction, the urge to impress the opposite sex, and make kids feel more comfortable to be themselves and try new things. This makes it a nice option for your kids’ first camp experience.
Coed Camp
On the other hand, keep in mind that interacting with the opposite sex offers the opportunity to learn important social skills in a supervised environment.
Sleepaway Camp
It’s different for every kid, but typically kids are ready for sleepaway camp after the age of eight.
This can be a scary step for parents, but the independence of a sleepaway camp teaches kids important life skills and helps them build the confidence to stand on their own two feet, in a safe environment.
Camp Specialties
There are camps for everything these days; sports, art, science, coding, exploring… the list goes on and on. When picking, consider those that match your kids’ known interests, but also remember that camp also offers an opportunity to challenge them to try new things.
Consider activities your child enjoys, ones that foster skills that will help them improve at certain disciplines (acting, cooking, art, sports, etc.), as well learn new things that will make them more well-rounded people.
Camp Visit
The final step is to set up a time to visit the camp and meet the director and instructors. Many camps offer an Open House for parents and kids to see the grounds and meet instructors and fellow campers. This is the best way to get an actual feel for what the camp will be like.
This is also your opportunity to ask any final questions you have about the camp (daily schedule, sleeping arrangements, emergency procedures, etc.) and its instructors (how they are trained, vetted, etc.).
Whatever you decide, summer camp is meant to be a great experience for kids that will teach important skills and leave them with memories to last a lifetime. Plus, it can be a great opportunity for parents to enjoy some relaxation and the chance to reconnect without kids around.
About the Author:
Daniel Hammond is the Director of Pali Adventures, offering 21 specialties and over 70 electives kids can choose from in Running Springs, CA. Pali is different from other specialty camps because their specialties are so accessible. The programs are encouraging and supportive of all ability levels. They love to see campers explore activities they have only dreamed about; Pali tailors an experience to each camper. Specialties are loosely grouped into four broad categories – Adventure, Creativity, Performance and Leadership.
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