Choosing the right summer camp for your kids can be easier said than done. With a flurry of camps out there offering a wad of options, finding that one camp where your child can learn and be his best can be quite an uphill task. To make your life easier, Camp Navigator lists a series of things that you must consider before signing up your little ones. Read on to know:
Discuss camp with your child
Even before you zero down to a choice, make sure you discuss camps with your kids. That way they won’t feel scared, anxious or homesick later. Approach them gently and try to find out what kind of camp they would prefer, how long would they want to stay, and what they would want to accomplish over a summer at a camp. Let summer camps be their own choice and not something that they are forced into. Whatever is your preference, having a brief talk with your child in advance will prepare them for it.
Consider the commute
Most kids and parents steer clear of sleep-away camps until age 9 or older. So day camps makes the obvious choice for many grade-school age kids. But since summer could mean shuttling between childcare and work, pick a camp that’s close to your home or work so that drop-offs and pick ups won’t hassle you.
Suss out the summer camp size
Check out for camp that says “limited session size” or “exclusive”. This is an indication of the number of kids a camp allows. If a camp of 20 is more likely to suit your child’s personality than a camp that facilitates 600 children, go for the former one, accordingly.
Try targeting an activity
Grade-schoolers focus better on interests. So considering a camp based on his interest might help where he can try and learn something new or pursue an activity he loves. A few day programs revolves around art or music or science or some other specific activity. So pick one accordingly.
Be specific with internet search terms
If you think your grade-schooler would enjoy hip-hop to a salsa camp, Google “hip hop summer camp for kids” than “dance camps for kids”. Being specific will save you a world of problems later.
Know their safety and emergency plans
This is an absolute must. Even before you enroll your kids, check what emergency and safety provisions they have? Is there a medically-trained staff person available all day? What is their plan for dealing with any kind of emergency? Know everything before signing up.
Call in to get a taste of the summer camp
You can gauge a lot about a camp just with a phone call or talking to a camp staff. Are they friendly and knowledgeable? Can they readily answer questions?Talk to them to find out their daily schedule and other details.
