Choosing a summer camp program for your child involves some important research. Because the camp experience will have significant impact on your child's life, it's important for parents to consider several things in order to choose a camp wisely.

First of all, include your child in the decision.  It's important for parents to make an effort to understand what their child wants and why. Children will most likely base their decision on the programs available, while as a parent you will need to consider other factors. Finding a good balance is key. Determine whether your child is looking to learn a new skill or become more proficient in a skill they already possess. From there you'll need to decide if there are other factors involved such as any physical, intellectual, or social limitations that should be considered.

Another element to consider is the duration of the program. The length of the camp session can make a big difference in the effectiveness of a camp program. In general, longer sessions mean more skill development. However, some children thrive more in a day camp setting, while others get more out of an overnight camp.

After decided whether you want a day camp or an overnight camp, you'll want to evaluate what type and how many programs each camp offers. 

As you might imagine, camps offer a wide variety of programs. Some camps may emphasize one activity while others will offer a wide array of programs. Camps in which a camper would devote a majority of his or her time to one activity are often referred to as Specialty Camps. In these camps, staff and facilities are geared to provide an intensive experience in a single area such as tennis, horseback riding, gymnastics, sailing or wilderness. Naturally, these camps have other facilities and activities that provide campers with additional experiences. A more traditional camp program tends to be broader in terms of what it offers.

Ask to discuss or review the schedule of a typical day at camp. This can be detrimental in helping you decide if your child will be happy with the camp's offerings. Be sure to ask how much freedom a child has in choosing their activities.

Once you've narrowed it down to a handful of choices, you'll want to find out what the camps goals are and how each program offered meets those goals. Are family visits or other communication with campers allowed? How is homesickness handled?

Ask camps for their mission statement and then look at their literature and camp video to see how the mission of the camp is woven into the overall camp philosophy.

The composition of the staff is, for most parents, the most important consideration in choosing a great camp. Find out how long the directors been at the helm and what their priorities are when selecting staff. Factors to consider are whether or not they conduct background checks, what percentage of the staff is foreign, and what the staff-to-camper ratio is. Also evaluate the average age and experience of the staff to determine the right fit for your child. There is no "right" answer to these questions, but the answers you receive might spark a deeper conversation about a camp's staffing philosophy.

Remember that a good camp experience can be a long-term investment that will affect many other areas of your child's life.  However, don't discount some of the low-cost camps, they are still great options. Many are supported by an organization that supplements camper fees because of the nature of their program offerings.  Some camps offer discounts for families facing financial challenges.

Nonprofit camps, such as "Y" camps and Federation camps, are less expensive than private camps and should also be taken into consideration.

Generally, children will attend sleep away camps from two to eight weeks. Some general camps will offer a 1-2 week trial session for younger children and/or first time campers. Specialty camps may offer a one week session in a particular sport or activity. One week sessions, where available, range from $500-$2000. Two week sessions will range in cost from $1000-$4000. Four weeks will cost from $1700 to $7000. Full season camps, lasting 7-9 weeks will range from $3500 to $11000. The cost ranges shown include both general and specialty camps. Costs for each may vary based on the activities and location of each program.

• Is your deposit refundable? 

• Are there extra charges for any activities? 

• Are meals and transportation included? 

• Is financial aid available?

While most states have regulations for camps, there is no federal oversight of camps' health and safety. There are numerous organizations that grant accreditation to camps- the ACA, AEE, CCA, GSA, BCCA, and the list goes on. 

The ACA, American Camp Association, is by far the largest accrediting organization for camps. Find out what organizations accredit the camps on your list and ask about the accreditation. Many excellent camps are not accredited but should be prepared to tell you how their program is evaluated and improved in an ongoing fashion. The ACA recommends that an overnight camp have a licensed physician or registered nurse on the site every day, and that day camps should have direct phone access. 

Find out what the rules are and how they are enforced. Ask about the camp's insurance coverage. Check the condition and safety of the facilities and equipment.

 If it is too close to home, part of the camp experience may be lost. Too far from home & travel costs can become an issue. Other considerations with location include the temperature during the summer, and activities suitable to the geographic region. Another factor is the age of your child and whether or not they have attended camp in the past. Be sure to find out if the camp provides transportation of that responsibility lies with you. If they do transport campers, ask what vehicles are used and how often they are inspected. Find out who drives them and what training those drivers have.

Finding the right camp for your family can be challenging, but these questions should help you narrow down your choices and provide your child with an unforgettable memory they'll cherish forever.

Looking for a camp that will help your athletic child excel? Maybe little Johnny is a potential baseball or football star, or maybe his skills are in  the Martial Arts or archery. No matter what area of athleticism your child competes in, chances are there's a camp for that!

Don't let the lazy days of summer turn into a mind numbing video game marathon. Kids love to stay in shape and keep their skills honed, and what better way than with a camp full of kids with similar interests and skills? Think outside the box too. The word "sports" encompasses much more than just football, baseball and basketball. 

Other areas include paintball, diving, horseback riding, fishing, wakeboarding, and yoga. If fitness is involved, it's a sport! Other areas to consider are golf, rock climbing, fencing, and bowling. If you aren't sure, you can always browse our Sports Camps as well as our Adventure Camps to see what's available to your family. 

Keeping kids active during summer break can sometimes be a challenge. With the invent of addictive video games and many of your child's friends traveling during the summer, sometimes you'll hear "but there's nothing to do!" A great way to keep that complaint at bay and keep your kids active and outdoors is to find a camp where they will thrive. 

Is your young teen daughter in love with dolphins and seals? Then a marine biology camp could be just the right match! Maybe your son is a whiz on the skateboard. So pack up the protective gear and let him hit the ramps with his peers. 

If your child is on the more serious side and looking to keep their gymnastic skills sharp or their football throwing arm in shape, then training throughout the summer at a specialized camp is something to seriously consider. Olympic and big league athletes didn't get where they are today by sitting on the couch! Keep your kids happy, active and in shape by finding the right camp to sharpen their skills and keep them on top of their game.

Be sure to browse all of the different categories within our Sports Camps section and our Adventure Camps section as well.

Oxbow Summer Art Camp - No lanyards made here! The Oxbow Summer Art Camp offers two unique 'art-immersion' programs for youth ages 14-16 who LOVE ART! Check out this camp

Fashion Extravaganza Camp - A one of a kind fashion day camp since 2005, this program was developed by a fashion designer along with fashion industry assistance. Check out this camp

Cali-Camp at Big Rock Ranch - Cali-Camp celebrates it's 56th season as a premier day camp for campers age 4 through 14. Choose your weeks and days, transportation included. Check out this camp

Click here to browse all of the Arts & Crafts Camps in our directory to find the right one for your child!

Perhaps your child is heavy into ice hockey or maybe their interests are focused more on astronomy or biology. There are adventure camps, art camps, and religious camps as well. If you have a special needs child, there are camps focused on them as well. From Asperger's to the visually impaired and everything in between. 

 

You can also roast marshmallows over the flame of your gas stove, but we only recommend this with adult supervision. And be careful, burnt marshmallow is not fun to clean up!

one of the easiest ways to bring summer camp in during the off season is to make crafts. There are plenty of projects you can do with your kids, or set out the supplies on the table and let them go to town! While hunting for leaves and other natural materials may not be an option during the winter months, there are plenty of paper crafts, bead projects and other ideas to bring back those camp crafting memories.

Pony beads are inexpensive and provide hours of fun. Surely you remember the beaded lizards your kids have made over the years? There's a free pattern here so you can continue to make these at home any time you like. Another common summer craft project is to make a God's Eye. All you need are some craft sticks and yarn to make this fun craft! Another really popular camp craft your kids will enjoy is the dream catcher. 

Having a slumber party is a great way to relive those fun nights from camp. Have kids bring sleeping bags and pillows, plan to make a craft, like one of them above, and make S'mores by cooking the marshmallows over the stove top! Help kids create a tent from a blanket or sheet, or if you have enough room pitch a real tent inside! Provide a flashlight to shine under their chin while telling ghost stories. Keep the television off and plan some fun games that can be played sitting in a circle or that don't require a lot of space.

Ask your kids what their favorites parts of camp were and try to recreate them at home. Obviously activities such as kayaking and hiking in the woods are out, but swimming can still be done, even in the winter months! Many cities and towns have recreation areas with indoor swimming pools. Water parks are growing in popularity and popping up everywhere, chances are there's one near you. Your kids will tell you what they enjoyed most and with a little imagination, you can come up with plenty of ideas to bring summer camp home!