Narrowing Your Camp Choices

by Amanda Formaro

Heading to summer camp is a fun and exciting experience for your child.  You however, may feel some apprehension about watching your smiling offspring head off without you for a few weeks.  How do you know which camp is the best fit for your child?  There are several factors to consider when choosing a summer camp your son or daughter will enjoy.

Finding the Best Fit
It's important to sit down with your child and decide what they wish to gain from their summer camp experience.  Perhaps the outdoor activities are high on Johnny's priority list, but Lisa may be more focused on arts & crafts.  Is there something your child wants to gain from the camp experience?  Learning to paddle and steer a canoe or ride and care for a horse, whatever the case, these are important factors to consider.  Be sure to ask about camp activities and how much time is spent in each area.

Cost
Obviously the cost involved with summer camp is a significant deciding factor.  Before sitting down with your child and going over the camps available, you may wish to go through each one and decide which of them will fit into your budget first.  Present the camps that fit into your finances and help your child pick from among them.

Don't Limit by Location
There are summer camps all over the United States and Canada.  If this is your child's first summer camp experience, one closer to home may be a better option.  However, if your child has attended summer camp before, don't discount camps that may be in another state.  With so many choices available, you may find a camp that's farther away but has more of your child's interests in mind.

Safety & Administration
When deciding on a summer camp, be sure to find out what their procedures are should a medical emergency arise.  How far is the nearest hospital?  Are all staff members trained and certified in CPR? Is there a medical area on the grounds, and how is it staffed and stocked?

The most important thing in choosing a summer camp for your child is to be well informed.  Research thousands of camps at MySummerCamps and KidsCamps, ask plenty of questions, and don't be afraid to ask for referrals.  Your child will thank you for it.