Choosing a Summer Camp for Your Child
Aaaah, summer camp. A time for kids to make memories, bond with new friends and taste some freedom away from Mom and Dad. For parents, however, sending children to summer camp can be a daunting task that involves research, budgeting for tuition and setting goals and expectations for the summer camp experience.
As you and your children begin your camp search, it is important to learn about the three basic camp models: day camps, overnight camps and specialty camps (which can be day or overnight). There are pros and cons to each category, as listed below.
Search KC Parent's online camp guide for information on the best camp for your child.
Day camps
Day camps are usually more flexible, offering various options throughout the summer. The same camp is often held repeatedly, every day for a week, or once a week throughout the summer, allowing families to choose the week or days that work for them. Also, day camps are usually more affordable than overnight camps. However, day camps may offer less in-depth activities, and your child will probably not bond as closely with other campers as she would at an overnight camp.
Overnight camps
Overnight camps will provide a greater chance for long lasting, meaningful friendships, as opposed to day camps. Also, children will find more independence and experience true growth as they are away from Mom and Dad for an extended period of time. On the other hand, overnight camps are more expensive than day camps and will use up more of the family’s budget for summer activities. Additionally, having their children away from them and under the supervision of others makes some parents uncomfortable. You and your children should decide together whether they are mature enough for the responsibilities related to overnight camps.
Specialty camps
Specialty camps can be offered in day camp or overnight camp format. On the positive side, specialty camps are tailored to specific talents and interests. For example, if your child has a passion for music, a music camp might offer her exactly the memories and opportunities she desires. However, specialty camps likely will not offer the well-rounded camp experience that more generalized camps will. Non-specialty camps may offer your child new activities that he has not tried before, whereas a specialty camp geared toward something he already loves may allow him to remain in his comfort zone a bit more.
Another complication that often arises when researching camps is the cost. Keep in mind that many camps offer scholarships as well as payment plans, so if the cost of camp is a concern, look into those options. If you are considering a very expensive camp, realize that the high tuition camps cost more for a reason. They will likely offer nicer housing, more elaborate excursions and higher end products for the children to use. While those options are enticing, there are long lists of less expensive, yet worthwhile, camps in the KC area. These camps may be more rustic and simple, but there will still be friends for your kids to make and memorable activities for them to enjoy.
In searching for the best camp for your son or daughter, you may consider checking the American Camp Association. The ACA accredits camps across the country using up to 300 standards of assessment, such as staff training and emergency management. ACA accreditation is voluntary, and it is a camp director’s decision to apply for it. Check out ACACamps.org for more information.
As you research summer camps…
- Talk to your child. Ask him what he would like to do this summer. Does camp interest him? If so, what kind? What does he hope to experience at the camp? Does he have any reservations about going to camp?
- Have a talk with yourself, as a parent. How do you think a camp might benefit your child? According to the American Camp Association, camps should build self-esteem, promote healthy living and inspire confidence and courage in children to become leaders of tomorrow. Can you envision your child having these experiences at camp?
- Talk to others. Once you find a camp that interests your child, ask for references. Talk to other parents who have sent their children there, and talk to the children themselves. Take a tour of the facility, and meet the director and staff before committing. Include your child on the tour and ask her opinion about it.
Karen Johnson is a former high school English teacher turned stay-at-home mom. She lives in Olathe with her three children, ages 5, 3 and 1. Follow her adventures at 21stCenturySAHM.blogspot.com.