Choosing the Right Camp for Your Child
Even though it may not feel like it, summer is right around the corner here in Kansas City! You’ve probably been bombarded with advertisements, magazines and fliers promoting summer camps in and around the KC metro. We certainly are blessed with a plethora of choices for our children, but deciding can feel quite overwhelming … do we send our children to an overnight camp or a half-day camp? Sports camp or theater camp? What about all-day camps? Here is a quick guide to help you navigate the variety of options!
Tip: Check out KC Parent's Summer Camp Guide!
Half-Day Camp
Half-day camps are an excellent option for any age of child, but especially for younger children or first-time campers. Half-day camps are also a worthwhile choice for any age of child wanting to try something new. If your children have never tried theater or basketball before, attending a half-day camp gives them an opportunity to check it out for a short amount of time.
Full-Day Camp
Because many of these camps operate with extended hours, they are often a great option for working or single parent families. Day camps typically start soon after the regular school year has ended, run through the summer and offer a variety of options. Some provide before and after care, as well as the ability to register only for the weeks you need. These camps are in many locations around the area, so you’re sure to find one that works best for your family. Be aware these camps fill up quickly but many do offer a wait list!
Overnight Camp
The idea of kids’ spending the night away from home for several days in a row can be quite scary for both youngsters and parents. Overnight camp might be a great option if you have a super outgoing and active child or one who is an experienced camper. You can also choose camps based on the needs of your child. “For my youngest, we chose an overnight camp that was closer to home in case he needed to be picked up,” shares Nora Whitcomb, Olathe mom of three. “We also made sure it was only for a couple of nights since it was his first time.”
Special Interest Camp
Have a child who likes sports? There’s a camp for that! Do you have a child who prefers artsy things? There’s a camp for that too! Does your child love nature and outdoors? Guess what?! There’s a camp for that! The sky’s the limit when it comes to finding a special interest camp. Perhaps let your child choose one of interest, then pick one together that can stretch your camper a bit, too.
Now that you have a basic overview of the types of camps, what else goes into choosing a summer camp for your child? First, figure out where your children’s interests lie. You may want them to go to one camp, but they may have a desire for something different. You don’t want to haggle each time they leave for camp and certainly don’t want to waste your money. Be sure to include your kids in the conversation. Amber Schrage, Olathe mom of two, agrees: “With my boys, we sit down and discuss interests first. We really like to read the descriptions to see if it describes what they are looking for. We don’t want something too simple that they are bored or so difficult that they lose interest either.”
After figuring out interest level, take a look at your family budget. Be conscious of the costs associated with the camps your children are interested in, because the costs add up quite quickly, especially with multiple children. You can soon find yourself way over budget if you aren’t careful!
Once you’ve narrowed down areas of interest and budget, look at your family calendar and determine which days and weeks are available. Plug in nonnegotiables such as vacations and birthdays. You’ll also want to consider how busy you want your schedule to be. “After figuring out what interests my daughters, I start putting the puzzle together, working around vacations and still trying to give my kids time at home to just enjoy summer,” says Rae Ann McDaniel, Olathe mom of two.
After nailing down interests and schedules (you’ll probably be exhausted!), the time has come to actually research camp options. We chat with our neighbors, church and school friends when deciding on camps. It’s always good to see what our kids’ friends are doing. That way, especially if going to a new camp, they have friendly faces which helps them settle in and feel comfortable. Josh Flett, Olathe dad of two, also says, “We always keep an eye out for organizations we trust and look through their camp offerings. If our older daughter had a great experience at a camp, then we’ll go back to them for our younger daughter, too.”
Another important note when choosing a summer camp is to take into consideration the reputation of the camp and staff. “When choosing a summer camp, we look at the background of the staff first, as far as experience and reputation. Then we look at the ratio of campers to camp instructors,” Richard Davies, Olathe dad of two, says. “Location and times are important also, but for us, quality of staff is our priority.”
Summer camp has so many benefits to offer your children. At camp, they form friendships, make memories, gain confidence and learn new skills. So take a deep breath and plunge headfirst into the summer camp process! You and your kids will be glad you did!
Julie Collett is looking forward to registering her four children in just enough summer camps to keep them active, but not so many that summer is overly scheduled!