Co-op Camp

Have you planned out your summer? Not yet? No fear! Loads of time remains to plan a fun summer for not only you, but the kids as well! The Sarver girls are both signed up for a performance camp for one week, and this year, we’ll be participating in and hosting a co-op camp. Last year was our inaugural year with the camp, and it was a blast, so we’re back for year two. Think a co-op camp may be right for you? Read on to find out how to plan a camp in just four easy steps:

Find Friends

Find another family (or two) that shares both kids near the same age and a schedule similar to yours. We have good friends who have daughters the same age as ours, so it was a natural fit. I work from home, and my friend works for a school, so we are both fortunate to have flexible schedules.

Think of a Theme

Once you decide who’s part of the camp, the fun begins! You can choose a theme together or on your own. We come up with our own theme and then make sure there is no overlap. Find what interests you and then turn it into a camp theme. The internet is a virtual wonderland when it comes to ideas to support your themes. Spend a couple of hours researching on Pinterst and you’ll have camp planned in no time. This year we are having “Disney Adventures” and “Around the World.” Last year’s camp themes were “Through the Decades” (complete with the girls making a music video to “Walk Like an Egyptian”) and “Under the Sea” (which included a visit to the beach at Shawnee Mission Lake and Sea Life Aquarium).

Determine Details

Next, find two mutually agreeable dates that work for the camps. You’ll need to decide several things. How long is camp—half day or full day? How will lunch and snacks be handled—will kids bring it to camp or will the host provide? What time does camp start? Will you have camp t-shirts? If so, get together early and use the occasion to get the kids excited for camp. What about cost for supplies and field trips? Will each host foot the bill for her week of camp, or will you collect monies for supplies? Working out these details beforehand will make for a smoother camp experience.

Make Memories

Be sure to take lots of photos throughout the week. If you, like me, aren’t the best at remembering to take pictures, assign a camp photographer. Also take notes on what you did each day. After camp ends, use Snapfish or a similar site to put together a camp book. Once camp has closed and the lazy, crazy days of summer are just a memory, your kids will love reliving the details through their camp book—and I can guarantee they’ll already be looking forward to the next year!

KC Parent Magazine editor Margaret Sarver enjoys preparing for her favorite season of all from her home in Lenexa with her husband and two daughters.