Five Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Camp
As winter slowly thaws to spring, the time arrives to start planning for how to keep our children occupied and entertained during summer vacation. Pool passes, splash pads and family vacations may be in the picture, as well as the possibility of sending your children to summer camps. When I was growing up, we had a local Bible camp that some of my friends enjoyed, but camp was not something I experienced. Nowadays, especially in a more suburban area, camps come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. How do you know where to start looking and which one is right for your family?
Tip: Use KC Parent's Camp Guide to find the best camp for your child!
What type of camp?
First consider what type of camp your child would enjoy and that you would like for them to experience. Maybe your budding artist would be thrilled to continue learning art techniques at an art camp. Perhaps your child is interested in learning more about becoming a chef, making a cooking camp helpful. Sports camps hone kids’ athletic skills, and faith-based camps are another option.
What is camp’s duration?
The length of the camp is also a critical detail to consider. If your child is enthusiastic about a particular camp, she may want to spend a week or two enjoying what the camp has to offer. On the other hand, maybe she wants to have the experience but also enjoy a more laid-back summer as well. Check to see whether there are morning- or afternoon-only camps compared to full-day camps to cater to your needs. The age of your child can be a big deciding factor for how long she will be able to enjoy a day at camp as well.
Are we overnight ready?
One of the main questions that pops into my mind when I hear “summer camp” is will it be overnight? My kids are still in their younger years, but we are definitely entering this era. As a parent, you need to determine whether you think your child is ready and able to go to an overnight camp or not. You also need to decide whether you are ready for that leap as a parent. Discuss details and expectations with your child, as well as what to do if he needs you or changes his mind while he’s there.
Will any of my child’s friends be attending?
One of the best parts of camp, and summer in general, is spending time with your friends. Now we know that children can make friends once they acclimate to camp, but having friends go to the same camp with you is fun too. Check with the parents of your children’s pals to see what they’re looking into for summer camps. If your child knows he will have a familiar face to look for once at camp, he may feel at home there sooner.
What is the mission of the camp and how is safety handled?
As with any facility caring for your children, make sure to do some background checks on what this camp’s mission statement is, as well as what their staff-to-camper ratio is. Also learn how the camp staff is screened and trained, and whether a nurse is on staff. Make sure you know how to be reached in case of an emergency and how you will be able to communicate with your child while she is away.
Summer camp has all the sentimental feel of carefree summer movie reels, with time spent figuring out who you are as an individual, how to work as a team, and making memories with possible lifelong friends. Word of mouth is a great method to find hidden summer camp treasures and activities, too, so ask around your friend circles, neighborhood, community centers, churches and even schools.
Tip: Use KC Parent's Camp Guide to find the best camp for your child!
Stephanie Loux is the mother of Layla, 8, Mason, 7, and Slade, 3, and has sent her kids to three different VBS programs during the summer to enjoy a bit of summer peace.