Tip: Use the KC Parent Summer Camp Guide to find the best local camps!
1) How often do I want to have my child occupied/entertained over break?
- a. The majority of break.
- b. About 50 percent of break.
- c. Occasionally.
- d. Maybe a couple of times
2) Does my child need to work on anything specific over break?
- a. Yes.
- b. Part-time help would be helpful.
- c. Some refreshers here and there would be great.
- d. Not really.
3) How do I feel about overnight camp?
- a. I think it’s a great rite of passage!
- b. I think a few nights would be fun!
- c. I think a couple nights may be okay.
- d. I’m not quite ready for that yet.
4) I think it’s important to keep up with academics over break.
- a. Absolutely!
- b. Mostly.
- c. Somewhat.
- d. Let them enjoy their childhood vacation!
5) I would like my children to focus on one of their interests.
- a. Strongly agree.
- b. Agree.
- c. Somewhat agree.
- d. Neutral.
6) I would like my child to stay active over break.
- a. Strongly agree.
- b. Agree.
- c. Somewhat agree.
- d. Neutral.
7) I would like my child to improve athletically over break.
- a. Strongly agree.
- b. Agree.
- c. Somewhat agree.
- d. Not really.
8) I would like my child to improve artistically over break.
- a. Strongly agree.
- b. Agree.
- c. Somewhat agree.
- d. Not really.
9) I would like my children to be with their friends over break.
- a. Strongly agree.
- b. Agree.
- c. Somewhat agree
- d. Not really.
10) I would like my child to gain more independence this year.
- a. Strongly agree.
- b. Agree.
- c. Somewhat agree.
- d. Not really.
11) How far away am I comfortable sending my child?
- a. If the camp is worth it, we’ll go!
- b. Maybe half a day’s drive.
- c. An hour away.
- d. It needs to be within 30 minutes.
12) How much is cost a factor?
- a. It’s not a factor.
- b. Not much.
- c. A little bit.
- d. A lot.
Mostly A’s: Sounds like you’re ready for your kiddo to enjoy all there is to experience at a long-term summer camp, even overnight! Chances are you experienced and loved summer camp as a child (or wished you could have) and want your child to have that experience too! Camp can provide kids with life skills, socialization, and keep them active and learning in a different way over the summer.
Mostly B’s: Sounds like you’re ready to have your children experience some various day camps according to their interests. Maybe they will fine-tune their drawing skills or come home the best free-throw shooter for the team! Selecting a few different camps can help kids focus on one area at a time and maybe be with different friends throughout the summer.
Mostly C’s: Sounds like you’re ready to get your feet wet with some shorter camps throughout the summer as they are available and work into your schedule. These can give the kids something to look forward to and you a break from entertaining them 24/7, but you’ll have room in your schedule for a relaxed summer vacation.
Mostly D’s: Sounds like you’re not quite ready to start in on summer camps, or perhaps they don’t seem that important or worth it to you. Maybe you’re able to be home with them and enjoy doing a summer bucket list and spending time with them before they head back to school. Perhaps a week or two at some local vacation Bible schools is a reasonable way to fulfill any camp-like experience you feel your kids need.
Tip: Use the KC Parent Summer Camp Guide to find the best local camps!
Stephanie Loux is the mother of Layla, 9, Mason, 8, and Slade, 4, and has been known to send her kids to numerous VBS camps throughout the summer and has finally reached that magical time when all three can go at the same time!