Camp
Adults often look back fondly on
their childhood experiences at
summer camp. Camps can provide
the opportunity to form lifelong
friendships and discover rewarding
hobbies that can enrich campers’ lives
for decades to come.
Choosing a summer camp is no
small task, as the options at families’
disposal range from overnight camps
to weekday afternoon camps to camps
that specialize in certain programs,
such as music or dance. Cost also is
likely to factor into families’ decisions,
as the American Camp Association
notes that cost can vary greatly depending
on which camp families choose. For
example, the ACA notes that the average
daily fee at a resident camp is $85,
while the same fee at a day camp is $43.
When looking for a summer camp
for kids, families should make the decision
together. Kids should be involved
in the selection process, as they’re
more likely to have an enjoyable camp
experience if they had a say in where
they will be spending their summers.
The following are some factors families
should consider as they look for
summer camps, courtesy of the ACA.
COURIER L 30 IFE, FEBRUARY 21-27, 2020
Kids’ interests
The ACA urges parents to consider
the child’s interests and personality before
choosing a summer camp. Parents
might want their children to attend
the same summer camp they visited as
youngsters, but each child is different.
Just because mom and dad liked a particular
camp does not mean their children
will. The ACA notes that summer
camps should align with children’s interests
and maturity level.
Locale
Locale may only be a consideration
for families considering overnight
camps. Kids will likely be familiar
with the locations of local day
camps, but overnight camps might
be set in mountain ranges, near the
ocean or environments less familiar
to youngsters. Kids who love the
ocean might benefi t from oceanfront
camps that focus on marine biology,
boating or other activities involving
the water. In the same vein, youngsters
who like camping and hiking
might be more likely to embrace
camps located in mountainous regions.
Session length
Camps may last as little as one week
or up to a couple of months. Session
length should be considered by families
looking at both local day camps and
overnight resident camps. Parents who
want their children to enjoy a largely
schedule-free summer might not want
to commit their children to lengthy
camp sessions, even if those sessions
are close to home. If parents think their
children can benefi t from the same
structure they’re accustomed to during
the school year, then an overnight
camp that stretches for several weeks
might be what they’re looking for.
Summer camps give kids a chance
to make memories that will last a lifetime.
Choosing the right camp is an
important decision that parents and
kids should make together.
Factors to consider before
choosing a summer camp
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