7. Specialty Camps
This is the wave of today and the future. Now, there are camps focused on science, surfing, cowboy activities, and theater arts, in addition to the traditional camp that offers swimming, arts-and-crafts, and so on. Based on your child's interests, research camps that appeal to their talents. You can also choose a camp that helps develop skills you and your child agree could use a little boost in the fun atmosphere of camp. You might want to let your child try one week at a specialty camp aside from the weeks she does a traditional camp.
8. Consider the Heat
It gets real hot in many parts of the country. Be sure the camp you choose has adequate shade and air-conditioned indoor areas for when it gets scorching. Also inquire about the frequency of water breaks so kids can stay hydrated.
9. Be Safe
Heat is just one safety consideration. You need to ask about medical training of the staff and the proximity of a hospital. If you tour the campus, check out the equipment for accident-proneness.
10. Check Accreditation
The American Camping Association ( www.acacamps.org) is the chief accreditor of camps nationwide. Their strict standards help make camps better and safer, justifiably comforting parents who see the ACA label on the brochures of the camps they research. They are also a fine resource for more details on what makes a camp right for your child, so I encourage you to visit their Web site. For camps out West, there is the Western Association of Independent Camps ( www.waic.org) which serves a similar purpose to that of the ACA, but has a regional focus.
Good luck in your efforts to find a great camp. There are loads of them out there. And, remember, camp is not supposed to be a training ground for lawyers, doctors, and captains of industry, so don't overthink your choice. Choose fun first and last and you'll choose correctly.
2006 Gregory Keer. All rights reserved.
About the Author:
Gregory Keer
is a syndicated columnist, educator, and on-air expert on
fatherhood. His Family ManTM column appears in publications
such as L.A. Parent, Boston Parents' Paper, Metro Augusta
Parent, and Sydney's Child in Australia. Keer's parenting
advice is found at his online magazine,
www.familymanonline.com. In
addition to writing for
Parenting magazine and the Parents' Choice Foundation,
Keer contributes to
USA
Today, Pregnancy magazine, DrLaura.com,
ParentingBookmark.com, Pregnancy.org, and CanadianParents.com.
With parents all over the country, Keer works as a parenting
coach and can be contacted at
http://www.familymanonline.com/section.php?section=consulting>/font>
for further details. In the media, he is a featured guest
expert on television and radio and advisor to the Cartoon
Network. He and his wife are the proud parents of three sons.
Keer can be reached at his Web site,
www.familymanonline.com.
Copyright 2007 Modern Mom, LLC. All rights reserved.
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