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Parentpedia
Camp
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Summer camp is a fun-filled ritual for millions of American children. Going to camp helps kids build independence and self-esteem, make friends, learn about teamwork, and try a variety of sports, crafts, and outdoor activities. The best way to ensure summer camp success is to choose the right kind of camp for your child.
First, decide whether your child should go to sleep-away camp or day camp. Age is one factor to consider, but so are your child's temperament, personality, and life experiences. There's no "right" age for sleep-away camp, according to the American Psychiatric Association. Some kids are ready at age 5 or 6; for others, waiting until age 13 or 14 is more appropriate....
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If the idea of your child being away at a sleep-away camp is too much for you, you might want to consider family camp. This is a great way for your kids to get to experience the great outdoors in a fun, family environment. It could also work as a precursor to sleep-away camp in the future. Many local organizations such as the Y.M.C.A. offer family camp and these camps provide fun activities for kids to participate in with or without their parents. If they are going at it alone at either day-camp or sleep-away camp, educate yourself on the camp itself. Find out about counselor-to-kid ratio, first aid procedures, sleeping arrangements, meals, etc. Also, when packing their backpack or duffle bag, make sure you give them a couple of comfort items such as a teddy, family pictures or notes from Mom and Dad. This will help them know they are not far away from your heart.
Ask the parents of your child's friends what (if anything) they are doing about summer camp, whether it's a local day camp or a sleepaway camp. While it's great to encourage our child to make new friends, attending a camp with one or two old ones should make it easier for all.
Do start thinking about camp early in the year -- most offer early bird registration discounts. Also, the most popular facilities tend to fill up early, so the sooner you book the better.
When picking a camp, keep in mind session length. Some camps offer mulitple sessions throughout the summer. In addition, find the specifics of the costs that you will incur for camp. Camp tuition can range from all-inclusive to add-on fees.
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Helpful Resources
findingDulcinea Summer Camps Web Guide
A collection of online resources about finding and choosing the right summer camp for children.
March 26, 2008
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CampResource.com Summer Camp Directory
Search thousands of listings to find the best summer camp opportunity for your child this summer!
September 13, 2007
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Parentpedia > School Age > Milestones > Camp
I have three children who go to camp every summer. The first year was the hardest.... on MOM but after they loved it, so did I. I only send my kids to a camp where I know the adults and the reputation of the camp. My son went on his... read more
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August 01, 2007
Camping with Dad
Dad, Danny, David, Uncle Edmond, Uncle Ray and Uncle Charlie used to take fishing trips to Wood Lake in the Boundary Waters area. We would borrow Uncle Sully?s gear, boats, and canoe. We had to potage the gear into Wood Lake. Dave was... read moreNot Acceptable?