Travel Tips

Why Parents Pick Summer Camp

Parents this year like years past will be wondering how to choose the best summer camp for their child.

When the last school bell rings, each summer ask: Where to send their kids for camp? It’s a choice that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Any parent sending their child off better be a little nervous. Before making the decision, put together a list of requirements. It will include: You want it to be a safe place You want it to have caring staff You want it to promote Fun but there is so much more.

Each year 10,000 kids go to summer camp, But camp is no longer the traditional Overnight camp. No, it includes all summer opportunities ranging from day camps to residential camps, specialized, church, private and public camps a decision can be no easy task.

Know your child, know the camp and know yourself will help in making sure your child has a wonderful time at camp. Be sure t first take your child’s personality and preferences into account. Now is not the time to force a specialized camp, specially for the first time. Is your child shy or outgoing? Athletic or academic? Independent enough for sleep-away camp or not quite ready to leave home? “Knowing your child and match a camp to their needs, provide a much higher chance for achievement,” says Lonnie Lorenz, director of Swift Nature Camp, a traditional, noncompetitive, summer camp for boys and girls ages 6-15 specializing in nature and the environment.

An important consideration is whether your child would be better off in a more general program like a traditional overnight camp or a more specialized program that focuses particular skills like performing arts, technology, music, sports or academics.

Maybe your child is not quite ready to leave home so a day camp might be the way to go. Children do go to overnight camp as early as 6 but most common is to be 9 or 10. “If your child still not showing signs sometimes you just have to say ready or not you have to give them loads of encouragement and send them off,” says Lonnie.

Early leg work can be done with the world wide web. But do not stop there call reference, get flyers, see videos and even visit the camp if you can.

“Be sure the camps philosophy is similar to yours at home” says Lonnie. Do you feel comfortable with the folks your handing your kids over to? You should. If not keep looking.

The most difficult part about summer camp isn’t always picking one or paying for it. Camp has become expensive and should be a factor when choosing a camp. Camp can range from $200 per week for a church camp to $1000 a week for a private camp. With these questionable economic times camps are working with families by offering payment plans, financial aid, sibling discounts, scholarships and other assistance.

Parents often who have the hardest time letting go thus stifling their child’s growth. “Creating a safe supportive place like summer camp helps children develop their ndependence” Lorenz said.

On that last day of camp when you come to pick up your child you will hear amazing stories about your child’s accomplishment but what you feel is the increased appreciation of themselves and their respect of others.

Picking a Summer Camp See www.SummerCampAdvice.com

Swift Nature Camp is a Illinois Summer Camp for boys and girls ages 6-15. Our focus is to blend traditional summer camp activities with nature and the outdoors at this Animal Summer Camp

© 2010 Travel Oversea.