How to Find the Right Summer Camp for Your Children

Carmichael, CA (PRWEB) April 2, 2009 -- Research shows that children who go to camp improve socially, physically and emotionally. The summer camp experience can have a long-term positive effect on kids, helping them build the skills necessary to be successful adults.

"Fortunately, there is a camp for every interest, price range and schedule," says Sari Van VanOtegham, president of American Camp Association® (ACA) Northern California. "And camp can provide a summer of growth and fun whether your child attends a day or overnight camp, a specialized or traditional camp," she added.

Yet, with so many camps, how do you select the "right" one for your children?

The ACA Northern California suggests that the first step is to match the camp to your child's interests, needs and maturity level. Include your child in the decision-making process and consider the following:

Does your child have particular interests, such as rock climbing, music or aquatics?

In addition to the traditional offerings, many camps offer a wide variety of activities ranging from karate to circus performing. Consider camps that include your child's special interest in their program mix, or even consider a camp specializing in that activity.

A traditional camp means a wide variety of activities and a chance to try new activities. A specialty camp concentrates on one or two activities, helping the camper increase proficiency in that area, while often offering some traditional camp activities.

Does your child function better in a competitive or a cooperative learning environment? Although, to a large extent, all camps (like the rest of the world) are both, the camp director can tell you which environment predominates.

Where do you want your child to go to camp? A local camp is easier to evaluate and visit, with minimal travel costs and likely contact with local children. Going far away exposes the camper to a different experience, promoting independence.

Is your child shy or outgoing? If extremely shy, perhaps a smaller camp setting would be preferable. Gregarious campers, on the other hand, might enjoy a larger camp setting. Whatever the personality type, however, remember that camps are, by nature, a place where everyone is welcome.

Does your child function better in a controlled or a flexible environment? If the former, look for a camp where most, if not all, activities are scheduled. If the latter, look for one where campers can choose at least some of their daily activities.

Does your child have special physical or mental needs? If so, you might consider a camp where the facilities and programs are geared for children with illnesses or disabilities. Typically the staff understands the campers' challenges and is trained to gear activities to their abilities.

Would your child do better in a co-ed camp or a girls-only / boys-only environment? A single-gender camp means more opportunities to "be yourself" without competing with (or trying to impress) the opposite sex. A co-ed camp more accurately mirrors the everyday world.

How long do you want your child to be at camp? Sessions run anywhere from a few days to eight weeks. A short session gives the first-time or younger camper a chance to "sample" the camp experience. A longer session provides multiple opportunities for learning, progression and enrichment.

Would you like to share the camp experience with your child? If so, consider a family camp.

What is the cost? Is the price all-inclusive or are there charges for "extras" such as transportation, overnights, swimming lessons, horseback riding and field trips?

Day or Resident Camp?

Also consider whether your child would be more comfortable in a day or resident camp.

If considering a residential camp, ask yourself:

How old is my child?

Is my child ready to sleep away from home for an extended period? Has he or she had positive overnight experiences away from home (visiting relatives or friends, for example)?

What locale do I want to consider (e.g., mountains)?

How rustic do I want the camp to be?

Can I stay in touch with my child during camp? Does the camp allow mail, phone calls or e-mail? Does it have parental-visitation days?

How will the camp meet my child's special dietary or physical needs?

If you are considering a day camp, ask yourself:

If transportation is offered, where is the closest pick-up location?

Does the camp have an express bus that transports children quickly?

If before- and after-camp care is offered, who is with the children and what activities take place?

Is lunch served or do campers bring their own sack lunches? Are snacks and drinks provided?

Are campers in a group with a counselor all day? Or are the campers free to go from one activity to another with appropriate supervision?

Is an open house offered before camp starts where you can meet your child's counselor and bus driver?

Can you drop by for visits or is there a special parental-visitation day?

The next step in choosing a camp is to research your options. A great place to start is the ACA's online searchable database of ACA-Accredited® camps in California. The information is available at http://www.acanorcal.org. For more information about summer camps in general, visit http://www.CampParents.org and http://www.ACAcamps.org.

American Camp Association

For nearly 100 years, ACA's community of camp professionals has joined together to share knowledge and experience and to promote positive human development by enriching the lives of children, youth, and adults through the camp experience. More than 7,000 individual members belong to the American Camp Association, which is the only national organization that accredits camps. There are more than 2,400 ACA-Accredited® camps throughout the United States, which meet up to 300 health, safety, and programming standards.

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