Sending your kids to camp can sometimes be overwhelming, what with the many available activities they can choose from, like basketball, performing arts, cheerleading, arts and crafts, etc. Traditional summer camp is still, by far, the most popular choice for youths of all ages and day camp for teenagers is on the rise. But what could be even more overwhelming would be the decisions when to send your youngest off to camp, and more importantly, the best match camp.
But thankfully, we know some people at the local Y - veteran counselors, no less - and they have come up with some easy and fast tips to help parents make the right decision when sending their kids off to camp:
A good place to start when looking for a camp is with the American Camp Association (ACA) or with the Y. Basically, the ACA is the agency that makes sure that the summer camps they accredit aren't the slightest bit like those summer camps of B-movie horror infamy. YMCA camps, fortunately, meet the ACA's demanding standards.
Camp does not have to be expensive. There are different camps for different walks of life. YMCA camps, as a matter of fact, can help your child get a scholarship!
On average, many 8-year-olds are ready for resident or "sleep-away camp" and age-appropriate day camps are available for preschool-aged children. Remember, however, each child is ready to leave the nest at his or her own pace.
A child should have experience sleeping over elsewhere before attending sleep-away camp. A sleepover at a friend's or relative's house is an important first step to a longer stay away.
Ask yourself a few honest questions - are you simply trying to get the kids out of your hair for the summer, or do you genuinely want their character to develop? Some camps are highly structured, while others offer more time to allow kids to set their own schedules.
Afterwards, refer to the informative literature and start interviewing camp staff. Get very specific answers as to how the camp would reward positive behavior and deal with negative behavior. Ask about the camp's policies regarding children with special needs, may it be diet, medication or other accommodations.
And you don't want to forget getting valuable testimonials from other families whose children went home happy campers.
Don't forget to include your child in the process, and if possible, plan a visit before making a final decision. It is preferable that you collectively tour the camp site before taking the plunge. You can even experience a "demo version" of the camp through family weekends, available in some camps.
But thankfully, we know some people at the local Y - veteran counselors, no less - and they have come up with some easy and fast tips to help parents make the right decision when sending their kids off to camp:
A good place to start when looking for a camp is with the American Camp Association (ACA) or with the Y. Basically, the ACA is the agency that makes sure that the summer camps they accredit aren't the slightest bit like those summer camps of B-movie horror infamy. YMCA camps, fortunately, meet the ACA's demanding standards.
Camp does not have to be expensive. There are different camps for different walks of life. YMCA camps, as a matter of fact, can help your child get a scholarship!
On average, many 8-year-olds are ready for resident or "sleep-away camp" and age-appropriate day camps are available for preschool-aged children. Remember, however, each child is ready to leave the nest at his or her own pace.
A child should have experience sleeping over elsewhere before attending sleep-away camp. A sleepover at a friend's or relative's house is an important first step to a longer stay away.
Ask yourself a few honest questions - are you simply trying to get the kids out of your hair for the summer, or do you genuinely want their character to develop? Some camps are highly structured, while others offer more time to allow kids to set their own schedules.
Afterwards, refer to the informative literature and start interviewing camp staff. Get very specific answers as to how the camp would reward positive behavior and deal with negative behavior. Ask about the camp's policies regarding children with special needs, may it be diet, medication or other accommodations.
And you don't want to forget getting valuable testimonials from other families whose children went home happy campers.
Don't forget to include your child in the process, and if possible, plan a visit before making a final decision. It is preferable that you collectively tour the camp site before taking the plunge. You can even experience a "demo version" of the camp through family weekends, available in some camps.
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