7 Keys to Choosing a Summer Camp for Your Kids
Choosing a summer camp for your children is never a matter of finding the cheapest program that will keep your children all day while you’re at work. Hopefully, we agree on that!
To help you select a great summer camp, I’ve listed 7 keys to choosing a summer camp for your kids.
1) Testimonials – Ask around and tap into the experiences of your neighbors. More than likely, you’ll hear about excellent programs in your area. Ask about programs that you’re considering to find out if they have heard anything about those programs. The questions to ask are in the next set of keys to choosing your summer camp.
2) Age Appropriate – be sure that the camp is appropriate for your child’s age by requesting website addresses or brochures. By reviewing them, you may avoid sending an older child to a day camp that’s really ready for an intense overnight program for teens.
3) Variety – the program should include enough opportunities to get water, snacks, and bathroom breaks. Additionally, there should be variation in the program. For instance, if there are competitive programs, there should also be cooperative programs and game (or silly) times.
4) Mentors – the supervisors and counselors should have a background working in the area of the camp.
5) Price – is of course a factor, however, consider the location, facilities, number of supervisors, number of hours and any other amenities provided (breakfast/lunch/snacks/t-shirts, etc.
6) Safety – in my experience, this is the most important concern parents have. It’s worth finding the time to tour the facilities and know the areas of the facilities that your children will be using. This “peace of mind” is also worth paying extra for if you are choosing between similar programs.
7) Weather Ready – be sure that your selected camp goes Monday thru Friday (some only go Monday thru Thursday and use Friday as a make-up day). Can the camp operate on rain days? Do they have alternative facilities for difficult weather?
Select a summer camp program for your kids with variety, safety and mentors dedicated to their sport or craft.
Contributed by: Kevin G. McClure, Director of Tennis at Sport Fit Bowie, in Maryland.
Contact: sportfittennis@aol.com
or 301-262-4553
Website: http://www.sportfitclubs.com/bowie
