How to Find the Right Summer Camp

As spring nears, are you wondering, "What is my child going to do this summer?" Rather than having your children hang around the house all day, consider sending them to a summer camp or program. Every mom hopes that this experience will expose their child to a variety of fun activities, new friends, and the opportunity to grow in an active environment. The question is how do you find the right place for your child? Here are four areas to examine as you begin your search for creating a fun summer experience:

1. Know your child. Speak to your child about what he/she would like to do and find out his/her interests. It might seem obvious, but some parents select a program that does not interest their child and then mom and dad wonder what went wrong with their choice. Parents should certainly guide their children, but start the process by examining their child's likes and dislikes. Does he/she like the great outdoors or does the first site of the wilderness make them run for the car? Day or sleep away? Activities, educational, or both? Encourage your child to stretch their limits, while remembering where their passions lie.

2. Research! Programs exist that offer traditional camp experiences, educational opportunities, trips, community service, and a whole variety of other options. If you took the time with step one, you narrowed the field quickly and can make quick use of the web and Google to find a host of summer opportunities. For traditional camps, visit the American Camping Association or a camp search engine such as www.kidscamps.com and you can quickly identify programs in your region that offer your child's interests.

3. Examine the program in depth. Find a time to visit the program and speak with someone who can answer your questions. Most places offer a tour by a full time staff member or the Director of the program. A camp should be able to share all of its policies and procedures with you and answer any questions that you might have regarding the program.

4. Let your child go. Once you have decided on a program, the next step is to let your child go and embrace the experience. The best way for him/her to gain the most of the summer is to let them simply live it. My own two children attend the summer program that I direct and I am tempted to check in with them constantly. Yet, I resist and patiently wait to see them at the end of the day. Then I can relive their day through their own words and wonderful facial expressions. Let them share their experiences and stories and you will feel the positive and stimulating effects of summer camp.

Happy Summer!

Noel Pardo
Director, Tabor Summer Program
www.taboracademy.org/summer