The experience children get when they go to summer camp is something that will have an effect on the rest of their lives. As a parent it is important that you and your child choose the best summer camps together. Finding the camp that best fits your budget and your child's needs can be a daunting task that requires loads of effort up front. Before you...send your camper to the nearest or the cheapest camp out there, you might want to consider this short guide.
Take the time to inform yourself about the wide range of options available to choose from. It takes time, but it makes sense to gather camp information prior to sending your kids somewhere. One of the most surprising things you will find out is that there are so many different types of camps. There are overnight camps and day camps of every duration from one to two weeks to one to two months. Camps can also be categorized according to the age ranges and genders of the participants they accept and how they conduct their programs for the campers they have. There are coed camps where boys and girls get to mingle . There are camps exclusive to girls or boys. Then there are brother/sister camps where boys and girls attend the neighboring camps with selective interaction. Camps can either be categorized by an area of particular focus such as general, academic, religious, special needs, and activity or theme specialty, to name a few.
Ask your child what he or she wants to get out of the experience. More than anything else, the goal of a summer camp is to let the kids have fun while at the same time instilling valuable life lessons. To ensure that your kid will get the best experience possible, you need to fit what they want to do with what activities a camp offers. This will enable you to shorten your list of camps to those that offer the features they will enjoy the most. AS a parent never pick a camp for what you want or think your child may want. Talk with him or her. At Swift Nature Camp, we often have parents who want their child outside away from a screen and we have been successful with this only because we have so many other fun things to do.
Determine your budget carefully. The cost of sending your kids to camp can vary depending on the camp's duration, programs, activities and location. Day camps can be very modestly priced and full season sleepaway camps offer expanded experience at an expanded price. When you are determining your budget for summer camp, remember that your kids will not be in the house during that time, and consider how much you'll save in terms of household expenses. Be sure to check pricing carefully, contacting the director if necessary. Many camp directors are willing to work with parents or have special programs to allow for children from lower income families to attend camp.
When possible visit the summer camp. Once you have shortened your list you and your child should take time to visit the camp. This is important since doing so will definitely help you in determining that a particular camp is really the right fit for your kid. Each summer we have families join our camp for a few hours they take a tour of the camp, looking at condition, facilities, and the fun campers are having. Make sure to talk to the camp director and staff members too, if possible. You'll get to know the camp better and be sure it is a place well worth entrusting your child to. If this is not possible see if the camp has any local open houses or maybe the directors can com visit you at your home.
To learn more about Wisconsin Summer Camps and finding the best one for your child visit Summer Camp Advice
