Summer camp is a great way for children to gain independence, build confidence, and make new friends, but finding the right summer kids camp in Illinois can be overwhelming for parents. Here are 10 tips to help you begin your search for the perfect Illinois summer camp for your child.

1. Think of what you want out of the experience: Take the time to think about what you would like your child to gain from camp. Are you looking for them to develop specific skills or participate in certain activities? Make a list of the things you want your child to get out of the experience and what "must-have" features the camp should have.

Consider who your child is: Knowing your child's personality and interests will help you find a camp that is a good fit for them. Are they introverted or outgoing? Do they have any special needs? Do they thrive in large groups or prefer smaller settings? Understanding these things about your child will help you narrow down your options.

Get recommendations from others: Ask friends and neighbors about their experiences with camps and what they liked or didn't like about them. However, remember to do your own research as well, as what works for one child may not be the best fit for another.

Talk to the camp directors: Whether in person or over the phone, it's important to speak with the camp director or a member of the leadership team to get a sense of their philosophy and approach. You want to feel comfortable with the director and have open communication with them.

Research online: Check out a camp's website and social media channels to see what type of activities they offer, what their session lengths are, and what their philosophy is. A great place to start is www.summercampadvice.com

Tour the camp: Visiting a camp in person is one of the best ways to get a feel for it. Day camps offer tours all year round, while overnight camps offer tours during the summer and fall. This allows you to see the facilities and ask questions in the camp environment.

Attend camp fairs: Camp fairs in and around the Chicago suburbs are a great way to gather information about multiple camps in one day. You can talk to camp directors and compare different options.

Some summer camp offer open houses:   See if your camps offers an open houses in the spring and fall, where you can see the camp in action, participate in activities, and talk to the camp director and leadership team.

Contact the American Camp Association in Chicago: They offer free, one-on-one advice to help you find the perfect camp for your child.

• Please take your time finding the right Illinois Summer Camp takes time and research, but the effort will pay off when your child has a summer of their life. The time you put in upfront will more than payoff in the future. It is best to try and pick a camp that will give your child a successful experience because it is much harder to get your child excited about camp after a bad experience.