Ready, Set, Camp!

It’s time for camp! There are camps to meet every interest, price range and schedule. Knowing your options, as well as your child’s personality, will help you identify the best programs.

n Overnight Camp: Most offer a variety of programs for children starting at age 7. Overnight camp options include co-ed, single sex and specialty camps that focus on a particular program and have varying overnight accommodations, such as cabins, tents and tepees.

n Day Camp: Similar to overnight camps, these camps take younger children, starting at age 4, and everyone returns home at the end of the day.

n Specialty Camps and Programs: Campers can embark on adventures as varied as learning how to ride a horse, water ski or dance. If your child has a special interest, there likely is a camp that specializes in it.

n Campers with Special Needs: A physical, medical or mental disability is not a roadblock to a camp experience. Each year more than 1 million children with special needs benefit from summer camp. Some camps specialize in serving certain groups while other camps integrate campers with special needs into the total camp population.

n Session Lengths Vary: Children may stay at camp for a few days, a few weeks or the entire summer. At camp, there’s a session length for every child, budget and schedule.

n Cost: Camp pricing varies and depends upon the type of camp, the facilities, the programming and the camper’s needs. Some camps and organizations offer financial assistance based on need.

What to Know at a Glance

For both day and overnight camps, be sure to: n Sign up early. Many camps plan to be at full enrollment this summer. Ask about cancelation and refund policies. n Learn health and safety policies. Check the camp’s website for the most up-to-date guidelines. n Research online. Most camps have extensive information and photos to give you a picture of what camp life is like. n Ask your family, friends and neighbors. Many of them were campers themselves or can tell you about their child’s experience at camp. n Get the names of former campers. Camps you’re interested in should be able to help you contact former campers who can tell you what your child can expect.