Tips for Choosing the Right Camp for Your Child

from PB Parenting - March 2022 - Summer Camp Issue

PB Travels: Seven Seas Food and Wine Festival at Sea World Orlando

Summer is right around the corner. School will be out but you may still be working or just simply need a break from the kids during the long weeks of summer. According to a recent online survey, Parents say they expect to spend an average of $998 per child on summer child care expenses. Of these parents, one in five parents say they plan on spending over $2,000 per child for summertime child-care services, that includes summer camps, classes or baby-sitters. With the possibility of spending thousands of dollars this summer, you want to make sure you are sending your child to the right camp for your family’s budget. Here are some tips from PB Parenting for finding the right camp that fits your child and budget.

COVID-19 Measures

First and foremost, inquire about the camp’s COVID-19 procedures. • What are their cleaning and disinfecting standards? • How is physical distancing implemented through out the day? • What are the group sizes? Is it the same group and staff each day? • Drop off and pick up? Is Drop off and pick up curbside? • What is the camp’s mask policy? When are mask worn and not worn? • Hand-washing? Is it “encouraged”? Are hand-washing or hand-sanitizer stations available? • What are the camp’s notification procedures if your child has been exposed to COVID-19 by another child or staff?

These are all important questions to ask to make sure your child has a safe summer. Due to COVID-19, many camps will have limited number of spots and will fill up fast. PB

The best beginnings begin with us.

So, you’re having a baby. Of all the important decisions you’ll be making over the next few months, where you have your baby is the most important of all! Jupiter Medical Center is dedicated to making sure you have everything you need to feel confident bringing your bundle of joy into the world.

For a virtual tour, visit jupitermed.com/maternity, or for more information call: 561.263.2181

Maternity care, support and amenities include: • Online childbirth preparation, OB support groups and sibling classes • Luxurious labor and post-delivery suites • Nitrous oxide for pain relief during labor • Level II NICU, board-certified neonatologists on site 24/7

• Breastfeeding support with certified lactation consultants, 7 days a week

WORLD’S BEST HOSPITALS

2021

POWERE D BY

Parenting highly recommends signing up for camp early this year.

What are Your Child’s Interests?

Think about what your children enjoy and get really excited about during the school year? Some love sports and being outdoors while some children geek out about minecraft and building robots. There is a camp out there for every interest out there. Camps themes range from traditional sports and outdoor camps to specialty interest including culinary, robotics, web design, animation, photography and videography. Remember this is about what they like not you. Figure out what makes your children tick, and look for the type of camp that fits their interests and personalities.

Try Camps With Many Activities

Maybe your child is still learning what interests them. They also may have hit the indecisive tween/teen stage and when you ask they shrug their shoulders and say I don’t know. Check out a camp that offers a variety of activities, as opposed to a singleactivity camp. Choose a camp that offers programming that exposes the children to a wide range of activities so that they can find their interests and foster them. Another idea is to rotate each week and try new interests. One week check out culinary camp, the next week head to dance camp, then a tech camp the following week. Variety during the summer can also prevent boredom and makes each week an adventure.

Day Camp or Overnight Camp?

Is your child older and ready for the experience of overnight camp? Is an overnight camp experience in your summer care budget? Overall, overnight camp will cost more but it requires less driving and coordination whether that’s a week or a month, etc. Such experiences give children a taste of independence and nurture self confidence and personal growth in a supervised setting, and are a great option for

a child who is comfortable being away from home for longer periods of time. It can be a memorable experience if both your child (and you) are ready.

Budget Friendly Camps

Most camps offer a multi-week discount, sibling discount or discounts for member. Sometimes if you register early they will have a early bird discount or waive the registration fee. Contact the camp directly and early and see how you can save. If your family budget doesn’t have a lot of room for camp costs check out camps that are run by community organization and nonprofits often their weekly rate is less.

Do Your Research

Check out PB Parenting’s 11th annual Summer Camp Directory for a comprehensive directory of camps that are in the Palm Beach

Tips for a Successful Day Camp Experience

• Apply sunscreen before leaving home - send a bottle for reapplication and pack a hat.

ª Bring two water bottles one that is frozen to enjoy later as it melts.

• Label items brought to camp so they don't get lost

• Do not bring valuable items like electronics

• Dress for the weather - make sure to send your child in appropriate clothing and footwear. Packing a change of clothes is a good idea too County area.

Investing in our Children

Think of camp as an investment. Children and teens gain so much by attending summer camp. Keep in mind that cost is typically reflective of all that goes into camp, and could be correlated with what your child will

Submit an application for the upcoming school year at www.mysota.net/enroll (561) 290-7661 www.mysota.net @sotacharters

The hallmark of GSOTA’s charter program is our K-8 Technology Course Schedule with instruction at all grade levels in: • Coding/Programming (includes robotics, game design, raspberry pi, etc.) • Digital Art (includes digital drawing, animation, 3D design, web design, etc.) • Maker Innovation (includes 3D printing, engineering, resourceful design, etc.) Delving into these domains equips our students with resources for future success in the Digital Age workplace. 2022 OPEN HOUSE DATES: March 30 5:00 - 6:00 PM

At GSOTA, learning is more than the attainment of knowledge; it is a journey of discovery, application, and conversion of information into effective, meaningful life skills and practices. We provide: • Rich and comprehensive academics in an innovative setting with balanced preparation for standardized tests. • Development of personal accountability, social aptitude, empathy, positivity, resilience and self-efficacy. • Attention to social-emotional wellness and mindfulness as part of whole-child development. • Inclusiveness and participation with each student as a unique and important component of the community. • Open door for parent involvement with consistent two-way communication and partnership.

get out of it. Tech and speciality camps might be more expensive given the type of expertise, hardware and software required for a complete learning experience. And don’t forget to determine what’s included in the final price of camp, since most added benefits can bump up your total cost. Does the camp provide lunch? Offer early pickup and drop-off? Make sure you’re paying for the things that are most important to you and your family.

Finally, have fun with the process. Our childhood summers are precious moments that are meant to be fun and memorable.