5 Tips

For Choosing The Right Summer Camp For Your Child

Overnight summer camps are great for developing your child’s interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, independence and confidence. They also allow your little one to enjoy the beauty of nature and develop healthy lifestyle habits like being active and playing sports.

Are you thinking of sending your child to an overnight camp this summer? If so, here are a few tips on how to choose the right one to ensure your child has a fun, stimulating and enriching experience.

International Music Camp

The International Music Camp is located in the beautiful International Peace Garden. 2,000 students and 250 faculty and staff attend each June and July, and our 138,000+ alumni have come from over 73 nations since 1956. One week programs are offered in band, choir, orchestra, jazz band, vocal jazz, musical theatre, piano, organ, guitar, handbells, garage band, art, drama, dance, creative writing, drumline, digital photography, music composition, world percussion, audio technology, fiddle, harp, mallet percussion, drawing, painting, sculpting, cartooning and university prep. Middle school and high school students work with professional artist teachers in a creative and fun atmosphere. www.internationalmusiccamp.com

Elks Camp Grassick

Are you looking for a rewarding summer job or a special summer camp experience for your child?

Elks Camp Grassick is the place for you!

We offer several camp sessions for ages 7 and up.

• Three Week: students with a higher support need; individual therapies.

Companion Camp: students who need one on one support and their siblings.

• Two Week: students with a low support need; group therapies.

Techno Camp: a partnership with the Anne Carlsen Center; focuses on adaptive technology.

• Adult camp: recreational camp for adults with disabilities

Scholarships available!

For more information: www.elkscampgrassick.com 701-327-4251 or campgrassick@gmail.com

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1. Focus on your child’s expectations

You probably want to send your child to a summer camp they’ll enjoy. Therefore, it’s important to find out what types of activities your child likes or wants to try. For example, do they want to learn another language, develop their cooking skills, improve their gymnastics or participate in outdoor activities? Answering these questions will help you find a camp that’s well suited to their interests.

2. Establish your selection criteria

On top of finding a camp that offers interesting activities, it’s important to choose one that’s within your budget, time frame and geographical area. In addition, you may want to look for a camp that caters to your child’s unique needs and dietary restrictions.

3. Do your research

Once you know exactly what you’re looking for, do your research to compile a list of summer camps that might be a good fit. If you're looking for a camp near you, your local newspaper is a great place to start.

You can also visit summercamps.com to find overnight summer camps across the United States. This website allows you to refine your search based on the state you live in and the types of activities your child is interested in. You can also search the internet to find private camps that meet your criteria.

4. Evaluate your options

To learn more about the summer camps you're interested in, visit their websites and social media accounts. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact the camp directly for more information. Remember to ask your child for their input and be prepared to make some compromises, especially if it’s their first experience.

5.

Tour the camp

Some camps offer free tours, either by appointment or at an open house. Find out if any of the camps on your short list offer this option. In fact, touring the property can help you plan your child's future stay and ease any fears you or your child may have.

Finally, remember that it’s important to start looking for camps as soon as possible. Overnight summer camps are popular, and spots tend to fill up quickly.

Camp Cherith

Camp Cherith is an interdenominational Christian Camp, accredited by the American Camp Association with separate weeks for boys and girls. Our aim is two-fold: to introduce campers to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and to help them apply Christian principles to daily living. Camp Cherith seeks to provide each camper with an unforgettable camping experience. Cherith is Christcentered camping - a place where love and concern are not just talked about but lived. Activities available range from horseback riding and archery to fishing and waterskiing and many more.

June 19 - August 7 | Frazee, MN | 1st-12 Grade

$425/week or $115 for a family weekend Register online at www.camp-cherith.com Or email registrar@camp-cherith.com or call 612-991-3124

Contact: Kendra Mohn, Camp Cherith Executive Director, info@camp-cherith.com , 612-615-5842

MSUM COLLEGE FOR KIDS & TEENS

College for Kids & Teens is an engaging and educational summer camp program for K-12 students. Expert instructors teach classes that encourage exploration, adventure and creativity while cultivating young people’s understanding and appreciation for a variety of topics. Students can keep learning throughout the summer with hands-on courses like Minecraft & Legorobotics, Video Game Design, Kids & Clay, 3D Printing, Radio Rebels, and 25+ more topics! Classes will be held on campus from 8:30 a.m.-Noon, 12:30-4 p.m., or all day 8:30-4 p.m. See course details and register at mnstate.edu/cfkt