SUMMER CAMP 5 Tips on Choosing the Right Summer Camp for Your Children Everybody is looking forward to summer. Weeks of no classes, more time with family and friends, and a chance to travel are some of the reasons why many anticipate this season. As a parent, it is your responsibility to ensure your children are having the best time of their lives during this period. It’s important to look for a camp that offers activities that will not only be enjoyable but also provide them with learning experiences. Registering your child for summer camp could be a great solution for your family. Aside from joining the series of activities, they can meet new friends or bond with peers. But with the number of available camps that they can participate in, how do you know which one is the right fit for their needs? Here are some tips for choosing the right one.
Type of Camp
Choose a type of camp that matches the interests of your child. If they are into drawing or crafts, you can sign them up on one specializing in arts. You can have your little one join an athletics camp if they are fascinated with sports. A summer camp is an avenue for your child to learn or develop new skills, so make sure to select one they will surely enjoy.
Duration of Camp
Consider the length of your child’s stay. Will it be a day, overnight, or week-long event? Your choice should depend on how comfortable they are with being away from home. The best option for younger children is day or overnight camps. Meanwhile, older children can stay at camp longer because of their independence.
Camp Setting
Another thing to consider is the venue. Some camps are in schools or
universities. However, traditional ones are located in outdoor settings where children can freely roam and enjoy their surroundings. Choose the one you think your child will better enjoy and be more comfortable at. You may also select a camp near your home so it will be easily accessible for you should there be any emergencies.
Reliable Counselors
Do your research about the team who will be with your children while at camp. Camp counselors serve as their guardians, so make sure you select trustworthy instructors. Check out their profiles on their websites or call them if you have questions. Counselors play a large part in making your kid’s summer enjoyable and memorable through the interactions they’ll have. Inquire the team about their studentto-instructor ratio. You have to make sure that the camp has an adequate number of counselors to watch over the children. One teacher should be assigned to 10 or fewer kids to ensure maximum supervision.
Security and Safety Measures
As they will be away from home for a couple of hours or days, find a camp that prioritizes your children’s safety. Visit the facility to check their security measures. Ask about staff certifications in first aid and CPR. You have to find a summer camp that can make you feel secure about entrusting your child with them. There is a lot to take into consideration when selecting the right camp for your children. From the type of camp to security and safety measures, many factors will affect your decision. What’s important is you find a program that can give your kids a summer to remember.
How to Make Your Child Summer Camp-Ready by Packing Smart While the idea of summer camps brings excitement to little ones, parents often find it to be a stressful ordeal. Aside from the worry that comes with your child leaving your side for the first time, you’re also tasked with preparing their essentials while they’re away. Packing can be tricky especially if you don’t know where to start. You want to make sure that your child will have all the items they need once you send them off on their own little adventure without you. But, you must be smart when packing their things. You can’t just include everything you think they might use. There are a lot of ways to pack efficiently for your kid’s time at summer camp. To lessen the anxiety that comes with the event, follow these pointers:
Use the Camp’s Packing List as a Guide
Every camp has unique activities and requirements that you need to consider when packing for your little one. You can print out a copy of the checklist they provide or create one on your own depending on the camp’s theme. Take note of all the special things your child might need to be comfortable on their stay there, such as outdoor sleeping bags or bathing suits. You should also look for a list of banned items like electronics to make sure they won’t bring them.
Don’t Bring Your Child’s Best Belongings
When sending your precious child on a trip for the first time, you might have the desire to pack their best clothes and brandnew items. However, your little one may lose their belongings at camp. It’s best to let them bring things that aren’t valuable in case they get lost.
Label Your Child’s Items
It’s essential to label all of your child’s belongings to avoid losing them or getting
them mixed up with other things. Use a permanent marker or a sticker with your child’s name or initials to keep things in order. Also, make sure your little one is aware of where you’re placing the tag. This way, they’ll know what to look for when searching for a lost item.
Utilize Space-Saving Techniques When Packing
You don’t want your child to lug several bags when they go camping. You can avoid this by changing the way you fold their clothes or using space-saving materials when packing. Combine complementary articles of clothing and roll them together into one outfit to fit more items in their luggage. Also, look into using packing cubes or zipper bags to keep all your child’s things organized. These will help compress clothing and save space for other necessities.
Include Something Extra From You
Don’t forget to pack special items that you know will help your child feel more comfortable in an overnight camp. You may include a soft blanket or a stuffed toy that they like so they can sleep better away from home. They can also bring pictures of your family, friends, and pets to share with their fellow campers and counselors. One of the best ways to cheer your little one up is to leave an encouraging note that they can read later. Remember that your support is important for them to feel confident and assured.
Help Your Child Enjoy Their Exciting Adventure
Going to an overnight camp might be your little one’s first time away from your family and their usual environment. Packing efficiently will ensure that they have everything they need to enjoy the event and learn new things comfortably. Show them that they can rely on you to help them achieve an amazing experience.
