More Than S’Mores Grand

By Karen Shadrach

As spring makes its way to Northeast Ohio in blustery fits, it’s a good reminder that it’s time to think about summer camp for grandchildren. While parents are the primary planners (and payers) for camp, grandparents increasingly participate in finding a camp match, transportation and, yes, covering the cost.

Northeast Ohio has plenty of camp options, and spots fill quickly. (You’ll find listings from our sister publication, Northeast Ohio Parent, at northeastohioparent.com). Here are a few things to consider when choosing a camp:

AGE. Camps generally group children into specific age ranges. If the range is 4-8 and your grandchild is a young 4-year-old, you may be ready to be included in that group.

INTERESTS. What does your grandchild love to do? Is it sports or a hobby? Or do they want to learn a skill or try out a sport they don’t have the time to fit into their academic schedules?

TIME. Camp sessions can last a half day or a full day. Some run only a few days a week, a full week, or a month or two. Is a full-day camp required for child care while parents are at work, or would half day be adequate? If you have an older grandchild, would a sleepover camp for an extended amount of time be more appropriate?

DISTANCE. Where is this camp located? If it’s far from your home, you may not want to drive back and forth four times a day for a half-day camp.

If you’re new to the summer camp scene, here are a few examples.

ANIMALS. The Cleveland Metroparks and the Akron Zoo camps connect kids with wildlife and teach responsibility for conserving the natural world.

COMMUNITY CAMPS. This affordable option can offer your grandchildren games, swimming lessons and crafts with their school friends. Look for camps in your own or your grandchild’s community for sign-up times and costs.

SCOUT CAMPS. This is a great option if you have a scout in your family. Campers work on badge completions, hike, and learn fishing, archery, campfire cooking and other skills. Camps run from a few days to a few weeks.

SPORTS CAMPS. If there’s a sport, there’s a camp for that sport. Children can continue their love of a sport and new skills. These are good camps to meet and bond with new friends through teams and sportsmanship. An example is the All-Star Soccer Camp, held at the Caps Fieldhouse. It is a competitive and fun environment to enhance soccer skills, discipline and self-confidence.

PRINCESS AND DANCE CAMPS. These are so much fun for your little dancer. Most dance schools and clubs provide one to two weeks of a camp for children to try out different dance techniques or to continue with the one they love. Most also include a theme, and children love to dress up and wear costumes to camp.

BIBLE SCHOOL. Usually held for a half day or in the evening, kids can meet and play with friends, do crafts and develop their spiritual growth. Check local churches for dates.

ACADEMIC CAMPS. These help children improve math, reading and other skills or offer classes not available during the school year. Examples include Lake Erie Nature & Science Center in Bay Village, Great Lakes Science Center’s Camp Curiosity and local communities that host STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) camps that explore nature, robotics, computer programming, and other hands-on programs.

A summer camp is a great experience for a grandchild to meet new friends, participate in new adventures and gain independence away from home.