Tampa Bay Summer Camps!

from 2023 Tampa Bay Summer Camps

Pasco County

One thing that makes summer epic is the right summer camp. And you might be thinking But where do I start? How do I determine what’s “right?” There are so many camps! And so many factors to consider!

All true. And we feel your pain. So we’ve assembled a handy guide to make preparing for camp go more smoothly, so your kids can have the best summer ever and you can stay relaxed.

Follow these 5 steps to put your child on the path to a safe, more-amazing-than-ever summer camp experience:

1. BE REALISTIC when choosing a camp. Every child is different, so the “perfect camp” for them will vary quite a bit. Consider your child’s comfort level with strangers and new experiences before choosing a camp; ideally, camp will challenge and inspire your child, not terrify them. If this will be your child’s ﬁrst camp experience, it might be better to choose a camp with a wide range of activities. A summer intensive in, say, soccer or theater might sound great to your child in March, but interest might have waned by July A wellrounded camp program might be a safer ﬁrst-time bet. Finally, be honest with yourself about the costs and commute. Affordability is an important factor for many families, and if camp start times just don’t mesh with your work schedule, cross it off your list.

2. Register ASAP

Some camps ﬁll up by spring, so don’t wait until late May to start researching summer camps. With that said, if you waited this long, don’t worry – many local camps don’t even start their registration process until spring. Some parks and recreation department camps even let you register children in person the day of camp. (Call ahead to ﬁnd out.)

3. BE SMART about money matters

Camps vary widely in price. Some residential programs might cost thousands per week, but day camp could be as little as $50 a week. Do some research before assuming you can’t afford a great camp for your child. Most camps offer discounts, so find out which ones you qualify for Many offer discounted rates for multiple kids, alumni and military families as well as early bird registration discounts. Parents who are members of, for example, a sailing club or arts council, might receive discounts if their kids attend the organization’s summer camp, so be sure to ask. Financial assistance is also a possibility at many camps, so find out if you qualify. You might also qualify for the Child and Dependent Care Credit, which could get you 20 to 35 percent of camp costs back when you file your tax return. (Residential camps won’t qualify, however, and having a caregiver at home during the day is also disqualifying; learn more at IRS.gov.) Don’t assume camp deposits are refundable; many are not, and you could be out a few hundred dollars if your child doesn’t end up attending that camp. the counselor-to-camper ratio and how many are experienced adult counselors vs. teens/counselorsin-training.

What’s your staff retention rate?

It’s usually an excellent sign if counselors return to work at a camp year after year, because it indicates that the camp is wellorganized and takes care that the staff is well trained and that they’re given the tools they need to do their jobs well.

How do you screen your counselors?

Criminal background checks should be part of the hiring process for people working with kids, even if local laws don’t require it. Ask whether applicants’ references are thoroughly checked.

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Get your child’s PAPER WORK IN ORDER

The registration process will go more smoothly if you start gathering the forms your child will need to register for camp now rather than scrambling at the last minute. Camps typically require proof of vaccinations and health insurance coverage. In addition, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with the emergency facilities your policy covers and communicate that to the camp, so they don’t take your child somewhere not covered by your insurance. You might want to consider additional accident insurance speciﬁcally for kids away at camp as well. Finally, if you’re applying for ﬁnancial assistance, camps are likely to ask for proof of your income and tax returns as part of their evaluation process, so have those handy

5. GET THE 411 from camp directors. Once you have a camp in mind, tour the site if possible; but if that’s not an option, ask camp directors these questions via phone or email before you make a commitment:

What’s a typical day at camp like?

Consider whether the response sounds too loosey-goosey or too rigid for your child to thrive.