If you’re planning to send your kids to a summer camp this year, then now is the time to book. You don’t want to wait too much longer and find out that the camps are filled – but how do you decide which camp is right for your child?
Ask the Right Questions
You probably already have a list of questions to ask any camp, but there are a few particular questions that you should absolutely include on your list.
- How many campers return to the camp for subsequent seasons?
- How old are the counselors, and how are they trained and selected?
- Are discounts for multiple kids or multiple weeks available?
- What does an average daily camp schedule look like?
- How does the camp handle homesickness in campers?
- Are there accommodations for any special needs your child has?
The above questions can help you to instantly get a feel for the camp and may reveal details that you wouldn’t otherwise know about.
Find Out What Activities Are Still Available
Some camps offer specialty activities, like horseback riding or overnight trips, but these activities aren’t always available. Often, these activities require a special signup, and some may carry an additional cost. Some are only offered during certain camp sessions, too.
When considering a camp, it’s worth giving the camp a call to find out which activities are available, and when. Check to see which activity sessions are full, and which you can still sign up for. Then, balance these against your calendar to see if the camp is still an option for your child.
Research Camp Reviews
As you narrow down your summer camp choices, do a little research and read some reviews of each camp. You can often find reviews with a simple Google search, though CampRatingz is also a good resource.
When reading reviews, don’t be scared off by one negative review. But if you see multiple negative reviews that mention the same reason for dissatisfaction, this could indicate that you may want to reconsider the camp.
Network with Friends
If your kid is a bit shy or is going away to camp for the first time, it can help to send them to the same camp session that a friend is attending. Having a friend by their side can help shy kids to adjust to the camp setting, and may offer support during bouts of homesickness. Plus, if a friend is attending, you and their parent may be able to arrange carpool arrangements to make transportation easier.
Plan Ahead for Transportation Options
Now is also the time to think about transportation options when it comes to getting your child to and from camp. Transportation to a longer-term sleepaway camp may be simple, but if your child is attending a local day camp, you’ll need to sort out a way to get him to and from camp each day.
GoKid can be a great solution here. The app helps you to quickly and easily set up carpools with the parents of other campers, so no one’s left doing all of the driving and all of the kids can get to camp each day, every day. If you haven’t yet downloaded GoKid, then sign up to get the app now – it’s free!
Summer Camp Success
Finding a great camp for your child will require a little bit of research and planning, but it’s worth the time you put in now. Whether you’re looking for an all-around camp, a sports camp, a music camp, or some other option for your child, great camps can provide a fun, enriching, and memorable summer experience for kids of all ages.
