Cherokee Happy Campers

Choosing the Right Camp for Your Child

By Neely Motiejunas

As summer approaches, many parents ask themselves, What am I going to do with my kids this summer? Summer camps are a great way for parents to entertain their children, teach them new skills, ensure their safety and keep them physically and socially active.

But how do we go about choosing the right camp for our kids? There are many factors to consider before making any decision. Start by talking with your children about their expectations and desires for the summer. Here are some additional items to contemplate:

COST
This certainly does not mean much to your children but often is one of the main factors for consideration. As parents, we have to develop a budget for summer and find camps that fit into that budget. Typically, standard day camps offered by YMCAs, day cares and recreation centers are a less expensive option when compared with specialized sports camps such as cheerleading, gymnastics or football.

DAY OR OVERNIGHT
The decision to send your child to an overnight camp should be based on his/her personality, experience and needs. A shy child who has never slept away from home may not enjoy being away from you, whereas a child with more experience staying elsewhere may look forward to staying overnight. Age and maturity level should also come into play. A child at an overnight camp will need to be more responsible when it comes to their belongings, hygiene, a schedule, etc.

CAMP FOCUS
Does the camp have a particular focus? If you want your child to experience more of the outdoors, then a camp at an outdoor YMCA or lakeside location may be good. A standard day camp at a recreation center is going to offer diverse activities, which often include field trips, arts and crafts, playground time, movies and indoor games. If your child wants to learn a new skill or develop current ones, a specialized camp such as sports or horseback riding is a good choice.

AGE OF CAMPERS
Find out the age range of children accepted at the camp, and ask how the kids are broken into groups. Its always a good idea for everyone involved that younger children are kept separate from older children. They play differently, talk about different subjects and require different types of supervision.

EXTENDED CARE
Before and aftercare hours for working parents is an important addition to a camp. If a camp is 9am-4pm with no extended hours, this may not fit into your work schedule. Ask up front about extended care and any additional costs.

LOCATION
Learning about the location of a camp is important. It may play a role in how your child gets to and from camp, how safe the program is and how comfortable your child will feel there. Parents may want to pick a camp that is close to work in case of illness or injuries. If your child is sensitive to the sun and heat, an outdoor focused location may not be best. Does the location have air conditioning? Does your child have access to only indoor activities? These are important things to know.

STAFFING
The camp staff will play a huge role in your childs safety and overall camp experience. Ask the following questions: What is the hiring process? Is there a minimum age for staff? How are they trained in child care/discipline? Are all staff CPR/First Aid Certified? What is the staff to camper ratio?

Summer camp is meant to be a rewarding, memorable experience for children. Only you know what is best for your child. Take the time to research; dont be afraid to ask a lot of questions, and choose wisely!

Neely Motiejunas is the recreation division director for Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency. 770-924-7768. CRPA.net