The Best Summer Camp in America (3) - Consider the Camp Program

The Best Summer Camp in America

Consider the Camp Program

This is the second article in a series of ten on “Choosing the Best Summer Camp in America”.

When Choosing a Summer Camp, Consider the Camp’s Program
What sort of experience are you looking for? There are high adventure camps, traditional camps with a wide range of activities, dance camps, skateboarding camps, football camps, computer camps, and the list goes on. 

The length of the camp session can make a big difference in the effectiveness of a camp program. Short sessions (1 or 2 weeks) are great introductory sessions for younger campers, 6 to 9 years of age.  Some campers are ready for longer sessions right away, others may need a few years.  In general, longer sessions mean more skill development, bigger gains in confidence and independence, and deeper friendships are developed. 

Not all kids are cut out for summer camp, it just isn’t their “cup of tea”.  If your child, however, is one of those that will probably love camp & want to attend for summer after summer, find a camp that will grow with your child.

Options for Summer Camp Programs
As you research summer camp options, ask the camp management these questions about the camp program:

    Activity choices

• How are the activities chosen?
• How many different activities can my child choose?
• Are campers ever "closed out" of activities because all of the spaces fill?

    Program Flexibility

• Can activities change?
• How often can the schedule change?

    Purpose of activities?

• Which activities include skill-building and progression & which activities are strictly for fun?
• If my child attends camp for several years, how does the program grow with her?
• Are their leadership programs for older kids?

After you have thought about philosophy and program, you are ready to start making your “long list” of camps. CampPage.com is a helpful resource for a starting point to make your initial list of possibilities.

How to Choose the Best Summer Camps
Follow these ten considerations and you will find the best summer camp for your child. It may not be the same camp that I would choose for my son or that your neighbor would choose for their daughter, but it will be the best summer camp for your child:

1.     Family decision
2.     Consider the camp philosophy
3.     Consider the camp program
4.     Cost
5.     Location
6.     Camp size
7.     Camp staff
8.     Standards & accreditation
9.     References
10.     Facility

 

The Best Summer Camp in America (2) - Consider the Camp Philosophy

The Best Summer Camp in America

Consider the Camp Philosophy
This is the second article in a series of ten on “Choosing the Best Summer Camp in America”.

When Choosing a Summer Camp, Consider the Camp’s Philosophy
Every summer camp has a philosophy, and each is different from other camps.  Some summer camps are strictly for fun and entertainment and others have a definite educational goal.  Some camps use competition as a motivator and others de-emphasize competition in their program.  Ten excellent camps may have ten completely different approaches.  As you look for the “best summer camp” for your son or daughter, ask camps for their mission statement and then look at their literature and camp video to see how the mission of the camp is woven into the overall camp philosophy.

Questions to Ask about Sumer Camp Priorities
Here are some questions to ask summer camps that will reveal the priorities of the camp and help you decide if the program is a “good fit” for your child:

• Can you tell me a little bit about your program?
• What do you feel are the strengths of your camp?
• What is the outlook on competition at your camp?
• How is the day structured and how much flexibility is there in activity choices?
• Without mentioning your religion, ask if there is a religious focus at the camp.
• If the camp has a specific focus such as soccer or competitive swimming- What do the campers do when they aren’t in the main activity?  How are they supervised in the evening?
• Tell the camp staff about your child and your goals for him/her and then ask how the camp can help your child meet those goals.
• What are your priorities when hiring staff?  Tell me about the age of your staff members & the training your staff receives.

Most quality camps realize that they are the “right” camp for some children, but won’t necessarily be the “best fit” for all children.  By sharing your thoughts and being attentive to the philosophy of a camp, you should be able to narrow down the choices to a few camps that will be a good fit for your child.

How to Choose a Camp
Follow these ten considerations and you will find the best camp for your child. It may not be the same camp that I would choose for my son or that your neighbor would choose for their daughter, but it will be the best camp for your child:

1.     Family decision
2.     Consider the camp philosophy
3.     Camp program
4.     Cost
5.     Location
6.     Camp size
7.     Camp staff
8.     Standards & accreditation
9.     References
10.     Facility

 

The Best Summer Camp in America (1)- Choosing the right summer camp is a family decision

The Best Summer Camp in America

Choosing the right summer camp is a family decision
This is the first article in a series of ten on “Choosing the Best Summer Camp in America”.

Choosing a summer camp should be a family decision
I was listening to a syndicated radio show as the host said how “awful it is to send your kids away to summer camp”.  I agree.  “Sending kids to camp” against their wishes is not the right way to begin a positive and enriching camp experience.

When choosing a summer camp, include your child in the decision. Picking a camp and sending your child away without involving her in the decision is the best way to send her to the worst camp in America.

Make a List of Summer Camp Programs
There are plenty of wonderful camps that specialize in particular activities- adventure, computers, or sports to name a few.  Start by sitting down with your children and make a list of camp activities that sound interesting to them.  If he wants to learn rock climbing, canoeing and soccer, there’s a camp for him.   If she is intrigued with drama, mountain biking and ceramics, there’s a camp for her.  Lots of them.  Keep in mind, the best camp for your daughter might not be the best camp for your son.

Odds are that your child has several friends that attend camp already.  Just because a friend likes a camp doesn’t mean it will be the right fit for your child.  Attending camp with a friend can add to the experience but can also detract from the experience.  When choosing a camp, be sure your child considers the program as part of the decision, not just if his friend attends.

Swimming at campFind Summer Camps Everyone Can Agree On
There are factors in choosing a summer camp that don’t generally matter to kids, but will matter greatly to parents.  Kids want a fun experience.  Parents want positive role models, solid values, and an enriching experience for their child.  Discerning parents, along with their child, will often make a list of six or seven camps that are of interest to the future camper, then let the child pick from two or three that match the parent’s criteria.

Don't Wait to Plan Ahead - Great Summer Camps Book Fast
Start the process early. Exceptional camps may fill some sessions as early as September (yes, almost a year before the summer camp season). Many families will begin the camp search a full year before they are planning for their child to attend.

Follow these ten considerations and you will find the best camp for your child:

1.     Make it a family decision
2.     Camp philosophy
3.     Camp program
4.     Cost
5.     Location
6.     Camp size
7.     Camp staff
8.     Standards & accreditation
9.     References
10.      Facility

It may not be the same camp that I would choose for my son or that your neighbor would choose for their daughter, but it will be the best summer camp for your child!

Core Principles of High-Quality Mountain Biking Summer Camps for Kids

Mountain bikers are a close-knit community of professional and recreational cyclists. Kids that are interested in mountain biking not only learn to be physically fit, they also learn to connect and enjoy experiences with nature and with other people. It is important if you choose to send your child to a mountain biking camp that you review and evaluate the summer camp to be sure the it meets the highest standards. Here are a few core principles every quality, trusted mountain biking summer camp should follow:

1. Cooperation: Keeping the Outdoors Enjoyable for Everyone
Every experienced mountain biker knows cyclists aren’t the only people on the trails. In addition to hikers, the trails also attract bird watchers, campers, and equestrians. It is key that areas open to everyone are shared safely. Mountain biking summer camp programs should consider cooperation a key to having a successful mountain biking experience.

2. Responsibility: Respecting the Environment
Anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors in nature knows the environment is a special place all humans must respect. “Leave no trace” is a well-known saying in the outdoor sports world. It is essential that every mountain biker learn to clean up properly and use green, eco-friendly products whenever possible. Respecting nature’s beauty and power is the only way to truly reach your mountain biking potential.

3. Education: Keeping Mountain Bikers Safe
Any mountain biking summer camp must make education a top priority in order to ensure the safety of everyone. Kids interested in mountain biking must learn how to navigate the forest and all levels of trails. It requires regular practice, strength, and focus. These are skills best gained and improved when working with experienced mountain bikers at summer camp or at school.

In many areas in the US mountain biking can be enjoyed 8 – 12 months a year. It is not only a great sport to explore at summer camp, it is something your kids can participate in and learn from during various seasons. Many towns and cities have mountain biking clubs and communities to make it easier and more fun to visit a variety of outdoor regions. Encourage kids to explore activities they find inspiring all throughout the year.

Core Principles of the Best Hiking and Backpacking Summer Camps

Backpacking is not only an unforgettable experience, it is the backbone of a community of people who love to explore different terrains, climates, flora, and fauna first hand. They love to watch the sun go down every evening and wake with the sunrise in the morning. They hear the birds and look at the stars, they make friends with new people when they cross paths in the wilderness, and they love to breath the fresh air. If your kids want to learn about backpacking and hiking they must attend a summer camp that offers experienced instructors and some important core principles such as:

1. Inspire People to Connect
Backpacking and hiking inspires kids and adults to connect with themselves, other people sharing the trails, and the environment. Backpacking encourages kids to make new friends, while also spending quality time alone in nature. Backpacking summer camps teach children about sustainability and low impact living in the wilderness. After attending summer camp, kids that were allowed to backpack, camp, and hike return home inspired and excited. This rejuvenation can last long after summer camp is over.

2. Respect Nature and Others
Backpacking summer camps often identify sustainable, green, and low impact practices as required for any serious, responsible backpacking expedition. Nature is a powerful and beautiful place to spend time, especially for kids. It is essential that children learn to respect nature, as well as appreciate it. The flora and fauna can be explored and investigated. Scenic views, rare bird sightings, and other outdoor adventures await children that attend backpacking summer camps.

3. Educate and Promote Leadership
Accredited, well-known, successful backpacking summer camps generally provide summer camp programs that include community service and education. This ensures kids have the chance to participate in a community atmosphere and learn the importance of safety.

Hiking and backpacking summer camps can be the perfect getaway for any kid that loves the outdoors and wants to see the world. If your child has an adventurous spirit backpacking summer camp is a wonderful place for them to make friends and gain skills that will last a lifetime.