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