5 Questions to Ask a Summer Camp Before You Send Your Child There

1. What are the summer camp's safety protocols and what kind of medical staff is on site?

Safety and emergency medical care is essential at any quality summer camp. Not only because many summer camp activities could easily involve accidents, but also because many kids suffer from allergies and sensitivities that may require medical attention. A large number of children deal with conditions such as asthma, food allergies,  or allergies to plants or bugs.  It is important o feel confident that in the event a child is hurt or reacts to something in the environment they will taken care of quickly by a trained professional. Ask what the summer camp's safety policies are and who is in charge for enforcing them if action needs to be taken. Ask to find out more about that person's experience and background, as well as, where they stay on site and when they are available.

2. Who is on the summer camp staff and how have they been vetted?

If you have decided to trust a summer camp and allow them to take care of your child it is a good idea to investigate ow they choose their summer camp staff each year. Summer camps with  better hiring standards and education requirements are often good choices but many of the staff at summer camps come from a variety of backgrounds and experience. It is also important to know how many of the current staff members have been with the summer camp over the long term.  Some camp staff return every season for many years and some even live and work at the summer camp year round. If  summer camp can retain trustworthy employees for long periods of time this is an indicator that they can be trusted. More directly it is okay to ask a summer cramp how they choose their counselors and other staff members. You can also find out if they complete criminal background checks prior to hiring a new employee.

3. What are the summer camp's policies for child to parent communication?

Summer camps often have policies about cell phone use and the amount of times a camper can contact and speak with their parents, siblings and friends back home. Make sure the summer camp you have chosen has a parent child communication policy you feel comfortable with and can agree to without hesitation. Summer camp is a place to let your child be independent and to stand on their own. Everyone, including parents, has to be on board for time at summer camp to be a success.

4. What kinds of food are prepared for the campers and how often?

Eating healthy is one of the most important things a child can learn. Healthy eating habits hat start at a young age are more likely to continue into adulthood. It is important for any summer camp to ensure every child is eating nutritious healthy food. This doesn't mean they can't have snacks available and sweets for time to time but for the most part you what to make sure the summer camp kitchen staff is serving balanced meals. Also, since every child is unique, it is key that children have access to fruit and other healthy snacks in between meals to keep their energy up.  Ask the summer camp about the meal plan, times, and snack privileges. If your child has any special needs make sure you alert the summer camp staff. 

5. Does the summer camp have a policy about bullying?

Bullying is a subject that has been talked about in schools, in homes and in the media. Regardless of how wonderful a summer camp's reputation can be there is no guarantee your child will not suffer from bullying or teasing while away from home. Talk to your summer camp director and staff members about policies regarding this kind of behavior. How do they handle these situations? Do they contact the parents? What recourse does a child have if they feel threatened by another camper? Summer camp should be a place where all kids feel safe and are able to communicate when they feel unsafe. Asking about protocols and practices on site will help keep any parents mid at ease.   

3 Reasons to Send Your Child to Arts Summer Camp

Summer camp is a place where children and teens are able to explore, mature, and define. Kids learn to work together with others in community and communicate thoughts and feelings in their own unique way. Arts summer camps help kids discover their voices and find vision and inspiration. 

1. The Imagination Is a Terrible Thing to Waste

The imagination is an essential part of a child’s life. Girls and boys alike respond best when encouraged to dream, wish, and pretend. Exercises in imagination help children develop flexible perspectives, which allow them to emotionally adapt when necessary. Arts summer camps encourage children to expand and communicate their imagination. Music, visual arts, theater, crafts and other summer camp programs are specifically geared towards creating a safe, supportive, environment where kids can artistically grow.   

2. Creative Exercises Help the Mind Develop

Creativity in the classroom has been proven to improve brain development, along with physical movement. The body and mind must both be engaged on a regular basis in order for kids to grow up healthy and strong. Arts summer campsprovide both of these essential experiences. The time spent outdoors combined with the opportunity to creatively express ideas and thoughts via music, acting, dancing, painting, etc makes arts summer camps the prime place for children and teens to develop healthy behaviors and coping mechanisms.

3. Self Expression Is an Important Part of Personal Growth

One of the most valuable skills a child can develop is the ability to clearly communicate. Children dealing with communication issues, such as speech impediments and dyslexia, need extra attention and help learning how to clearly articulate their needs and wants. Arts and crafts can help kids develop the skills necessary to share their ideas, thoughts and emotions. This helps them to grow up and become healthy adults. Self expression is something all humans need to develop and there are many ways to explore this aspect of one’s self. Arts summer camps give kids a variety of mediums through which to express all kinds of inner dialogues. In the future this will allow them to continue to learn new ways of expressing and sharing themselves with others.

Why Summer Camp is so Special to Children and Grown Ups Alike

Summer camp is one of the most important times in a camper's life. It can shape kids and grown ups in many ways. Kids connect with peers their own age and camp staffers connect with others who share similar interests. It's no wonder there are now a plethora of "adult camps" like Grown-Up Girls Getaway where adults can escape to quiet and late-night laughter with friends just like a kid at summer camp.

1. Build Great Memories and Long-Lasting Relationships at Summer Camp

No matter what type of summer camp: sports summer camp, horseback riding summer camp, Christian summer camp, adventure summer camps, computer camps every summer is full of excitement and new adventures. One of the greatest takeaways are the memories and long lasting relationships campers build in a safe and supportive setting.

2. Summer Camp Teaches Campers to Stay Healthy and Active

At the heart of every summer camp are fun activities and sports. Even if you aren't attending a sports summer camp, most likely there are a ton of activities to choose from such as paddling a canoe, swimming, volleyball, basketball, soccer and even target sports like archery and riflery and individual sports like gymnastics, dance and tennis. Campers learn sportsmanship, leadership and healthy competition.

3. Summer Camp Allows You to Know Yourself Better

Safe and healthy interactions, sports and activities, developing self confidence, overall, summer camp helps you know yourself better. Knowing yourself means knowing your strengths and weaknesses, your passions and fears, your likes and dislikes, your values and beliefs and your habits. The more you intimately know yourself, the more you grow in character and the more meaning, joy and fulfillment you will have in your life.

Summer camp is the perfect place to develop self confidence and build great memories and lifelong relationships. Check out our online directory of summer camps and start now on the first step to giving your child one of the most rewarding journeys of his/her life.

What Summer Camp Means to Kids and Adults Around the World

What Summer Camp Means to Kids and Adults Around the World

1. Friends 
First and most importantly summer camp is a place for young people and staff members to make life long friends. Whether you are a pre-teen, teenager, college-aged camp counselor, or adult working on site with various programs, summer camp is a place to connect with others of like mind and interests. Many grown-ups treasure the memories they have fromsummer camp, as much as the ids currently attending each year. Summer camp staff are also just as likely as campers to form deep bonds and keep in touch for years to come. Summer camp programs in many ways are like a family. They are a place where you know you belong and you know you are supported. 

2. Outdoor Adventures 
Summer camp is also a great opportunity to spend time outdoors enjoying and being part of nature. Campers attend many summer camps across the United States in order to participate in a wide variety of outdoor advents including: kayaking, soccer, football, basketball, mountain biking, rock climbing, surfing, volleyball, rafting, swimming, horseback riding and much more. Summer camp staff also have the chance to hone their skills in a variety of activities and to enjoy time away from the hustle and bustle of mundane life. 

3. Learning 
Lastly, summer camp is a great place to learn new things. Choose a summer camp program with activities you enjoy and some you have never tried before. This is a wonderful way to expand the mind and to explore yourself. Many adults still remember the first time they shot a bullseye on the archery field, or the first time they learned to dive. It is the learning experience that make summer camp so unforgettable. The skills kids and teens gain at summer camp can affect the rest of their path forward in life. In addition to physical, intellectual, and mental skills, they also learn to cooperate, socialize, be honest, be trustworthy, work as a team, share, be patient and much more. Summer camp is always a place to explore who you are and learn who you want to become.  

Summer camp is often an experience children and adults hold dear for many years. It is a special gift, one that makes friendship, being active, and expanding your mind the top priorities.

Core Principles of Great Horseback Riding Summer Camps

Horses are special -- it's no wonder children feel drawn to being around them. If your child is crazy about horses and interested in developing horseback riding skils, a horseback riding summer camp is a great place to start. Horseback riding summer camps offer campers the opportunity to learn about nature, learn respect for animals, and develop confidence and responsibility. Here are a few core principles every great horseback riding summer camp follows:

1.      Great Horseback Riding Summer Camps Have Qualified, Professional staff

Staff are well trained and have extensive experience. They should hold a license from the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) or somewhere similar. Counselors are qualified to teach a wide range of riders beginner to advanced and tailor the instruction to campers' abilities. Some may have even competed at high levels of show jumping, eventing and dressage.

2.      Quality, Trusted Horseback Riding Summer Camps Make Safety a Priority

At great horseback riding summer camps, safety is a primary concern. Quality, trusted summer camps should have excellent safety records showing their commitment to safe riding programs. Camps should use the latest safety certified equipment and keep it maintained and sized appropriately.

3.      Horseback Riding Summer Camps Are Well rounded

Great summer camps offer arts, sports and adventure activities in addition to comprehensive equestrian programs for those campers who have interests beyond riding. They also offer horse care clinics to teach campers how to care for the horses in addition to teaching them how to ride.

Horseback riding summer camps are a great place to learn to become a better rider as well as a better person. If your child loves horses, horseback riding summer camp is an excellent place to develop their riding abilities and to learn how to care for the horses. 

Core Principles of Professional Adventure Summer Camps

Adventure summer camps can be a great place for kids to expire themselves, make friends, learn to face challenges, and go after their dreams. Adventure means many things to many people so it is essential that children attend a professional adventure summer camp with a strong reputation for a great location and a supportive staff. When searching for an adventure summer camp, make sure the one you choose focus on these three main principles.   

1. Safety First - Adventure Summer Camps Must Protect Campers and Staff
At an adventure summer camp there can be a wide variety of activities. Many of the adventure camp programs include extreme sports and other exciting outdoor activities. It is essential that the camp staff is properly trained and know all standard safety procedures. A camp staff that makes safety a top priority is able to ensure that both campers and camp employees have a wonderful time. Everyone involved is able to have fun, learn, and make long-lasting social connections.

2. No Fear - Conquer Your Fear at Adventure Summer Camp
Adventure summer camp is about exactly that, having an adventure! It is important that kids know they will be encouraged to face their fears and to challenge themselves so they can grow as people. Children that want to expand their world view, learn to cooperate with others, and have an unforgettable time are guaranteed to find what they want at adventuresummer camp. Campers hopefully learn that fear and insecurity are simply natural challenges to be overcome in life. They see that if they have the right support, encouragement, planning and skills they can make it through the greatest adventure - life.

3. Stay Healthy and Strong - Stay in Shape at an Adventure Summer Camp
Adventure summer camp is not only about facing challenges, it is also about sending time outdoors and begin physically active. Time in the sun, in the elements, at the beach or in the woods, is especially important for the developing minds and bodies of children of all ages. Adventure camps can be the perfect way to ignite a child's passion about being in nature and learning to live an active healthy lifestyle. Trained adventure camp experts teach kids to participate in a variety of outdoor activities. Children also learn to appreciate nature, be responsible, and to work together. 

Core Principles of Top Gymnastics Camps

There are several types of gymnastics summer camps for your budding or experienced gymnast. There are elite gymnastics summer camps, commercial gymnastics summer camps and collegiate gymnastics summer camps. Depending upon your child's interests and skill level, there are many options to help you find the right gymnastics camp. Before you and your child make a decision, be sure the camp you choose has these core principles that all top gymnastics camps share:

1. Great Gymnastics Summer Camps Have State-of-the-Art Facilities

Top gymnastics summer camps offer the latest gym design and facilities. They offer multiple sets of the latest and greatest training equipment: trampolines, bungee systems pits.

2. A Certified, Professional Coaching Staff Guarantees Safety at Gymnastics Summer Camp

Top gymnastics summer camps offer coaches who are presently competing collegiate gymnasts, collegiate coaches, and national team members. Some even offer Olympians, Olympic coaches, and World Champions. All coaching and counseling staff are USA Gymnastics Safety Certified and counseling/recreation staff are invested and experienced in the field of child development.

3. Gymnastics Summer Camps Give Kids the Opportunity to Have Fun and Socialize

While the focus is on the mechanics of gymnastics during gymnastic summer camp, top gymnastics camps make sure their campers also have fun and try other activities like swimming, hiking, and arts and crafts. They also teach kids to support and encourage one another while working as a team.

4. Inspire Self Confidence at Gymnastics Summer Camp

The #1 priority of top gymnastics camps is to further develop campers as gymnasts, however, they also offer programs that help them develop as people. The problems they solve, the independence they gain; it allows campers to feel positive about themselves and their accomplishments inside and outside the gym.

Gymnastics summer camps are not only the perfect training arena for any child who wants to build coordination, strength and flexibility, they are also an excellent place to inspire self confidence. Whether your child is an advanced gymnast or is just starting out, gymnastics summer camps are an excellent place for them to learn, make friends, have fun and build character.