When summer approaches, many parents find themselves scrambling to make camp plans for their kids. Deadlines creep up, registration fills quickly, and before long, options become limited, often resulting in a last-minute camp choice that may not fully serve a child’s interests.
Camp is about so much more than simply filling summer days. It can be a place for opportunity, growth and lifelong memories, making it especially important to explore options now.
Start Planning
Continuing to explore camp options early and find a program your child is truly interested in comes with many benefits. It provides more choices and a variety of options to match exactly what your child wants their summer camp experience to look like.
Early planning also reduces stress for parents, allowing them to be confident they found the perfect summer camp experience for their children. By exploring options ahead of time, families ensure a summer that is not only fun and memorable for their children but also less stressful and more rewarding for parents.
The Downside of Waiting Too Long to Plan Camp
Waiting until the last minute to plan for camp can easily backfire. Many popular camps fill up quickly, leaving families with fewer options and making decisions based on what’s available rather than a child’s interests. When kids are placed in camps they didn’t help choose, they may feel disengaged or less excited about the experience.
Start with a Conversation
Starting a conversation with your child by asking open-ended questions can look like this:
- What do you want your summer to look like?
- What activities would you like to explore?
- What type of camp experience do you want to have this year?
These questions allow kids to feel heard and give parents a better understanding of what their child wants to do with their summer. Opening up a conversation about specific camp options can build excitement rather than nervousness, especially for young or first-time campers.
Approaching camp planning as a partnership makes a big difference. When kids are involved in the decision, they are more engaged and enthusiastic about the experience.
Explore Different Types of Camps
Exploring and introducing different types of camps is important because each child is unique, further emphasizing the need to find a camp that matches their interests. Some options to consider include day camps and specialty programs designed for children with a strong interest in arts, STEM, theater, nature and more.
Sleepaway and overnight camps are also a popular and exciting option. For some children, a sleepaway camp experience provides a chance to step outside their comfort zone, build independence and grow in new ways.
If you want to see more options for sleepaway and specialty camps, you can check out the Northeast Ohio Parent Camp and Summer Programs Guide to help find a camp that might be a good fit.
An Early Opportunity to Explore Summer Camps
Camp planning can feel overwhelming, and there’s often pressure to find the best fit for your child. The good news is, parents aren’t alone and don’t have to figure it out on their own. Northeast Ohio Parent is here to help, offering guidance and resources to make the process easier. Northeast Ohio Parent is hosting its 10th annual Camp, School & Summer Fun Fairs, giving families the chance to explore a variety of camps, schools, and fun activities for children of all ages. It’s a great opportunity for a fun family outing while meeting with different schools and camps all under one roof. Learn more about the fair and register for free at Northeast Ohio Parent.