Summer camp decisions are coming soon. Families can start connecting with camps and their staff to find a program that best fits their child’s needs. For many parents, this might be the first time they are experiencing the process, but for others, it has become a yearly tradition.
For seasoned campers, they have gained benefits from the youth camp adventure.
“Youth who had higher quality camp experiences across waves reported higher levels of affinity for nature, willingness to try new things, social awareness, independence,” according to the American Camp Association’s National Camp Impact Study in 2022.
With so many options available, parents and their kids can be overwhelmed—and sometimes, that leads to no decision at all. Before camp sign-up season begins, here are a few ways families can begin searching for the right program.
Have a Conversation
Whether your child has been to camp or hasn’t been to camp, now is the time to review options. That doesn’t necessarily mean naming camps to attend, but rather, take a deep dive into their interests. Are they interested in expanding on skills in a sport or academic subject? Are they interested in learning more about nature? Do they want to be outdoors most of the summer? Do they want to stay around the region or would they do an overnight camp? Do they have friends who want to go to camp with them? Do they want to attend a different camp this year?
What Are Your Camp Goals?
There are many reasons to send your child to a summer camp or program. When you determine these loosely based goals, try to find a camp that might match your—and your child’s—expectations. Does your child want to learn a skill? Do you want them to make new friends? Does your child need to learn independence? How do you want your child to experience camp life?
Review Summer Schedules and Budgets
Before you begin your search process, start mapping out your summer schedule and costs. How much do you want to spend on camp? Would your child be eligible for early bird specials or scholarships? When would your child attend the summer camp or program? Does your child need a half-day, all-day or overnight adventure?
Alone or With Friends And/Or Siblings
One of the things to consider early is if your child is going to summer camp on his or her own or going along with a sibling or friends. If they are going with others, talk to all the parties involved on expectations about camp.
Set Deadlines
Many camps and summer programs fill up quickly. Make a plan on when you and your family will decide on which camp. This means doing your research and speaking to camps as soon as possible. Once you have a conversation with your family, narrow down a few choices to consider before making a decision.
First-time Campers Reads
If your child is a first-time camper, it might be easier to talk to them through reading. There are plenty of books to help with the conversation, such as “Summer Camp Critter Jitters” by Jory John and illustrated by Liz Climo; “Froggy Goes to Camp” by Jonathan London; “Camp” by Kayla Miller; or “Camp Average” by Craig Battle.