Home » Health & Wellness » Canadian Health Care » Your Child and Summer Camp

Your Child and Summer Camp

© Mary M. Alward

A child's camp experience can have a profound impact on his/her life. Because of this, parents should choose a camp carefully. Never send a child to a camp just because it is the one that you attended when you were young. Over the years, it has probably changed or possibly your child's needs are different from what yours were at the same age.

Camp must meet your child's goals, accommodate his/her interests and fulfill expectations if the camp experience is to be a positive one. Ask your child what he/she wants in a camp and the reasons for wanting those experiences.

There are several things to be considered. What special interests does your child wish to explore? Does your child have physical or social limitations that would prevent him/her from enjoying themselves? Should your child be sent to a camp that both boys and girls would attend? Most of all, what do you and the child expect to gain from the experience.

There are several things that must be considered when choosing a camp. Location, programs, activities, cost and special needs. Usually camps are either all boys or all girls. Occasionally, you will find a camp that allows brothers and sisters to attend. Co-ed camps provide extensive interaction between boys and girls through activities. Brother/sister camps provide some interaction but usually activities for boys and girls are separate. These camps can be next door to each other or some distance away.

Camps where children stay overnight have residences where your child stays. Activities include all campers and take place in the evening as well as throughout the day. Depending on your choice, camp experiences can last one day or take in the entire summer.

If you are considering a camp where your child will be staying overnight, there are things that should be considered. For instance, is your child ready for such an experience? What costs are involved and what do you and your child hope to gain by such an experience? Then, when all of these questions have been answered, make a list of any other concerns you may have.

Nonprofit camps are less expensive than private camps but as a parent you have to be cautious regarding costs. Consider the cost of childcare and meals if your child were to stay home. Be sure to ascertain if there will be additional costs if your child attends camp. Camp uniforms, transportation, the cost of visiting your child, spending money and charges for trips are all something that should be taken into consideration. Most of all consider that a positive camp experience will affect other areas of your child's life. A few extra dollars could make the difference between a positive or negative camp

The copyright of the article Your Child and Summer Camp in Canadian Health Care is owned by . Permission to republish Your Child and Summer Camp in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.