The most important step in finding a camp is discovering which type, if any, your child wants to attend. There are residential camps where children stay overnight with counselors at a camp site for anywhere from a few days to a whole summer. There are day camps where children take part a few hours a day, and spend the night at home. There are also travel camps where campers move their site by hiking, boating, or horseback riding.
There are other factors to look for when selecting a camp. Would you prefer a cooed camp, or one that is selective to boys or girls? Is your child interested in a general camping experience, or is he or she particularly interested in one area, such as soccer, band or mathematics? Camps come in as many varieties as the campers do.
Generally speaking, children under the age of 8 are not mature enough for a residential camp experience. A good way to judge if your child will be able to handle homesickness is to observe their behavior during a sleep over. Of course, one night is nothing compared to two months away from your parents. When in doubt, err in the way of too little time at camp.
Summer camp can be an invaluable experience, but for the child who is left out of the decision making camp can also be a disaster. Children fit in when they feel comfortable. Make sure your son or daughter WANTS to go to summer camp, that they feel secure being away from home, and that their interests and beliefs are represented. This will help them fit in, make friends, and have a wonderful summer.
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