Home » Partners & Parents » Parenting a Gifted Child » To Camp or Not To Camp?

To Camp or Not To Camp?

© Peggy Kord

It’s time to think SUMMER! Consider a camp experience for your gifted child. There are opportunities for gifted children in traditional, recreational, and athletic camps and there are academic and “open challenge” camps with specific programs for gifted children. The most important factor when choosing a type of camp is to know what your child wants. Is she looking for a particular academic challenge or is she looking for self-expression through the arts? Perhaps he wants to “escape” giftedness and experience a traditional camp. Discuss camp options with your child!

Now what? There are eight steps to consider when choosing a camp for your child.

1. Gather information Send for printed pamphlets. Search the net (check my link page for suggestions). Talk to other parents.
2. Check Camp Resources A good camp should offer children access to equipment, materials, and activities. Ask specific questions. How many computers? How many horses? Etc.
3. Residential or Non-residential Cost may be primary in this decision. Residential camps offer diversity. Campers will meet and interact with campers from other geographical areas. Find out about meals, sleeping arrangements, and medical services.
4. Programs and Organization Look for a balance between social, academic, and recreational activities. A main objective or goal for the camp experience should be apparent. Research how instruction is delivered. Make sure there is plenty of independent exploration.
5. Staff This should be a primary concern. Staff should be knowledgeable of material and skilled in working with gifted children. Be concerned with the counselor ratio. There should be a counselor for every 6 campers 7-8yrs old. Check the ACA for additional guidelines. Find out if counselors (teachers) are experienced in dealing with conflicts, homesickness etc. Is there staff training before the campers arrive. Find out the educational background and camping experience of the director.
6. Campers Find out where the campers come from. Are there returning campers. Ask for former campers that you could contact. Personal contact with campers and their families will offer you the opportunity to ask further questions.
7. Rules A good camp should have a set conduct code. Read through it. Discuss it with your child. Make sure that the code is consistent with the age of the campers.
8. Feedback Ask to see work or portfolios of former campers. A good camp program will give entering and exiting skill levels. Goals and objectives for staff should also be available.

Good Luck and Happy Camping!

The copyright of the article To Camp or Not To Camp? in Parenting a Gifted Child is owned by Peggy Kord. Permission to republish To Camp or Not To Camp? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.