It’s Not too Late to Find the Perfect Summer Camp for Your Kid
Last updated on March 9th, 2018 at 10:26 am
Schools are letting out for summer break and soon camps all over the country will be filling with kids ready to have fun! If you haven’t already, then now is time to start making your 
kid’s summer camp plans. Most camps have been enrolling kids since early in the year, and many may already be full, but it’s not too late to find one for your child. There are camps available for nearly every sport, activity, or interest that your child might have, so start researching now online and locally. Let your kids help choose a camp but limit the choices to the ones that you have already pre-approved and have confirmed that there are still slots available for your kids.
Wondering how to make sure your child has a fun and memorable time at camp? Here are a few pointers to help your kids have the time of their lives:
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Choose a camp based on your child’s age, maturity level, interests, and location. Young children and those who aren’t ready to go to an overnight camp may want to attend a local day camp. Check out local organizations that offer day camps, such as Scouts, Campfire, YMCA, and many others. Talk with your child about his concerns and ideas about camp. Choose one that offers age-appropriate activities that your child enjoys.
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Prepare your child for the camp you have chosen by talking about the activities he will get to do there. If he is worried about missing his family, reassure him that it is normal to feel home-sick, especially if it his first time away, and that those feelings will lessen after a couple of days. Share some of your fun childhood camp stories too. Older kids who are ready for overnight camp may want to stick with one fairly close to home their first time, just in case.
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If possible, send a postcard or card a few days before camp to the camp’s address so it will be waiting when your child arrives. (Check with the camp first to make sure they will hang onto it until your child arrives.) And be sure to send some pre-stamped postcards addressed to home, so your child can write to you and let you know all the fun he is having!
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If your kid has friends who want to attend the same camp, try to coordinate with them so they can bunk together. My daughter and her best friend went to camp for the first time at an overnight camp that is three hours away from home. They were a little nervous about it, but had an incredibly fun time because they were together. My son and his best friend attended that same camp the next summer because their sisters had talked so much about it. Having a friend at camp can help kids beat homesickness and it doubles the fun!
Can’t find a camp with openings for your child?
Can’t afford to send your kid to camp?
Why not create your own?
Pick a week to have your own camp at home for your kids and their friends. Pitch a tent in the backyard or in the living room! Cook out on the grill or make camp food in your own kitchen. Make fun crafts out of everyday household items and play lots of games. Name your camp and have everyone pitch in to make it exciting and entertaining. Kids are creative and can turn anyplace into a summer camp if given some help from their parents. A great camp doesn’t have to cost a lot of money; it just has to be a lot of fun!
