We understand that there are a number of factors that go into choosing which summer camp is best for your child including size, location, and range of activities offered. When picking a camp, it’s important to have a general vision of what you hope for your child to gain and achieve while at camp. Many parents are looking for an environment in which their child can disconnect with technology and reconnect with nature, the question is where is the best camp for that type of immersion.
Start with your child
What are you hoping your potential camper will get out of the summer. Is it more self-confidence? Expression of creativity? New sporting activities? It's possible that most camps have a mixture of all of these; however some more than others focus on certain aspects of the summer camp experience.
Think long term
Many camps are great at keeping kids occupied during the day, surrounding them with activities and distracting them from potential homesickness and what they might be missing from home, however we suggest looking more at the big picture. The benefits of even one summer can be dramatic, however the benefits of summer camp grows exponentially year after year. Look at a camp community. Talk to parents that have sent their kids to that camp. See if those parents went to that camp as a kid. Ask yourself "Is this a camp I can see sending my kid to year after year?" Summer camps can be great as a child, but if a camp has a strong community dynamic then your child could reap the benefits for the rest of their life. That sense of community and belonging can foster self-confidence, camaraderie, and social-bonds that will strengthen personal relationships even outside of camp.
Start with your child
What are you hoping your potential camper will get out of the summer. Is it more self-confidence? Expression of creativity? New sporting activities? It's possible that most camps have a mixture of all of these; however some more than others focus on certain aspects of the summer camp experience.
Think long term
Many camps are great at keeping kids occupied during the day, surrounding them with activities and distracting them from potential homesickness and what they might be missing from home, however we suggest looking more at the big picture. The benefits of even one summer can be dramatic, however the benefits of summer camp grows exponentially year after year. Look at a camp community. Talk to parents that have sent their kids to that camp. See if those parents went to that camp as a kid. Ask yourself "Is this a camp I can see sending my kid to year after year?" Summer camps can be great as a child, but if a camp has a strong community dynamic then your child could reap the benefits for the rest of their life. That sense of community and belonging can foster self-confidence, camaraderie, and social-bonds that will strengthen personal relationships even outside of camp.
The Staff
The staff is possibly the most important aspect of a great summer camp. After all, they are the ones to ensure not only that you child has an amazing summer, but also their safety. The most determining factor that we feel strongly about is how many of their staff members themselves went to that camp. Our counselor training program does not begin during staff week. It began way before our staff members chose to make the transition from camper to counselor. Ask the camp about their CIT (Counselor in Training) and CA (Counselor Assistant) programs. Applying more responsibility to older campers not only fosters maturity and good decision making but it also provides a great camp environment with like minded counselors who all want to pass on the enjoyment they experienced as campers.
The staff is possibly the most important aspect of a great summer camp. After all, they are the ones to ensure not only that you child has an amazing summer, but also their safety. The most determining factor that we feel strongly about is how many of their staff members themselves went to that camp. Our counselor training program does not begin during staff week. It began way before our staff members chose to make the transition from camper to counselor. Ask the camp about their CIT (Counselor in Training) and CA (Counselor Assistant) programs. Applying more responsibility to older campers not only fosters maturity and good decision making but it also provides a great camp environment with like minded counselors who all want to pass on the enjoyment they experienced as campers.