SUMMER CAMP SEASON WILL SOON BE HERE, and children will board buses each morning or pack their parents’ cars full of essentials to survive a few weeks away from home.
Looking back, many adults who experienced summer camp have fond memories of their adventures— whether they all went according to plan or there were some hiccups along the way. Parents want their children to make their own summer camp memories. Even if the canoe capsizes or the cabin leaks during a summer thunderstorm, such experiences can build character and strengthen friendships.
The American Camp Association (ACA) reports the most popular camp session length is around one week or less. Families getting prepared for camp can follow these guidelines to ensure the experience is one youngsters won’t soon forget.
Search for an accredited camp Accredited camps must meet more than 300 standards related to program quality, safety and health, according to the ACA. An accredited camp will likely give parents the most peace of mind.
Consider children’s readiness There’s no magic age when a child may be ready to go to camp, but generally students ages seven or eight may be fine to start a resident sleepaway camp. Day camp kids can begin as early as age three, the same age children often begin preschool programs. Gauge whether the child has spent time away from home at friends’ or family members’ homes to decide if a resident camp will be the right fit or if a day camp is more appropriate.
Connect with fellow campers If possible, attend a meet-andgreet prior to the start of the season. Neighborhood day camps tend to draw kids from local communities, so there’s already a chance kids will know a few fellow campers.
Make the most of all situations Much of summer camp will likely be smooth-sailing, but it’s reasonable to expect some bumps along the way. Campers should not expect perfection, but use the situations that may go awry as learning experiences on how to handle adversity —trying to find the fun in them anyway.
Summer camp can be a great experience, especially when families take some pre-camp measures aimed at ensuring children have a fun season.
Be sure to check out the April issue of HLN for more camp information.
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