Day Camps – A Summer Day Camp
A summer day camp is a great way to put some excitement into a long summer, offering young people a chance to explore new activities, acquire new skills, pursue current interests and make new friends close to home!
No matter what the reasons are for sending children to day camp, and regardless if they're to attend for the entire summer or just a one- or two-week session, finding the right camp to fit their personalities and needs takes some research.
Begin by expressing a positive outlook – assume your child will find day camp enriching and enjoyable. Talk with your youngster about his or her expectations of camp, and consider those foremost when making your choice.
Summer day camps are usually a child's first camping experience. Both the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts offer day camps for their youngest members – Cub Scouts and Brownies. YMCA camps nationwide are well-known for the quantity and variety of day camp programs offered during the summer and throughout the year.
Often day camps operate around themes geared to a particular sport or the performing arts, for example, soccer or swimming camp, dance or drama camp. Day camps are especially well-suited to young children with special needs, such as ADHD – where the intensity of new experiences is balanced with the comfort of home every evening.
Stay Informed. Read Summer Camp Articles!
If day camps in your area are available for touring, visit the camp facility with your child, meet the staff and talk with former campers. The more your child participates in the selection process, the enthusiastic he'll be about attending, and the more you'll learn about his or her perceptions on the camp program.
Practical details for parents to check:
- Will the camp hours fit in with your schedule?
- Does the camp provide transportation? If not, will you be able to drop off / pick up every day? If necessary, is extended care offered in the event a parent is running late?
- Is the camp relatively close to home, so that your child isn't spending hours in a car or bus every day?
- If the day camp affordable? Do fees include meals and/or snacks, or do you send your child with a bag lunch?
- Does camp tuition include special day trips that might have additional fees?
- Is there a refund policy? If so, are the requirements clear?
Camp safety:
Appropriate, qualified supervision is essential to ensuring a day camp will provide a safe environment for your child. Ask about the background of camp counselors. Are they certified first aid procedures and emergency medical care? Are they returning, experienced staffers, or are they in training? Do they have experience with young children?Determine who makes decisions regarding medical care at camp. Ask about the food policies: will snacks or meals be served? How will allergies be treated? Will keeping the kids hydrated be a priority?
Chances are a day camp will be your child's first camping experience – make sure camp employees are forthcoming about their emergency care procedures, and assure yourself that they, too, consider safety paramount to a happy, healthy experience for your child, peace of mind for you.
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