Deciding on which of the hundreds of overnight summer camps is best for your youngster is a big decision. From camp fees to activities and camper-to-counselor ratio, there’s a lot for you and your future camper to consider, and one of the best ways to find the best fit for your child is to go on a few summer camp visits.
First Hand
Ideally, you’ll be able to visit when camp is in session. This will give you more than the standard tour of facilities, fields, waterfront, bunk houses and dining hall. It’s great to check out the layout of the place, but wandering through when other campers are there gives a far better feel for the overall vibe of the camp. Your youngster will get to meet kids his own age who attend and get a taste of the summer’s activities. Many camps hold camp fairs to meet with representatives and take a tour, while some hold prospective camper sleepover weekends.
Camp Ladies
If you find the whole decision a bit overwhelming, you can seek out the assistance of a camp consultant, a sort of recruiter who provides services free to parents and is paid by the camps themselves. These “camp ladies” can help you sort through the type of camp you’re interested in, distance, fees and the specific needs or interests of your child.
Life Changer
More than just the best sports facilities, canoes and overnight camping trips, choosing the right summer camp can actually be a life-changing experience for your child. Think about it this way: When you send your kid off to college, it’s for four years, while returning summers at camp can span more than twice that time. Life-long friends and cherished memories form during those magical summers; just look at the alumni sites and gatherings from summer camps! It’s like boarding school or college – only more fun!
Listen to Your Child
Go with your instincts and listen carefully to your child’s comments during or after a camp visit. After all, it’s your youngster who will be summering there, not you! Get to know the staff a little and ask what’s special about each camp.
The Legacy Connection
For parents who attended sleepaway camp as a child, the decision is often a no-brainer. If you have an attachment to your childhood camp, you may have brought your kids along with you to reunions and they may already be excited about attending.
Putting Your Mind at Ease
Many parents find that visiting camp with their kids ahead of time eases a lot of that separation anxiety (for you!) when kids are dropped off for one or two months out in the wilderness. Once you’ve met the director, the staff and some of the kids, you’ll have a much better feel for what the upcoming summer months would be like for your little camper. Ask as many questions as you want, and you’ll find most camp personnel more than helpful in addressing your concerns.
The Other Green Stuff
With some camp fees topping the price of college tuition twenty years ago, you’ll want to get the most bang – and fun – for your money, and summer camp visits can give you a first-hand look behind the glossy brochure and website photos. It’s only sensible to investigate any possible investment!
If you're considering sending your child to an overnight summer camp, be sure to visit our site to learn about Camp Walt Whitman. Located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Camp Walt Whitman offers a safe, nurturing environment in a beautiful mountain setting. Our camp is a coed sleepaway camp, with separate areas for boys and girls. The kids have a blast, and make friendships that can last a lifetime. http://www.campwalt.com.
