Putting Together a Wardrobe for Summer Camp

Packing for summer camp is always exciting, and having the perfect wardrobe is important for keeping kids comfortable while they are away from home. Although they want to be stylish, camp is not the time to worry about wearing their most expensive or trendy clothing because it’s a guarantee that your child will be engaged in a lot of outdoor activities. As you prepare your packing list, here is what you need to know about putting together a wardrobe for summer camp that will cover every activity while still showing off your kid’s personal style.

Choose Practical Daily Wear

Summer camp is a time where kids toss aside their school wardrobes, and swimsuits become normal daily attire. Since your son or daughter will be hiking, fishing and going on overnight camping trips, it is important to choose simple clothing that is durable enough to survive a little bit of extra dirt. Shorts, t-shirts and tank tops are perfect for your kid to wear every day, and your camp will tell you about how many of each to bring so that your kid can have something clean to wear between laundry days.

Select Appropriate Water Clothing

Water sports are another important part of camp that will require some careful attention to the choices you make with your child. While your daughter may have her eye on that trendy bikini, it is not going to survive a white water rafting ride or provide much protection from the sun. Instead, opt for a one-piece, and look for fabrics that include sun protection. For boys, a sturdy pair of swim shorts with a button or shoestring tie will help keep them on during those daily water skiing lessons.

Add Something Warm for Evening Activities

Kids usually stay warm during the day as they enjoy their outdoor activities, but the evenings can get a little cool. Make sure they have a warm jacket or sweater to wear as they gather around the campfire in the evenings or go for a late afternoon trek through the wilderness. A robe is also an excellent choice for kids to wrap up in while they unwind in their cabins before bed.

Focus on Footwear

Proper footwear is important for kids to get the most out of their camp experience. Flip flops make great shower shoes and will give them something quick to throw on as they walk through the cabin. However, they will also need to bring skid-proof tennis shoes or hiking boots that can withstand long distance treks on uneven terrain. If your son or daughter will be participating in a sport, then make sure that you also prepare to send cleats and other types of gear that pertains to their athletic interests.

Have Fun with Camp Brands

Summer camps also offer branded items that can be ordered for kids before they arrive for the season. These items usually fit easily into a camp-friendly wardrobe, and having a new shirt or hat touting their camp’s name builds camaraderie among the campers. For many families, this offers an option for adding something new to the wardrobe that is budget-friendly yet has enough of the cool factor to make kids happy.

Always remember to check your kid’s camp packing guide to find out if any special items of clothing are needed. But keep in mind that this is one summer vacation where the “keep it simple” rule is important to follow. By carefully putting together your kid’s wardrobe, they can comfortably participate in their favorite activities while knowing that they have exactly what they need to wear no matter what new adventure is on the schedule.

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. Learn what campers say about summer camp at CWW: http://www.campwalt.com/about-sleepaway-summer-camp.html

Choosing a Tennis Program for Your Child

Tennis is known as a lifetime sport because children who learn to play tend to continue strengthening their skills through practice and competition as adults. Finding the right tennis program is the key to successfully teaching your child the lessons they need to be successful in this competitive sport. As you explore potential programs, look for these signs of quality that will ensure your child gets the right start toward developing an interest in tennis that turns into a lifelong passion.

Ask About the Coach’s Credentials

When it comes to teaching tennis, experience in the sport and with kids is everything. While your coach might not be an Olympian, they should have a history of successfully competing and winning competitions. Memberships in local tennis organizations and national affiliations also speak for their dedication to staying current regarding the latest coaching techniques while supporting the development of their preferred sport. While possessing the right credentials is important, your child’s coach should also be personable with an upbeat personality and the energy to keep up with the children on the courts.

Check for Low Staff-to-Student Ratios

In tennis class, too many students without enough coaches leads to chaos and boredom. Therefore, in addition to the coach, you should see additional staff members available to assist. This keeps kids from having to wait around for instruction ensuring a higher level of safety on the courts.

Learn About the Facility

Tennis programs need enough space for every student to practice playing as much as possible. Ask how many courts are available and if they are full-size. Ideally, kids will be practicing on courts like the ones used in competitions. Although they may play doubles during practice games, there should still be plenty of courts available for everyone to play at once. During your tour, the facility should also be clean with well-maintained equipment.

Sign Up for Daily Practices

Learning any new skill requires consistent practice, and kids thrive when they are offered tennis classes during school breaks so they can fully immerse themselves in the sport. For example, tennis programs offered as electives at summer camp will encourage kids to practice every day, and specialized programs allow them to dive into tennis for an entire week. These types of programs help keep your child’s skills fresh throughout the entire year.

Look for Intensive Practice Programs

If your goal is for your child to play tennis competitively, then private practice sessions are essential. Since your child benefits from working with staff members and coaches they already know, make sure the program you choose offers private sessions. During these sessions, your child will receive one-on-one training that is targeted to strengthen their weak skills while reinforcing the things they do well. It also gives them a chance to practice with advanced tennis players that love being able to pass down their expertise.

Learning to play tennis takes a combination of dedication and the right kind of training. Whether your child just wants to play for fun or they are aiming to be a professional athlete, signing up for a tennis program is the first step toward success. By knowing how to choose a quality program, you will line your child up with the right coaches and practice schedules to truly develop a love for the sport.

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. Learn what campers say about summer camp at CWW: http://www.campwalt.com/about-sleepaway-summer-camp.html

Five Tips for Encouraging a Love of Sports in Kids

Kids should be outside and active at least sixty minutes a day and getting involved in a recreational sport encourages social, physical and emotional development as well as good healthy living habits. Whether your youngster has already expressed excitement over playing a particular sport or whether you sign him up for soccer or baseball just so he can check it out, involvement in sports can help nurture an interest in constructive after-school activities or even be the start of a lifelong passion.

Talk It Up

Before heading to sign-ups, talk to your youngster about what kind of athletics might interest her. If the answer is a vague “nothing”, talk about what kind of related activities she likes and offer some ideas. A kid who’s turning summersaults all the time might like gymnastics, while a youngster who loves the water may enjoy competitive swimming. If your child is seven or over, make sure he understands the commitment of signing up for a sport and knows that you expect him to stay in for the season, even if it’s a bit more difficult than he anticipated.

Keep Things Upbeat

Once you’ve got your youngster out on the playing field, keep it positive; be your child’s cheerleader and emphasize what she’s doing right and how hard she’s trying. Be sure to tell her no one’s perfect and everyone makes mistakes. Not every child is an all-star, but most can come to love the camaraderie of the team and the joy of just getting out and playing. Support all his athletic endeavors as long as he enjoys playing. Excelling is not a requirement. As long as your child is having fun, developing into a team player and embracing the challenge of learning new skills, she can enjoy and benefit from participation in sports. Stay involved, ask what was learned at practice and try to cushion any corrections with five specific instances of what you saw her do right.

Pick a Few

Concentrating on one sport can tend to become too intense for young children, while signing up for every kiddie athletic activity you see can make your youngster too busy to actually fully enjoy any of them. Two or three sports a year is usually a good number. Your budding athlete will learn a broad range of skills and start to figure out what sport if any they’d like to concentrate on down the road.

Investigate the Options

Before you sign up for the season, try to figure out if this particular sports program is a good fit for your child’s personality and abilities. Youth athletic programs differ widely. For instance, some emphasize participation by everyone while others only play the best athletes on the team. Try to see the coach in action or watch a practice, so you can get an idea of what kind of experience your child will be having. When kids are young, the philosophy of doing the best you can rather than having to be the top player on the team will do far more to encourage your child to truly love sports.

Time Out

No matter how much your child loves a sport, make sure she has some time away from it during the week. Children need a variety of activities outside of school and sports, including time for family, friends, chores and homework. Make sure your youngster has a well-rounded life off the playing field.

If you're considering sending your child to an overnight summer camp for a sports experience, 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. Check out the sports program here: http://www.campwalt.com/summer-camp-sports.html

Teaching Kids How to Swim

There’s no doubt that learning how to swim is an important part of childhood, both from the standpoints of safety and fun. Most kids are around water at some point in their lives, whether playing in the backyard pool, at the beach, boating or just walking down a dock or fishing by a lake. It only takes a moment for a drowning to occur, so every parent should be sure their child knows the rudiments of staying afloat. All that aside, swimming is one of the true joys of summer for kids of all ages. There are abundant opportunities for your child to learn this all-important skill.

At Summer Camp

Pretty much every summer camp, even specialty camps, include swimming lessons as part of their slate of programs. Many camps use the techniques and standards of the American Red Cross, with skilled, certified instructors guiding youngsters through all the levels of swimming instruction from beginner to advanced. Kids are tested at the start of camp for level placement and can move up as their abilities improve. You can find excellent swimming programs at both day camps and sleepaway camps. Look for small class sizes so your little camper can get a more individualized level of instruction along with some good old fashioned summertime fun. Many camps, even if situated by a lake, will have a heated outdoor pool for more comfortable swimming lessons. Early morning lake water can be a bit of a shock!

At Community Centers

Community centers and YMCAs across the country are super places to send kids for swimming lessons. Do a little research to see how instructors are certified prior to registering your child. Many facilities start children as young as 18 months (with a parent), so you can be right there with your child as he or she becomes used to the water and eventually learns the rudiments of staying afloat. Programs for kids up to three are generally all about swimming readiness. The American Academy of Pediatrics doesn’t recommend formal swimming lessons until the age of four when kids are developmentally ready to learn the skills needed to actually stay afloat. Once they’re six, most youngsters can start to learn all the basic strokes including the crawl, back stroke and breast stroke. Many programs move all the way from toddler up to expert levels and may have locally-based swim teams to satisfy the competitive streak of accomplished swimmers.

With You

Lots of parents choose to teach their kids the basics of swimming themselves, especially if the family has a backyard pool or spends a lot of time at the beach. Kids who are comfortable when immersed in the water can usually pick up the basics of staying afloat and moving through the water fairly easily. Unfortunately, youngsters who have had a scare or two in the water may have a bit more difficulty overcoming apprehension about being in deeper water or putting their face in the water. Patience is key in overcoming this. Remember, even if your child does well swimming in a pool, it may not translate perfectly to the beach or lake. Always keep a close eye on young children around the water and always have them wear a life vest when boating even if they are skilled swimmers.

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. Check out our water sports program here: http://www.campwalt.com/summer-camp-water-sports.html

Making New Friends At Camp: Is It Easy?

The most special memories of summer camp are shared with new found friends. The friendship at camp is unique as kids relates to each other without the pressure of the parents or teachers. They have the freedom to choose who they can easily relate with from the hot days of swimming to sailing, craft creating activities, campfires and the cabin chitchats. For first time campers, parents often wonder if their kids can easily make friends. Of course, some variables should be considered in socializing with others such as how outgoing your child is. Here are some camp counselor advice on how to teach kids to easily relate with other children at summer camp.

Checking Out the Culture of an Overnight Summer Camp

So, your child will be taking the big step this summer to spending hot, happy months at sleepaway camp. There are of course many things to take into consideration when choosing an overnight camp, but perhaps one of the most important from the standpoint of each individual child is the overall culture of the camp. Is it more geared toward sports? Is it large or small? What kinds of kids tend to go? Will your youngster feel like he’ll fit in? Although there’s no way to guarantee a great camp experience, there are a few ways you can get a feel for the overall “vibe” of camp life.

Ask Around

Although you’ll have to take into consideration the source of any information, it’s a great idea to check with other parents of campers at a potential camp. Often, your child will have classmates or neighbors who have attended the camp, particularly if it’s not that far away. Of course one child’s idea of camp heaven may be quite different from another’s, but you can get an overall impression of camper/counselor interaction, how engaged kids are in camp activities, safety and supervision. If lots of parents report their child can’t wait until next summer, you’ve probably got a winner.

Traditional or Modern?

With the incredible amount of camps out there, you can choose anything from rustic lakeside retreats with few of the luxuries of home to upscale modern summer meccas with everything from Internet access to cell phone privileges. Clearly, the culture of a camp brimming with contemporary comforts will be far different from that of a traditional style sleepaway camp.

Peruse the Websites

Needless to say, every camp is putting its best foot - or hiking boot – forward on the Internet, but these websites are super places to get basics like camper/counselor ratio, camp size, amount of kids in each cabin, a typical day at camp, rules on communicating with home and amount of structure. If you feel your child would be lost in the crowds of a big camp and might do better with small groups, or if they might flounder with too much unstructured time, you can look for camps set up for smaller groups of campers and a more structured schedule of activities. See if you can find out the return rate of campers, summer after summer; it says a lot about the camp’s overall culture.

Take a Camp Tour

Pile the family in the car and take a summer camp tour the summer before your child will go to camp. This is where good planning comes in, as you’ll want to go while camp’s in session to get the best feel for the overall “vibe” of the place. Naturally, the tour guide will be showing all the high points, but try to see if your child can get a chance to chat with some of the campers. Look around. Do the kids seem happy and engaged in the activities? Are the counselors enthusiastic and involved? Are the facilities clean and well-maintained? Do waterfront activities in particular seem well supervised? Ask plenty of questions of camp staff; you’ll have your own unique concerns for your child. Once you’re back in the car, listen carefully to your child’s feelings about the camp, and don’t let your own enthusiasm or lack thereof influence his or her decision; she’ll be the one spending the summer there, not you!

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.

Summer in New England

With its breathtaking shoreline, quaint villages, scenic mountains and glorious lakes, New England offers a cornucopia of summer delights for everyone from beach bums to history fans and outdoor fanatics. Cross the border from New York and you’ll find everything you’ll need for summertime dreams come true.

Captivating Connecticut has it all, from the beautiful hills of Litchfield to the pretty seaport towns of the Long Island Sound. 

Try out a lazy day of tubing on the Farmington River, take the kids on a dinosaur expedition at the popular Peabody Museum in New Haven or explore life in a turn-of-the century whaling town at the Mystic Seaport Museum. 

A wealth of beaches and state parks line the shoreline including historic Ocean Beach in New London where old timey arcades, an historic boardwalk and a wide swathe of sand lure young and old alike. Stop in pretty towns like Essex, Old Saybrook and quaint little Stonington village on your way to Rhode Island.

Little Rhody is deservedly famous for its stunning stretch of sandy coastline winding up from popular family vacation haven Westerly, just over the Connecticut border, through Charlestown, Narragansett and glamorous Newport. 

Take the kids to Misquamicut State Beach for super surf, family friendly eateries, outdoor movies and motels right on the sand, or head to more upscale Watch Hill, once known as Little Newport, where quaint shops, two beautiful beaches (bay and ocean) and some of the best ice cream in the state await. 

Afterwards, head to historic Newport where a necklace of magnificent mansions unwind along the breathtaking Cliff Walk, and the waterfront is a glorious tangle of upscale shops, galleries and restaurants.

Summer in Massachusetts is synonymous with Cape Cod, where a dazzling string of pretty coastal villages wind up to the spellbinding dunes of the Cape Cod National Seashore. Spend the weekend at a charming little bed and breakfast just a short stroll from the beach, dine alfresco on same-day-fresh seafood and savor a sunset cocktail at a friendly local café. 

Biking, swimming, sailing, horseback riding and surfing are all part of a day’s play at the Cape. History and museum buffs should definitely make a detour to Boston, where attractions like the Museum of Fine Arts and Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum offer a fine culture break from days of sun, sand and home-made ice cream.

New Hampshire, with its verdant hills, awe-inspiring mountains and crystalline lakes is a real mecca for hikers, climbers, campers and white water rafters. Home to numerous sleepaway summer camps, this beautiful state offers a wealth of summertime treats. 

Savor lunch on the verandah of an historic grand hotel, get a unique perspective on White Mountains scenery on the historic Cog Railroad, experience the magnificent vistas of the Kangamangus highway or head off to a day of kiddie delights at Story Land, a New England family tradition.

Vermont, known mainly as a super ski destination, is really a four-season playground. Before the leaf peepers descend in the fall, summer in Vermont is chock full of activities, especially at the ski resorts, where zip lines, gondolas and mountainside slides turn a winter wonderland into a spectacular summer holiday destination.

Whether you crave the romance of a rugged coastline or the solitude of miles of unspoiled wilderness, Maine is the perfect spot for summertime adventure. Quaint beach towns like Kennebunkport and Booth Bay Harbor offer a classic Maine seaside experience, while adventurers will want to explore the granite and spruce islands of Arcadia National Park or hike Mount Katadhin, end point of the Appalachian Trail.

Whatever roads through historic New England you choose this summer, you’re bound to find outdoor adventure, seaside delights, historic wonders and plenty of fun in the sun.

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.

Ways to Teach Teamwork to Kids

One of the greatest things kids can learn is how to work as a team, as skill that will serve them well in so many parts of their lives, from youth athletic leagues to school projects, college academics and the workplace. 

Being a “good team player” and knowing how to work with all sorts of people toward a common goal certainly makes you a valued commodity in our society, and activities like summer camp makes learning this valuable ability a whole lot of fun. 

Kids can learn to function as a team in many ways, and if you keep your eye out at summer camp visits, you’ll notice campers involved in activities in places like the low ropes courses as well as on all sorts of playing fields, in swimming pools and out on the lake.

What is a Team Player?

A team player is less an “it’s all about me” kind of person and more a “go team” sort. Kids who help out at home and in the classroom, include others in games and activities and know how to both lead and follow tend to grow into more successful young adults.

Ropes Course Activities

Lots of companies use the lower part of a ropes course for team building activities, and kids at overnight summer camps get a jump on the action. Whereas the high ropes course focuses on more physical challenges, the low ropes course is chock full of trust building and problem solving activities, all geared toward helping campers learn how to work together effectively toward a common goal, all while getting to know each other better and having buckets of fun.

Theatrical Teamwork

Theatrical activities from summer camp campfire skits to local talent shows and community theater stage productions pretty much require kids to work as a team if the show is going to go on. Many stage companies routinely use teamwork activities to form a cohesive cast and crew before a show gets into full swing. 

However, even little summer camp productions have actors, writers, directors, stage builders, lighting crews and stage managers. Each person has his or her role and has to learn how to work with all the other team members whether they get along with them particularly well or not. Opening night is the deadline and everyone has to pull together to meet it successfully!

On the Playing Field

From organized youth athletics to school sports and summer camp fun, the playing fields can be a super way to learn to be a team player. Of course summer camp is brimming with all kinds of games, from beloved standard gaga ball and rowdy camp color wars to traditional sports like basketball, softball and soccer. 

At camp, counselors encourage youngsters to celebrate everybody’s contribution and truly work together to play the best game possible. Everyone cheers everyone else on and the end result is lots of fun whether the team wins or loses.

Everyday Teamwork

There are so many ways kids to learn to work as a team, especially when they are at places like sleepaway camp where they tend to have more responsibilities.

Even keeping the cabin clean can be a great team building event, since the sooner clothes are picked up and beds made, the sooner the day’s fun can begin. From helping the team win at a swimming relay race to prompting an actor in the campfire skit, sleepaway camp is full of opportunities for kids to learn how to work as a team.

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.

Quick Guide to Summer Camp for Kids

So you’re off to summer camp and you’re wondering what to expect. 

Even if you’ve made summer camp visits maybe you’re worried about being home sick, wondering if you’ll make friends or even a bit nervous about nighttime in the woods. 

Rest assured that summer camp staffs are experts at making kids feel at home in their new woodland environment right off the bat. 

Before you know it, that bunk-bed filled cabin will feel just like home and you’ll be mastering the mighty skills of Ga Ga ball and skimming over the lake in all kinds of water craft. 

Overnight summer camps are all about making school vacation the very best it can be; you’re lucky you’re going!

First Day Jitters

Whether your parents bring you or you take the bus, it can be a little overwhelming to arrive at camp. However, counselors will come to the rescue, shepherd you to your cabin, introduce your bunk mates, reassure your parents that you’ll be fine and hustle you off to any one of a variety of getting-to-know-you activities, camp tours and all sorts of fun that will quickly have you forgetting your first day jitters.

Waterfront Fun

Most likely, your camp will be situated on a lake and maybe have a heated pool for swimming lessons, which means you’ll be on, in and around the water a lot. At the beginning of camp, you’ll be tested to see where you belong in swimming lessons and any other activities that require a certain level of skill. After that, you’ll have scheduled lessons and activities that could include swimming, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and even the latest craze, wake surfing. Counselors and instructors will always be on hand to help promote a safe, fun environment.

Land-Based Adventures

When you’re not out on the water, there’ll be plenty of fun and games going on. Most camps have a high and low ropes course that let campers experience lots of team-building exercises and physical challenges. Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, tent camping, rock climbing walls are among the amazing recreational activities you’ll experience at overnight summer camp.

Games Galore

From traditional camp games like dodge ball and color wars to regular sports like baseball, softball and basketball, you’ll play games galore at camp. Make new friends, develop friendly rivalries and maybe find a new sport you love.

Creative Streak

Yes, at camp you’ll get to tap into your creative side too. With activities like arts and crafts, pottery and woodworking shop, you’ll head home with a wealth of camp memorabilia and gifts for friends and family. Whip up a cool tied-dyed t-shirt, create a crafty mini-Ping Pong table or glaze pretty bowls; camp days can be endlessly creative. You may also find you love the performing arts when you venture into acting in a camp skit, leading the campfire sing-along or stepping out on the dance floor for a fun-filled night of square dancing. There’s something for everyone at overnight summer camp!

Campfire Sing-a-Longs

Day’s end is the best, when you gather with new friends, counselors and staff for traditional campfire activities. Listen to stories, sing traditional camp songs and listen to the special sounds of the woods as darkness falls after another exciting, unforgettable day at summer camp.

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.

The Best Way to Scope Out an Overnight Summer Camp for Your Kid

When the time comes to pick a summer camp for your child, the choice may seem overwhelming. 

Overnight summer camps have sprung up all over the United States, and the mind-boggling array of choices range from traditional summer camps to those with a specialized focus, from one-week stays to summer-long experiences. 

How big of camp do you want? Do you want fancy amenities? Horseback riding? Single sex? Co-ed? Religious? Air conditioning? How much can you afford to pay? Most importantly, where do you think your child will have the best and happiest experience? There are various ways you can winnow down the choices for your youngster’s sleepaway camp experience.

Summer Camp Visits

Many parents choose to visit several camps and get a first-hand look at what lies behind the glossy brochure and pretty website. During tours or open house weekends, you can get a look at the facilities and a general feel for what a day at camp would be like. 

If possible, it’s best to go when camp is in session to get a better idea of the overall vibe of the camp, how well supervised the kids are and how they interact with each other and the counselors. Your youngster will also get a chance to chat with kids his own age about camp. Talk to your child after each visit to get an idea of his impression and level of enthusiasm; after all, this will be where he’ll be spending a big chunk of his summer!

Ask Questions

You’ll probably have a lot of questions for the camp staff. Ask what the camper retention figures are, what percentage of counselors return each summer and what percentage of counselors were once youth campers?  What can kids do at camp that they can’t do at home? 

For many parents, the hope will be that it will be unique experiences like canoe trips, multiday games and just “roughing it” without their usual plethora of techy gadgets. Ask what makes the camp unique and what sort of reunions takes place; this will give you an idea of the variety of friendships that are forged at the camp over the years.

Get Some Phone Numbers

If you can, it’s a great idea to get a few phone numbers to talk with others  about the camp; you may be able to get this information from the camp director. Talking person-to-person gives you a lot of first-hand knowledge about the camp, and many camps will be happy to give you some references. 

If you know of any local kids who attend summer camps that interest you, give their parents a call and get a truly unbiased opinion. Depending on whether the camp is popular in your area, your child may also have friends who attend, and these families can be a great source of information.

Google

Ah, Google; we use it for everything. Go on-line and check out reviews posted of camps on your list of potentials. 

Though you can take some comments with a grain of salt, you can get a pretty reliable overall view of kids’ and parents’ feelings about a particular camp by reading reviews. YouTube videos posted from camps are another good choice. You may find clips posted by the camp administration or by campers themselves.

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.

Sleepaway Summer Camp Tour

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.

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.