When choosing a first-time camp experience, it’s important that the camp is the right fit for your child: socially, philosophically, in its program offerings, the level of instruction and competition, facility-wise…just to name a few.
As a camp advisor, I like to get to know as much as possible about your child, his needs, and your requirements for camp so that I can make suggestions for appropriate camps that I feel would be a good fit. I’ll have brochures and dvds mailed to you, and I’ll let you know that I am available to speak with you about the options to help you to distinguish between the programs. It’s important for your child to be part of the decision-making process, since if he is on board, chances are that his first-time camp experience will be a very successful one.
Often times parents ask me “which is your favorite camp?” or “which camp should I choose?” Choosing a camp is a fun process that need not be stressful! Parents who ask the right questions, and go with their gut feeling upon speaking with the director are on the right track, and will likely choose the camp that best fits their child’s needs and suits his personality. I like to send families a “list of questions to ask” …it can be very helpful and has various points to consider that first-time camper families may not have thought about (for instance, “will my child have to cross a main road to get to an activity?” or “how does camp handle requests for a bunk change…homesickness…bullying… teasing? ” etc.)
Most importantly, you’ll want to have a phone conversation with the director of camp. Even better, meet the director in person—typically, directors are happy to come to your home and meet you and your child. This is a very important step, as the director is ultimately responsible for your child while at camp. You want to be sure that the director’s philosophies line up with yours, and that you feel comfortable with leaving your child under his or her care.
Go with your gut feeling, and then don’t look back. If you’ve done your due diligence, asked the right questions, and feel at ease with the person in charge, you will make the right choice. As a camp advisor, I am here to help guide you with suggestions, information, references, and inside scoop. Armed with all of this information, you will be confidant with the program you end up choosing.
If kids are not interested in traditional camps, because of an aversion to the outdoors or to bugs, there are a multitude of specialty camp offerings.
