One of parents’ most commonly uttered phrases during initial conversations about finding the “best” camp for their child is “my son/daughter is a super athlete – he/she needs a sporty camp.”  Of course, that may be true–kids love sports, many play sports all year long and are proficient in several. However, what parents often do not realize is that summer camp can be a perfect opportunity for their child to try something new, possibly, but not necessarily, a new sport. A new non-sport activity might be something that will interest them throughout their lifetime and give them pleasure in their later years, when physical activity can be more difficult.

Camps offer many different activities that kids might not otherwise be exposed to in their day-to-day lives.  For example, model rocketry might be an educational activity your child might enjoy, but wouldn’t have an opportunity to try at home. Perhaps your child enjoys music, isn’t interested in playing an instrument, but would like to try being a DJ on the camp radio station!  Or you could have a budding jewelry maker on your hands and not know it! Does your child like to act, or have a great sense of humor? Improv at camp is the perfect place for them to explore acting or comedy  in a safe setting.

The bottom line is that traditional camps usually offer quality instruction in sports. However, when looking for a camp you should be asking what camps offer that you might not have thought about because it’s outside of your comfort zone! How do you know your son or daughter isn’t a computer whiz just waiting to go to a camp that offers computer training to expose that talent?

Be creative. Time flies with amazing speed and before you know it thoughts turn to where to go to college and what to major in; you may not have another opportunity to expose them to new interests that could give them an unexpected lifetime of pleasure.