Summer Camp Program

Choosing The One To Suit Your Unique Child

Finding a Summer Camp program to suit your individual child can at first seem like a long and tedious task with so many options available. If you are brand new to summer camps then quickly take the time to read our handy check list before you start your search.

Before making any decisions about what type of summer camp program to choose you will need to decide if your child will attending a Day Camp, Overnight Camp or Residential Camp.

Day Camps- usually provide care on a daily basis from Monday to Friday with campers returning home at the end of each day. Selecting a location within a reasonable distance from your home is recommended, unless you really love driving!

Overnight Camps- a good introduction to Residential Camps, for pre-teens and early teens to  'test the water' at a night away from home. Again proximity to your home is a consideration due to the short length of the stay.

Residential Camps- usually provide care on a weekly basis (length of stay varies). Campers remain at the facility for the duration of their stay.

Actually choosing which camp your child is ready for is the hard part. Ultimately you want your child to enjoy and flourish in a camp situation rather than feel that they cannot cope with such a big change. Talk the options through with your child and try sleep overs at friends houses first to help you make a decision.

Once you know which style of camp to are going with you can narrow down your search by discussing with your child the sort of program they would like to be involved in. Your child knows their own interests and will get much more from a camp that is geared in this direction.

Sports / Adventure Summer Camps
This style of camp program has the most variety with so many different sports available. Obviously camps for skiing, surfing or marine activities are more restricted in terms of location whereas horseback riding, cycling, basketball camps and similar can be found just about anywhere in the country. Many sports camps have the opportunity for overseas travel depending on your budget. The cost for these camps varies dramatically depending on the sport.

Technology
With the popularity of computers, most camps now offer activities that are computer based but if you have a child/teen who is computer and technology mad then there are now specialised camps for such kids.
They can excel at anything from website design, programming, video game development, 3D and flash animation, right through to building their own computer.

Creative / Artistic
If you have a budding artist or movie star then a more artistic camp program might better suit your child. Camps can offer general art and craft activities or have a focus on photography, film making, dance, drama, music, creative writing or even circus preforming.

Academic
Academic Camp Programs offer kids a range of study options as well as outdoor activities and the usual personal development, friendship and opportunities to be found at camp. Programs can earn students credits for college or get help with essay writing, study skills, public speaking, and SATor PSAT preparation. All in an environment away from the stress of school that promotes learning as well as fun.

Special Needs
If you have a child with a developmental disability, ADHD, cancer, or other health problem or disability then there are still many great camp options available including many of the activities found in standard camp programs. Some of these camps can be more expensive that standard camps due to their higher staff to camper ratios. These camps give carers the opportunity for a well earned break, as some of these children require almost 24 hour care. Some camps offer places for siblings of sick children or children of seriously ill parents. If special transportation is required for your child, check with the camp prior to booking.