Planning for your Child's Summer Camp Experience?

Children anticipate the fun and freedom that summer holidays give them. For working parents, however, the thought of summer care can cause a great deal of anxiety. If you prepare for summer early enough, you can make the experience successful for your child. For many children, summer programs, like a camp, can provide an enriched environment, a time to develop new interests, and opportunities to make new friends.

The quality of care offered for school-age children in the summer varies. When you consider a particular summer camp, apply many of the same standards that you would use to choose a childcare center or a family home provider.

The characteristics of quality programs

• Licensed Camp(ACA) American Camp Association
• Experienced staff
• Low staff to child ratio
• A balance of independent, small and large group activities
• Scheduled quiet or rest time
• Field trips
• Staff training (water safety and first aid or CPR credentials)
• Well established health and safety procedures

Making the Decision

The key here is to communicate! Before you choose a camp, discuss options for summertime activities with your child. You may want to suggest several viable choices and give your child a part in the final decision.

Remember, many possibilities and combinations of activities exist that will keep everyone happy, safe, occupied, and interested during the summer.

Day camps give school-age children a wide range of opportunities and experiences. Depending on the needs and interests of your child and on your family’s schedule and plans, you may want to consider the day camp option for your child’s care or educational growth. Many camps frequently offer half day or full-day sessions and provide a variety of activities such as swimming, sports, arts and crafts, nature study, and field trips.

Many day camps schedule open houses in the late winter or early spring and encourage both parents and children to visit. Day camps are suitable for preschoolers to young teens.

During your planning keep in mind the camp programs at the Tri-Town YMCA. Click here for a complete camp brochure