My kids are young adults now, but I remember spending hours planning out their summer activities. Like most other parents, I typically researched websites and got recommendations from friends about different camps. Sometimes that isn’t enough information to really make the best choices. I also spend a lot of time in my work helping parents choose camps for their kids. So, I have boiled down some of the best tips I have received and learned from personal experience. I hope they help you!
Start with the age of your child. I know that seems like a given; however many parents do try to enroll their child in programs that are not age appropriate. As parents it is our job to think that our child or children are the smartest, most beautiful and wonderful children in the whole world. I certainly think that my three kids are the most brilliant and talented individuals in the universe, but thankfully my love for them does not blind me to everything. While a child may in fact be a genius, they may not fit in with a group of children that is two years older than they are. An age appropriate camp will stimulate your child's mind, develop their social skills and most importantly they will be comfortable with their peers.
Think about your child's interests. Again, this may seem like a no brainer. You should think about your child's interests from a different perspective. For example, maybe your child loves putting together building sets. This could mean that your child likes not only construction and engineering, but also might like putting together facts in a spy or mystery camp. If your child loves cooking, a chemistry camp might also be a hit. A kiddo that loves art may love the creativity required in an invention camp.
Location, location, location. I often ask parents where they live and where they work when determining the best location. Sometimes there may be a location in the middle or close to work that a parent may not have considered. Some parents even choose locations near a grandparent, so that Papaw can pick up the kids and have a little bit of time to spoil them before they go home.
The date and time can always be a limiting factor. When are the kids spending the week with the cousins at your mother-in-law’s, and when is that family vacation going to happen? Summer schedules can be crazy and keeping track of it all can be challenging. Camps that have flexibility can be helpful. Some will allow you to move from one week to another and have a minimal fee to switch. This flexibility allows you to make plans without pestering grandma about planning her schedule right away.
The goal of any good summer program should be for all the children enrolled to have a great time and create awesome summer memories.
About the Author Jennifer Marcus (also known as “Jupiter Jen”) loves all things science, especially Mad Science since she and her husband
opened Mad Science of Hampton Roads in 2008. When she is away from the Mad Science Lab, you might spot her around town at an ODU
football game, catching a show at Chrysler Hall, or going to the beach in Sandbridge.
