Day Camps, Overnight or Specialty Programs - all are loved by kids and parents alike
| February 23, 2009 | by: Caroline Fernandez |
Top Tips for Choosing a Camp
Camps are a great activity for kids of all ages during school breaks. The change of classroom pace and routine rejuvenates and releases stress. It is an opportunity to re-connect with friends, engage in physical activity and challenge the mind. Below you will find the three top tips for choosing a camp for your child. #1 – DO YOUR HOMEWORK
Before you talk to the kids about camp – do some homework yourself. Location, cost, availability and camp “theme” are the four factors you should first research.
Camp Notes
• When does registration begin?
• Is there before/after camp care available?
• Does the camp offer convenient drop off and pick up of campers?
• Is there a sibling or returning camper discount available?
• Is there a wait list?
• What is the camp staff to camper ratio?
• Is it a general camp or specialized camp? #2 GENERAL OR SPECIALIZED CAMP
A general camp offers a wide array of activities and events for campers. General camps can be day or overnight camps. Staff are well qualified in supervising and coordinating camp activities. For younger campers (or 1st timers) a general camp is a good introduction into the camp experience. A general camp will create friendships, experience and fun!
A specialized camp is an opportunity to delve into a sport or activity that specifically interests your child. Campers can build on existing skills; gaining personal achievement in the process. At a specialized camp, the staff has expertise in their chosen field.
Camp Notes
• Is there a balance between indoor and outdoor activities?
• Are there “field trips”? (i.e. outings to pools, park or playground)
• Is it age appropriate?
• How does the staff motivate campers? #3 DISCUSS WITH YOUR CHILD
It is important to get your child’s input on camp plans. What interests them? Do they want to go with a friend? Do they want to try something new? Camps should be a positive and entertaining experience. When kids participate in making decisions about camp they get a sense of commitment and engagement. They will feel motivated, inspired and excited about what they will do during their school breaks.
Camps are more than just activities. Camps can encourage, inspire and contribute to building self-esteem in a child. Camps teach kids about community, responsibility, commitment and participation. They can be a positive mental and physical challenge to a child.
In addition to general and specialized camps, there are camps for kids with special needs such as; physical, medical, nutritional, mental and/or differently abled. The choices in camps are a veritable smorgasbord.
Despite the abundance in camps, there are certain - essential - common denominators. Whether you choose a small neighbourhood camp, a sporting facility or a larger accredited camp – you should expect;
All camps to have a bully-proof policy in place
All staff to have first aid training (including the use of epi-pens and basic c.p.r.)
All camps to promote respect, diversity and inclusiveness
For more information, resources and activities for your growing family click on the Parent Blog: www.parentclub.ca
Day Camps, Overnight or Specialty Programs - all are loved by kids and parents alike
| February 23, 2009 | by: Caroline Fernandez |
Top Tips for Choosing a Camp
Camps are a great activity for kids of all ages during school breaks. The change of classroom pace and routine rejuvenates and releases stress. It is an opportunity to re-connect with friends, engage in physical activity and challenge the mind. Below you will find the three top tips for choosing a camp for your child. #1 – DO YOUR HOMEWORK
Before you talk to the kids about camp – do some homework yourself. Location, cost, availability and camp “theme” are the four factors you should first research.
Camp Notes
• When does registration begin?
• Is there before/after camp care available?
• Does the camp offer convenient drop off and pick up of campers?
• Is there a sibling or returning camper discount available?
• Is there a wait list?
• What is the camp staff to camper ratio?
• Is it a general camp or specialized camp? #2 GENERAL OR SPECIALIZED CAMP
A general camp offers a wide array of activities and events for campers. General camps can be day or overnight camps. Staff are well qualified in supervising and coordinating camp activities. For younger campers (or 1st timers) a general camp is a good introduction into the camp experience. A general camp will create friendships, experience and fun!
A specialized camp is an opportunity to delve into a sport or activity that specifically interests your child. Campers can build on existing skills; gaining personal achievement in the process. At a specialized camp, the staff has expertise in their chosen field.
Camp Notes
• Is there a balance between indoor and outdoor activities?
• Are there “field trips”? (i.e. outings to pools, park or playground)
• Is it age appropriate?
• How does the staff motivate campers? #3 DISCUSS WITH YOUR CHILD
It is important to get your child’s input on camp plans. What interests them? Do they want to go with a friend? Do they want to try something new? Camps should be a positive and entertaining experience. When kids participate in making decisions about camp they get a sense of commitment and engagement. They will feel motivated, inspired and excited about what they will do during their school breaks.
Camps are more than just activities. Camps can encourage, inspire and contribute to building self-esteem in a child. Camps teach kids about community, responsibility, commitment and participation. They can be a positive mental and physical challenge to a child.
In addition to general and specialized camps, there are camps for kids with special needs such as; physical, medical, nutritional, mental and/or differently abled. The choices in camps are a veritable smorgasbord.
Despite the abundance in camps, there are certain - essential - common denominators. Whether you choose a small neighbourhood camp, a sporting facility or a larger accredited camp – you should expect;
All camps to have a bully-proof policy in place
All staff to have first aid training (including the use of epi-pens and basic c.p.r.)
All camps to promote respect, diversity and inclusiveness
Top Tips for Choosing a Camp