Tips for Choosing A Summer Camp

Just when you finally figure out homework, packing lunch and juggling after-school activities, school ends and you have to develop a summer plan.

Working mom Claire Haas, who also serves as VP of education for Kiddie Academy (www.kiddieacademy.com), an education-focused child care provider, offers the following tips for choosing the right summer camp for your child.

• Send your child to college.  Many community colleges and universities offer  summer camp programs that will give your child a taste of campus life, including building a schedule.
• Consider childcare providers.  Some facilities boost their programs with traditional camp activities over the summer.  This is a great choice if you have more than one child, as they accept more than one age group.
• Sneak in continuing education.   Look for programs that combine educational enrichment with fun activities.  At a great program, your kids won't even notice they're building on school skills.
• Consider the kids' perspective.  Don't forget - to your kids, this is vacation time.  Ask for their input, and consider their interests when choosing programs.
• Keep your needs in mind.  Extended hours are important to busy two-working-parent families.  You may have to rule out some camps that simply don't fit with your work schedule.
• Take an informal survey.  Ask your child's friends about their favorite camps.  You might learn of new options.
• Try something new.  Summer camps give children a chance to explore their abilities and learn new skills.  Camp can allow your child to sample a new hobby before committing to six months of (dance/music/martial arts) lessons.
• Team up with a friend.  Choose camps along with the parents of one or two of your child's friends.  Your child will have a built-in buddy at camp, and you'll have someone to share pick up and drop off duties.

Quote from Claire Haas
"Summer camp programs can help your children test their boundaries socially, physically, mentally and emotionally.  The more relaxed atmosphere of a summer program helps open children up to new experiences. The right program can help a child develop leadership skills and a sense of independence, which are important building blocks for future academic and personal success."

Background
For more information about Kiddie Academy and its education-based "Camp Adventure", please visit www.kiddieacademy.com.

Parents can also find more tips at the Family Essentials blog: http://www.kafamilyessentials.com/