Choosing a Good Kids Summer Camp

While the essence of a kids summer camp is not likely to have changed all that much since you were a child, there is a greater variety of activities on offer these days. Most camps still offer the timeless outdoor activities such as camping, cabins, swimming, hiking, and telling tales around the camp fire; but there is a growing trend towards offering specialized activities to entertain your children.

Fun and educational activities such as nature hunts, arts and crafts sessions, plays and recitals, or even learning a new language are now offered at kids’ summer camps.

Camp Locations and Special Requirements

There are kids’ summer camps available all over the country, the camps usually operate during the summer, and the exact dates can vary depending on the weather and holiday periods in the area. Usually they run from July through to September with either one or two month terms. There are camps for most interests and personalities, and some camps specialize in catering for children with physical, mental, or emotional problems, and will do their best to offer fun and enriching experiences for children struggling with these issues.

Children with allergies or sensitivities can enjoy nature too, as summer camps for kids often are able to help them overcome these obstacles.

The Cost

Prices for a kids’ summer camp will vary depending on the term of stay and the location; generally though you can expect to pay five to seven thousand dollars for an eight week stay; this includes all activities, room, and board. One to four week terms will range in price comparatively. Extremely specialized kids’ summer camps can cost 1,000 dollars per week or more.  Child care rates plus activities and food can cost about the same as many of these types of a kids’ summer camp, if you child would need to spend a summer in day care any way.

Registration and Payment

In this age, the growing popularity of the internet means that many kids’ summer camps will have a website that you can sign up on; often up to one year in advance, and can even give your credit card details online so that you can make your deposit without leaving your home.  Make sure you check the terms and conditions before paying, as some camps require full payment in advance, with a partial refund if you cancel far enough in advance.

If this will be the first camp your child has attended, it is worth considering a day camp to see if they like the experience.  Many camps offer these as an alternative to the week and eight week long camps, and they can be a good alternative to day-care for very young children or those with special needs.  The day camps are often similar in price to day care, but offer more interesting activities and a higher adult to child ratio.

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