7 Tips for Picking the Best Summer Camp for Your Child

For many parents, summer camp was almost a rite of passage. The chance to make new friends, try different activities, and get mental stimulation during the summer makes summer camp a great activity for kids this summer! After meeting with and interacting with parents in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York over the last 30 years, I’ve identified seven key things to look for when choosing a summer camp.

This article will give you a simple guide on what to look for. And if you’re reading this and thinking, “Gee, I never went to camp. What’s the big deal?” I’ll include some reasons why summer camp is awesome! Finally, if you live in or near Alexandria, VA, I’ll clue you in on a one-of-a-kind summer camp your kids will love!

What Makes a Summer Camp Special?

It doesn’t matter if you live in the northeast like me or even further south, like South Carolina. Kids are kids everywhere you go. And kids need socialization. There are skills you can’t teach in the classroom at home. It’s a case of learning by doing.

Summer camp helps socialize children. Your child will learn valuable skills they will use for the rest of their lives. They’ll discover new interests, how to get along with others, and much more. And there’s another valuable benefit of summer camp. No mobile devices!

Every good parent is concerned about their child getting too much screen time. Now that activities are opening as the pandemic has started to ease, we can interact with one another again. Too much screen time disconnects people from the real world. By limiting or eliminating screen time while at camp, kids learn to be kids again.

What Makes a Summer Camp Fun?

While kids need a break from the intensity of education in school, summer vacation tends to go too far in the opposite direction. The danger of the “Summer Slide” is very real. To prevent too much, backslide, your child will benefit from a certain amount of mental stimulation. Part of that stimulation will come from interacting with other kids. 

New Activities

And some of that stimulation comes from experiencing new activities. Every kid will have their own interests. But summer camp is a great place to encourage children to try new activities and discover new interests. Does your child enjoy reading? They might find out they also enjoy sports. Does your child love arts and crafts? Summer camp might help them uncover a desire to learn more about nature. The sky is the limit!

Laughter & Fun

Kids also need plenty of laughter and play. Some kids have difficulty making new friends or coming out of their shells. Going to summer camp is a highly effective way for kids to learn (and be safety nudged) towards overcoming some of their awkwardness in a safe, comfortable environment. 

Experience Different Viewpoints

One of the tragedies of the last several years is how intolerant it seems people are becoming of each other. While that’s a serious problem for adults and politicians, it’s not one we need to pass on to our kids. Summer camp is a wonderful place to meet people who have different views and values. Handled properly, this environment can help mold children into productive adults with compassionate hearts.

How Do I Choose a Good Summer Camp?

Does the idea of choosing a summer camp intimidate you? Are you worried you’ll accidentally send your child off to a camp like Kamp Krusty from the Simpsons? Don’t worry, it doesn’t matter if you live near Washington D.C. or The Middleton Place, SC, or anywhere in between. Look for these seven key indicators of a good camp. Your child will have a wonderful life-changing experience!

Great Summer Camp Tip #1: A Variety of Choices

If your child is a sports nut, for instance, it may be tempting to simply send your child to a camp that focuses on sports, or even their favorite sport. But remember that part of the reason for summer camp is to give your child a well-rounded experience. Choose a summer camp with a variety of activities. While kids may naturally gravitate toward their favorites, they should be gently nudged to try things new to them.

Great Summer Camp Tip #2: An Overall Philosophy

What is the summer camp’s philosophy? Is it about teaching kids tolerance? A respect for nature? Whatever the camp’s philosophy is it should be easy to discern. Having an easily identifiable summer camp philosophy means the camp’s directors have a plan in place. Something big they want their summer camp to give kids when they leave. Without it, you may just be sending your child to a summer babysitter. Your child deserves more than that.

Great Summer Camp Tip #3: An Established History

Your summer camp should have years of success and a solid track record they can point to. Without this, you may be sending your child to a new camp with inexperienced staff. Beyond safety concerns, brand new camps may not have the day-to-day operation bugs worked out yet.

Great Summer Camp Tip #4: Easily Contact the Directors

If you’re sending your child off to camp for the first time, you’ll likely have concerns. A good camp will have directors who are responsive and eager to address your concerns. Good summer camps expect parents to have questions and concerns. 

Great Summer Camp Tip #5: Well-Trained Staff

Be sure to ask questions about the staff. How long have they been with the camp? How long is the training program? Even the best summer camp directors can only be in one place at a time. A lot of the day-to-day tasks will fall to the staff. Make sure your camp has a top-notch staff.

Great Summer Camp Tip #6: Background Checks

Everyone working at the camp (including the directors) should have up-to-date background checks. You’ll want to make sure these background checks have been done for all current staff members.

Great Summer Camp Tip #7: Good Communication System

How is your child’s summer camp communication infrastructure? If your child is sick or injured, how do you alert the staff? What about upcoming events? How are parents informed of special events, schedule changes, and other important details? If your summer camp appears disorganized when you interview the directors, you may want to consider a different camp.



Want an In-School Program that Teaches Your Kids Valuable Character-Building Skills?

Summer camp is a great way to instill important character traits into your children. But before you know it, school will be back in session. For an amazing character education assembly program, check out my “The Magic In You” program at UltimateSchoolShows.com!