The weather is warming, the days are longer, and it’s time to think about what your children will be doing this summer. One of the best ways to combine fun with positive learning experiences is a good summer camp. But which one? How do you choose?
Here are the Top 10 factors that parents should consider when choosing a summer experience for their children, leading up to the most important one:
10: Flexible scheduling
With today’s busy families, summer camp needs to fit into your schedule. Perhaps you want a full-day experience. Or maybe your child would do better with a morning program, or afternoon. Do you have something planned for the family for part of the summer and need to be able to select the weeks or months your child will attend camp? Look for a camp that offers a range of choices to fit your needs.
9: Door to Door Transportation
Your schedule is probably busy enough without coordinating travel to and from camp every day for your child. Seek a camp that has reliable transportation with appropriate safety precautions.
8: Wholesome Food and Snacks
The data is in - while kids will often eat “junk food” if it’s offered, they’ll be happier and healthier with wholesome food. Check on what types of food are provided before selecting a camp.
7: Interesting, Safe Off-Site Trips
The same location day after day can get boring, and a bored child is not a happy one. Safety on trips or even such normal activities such as swimming is crucial - a buddy system and other safety precautions should be the norm.
6: Physical and Mental Enrichment
A summer experience must be fun. Some children prefer physical activities such as basketball, martial arts, gymnastics, swimming and woodworking, while others enjoy academic activities that make reading, writing and arithmetic exciting and entertaining. Some activities can combine both, like computing, acting, or arts & crafts. Carefully examine the options available for your child when making your camp choice - some of the best camps offer a balance of both physical and academic activities.
5: Supervision and Counselor-to-Camper Ratio
Reliable, experienced and mature counselors are a must, and having adequate staff for the number of campers can greatly affect the quality of your child’s summer experience. Ask about the qualifications of the counselors and how many children are in each group.
4: Secure Premises
Is the camp secure and protected for your child’s safety? Visit the premises and request information if you’re not sure or have any questions.
3: On-Site Nurse
While the camp may take every safety precaution, are they prepared in the event of camper illness or injury? Having a nurse on-site may help keep problems from becoming serious. Be sure to ask the camp as this is part of your consideration.
2: Comfortable Conditions
Some summer days can get too hot for camper comfort. You may want to choose a camp that offers adequate air-conditioned facilities in addition to outdoor activities.
And the Number 1 factor that parents should consider when choosing a summer experience for their children: - Is it FUN?
Summer at Kew-Forest fits all of the Top 10 factors you want to have for your child’s experience this summer. A country-like setting right in Forest Hills, children spend their time enjoying all that the camp has to offer rather than in transit to a distant locale. For more information, please visit www.kewforest.org and click on Summer, call Jennifer Woerner at 718-268-4667, Ext. 108, or email summer@kewforest.org.
