Summer camp can be an exciting and nerve-wracking experience for children, especially if it’s their first time away from home. Henry DeHart, interim president and CEO of American Camp Association, suggests involving kids in the camp selection process to ensure the best fit. There are different options to consider, such as sleep-away, full day, or half-day camps. DeHart recommends easing children into sleep-away camps through family camp weekends or weeks.
Lisa Tai’s son attended summer camp in Colorado with his cousin and benefited from Lisa’s own camp experiences. DeHart advises parents to research camps thoroughly, looking for ACA accreditation, camper/staff ratios, staff training, and refund policies. For sleep-away camps, it’s important to address children’s concerns beforehand and prepare them with overnight experiences away from home. DeHart also suggests packing familiar items and addressing any medical or dietary needs with the camp.
Tai recommends overpacking for camp activities and labeling clothing for easy access. She also suggests bringing trash bags for storing dirty clothes. By following these tips, parents can help make their child’s summer camp experience a positive and memorable one.
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