Last week I was in a panicked mode. Two weeks until the school is over and I had yet to find Summer Camp for my first grader, and I just realized that on Friday at 6 pm! Right… like I could just pick up the phone and started calling those places with Summer Camp program on Friday night!
Well, I actually did. I called YMCA since they have longer hour of operation. I picked the one near my office because the location is the most convenient compare to the one near my home. But still, if I decide to take a day off, I have to make an effort to drive all the way to that side of town just to drop off or pick up my son. It was a good backup plan, though. Anyway, after days of panicking we finally got a spot at La Petite Academy.
Aside from the very basic requirements such as whether the business is accredited, reputation, years of business, etc, here are some pointers that I think would be beneficial when looking for a Summer Camp for your school-aged kids:
Location Location Location
No more school bus and the likes. Consider pick a Summer Camp conveniently located near your house that you can drop off and pick up on the way to and from work. If you don’t have that option, you can pick the one nearby your office like I stated above. However keep in mind that if you’re sick or want to take some time off, you have to drive all the way to that area.
Get the Program
Most Summer Camp has a calendar that lists themes, field trip, and activities the kids will be doing. Find the ones that your kids will enjoy the most. YMCA Summer Camp program is typically geared towards sports. Does your kid love sport? Or does he or she likes brainy activities, such as trip to the Children Museum, building Lego, etc? One of the locations on my list didn’t have the calendar ready…two weeks before the program start!!! Yes, that was a major deal breaker for me.
The Price is Right
Most Summer Camps tuition are in weekly rates that ranges between $185 – $250 a week. In addition to the tuition, you also have to pay one time activities fees. All those fees could add up and you need to find the one that fits into your budget. It’s easy to get carried away when checking out the list of fun activities and field trip. However if it means you will have to break your bank, you might want to think twice before signing up.
Finding Friends
One of the reasons I picked La Petite Academy was because they offer transportation to my son’s school during school year, which I’m guessing there will be other kids from my son’s school who would spend Summer Program, aka current customers. Knowing that there is a slight possibility that my son would run into someone he knows, put my mind at ease for a little bit.
Parents… do you have any other tips you’d like to share?
I have actually never sent my kids to summer camp before. We spend most of our summers at the beach and they seem happy with that.
I did the same thing about camps! Whew, I think we got everything all set up. I asked friends on FB for suggestions to help me fill in a week or two!
These are great tips! Location is important you don’t want driving your kids to camp to be a hassle and take up time in your day! Price is also a good point. With so many camps out there these tips will help narrow the choices.
My daughter is signed up for gymnastics over the summer. I made sure that we chose one that was close enough that we could be sure to be on time.
SUmmer snuck up on me! I don’t have Red enrolled in anything, but he is still a little young.
Thanks for sharing this! I’ve been considering a summer camp for my daughter. I’d love for her to have some extra time with friends this summer, doing something active.
The transportation is a really nice perk. There are so many options for parents to choose from these days for the kids.
We’ve not had to think about summer camps (yet.) I remember going to a camp when I was a kid, and my stepmom worked as an accountant there. It was easy access for my parents, and cost effective since she worked there.
My daughter went to summer camp when we moved to the state we are in now and I was working. She loved it. I loved that she got to come home every night!
This sounds like a great way to spend the summer. Lots of fun.
I’d definitely be choosing based on the calendar of activities. There are so many options!
I would also suggest looking for camps that appeal to your kids’ interests. Mine love zoo camp and think it is so interesting.
I have not picked a summer camp before. I look forward to the fun this summer.
I’ve worked at a summer camp for 8 years and know it can be the best experience for a kid! I recommend all parents sending their kids to camp
It helps grow confidence and can break out the shy kiddos too! And it’s so much fun of course.
I was surprised to find out how early camp applications have to be in. Camp is really popular!
I worked in summer camps in high school. I know my boys are going to love summer camp!
Great tips. I want to get my oldest in a summer camp. She gets board at home during the summer.
We have a busy summer planned with summer camps. Great tips!
We have used the Y day camps in the past, and I think at least one kid will be attending their soccer camp this summer. This year we are also adding camp through the school and scouts.
I loved going to summer camp when I was younger. We haven’t hit that age yet, but it’ll be here before we know it.
I loved going to summer camp when I was a kid. Sadly, neither one of my kids has ever had any interest. I’m thinking of signing my teen daughter up for some riding lessons this summer — that’s about as close to camp as we’ll get!
These are all great tips on choosing a good summer camp! Especially the price one; some summer camps can run quite a bit of money!
Definitely something to think about as my kids get older! I haven’t sent them to summer camp before
We haven’t done summer camps, but I definitely think it’s a possibility for the future. I’d probably just do a day camp so he wouldn’t be gone for a long period of time. I think they’d be more affordable too.
Besides church camps, my kids aren’t really that into camps. They have been to a few when they were little
These are great tips! I’m searching for summer camps for my kids now!
I can’t wait to put the kids in summer camp this year. I hope I can find a good one near me.
I always loved our youth camps. They were only a week long but they were awesome.
Location and price are definitely important. I want to check out the Y day camps.
These are real great tips Marla! I believe that summer camps are fantastic and productive way for kids to spend their free time. There are a lot of great summer camps out there and with your tips we can easily choose the best one.
I always wanted to go to sleepaway camp when I was younger. Instead, I went to day camp every year. It was probably better that way and I have tons of great memories!
Hope to send the boys to summer camp one day. For now they spend it with my parents since we don’t get home too often.
i would love to send my kiddos to a summer camp. It would be fun for them to go to an overnight one too!
camps are so expensive. Mine usually don’t go unfortunately. But they are in sports all summer so that’s kind of the same thing. lol not.
We never really went the summer camp route – mainly because I was a stay-at-home mom and we had a pool. But I like how many camp kids learn how to interact with lots of different kinds of people.
Hi Mary,
I would recommend VBS or part time camp that most community center offer. It’s nice to step out of their comfort zone and make friends beyond school or their environment. On the side note, I wish I had a pool…