The benefits

Day camps offer a practical solution for working parents, as well as kids who may be prone to boredom at home. Here are a few compelling reasons to register:

Close to home. While some kids crave the adventure and independence of overnight camp, others may prefer a familiar environment where they sleep in their own bed.

More affordable. A Monday-to-Friday day camp typically costs less than a sleep-away camp that involves extra travel and amenities.

High structure. If your child thrives in predictable routines at school, they will likely transition well to the similar format of day camp, with an organized agenda of instructor-led activities, outdoor time, and lunch breaks.

Flexible evenings. With day camp, you can still enjoy your evenings together as a family. If your child plays on a sports team, they won’t have to miss any practices or games.

So many cool options. As you’re filling out registration forms, you may feel envious of all the neat things your child will get to do! If they will be attending multiple camps throughout the summer, you can keep it fresh by choosing a variety of themes and locations.

Specific interests. A week-long day camp lets your child immerse themselves in something they’re truly interested in, whether it’s science, technology, nature, art, music, or sports. An important bonus: over the course of the camp, they will likely meet friends that share the same passion!

Making your choice

There are many factors to consider when choosing a camp, and we’ve already compiled the top 10 considerations for this year. If you’re feeling unsure where to start, here are a few additional tips:

Buddy up. Seek recommendations from other families, especially the parents of your child’s friends. If they have rave reviews of a certain day camp, maybe the kids can sign up together.

Brainstorm. To cast a wide net in your search, think about places that host kids’ activities and birthday parties. Consider dance or gymnastics clubs, theatre groups, craft studios, nature centres, children’s museums and zoos. Check your city’s seasonal activity guide, along with other community locations such as libraries, churches, and community centres. If your child is the sporty type, inquire with your local sport association, aquatic centre, or university athletics program.

Ask questions. If the camp website or brochure doesn’t provide all the details, reach out to inquire about age groupings, number of attendees, leader/participant ratio, and pick-up/drop-off times (including options for later pick-up, if needed).

Getting ready

To assist you in preparing for day camp, we consulted Courtney Didier, Director of Operations, Outdoor Services for YMCA of Three Rivers. “All families receive a list of things to pack to ensure campers are prepared for activities in all types of weather,” she says. She highlights a few key items for your child’s backpack:

• Proper footwear. “Camp is very active, so running shoes are required for safe participation,” Courtney says, adding that sandals and slip-on shoes are only suitable for water play.
• Sunscreen, labelled with the child’s name. “We recommend labelling everything,” Courtney explains, “but sunscreen is the number one item that ends up in the lost and found bin every summer.”
• A reusable water bottle that your child can refill independently.
• A book or other quiet activity in case there is “down time” at the end of the day while waiting to be picked up.
• If relevant, a bathing suit, towel, hat and bug spray.

Pre-camp jitters

“We recognize that it may be a tough decision to send your child off to camp. Especially after two years of being very connected during the pandemic,” Courtney says. “Please know that camp staff members are here to answer any questions you may have- and trust us, we have heard them all!”

It’s natural to for kids (and parents) to feel nervous, especially if they’re camp rookies. “Most of us who work in camp were once campers ourselves,” Courtney notes. “We remember our first day of camp and understand that being dropped off at a new place with new people can be intimidating.”

The good news is, if you’ve done your homework and chosen a reputable camp, your child is in good hands. Courtney points out that YMCA day camp staff are certified in Standard First Aid and CPR, and all swimming and boating activities are supervised by fully certified lifeguards. “Our staff receive extensive training to prepare them to be safe, caring, engaged, and responsive,” she says. “When camp is in full swing, there will be a Site Coordinator or Director available to discuss your child’s individual needs.”

Chances are, your child will settle in and have a fantastic time. In fact, you may want to avoid scheduling a lot for the evenings, as they may be tired from their action-packed day. A kid who’s ready for bed after a day of summertime fun – now that’s a happy camper! 

Make sure to always ask if your Camp has a Fundraising Program. This one allows parents to buy their kids camp name labels, and the camp earns 20% commission!  

Never head off to camp without purchasing your camp labels! You don’t want germy mix-ups and lost items! 

The post Helpful Tips for Day Camp Rookies appeared first on The Mabelhood.

Here is a checklist of the things we think you need to consider when choosing the right summer camp for your kids.   

 1) Financial Decisions

This is often the top reason to select one camp over another. Day camp varies from approximately $25 to $150 a day. Some things that influence the price are the type of camp the location, but it’s also worth inquiring about the price. The following may be included in the price, making the high price tag fit your budget after all. 

 -Is any food is provided 

 -whether a bus service is provided  

 -Is there before and aftercare services if you require a late pick-up?  

 -Are day trip costs included

Depending on where you live, you may have access to YMCA camps, Parks and recreation, or other local camps that may offer subsidies.

2) Your kid’s interests

This is a huge deal. A big of summer camp as a kid is exploring areas that they don’t experience during the school year. There are so many great options these days. It’s a time when the kids who don’t thrive in the classroom can finally find themselves, and the kids who bounce off the walls all year sitting at a desk can finally burn off some energy at soccer camp. 

Everything from music, sports, language, outdoor activities, horse riding, coding, or even camps, especially for kids with medical conditions (diabetic camp, for example), there is truly something for everyone. Your job as a parent is to find the right fit. The right kind of camp for your child is easy to find; a quick google search of camps in your areas will bring you to all your options.

Finding a good fit means that you’ll send your kid to camp after the school year and see a new kid return. Stronger, healthier, happier, and thriving. We encourage you to narrow down the camp to fit the interest of your child, and you’ll reap buckets full of rewards!   

3) Safety and protocols

It is always wise to check any camps your considering for an ACA, OCA, or similarly accredited, depending on where you’re from. ACA’s accreditation This process evaluates the site, food safety, health care, transportation, management, staffing, and program elements such as water safety. These days, covid protocols is also top of mind. Again, this is something to look for and consider as you narrow down your search. In addition, you have every right to reach out to the camp director and ask about other health and safety protocols, the accreditation of their staff, etc. 

 4) The right fit for the family 

Some families find that sleepaway camp is the right fit; perhaps parents work late or travel often. Or maybe parents have more time during the summer and can enjoy family BBQs in the evening. This is a personal decision that only you can make. How will camp fit into the family life? 

 5) Logistics  

No matter how much we’d love to send our kids to the most ideal camp, it isn’t always possible. And you’re not a bad parent if you don’t select the perfect camp for your child; you have a whole family to consider, so drop the guilty feeling.  Make sure you consider: 

•  Camp times- can you make it work with your schedule?
•  Location- do you require public transport, do they offer a bus, do the times work with your schedule for pick up?  
•  Can you carpool with friends or family? 

 6) Multiple kids? You need to consider this.

 If you have more than one child, the camp logistics get a little more difficult if you send them to different camps. You need to consider pick-up times of multiples and all the logistics around scheduling. 

Sometimes, it can be great to send kids to camp at different times. That way, kids at home with parents, friends, or family can also get excellent one-on-one time.   

 7) Schedule 

Check the dates the camp runs and make sure it doesn’t coincide with a family vacation away, cottage time, or grandma’s visit!   

 8) Check the demographics 

Make sure the kids in the camp are of similar age demographic; a good rule of thumb is to age up, so don’t put your child with the grade they’ve just finished, but with the grade, they’re heading into. 

 9) Ask Around 

The best way to get an idea of a camp is to ask around and speak to other parents who have attended, they won’t hold back on any negative reviews, and it’s always a good sign when a child returns year after year. 

 10) Ask Your Child 

Maybe they have different thoughts about camp than you know; perhaps they’ve had their heart set on an overnight camp but have never mentioned it. Or maybe they want to attend with their best friend, or try horse riding?? It would help if you had an open and honest conversation about their desires, expectations, and what’s reasonable for your family. Make sure to involve them in the process! 

If you’re wondering about the overall benefits of camp, click here for 6 Reasons Summer Camp is Totally Worth it 
Don’t forget, before your head off to camp to get yourself organized!

The post How to Choose the Right Summer Camp appeared first on The Mabelhood.