Five Factors to Consider When Choosing a Summer Camp for Your Child

Summer camp can be a wonderful experience for your child. Knowing the right questions to ask when choosing a camp can provide you with greater peace of mind while your child is away from home. At Discovery Point, we specialize in providing enriching educational experiences in a safe and welcoming environment. Our child development experts have compiled a list of five factors to consider when choosing a summer camp for your child.

Sleep-Away or Day Camp?

Deciding whether to send your child to a traditional sleep-away camp or to a local day camp can be difficult. In general, most early childhood experts recommend beginning with day camps before making the transition to sleepover camping arrangements. This can reduce anxiety for younger children and can ensure the most positive experience at every stage of your child’s development.

Flexible Scheduling

Sleep-away camping experiences usually last for one or two weeks during the summer. Children are usually expected to remain at camp for the entire duration of the program. By contrast, day camps can offer more flexible week-by-week arrangements that can allow your child to join in the fun on his or her own schedule. This can also provide increased financial flexibility for working parents while ensuring the best experience for younger campers.

Medical Support

The American Camp Association recommends that facilities located at a significant distance from hospitals or clinics retain the services of a doctor or nurse on site. Day camps that are located closer to home can usually transport children to a nearby hospital or clinic if an issue should arise. If your child has allergies, chronic health conditions or required daily medication, checking on the medical arrangements in place can help you assess whether a particular camp is the right choice for your child.

Activities

Summer camps can vary widely in the activities and opportunities they provide for children. Some day camps offer weekly themes that allow children to participate in the activities and field trips they find most appealing. Sleep-away camps may focus on one theme throughout the child’s stay. Computer courses, art projects and sports camps are among the most popular choices for older children. Considering your child’s own unique strengths and preferences can help you make the right decision when selecting a summer camp.

Communications

Day camps typically offer parents the greatest ability to communicate with teachers, staff members and their own children. This can be of real benefit for first-time campers and can allow parents to ease the adjustment period for younger children. The isolation characteristic of traditional sleepover camps can be quite traumatic for children of the digital age. If your child is likely to suffer from withdrawal from computers, cell phones and email, opting for a day camp may be the wisest choice to ensure the best possible experience for everyone involved.

At Discovery Point, we provide an immersive and engaging summer camp experience designed to suit your child’s unique interests and needs. Our teachers and counselors design and present exciting learning opportunities through field trips, planned activities and plenty of free play time to let your child put his or her excess energy to good use. For children already enrolled in one of our programs, summer camp provides the perfect blend of familiar surroundings with new adventures and plenty to explore. Newcomers to the program can enjoy the thrill of a new experience in a safe and secure environment. A summer spent with Discovery Point can create positive memories that will last a lifetime.