Fitness
Before
choosing a camp, find out what type of experience your child would like
Finances are also important. Some camps offer scholarships or financial aid based on need, which is not often advertised in the brochure or on the website. Often camps have payment plans and sibling discounts. Some camps offer discounts for early registration. Ask about staff training, background
checks, safety programs and the camper injury record. If your child is attending a special interest camp, make sure that the staff has an interest in and experience with the particular focus of that camp. Don’t be afraid to ask for references, which is the best way to check the reputa- tion of the camp. Camper-to-staff ratio and supervision during activities are impor- tant discussion points. If you are nervous about sending your child to sleepaway camp, day camps are a great option. Your child will meet new friends, be part of a community and will be happy to return home at the end of the day. Day camps are diverse: Some focus on sharpening athletic skills, while others challenge academically by concentrating on arts and sciences, and others can teach outdoor adventure in rural areas. These types of camps are operated by local or- ganizations. One advantage to day camps
22
is that children can attend at a younger age. Some of these camps also operate during breaks from school. Most children are ready to attend
sleepaway camp by the age of 12. The advantage to sleepaway camp is that a child has more time to adjust to and get comfortable with the environment while learning. He will develop accountability for himself and others. Older children and teens also learn leadership skills that may not have been apparent before attend- ing camp. When considering sleepaway camp, you must think about how flexible and adaptable your child is, because sleep routines and meals are altered and your child will step out of his comfort zone in order to grow and learn. Some camps offer partial summer options, which families looking to ease into a sleepaway environment may want to consider. Camps designed for children with
certain health needs are also available. Options include camp for the blind, asthma camp, ADHD and LD camp and other disability camps. If your child takes medication or has special needs, it’s best to discuss with your health care provider the possibility of sleepaway camp. If your provider and your child agree on camp
www.readysetgrowmag.com
ISTOCK.COM
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108