Don’t be the bird that missed the “worm”! With summer camp registrations already open and being accepted, those early birds are ready! Are you? Each year in the spring, most of the summer camps open their registration, and those coveted spots will fill up fast. Many of you are already thinking about the summer plans and asking the right questions, but you may need a little help to find the perfect camp for your little campers.
We are here to help! In this month’s edition, you will find the annual Summer Camps Guide, which includes all the local, regional, and national camps, right at your fingertips. From theatre and sports camps to overnight and day camps, there is a camp that will fit all your campers’ interests and needs. The hard part? Deciding which camps your children would like to explore this year and how to pick the perfect fit, too.
Will this be the first summer that your camper will go off to sleepaway camp for a week or two? Or, maybe staying home and attending various day camps, multiple weeks throughout the summer, is a better plan for your family. Either way, there are a few important aspects to consider. The first is always about camper readiness and if they (and you) are comfortable being away overnight, or if staying close to home is a much better plan. Next, there needs to be a conversation on which type of camp to choose.
Would your outdoorsy kid prefer a week in nature, exploring insects, plants, and wildlife, or would he like to venture out and try something new like culinary, robotics, or soccer? Having a family chat and brainstorming this year’s interests will be a huge help in finding the right camp for the summer. Next on the list of planning is the cost. Summer camp fees and weekly costs can be overwhelming, so figuring out the budget may also be a challenge. For my family with four kids, it was always about being able to spread the money around for each of them to enjoy a summer camp experience.
If you are like me, you might have to be creative this year. In this month’s feature article, Camp on a Dime, the author gives creative ideas on how to make the summer camp funds go further. Most camps offer huge savings for registering early, so get started as soon as possible to take advantage of the early discounts. Another tip is to stay local. Check with the local parks and recreation centers for the fun that they have in store for campers. Another money-saving tip is to consider half-day camps. Some of our campers are not ready for a full day, and the half-day options are a good fit for them and your wallet, too.
Campers can still get the same fun themes with lots of packed-in exploration and learning in just a shorter daily timeframe, where they get to come home for lunch and a much-needed nap. If you are really feeling creative, plan a summer camp with your mom friends, where each of you takes a different week, creates a unique experience, and hosts it in your backyard. Take turns rotating your children from one house to the next and mixing up the learning to include a week at space, the circus, and even a wild animal safari camp.
What is the takeaway? Start thinking and planning for your kids’ summer camps today. Those early bird discounts and not missing those limited camper spots are worth it. From one parent to another, narrow down their interests, find out which camps offer the best fit, and go get those worms.
