Giving your kid an ultimate sleepaway camp experience can feel a bit like climbing a mountain. The piles of brochures to sift through. The treacherous decisions to make. Worrying if your little one is even ready for the journey. Not to mention the shortness of breath you feel once you see how much it all costs!
That’s why having a summer camp “sherpa” like The Camp Experts & Teen Summers is a must. This FREE advisory service has done all the legwork on thousands of summer camp programs around the world and can help match your child with one that’s just right. We sat down with local advisor Debbie Rosen Alfonso to find out what it takes to achieve a peak summer camp experience.
How do I know when my child is ready for overnight camp?
While many regard age seven as the magic age for a child to be old enough to handle sleepaway camp, it’s most important to take cues directly from them. Is s/he interested in going to sleepaway camp? Personality plays a major role, too. If your child seems stressed about the idea of being away from home, talk about it with them, focusing on the amazing experience and advantages that sleepaway camp has to offer! Plus check out our infographic above too!
When should I begin my search for overnight camp?
As soon as possible! Touring a camp while it’s in session is always a good idea, so you and your child can get a real feel for its programs, staff involvement, and the level of supervision. But don’t wait! You may have to begin your research as early as a year and a half in advance—yup, they fill up that fast!
Keep in mind that registering your child a year in advance may grant additional bonuses. Not only do you avoid the risk of losing out due to enrollment closing early in the year, but many camps also offer “early bird specials,” with tuition incentives.
Are there different types of sleepaway camps?
The basic breakdown of sleepaway camps falls into three categories:
Traditional Sleepaway Camps — These provide a wide variety of non-stop fun and action. Days and nights are often packed with activities, such as solo and team sports, adventure challenges, arts and crafts, drama productions, and more. Programs can be single-sex, co-ed, or “brother-sister camps,” which are mixed gender yet feature separate campuses and facilities.
Specialty Camps — These camps are designed to highlight a particular interest, such as performing arts, fine arts, sports, or academic and travel programs. The entire site and camp schedule revolves around the selected pursuit or leisure activity.
Special Needs Camps — These camps meet the distinct requirements of a wide range of children. An invigorating and entertaining outdoor summer experience is created for the campers, while also ensuring a beneficial, therapeutic environment.
What factors should I consider when selecting summer overnight camps?
There are four core factors to focus on:
Type of Program — Be sure to clarify the style of daily structure at each camp; the range of program types may astound you! Different children need different levels of structure in order to enjoy camp and thrive. Some camps offer flexible programs where campers select the majority of their daily activities; others are more structured, providing an organized pre-determined schedule with a few elective activities mixed in.
Duration — Camp sessions can last anywhere from one to seven weeks. Sessions that are too short may leave your child disgruntled and longing for more. Sessions that are too long may lead to camp burnout. Think about what amount of time is ideal for your child to have the best summer experience.
Location — A camp’s environment is linked closely to its geographic location, and not all campers are tough enough to rough it out! Also, keep in mind that while distance from home may be an issue with regard to travel time, it bears little relation to homesickness.
Cost — Traditional sleepaway summer camps tuitions can range in price from $450 to over $1,000 per week, while specialty camps typically start at $300. Remember to inquire about “extras” such as laundry, canteen, field trips, and transportation, which may not be included in the tuition.
How do I choose the right summer overnight camp for my child?
Talk to us! The Camp Experts & Teen Summers can help you recognize your family’s needs and point you toward the right camps—FREE of charge! We’ve developed a massive directory of up-to-date summer camp info and available programs. Together, we can find a camp experience that will leave your child with a lifetime of memories!
For more info and to explore your summer options, contact Debbie Rosen Alfonso of The Camp Experts Teen Summers for her FREE service: debbie@campexperts.com, 201-391-6165.
