| With more than 12,000 camps in the United States, one thing’s for sure: There’s one to fit every adolescent personality. However, weeding through all the information to find the perfect one can be overwhelming.
Let the needs, interests and expectations of your child guide you, says Beth Goldstein, a consultant with Camp Experts and Teen Summers, a free advisory service. “Avoid relying on a friend’s camp choice,” Goldstein urges. “Personalize the search.” Where to Begin? Hammer out a few details first. Talk to your soon-to-be camper about:
Location. Local camps are easier to evaluate, but a camp that’s farther away may provide more options, such as different terrain or climate or living within a different culture and learning a different language.
Length. Short sessions are less expensive; longer sessions, though a little pricier, offer more opportunities and more time for kids to develop specialized skills, such a full week devoted to the art horseback riding or sailing.
Type. Traditional camps offer a variety of activities. However, if your child is set on being a marine biologist, living on a boat will solidify his future aspirations—or nix them altogether.
Essentials. A rested child with a sound stomach is crucial for a positive experience, so pay attention to living arrangements and food options.
Next, consider your budget. The American Camp Association (ACA), a camp accreditation association, states that the average weekly cost of resident camp is $597, while the day camp norm is $303. About 90% of ACA-accredited sites offer some form of financial assistance, and Goldstein says she can recommend superb choices for almost any budget.
Rely on References. No matter which summer site you choose, talk with the camp’s director prior to signing your child up. Camps are not governmentally regulated, so supervision, safety and camp policies, such as when—and if—you are able to communicate with your camper, differ from one facility to the next. “Always request references,” says Jane Goldstone, director of Global Routes, an international community-service camp. Referrals allow potential campers and their parents to gain firsthand knowledge from past participants.
CAMP CONSULTANTS TO THE RESCUE
If you don’t have time to research or want an unbiased personal recommendation, ask a professional camp consultant for assistance. Beth Goldstein, of Camp Experts and Teen Summers, spends her free time visiting locations and interviewing directors so that you don’t have to.
The simple consultation will save you time and bring your child one step closer to an extraordinary summer experience. It can even help determine if your child is ready for overnight camp. Goldstein interviews parents and potential campers—either in person or over the phone—then offers recommendations based on her research, personal observations and camper/parent feedback. After the camp is chosen, she sets up interviews with camp directors and parents or asks camp personnel to send information and registration forms to the family. Goldstein says her service is a lifesaver for parents who start their search late or who want firsthand knowledge of a camp they aren’t able to visit themselves. The best part: the service is free.
If you’re interested in free camp advisory services, call:
Beth Goldstein
Camp Experts and Teen Summers
610-658-0744
www.campexperts.com.
Judy Macnow
Student Tour and Camp Consultants
800-609-2267
www.campandtour.com.
For online referral services, visit the American Camp Association at www.acacamps.org and click on “find a camp.” Or visit the National Camp Association at www.summercamp.org. Fill out a “CampQuest” form, and a professional camp advisor will evaluate it and suggest destinations for your child. |
