THE TOP 5 THINGS TO CONSIDER:
#1: What are your summer camp goals?
Do you want your child to...
• ... be challenged physically?
• ... go on a learning adventure?
• ... learn new skills?
• ... improve social habits?
• ... build character?
Even if you just want a program that’s fun and helps your child pass the time until
school starts again, deciding what your goals are is the first step before searching
for a summer camp program.
#2: What are your existing summer plans?
Consider what you already have planned for the summer like vacation, spending
time with loved ones, childcare coverage, other camps, etc. Conflicting schedules
can disrupt your child’s pattern and make it more difficult to adjust socially. Keeping
your child in one program will make it easier to meet friends and stay engaged.
#3: What’s your budget?
With field trips, food and transportation, summer camp fees can quickly add up.
Determine your budget in advance by asking whether a camp requires full payment
up front or will accept incremental payments.
Expect to invest $200–$300 per week for a high-quality camp if you want the best
experience for your child. Remember, an investment in a great summer camp is an
investment in your child’s future and quality of life.
#4: What are summer camp hours?
Another contributing factor to budget is daily operating hours. It is important to ask
about these details so you don’t pay additional fees for extended hours. For exam-
ple, ask about daily operating hours in case a program ends at 3pm, for example,
and you can’t leave work until after 5pm. Also, expect to pay more for programs
running the entire length of the summer versus only a few weeks.
#5: Does the camp fit my child’s needs?
One size does not fit all; it’s not just about the quality of care, but also understand-
ing the level of physical, mental and social activity your child will experience. Just
because a program is labeled as a “Summer Camp,” it doesn’t mean it is a good fit
for your child.
Ask camp counselors about their program values to understand the principles your
child will learn each day. Additionally, ask your child what type of skills and activi-
ties he or she wants to learn.
If you have more than one child, what might be age-appropriate for one could be
too juvenile for another. If you can’t find one camp for your entire family, consider
camps that are near one another.
Start your search with Kid's Revolution!
