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Summer is Coming! Is Your Child Ready for Camp?

By Deena Sherman

     Believe it or not most summer camp programs have already begun registration and many will be full by the spring. Now is the time to decide if summer camp is right for your child. But how do you know if your child is ready for a half-day program, day camp or even overnight camp.

     Half-day programs are typically geared towards young campers. If you have a camper who still naps or could not handle a full day of activity then this is a great option. Your child can experience the atmosphere of day camp and still make it home in time for a rest. If your child is not toilet trained, make sure the camp has appropriate changing facilities.

     Day camp programs vary greatly. If your child can handle a full day of activity then this is a great option. The best part of summer is being outdoors, learning to swim and experiencing new activities. Make sure you choose a camp that allows your child to do all of these. Also remember to check that it has a good staff/camper ratio and has a mission that matches your values. Day camping is a great way to have your child learn new things in a safe, fun-filled environment. First timers may want to choose a camp where a friend or neighbor attends to make for an easy transition.

     If your child is at an age where many friends are beginning to try overnight camp, you may want to find a program that allows your child to “test” overnight camp without a full 7 or 8-week commitment. There are day camps that offer a 1 or 2-week overnight option, which gives the camper a chance to see if overnight camping is right for him/her.

     If you don’t have the opportunity to experience a “trial overnight program” then you may want to look into a 4-week program. I would always recommend going during the first 4-week session when everyone is new and experiencing the first day at the same time. Coming in at the second session can be difficult for some campers.

     Overnight camp is not for everyone. If your child has difficulty being away from home or has trouble when you vacation without him/her then you may want to look into other options. If you are looking for a change from traditional day camp at this age, you may want to explore travel camp, were they return home each day. Some camps offer a travel component for older campers. It gives them an opportunity to explore different areas, ride new roller coasters and hang out in kid-friendly environments with their friends.

     Whether you are choosing a half-day program, traditional day camp or overnight camp for your child, make sure you begin the process now. You want to allow yourself time to talk with staff, see the facility and learn about a typical day at camp.

     Deena has served as the Associate Director of the JCC Camps at Medford since 1994. Her volunteer work includes being a board member of both Families Fighting Autism and the B’nai Brith Youth Organization. Deena and her husband Mike reside in Cherry Hill with their two children Wendy, 7 and Eric, 4.