Curious Parents Camp Resources

Residential, Day, and After-School Camps in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.

sponsored by

Touring A Camp This Year Spells Success For Next Summer

By Beth Goldstein

     It may seem early, but it’s time to start previewing camps for 2006; visiting camps this summer assures an informed decision for next year. If you are uncertain about your child’s readiness, then starting the camp selection process early will help you be abreast and prepared.

     Parents have two options: consult a summer program advisor, or spend your own time researching programs. A consultant may be best if you don’t have the time to research camps thoroughly.

     You and your child will benefit from seeing a camp in action, talking to the director, and touring the cabins, dining room, wellness center, and activity areas before committing a summer and thousands of dollars to a program. Touring a camp can turn a hesitant child into an enthusiastic one.

A tour of a camp shows what brochures can’t

     By visiting a program in full swing, your child will see peers who are participating in activities that are old favorites, or new ones they might like to try – like waterskiing, or ropes courses. Your son will visualize himself swinging from the ropes. Your daughter will picture herself sleeping in one of the cabins, making small talk with all her new friends.

     A personal comparison between the DVD and the actual site can tell you if the program lives up to its fast-paced DVD and views of the campus and campers. Does the DVD leave out scenes of its small pond when waterskiing is on your child’s wish list? Did the DVD only show an exterior shot of the cabins when the interior is outfitted with bunk beds and your child would not be at ease in a bunk bed?

     On a tour you may see a director who has hired a talented, caring staff and is a great manager who delegates regular camper supervision to assistant directors, or you might see a director who waves or high-fives many campers as they walk around the camp. The director’s managing style may or may not be an important criterion for your family, or it may make the difference in your family’s comfort level in separating from each other in the summer. A visit can be the litmus test.

Does a higher tuition translate into a better experience?

     If you have narrowed your choices to two or three programs a tour can provide you with insights as to why a camp may charge a higher or lower tuition. For example, traditional programs all offer “arts and crafts.” A higher tuition may mean that a greater variety of materials and projects offered such as jewelry-making or stained glass. If arts and crafts are a high priority for your child, then a camp that offers more sophisticated arts would be worth your extra dollars. On the other hand, if your child would be perfectly content with lanyard and make-your-own bird house kits then you may prefer a camp that costs less or invests its dollars in other departments such as irrigated sports fields or fantastic horse barns or skate board parks.

     After all, you are making a significant financial decision. Consider that if your child attends camp from age nine to age 15 at $5,500-$8,500 per summer, you are electing to spend $38,500-$51,000. If you have several children that number is doubled or tripled. So obviously you want to make an informed choice, not a rash decision two weeks before registration begins.

     In deciding to send your child to camp, you are giving the gift of space and time for gaining independence, learning to live in a community, making lasting friendships, gaining or improving upon skills and much more. That gift can have a significant but extremely worthwhile price tag. Advanced footwork and a tour can help ensure you purchase that gift wisely.

     Beth Goldstein is a summer program consultant for The Camp Experts & Teen Summers, a FREE summer camp and teen program advisory service. Satisfied parents have relied on her expertise to find the right camp for their children. Consult Beth Goldstein at 610.658.0744, beth@campexperts.com or visit www.campexperts.com.