School is out and the summer days have that long and magical feeling…except the kids are starting to get a bit stir crazy and need something to do to ensure they have made the most of this wonderful time of year. That means summer camp programs! However, there are so many options that most parents and guardians can start to feel overwhelmed very quickly. How do you choose? After all, you might find it hard to get your kids to leave their TVs or computers to go to a camp, and you want them to enjoy whatever it is they are doing. Here’s the good news: there are a few good tips to use to ensure you choose the right program.
Look to Day Camps
As you start the search, it is a good idea to think of camps as the day camp variety. They are the most flexible and allow you to test the waters and withdraw easily if your child is unhappy with the experience. After you have narrowed things down to the day camp options, consider the following:
- Individuals – One reason that some camps don’t meet a child’s needs or interests is because that they don’t look at the campers as unique individuals. If you find a camp that begins with the idea that every camper deserves a chance to grow and develop according to their interests, it is a good starting point.
- Expectations – If you are not clear about what you as a parent expect from the camp, it makes choosing one a lot more difficult. As an example, you may want your younger kids to interact with older kids or you may want to be sure there are physical activities in addition to social ones. Jot down a quick list and be sure the camp you choose meets that expectation.
- Location – A good outdoor location is often the key to a child’s enjoyment of their camp, and if you can get a nice blend of time spent doing super fun summer things like swimming with indoor options like arts and crafts or even academic inspired activities, but all in a rural setting, it is likely to be a good choice.
- Counselors and instructors – What are your feelings about the instructors and counselors? You want your kids to really like time with them, so be sure they are enthusiastic, trained and eager to give your child a memorable summer.
If you want one of the best summer camp programs in NJ for kids ages 4 to 15, Black Bear Lake has been providing unforgettable summers for over 20 years!
