Even though spring has just sprung, summer is right around the corner, which means your kids will have plenty of spare time on their hands. If you don’t know how you’ll keep your kids occupied, here are a few reasons to consider enrolling them in a summer camp and how to choose the right one.
Maybe your child hasn’t spent much time apart from you or has unique interests, but almost every kid can benefit from going to camp, and here’s why.
One of the greatest benefits for kids who go to camp is getting the chance to socialize with other children their age. Most kids enjoy meeting new people and making friends, especially when engaging in fun activities that camps provide. Developing good social skills is vital for future success, and reputable summer camps are safe, nurturing environments where kids can explore their strengths and make meaningful connections with others to help them build self-confidence. Moreover, going to camp isn’t like school; it’s more relaxed and focused on fun. Kids who are more shy than others can take things at their pace while participating in an encouraging atmosphere.
Plus, because camps draw in children from all walks of life, there’s a good chance your child with find someone they can relate to, so they don’t feel like an outsider.
Besides school, summer camp is when a child will experience time away from their parents. Independent time is crucial to your child developing a sense of their unique identity and discovering their strengths and weaknesses. Kids learn to trust their instincts instead of relying on a parent or teacher to guide them, which will help them grow into self-sufficient adults.
The last thing you want for your child is for them to be stuck inside on the couch for hours with a phone or tablet or glued to the TV. The Centers for Disease Control say that children aged 8-10 average six hours of screen time per day, which many think is unhealthy because it affects sleep patterns and can negatively impact their school performance. Depending on the camp you choose, your child may learn new skills and participate in activities they’ve never been exposed to, like horseback riding, archery, zip-lining, and hiking. Engaging in new activities helps your child become more well-rounded and gives them stories they’ll love to tell their classmates when school is back in session.
As we’ve seen, summer camps can be a tremendous experience for your child, but how do you find the right one with so many to pick from?
Consider your child’s interests and hobbies when looking for a good summer camp. Whether they’re into sports, art, STEM, music, theater, or nature, there’s probably a camp that caters to that.
Summer camps are like anything else in life; there are affordable and expensive ones. The good news is that price doesn’t always equal quality. The more expensive camps may have more luxurious facilities and amenities or located in more desirable locations. But most of those things won’t matter to your child, who only cares about having a good time.
Every parent wants their child to have fun and be safe when they go off to summer camp, so it’s important to check the safety record of whatever camp you’re considering. Be thorough and check to see if they had any incidents beyond the usual scrapes and bruises, and check to see if they have the proper safety measures in place, like lifeguards and CPR-trained staff. Also, check to see if they have enough counselors for the number of kids to ensure everyone’s safety.
As a parent, you can’t ask too many questions when sending your kids to camp. Ask the people who run it about their policies and procedures, their refund policy, and how they handle homesick children and medical emergencies. Don’t be afraid to trust your gut; if something doesn’t feel right, or you don’t get the answers you want, feel free to move on to another camp.
Finally, summer camps can range from day camps to overnight camps to camps that last several weeks. Consider what length of time would be best for your child and their personality, as well as your family’s schedule.
Kids R’ Kids at Avalon Park has a fabulous summer camp for children with tons of fun activities and weekly themes. We created a variety of high-flying, mind-expanding, hands-on activities designed to make our campers smile, think, explore, collaborate, and grow in a safe, well-supervised environment.
Spots are filling quickly! To enroll your child or get further information, contact at 407-306-9035, or fill out our online form.
Benefits of Enrolling Your Child in Summer Camp
Social Benefits
But what if your child isn’t outgoing or especially social? Can they benefit too? You bet!
Promotes Independence
Promotes Activity
Summer camps encourage active play that’s outside with other children. Being physically active is important for young kids because it improves their fitness, reduces stress, anxiety, and depression, and helps them control their weight. Summer is when kids should be outside playing, not spending hours on their devices.
Engage in New Activities
How to Find the Best Camp
Identify Your Child’s Interests
Determine Your Budget
Check the Camp’s Safety Record
Ask Questions
Consider the Camp’s Length
Kids R’ Kids Summer Camp 2023
