If your kids are already dreaming about returning to camp (or going for the first time) they’re not alone. Camp is one of the best experiences of childhood— a time and place to learn, grow and have fun. In order to find the best fit for your camper, a camp fair should be your first stop.
“Camp fairs are a wonderful way for parents to research many different camp programs all in one location,” says Renee Flax, camper placement specialist for the American Camp Association, NY and NJ. If you’ve never attended a camp fair, the thought can be overwhelming, but the prospect of getting all the info you need in one place (and the chance to meet representatives from the camps) means it’s a must-do. “Each camp will have its own table with representatives from their program to give you materials, answer questions and explain how their program works,” says Flax. “These free events often have 25 or more programs attending and include day, overnight and specialty programs.”
If you’re not sure whether to bring the kids along or hire a babysitter, pile ‘em in the car. “Bringing your child or children to the camp fairs is a great way of engaging them in the process of choosing a camp,” says Flax. “Once they see for themselves all the wonderful activities that can be done at camp, they will be more enthusiastic about wanting to go.”
FIGURE OUT WHAT YOUR CHILD WANTS
Before you attend, give some thought to the type of camp you’re interested in for your child. “Knowing ahead of time what you are looking for will help you decide what camps are good for you to be speaking with at the fair and you won’t be overwhelmed,” she says.
Some questions you might want to ask yourself are: If you are looking for a day camp, do you want one with bus pickup? Do you need before and after care hours as a working parent? Is swim instruction important to you? “When looking for an overnight camp, consider how many weeks you want your child to go to camp for, if you have a strong preference for coed or single sex, what types of activities you want the camp to offer and if you want an elective camp where your child will make their own choices for activities or a traditional camp where they travel as a bunk to activities,” says Flax.
BE SURE TO BOOK EARLY
Asking a camp if they are accredited by the American Camp Association is a parent’s best evidence of a camp’s commitment to health and safety, she says.
While it might seem like summer is far away, parents should do their homework now and book their child’s spot early to ensure they get the placement they want.
“Camps are filling up very quickly and many already have waiting lists,” says Flax. “If you’re interested in a camp, ask about availability in your child’s specific age group.” Due to COVID, parents realized the benefits of camp for their kids, which explains the high enrollment numbers. “Many parents discovered that camp is a wonderful environment for children to socialize, be outside and try new things in a structured environment.”
Ready to attend your first camp fair? See the list below. You can also contact Renee Flax at any point during your search for the right summer camp.
Check out a camp fair and solidify your child’s summer plans. All fairs are 1-3 pm.
Sat., Jan. 21: Paramus Camp Fair, Bergen Town Center
Sun., Jan. 22: Summit Camp Fair, Oak Knoll School
Sat., Jan. 28: Livingston Camp Fair, Livingston Mall
Sun., Jan. 29: Ridgewood Camp Fair, Ridgewood Community Center
Sat., Feb. 4: Princeton and Lawrenceville Camp Fair, Quaker Bridge Mall
Sun., Feb. 5: Montclair Camp Fair, Montclair Art Museum
Sat., March 4, Edison Camp Fair, Menlo Park Mall