For many, summer fun means summer camp. But figuring out how to find your child’s happy place can be overwhelming. Here’s what camp pros and parents recommend to help ensure your child has the best experience!
“Having a clear sense of your key factors helps narrow things down,” says Matt Krouner, owner and director, Camp Schodack in Nassau, NY. Include your child in the process, creating a must-have list of what will work best for your child and family: co-ed or single sex; day or sleepaway; distance vs. transportation options; program length and types; camp and staff qualifications; costs; safety; staff-to-camper ratios; and food concerns and/or restrictions.
“Consider the camp’s size, group sizes, whether days are scheduled or are free choice, and whether programs and activities are a good fit for your child’s interests. Pick the camp that fits their needs, which isn’t always the camp classmates and other friends are attending,” says Michelle Kessler, owner and director, Spring Lake Day Camp in Ringwood, who also recommends that camps be accredited by the American Camp Association. “Being ACA-accredited means a camp is committed to safety, consistent review and upholding industry standards,” she notes.
“Think about whether your child thrives in structured environments, needs lots of choices or enjoys exploring new activities,” says Lauren Pine Bernstein, owner and director, Camp Walden in Diamond Point, NY.
“My girls are complete opposites in terms of likes. One is into theater and music; the other is athletic. Yet both loved Camp Southwoods in Paradox, NY, because of the community and diverse offerings that allowed both to challenge themselves while feeling safe to explore. The theater lover ended up going on hikes and the athletic one was in the musical,” says mom Melissa Dimas, who also emphasizes safety issues: “One has a chronic illness, so it was important to have a doctor onsite and a hospital nearby.”
DO YOUR HOMEWORK
Research camps, narrow down your search, then visit in person with your kid, ideally the summer before your child will be attending. “You can see the camp in action and meet administrators, staff and campers. It’ll also help your child become more familiar with it when summer comes,” says Eliana Koenigsberg of YMCA of the Pines in Medford.
SEEK ADVICE FROM MULTIPLE SOURCES
The not-for-profit American Camp Association, NY and NJ, offers a free service to families looking for accredited camp programs. Renee Flax, ACA’s director of camper placement, encourages families to speak with camp directors. “Don’t send your child to a camp where you don’t know the leadership, their philosophy and what their programs are designed to provide,” she says. “You can also ask for references of families with kids at camp who are your child’s age.”
EVALUATE THE CAMP’S PHILOSOPHY, VALUES AND FEEL
“Nothing encapsulates a camp’s culture quite like the families who comprise it. Hearing from parents who have already made the choice can help hone in on whether a camp is a right fit not just for new campers, but for parents, too. Ask about mission, community and values; that’s where you’ll get the most important information,” says Maddie Acosta, director, Camp Southwoods, who also recommends going to camp fairs and contacting the ACA.
“Definitely visit the camps at the top of your list and/or participate in a rookie day if possible. There were so many nuances that came through in person that helped us make our decision,” emphasizes Ali Frost, a mom of two Camp Schodack girls.
“There should be open communication between the camp and parents, as well as the campers and counselors,” says Laura Skidmore, a mom with two sons attending Camp Riverbend in Warren Twp. “When everyone at camp is happy and excited to be there, the feelings are contagious, and your children will be just as happy because it’s a sign of a fun, nurturing environment.”
THINK PRACTICALITY AND CONVENIENCE
Staci Olszowy, another Camp Riverbend mom, recommends a camp with convenient hours (e.g., before- and aftercare for working parents) and one that offers reliable transportation. Proximity is also high on many parents’ must-have list. “Being able to quickly get to camp provides a sense of relief for both campers and parents. It’s also nice being able to occasionally see camp friends at home,” says Melissa Wasserman, a mom with kids at Camp Schodack.
Parents with more than one camp-age child often find it makes sense—and reduces stress and logistical hassles—to find one camp with diverse activities and age groups to suit the criteria of all involved.
TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS
Listen to your child but be the final decision-maker. “Children, especially younger ones, may base their choice on superficial factors like gifts or flashy activities. As parents, you have the perspective to choose a camp that will truly benefit them long-term,” says Bernstein. “Today’s kids are accustomed to structured schedules and downtime spent on screens, so 24/7 socializing at camp can be overwhelming. However, that’s why camp is so beneficial. It gives them a break from screens and helps them navigate the complexities of face-to-face interactions. Additionally, camp lets kids step outside their comfort zones. As children grow older, they tend to focus on activities they’re already good at. But trying new things, even struggling with them, teaches invaluable lessons about resilience and growth.”
—Nayda Rondon is a lifestyle writer based in New Jersey.
