Are you thinking about a day or overnight camp for your child this summer? Don’t wait too long to begin your search and register. Ever since COVID-19, camp enrollment season has started earlier, with many camps filling up more quickly than ever before. Not sure how to begin your search? Here are some tips for finding the right camp for your family:
THINK ABOUT WHO YOUR CHILD IS
Before you begin to look for a camp, take the time to really think about who your child is and what kind of program would work best for them. What type of environment does your child thrive in? What are their interests? Is day camp right for your child or are they ready to try overnight camp?
SPEAK TO FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS
Talking to friends to find out about their child’s experience is often a good initial step in your research; however, parents should also do their own research. Each family and child is different so what might be a good fit for one child might not be the best fit for yours. There are so many wonderful camps, but finding the one that is best for your child is key.
GO TO CAMP FAIRS
Plan to visit a camp fair this winter. Camp fairs bring dozens of day and overnight camps to one location where you can speak with representatives from various camps, all in a few hours.
SEARCH ONLINE
Checking out a camp’s website, videos and social media will give you a good view into what the camp is all about, but don’t register for a camp without speaking with the leadership team or touring the camp.
SPEAK WITH THE DIRECTOR
Having a conversation with the director or a member of the camp’s leadership team is a crucial step in finding a camp for your child. It’s important to know who is caring for your child and to ask important safety and program questions before signing up. You also want to make sure you’re honest with the camp about who your child is, including any special considerations your kid may have. You want the camp director to have an accurate picture to make sure that the camp is the right fit for your child.
PLAN CAMP TOURS AND HOME VISITS
Touring is a great way to get a feel for a camp and for your child to get excited about the experience. Day camps will tour all year long so if you have a camp you’re interested in learning more about, call the camp and schedule a tour. Many day camps will have spring open houses as well.
Most overnight camps don’t do tours over the winter because the camps are closed for the season, but you can call and inquire about touring in the spring or find out if they will host any spring open houses.
Overnight camp directors are happy to do home visits or a Zoom call with your family so you can get to know the camp and the camp director can get to know your family.
Need help starting your search? Call the American Camp Association, NY and NJ, which is a not-for-profit organization that offers free, one-on-one advice to families looking for a summer camp. Families looking for a day or overnight camp can contact Renee Flax for guidance at renee@acanynj.org or 212.391.5208.
—Jess Michaels is the director of communications for the American Camp Association (ACA), NY and NJ.