How to find the right camp for you child

Google the phrase “summer camp” and you’ll get almost 30 million hits. So how do you find the right one? Here are some helpful tips and key points to consider when selecting a camp.

The earlier you start your research, the better. The best camps fill up fast!

Get online and be as specific in your search terms as you can (narrow down location, type of camp, co-ed or not, etc.)

Another good way to source camps is to think of where the preferred activities are normally held. Your kid loves to act? Check out local theatre companies. Into science? Try a university engineering department. Lurk on camp chat boards (many of the larger camp websites have them) or better still, post a question or three.

Some key points to consider when selecting a camp:

Day camp or residential? Or maybe a mixture of both? Some outdoor day camps end their week with a sleepover and this is a great way to introduce your child to being away overnight.

Which type of camp? Consider choosing camps based on your child’s interests (sports, science, arts…) or by his needs: is his year crammed with homework and after-school activities? If so, perhaps a traditional, fun, outdoor camp would be just what he needs. Is he comfortable meeting lots of new people or would a smaller, more controlled environment be better?

What’s your budget? Costs range from thousands of dollars for international camps to a few bucks for an afternoon at a local day camp. Keep in mind; price is not necessarily an indication of quality. For that, you should consider:

• Counsellor to kid ratio

• Qualifications and experience of camp staff

• Depth and quality of programs

There are countless things that will sway your choice when it comes to selecting a camp, but ultimately, the only wrong choice you can make is one which doesn’t consider the uniqueness of your child!

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Instituto Cervantes

Children and teenagers learn to understand and express themselves in Spanish, while improving their communication skills through a dynamic immersion program taught by NATIVE TEACHERS that combines CLASSES, ARTISTIC WORKSHOPS and FUN ACTIVITIES! All of our high-qualified teachers are native Spanish speakers who adapt the structure of the class to the needs and levels of each group while conducting the classes entirely in Spanish. We offer both Spanish Summer Camps and Regular Courses for children along the year to foster language learning and multicultural understanding.

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

Looking for something to do with the kids in New York City that is fun, exciting, and educational? The Intrepid Museum offers family-friendly activities and programs all year long that keep children engaged, entertained, and curious about history and science. Fun rain or shine, the Museum offers both indoor and outdoor interactive exhibits and activities. With so many things to do and see, you&rsquo;ll never hear &ldquo;I&rsquo;m bored,&rdquo; when you climb aboard Intrepid. A non-profit, educational institution featuring the legendary aircraft carrier Intrepid, the space shuttle Enterprise, the world&rsquo;s fastest jets and a guided missile submarine.

Speakitaly NYC

SPEAKITALY NYC offers stimulating and entertaining lessons for children 0 to 16 years through a wide combination of activities based on the communicative approach anchored in the Common European Framework of Reference: active learning (group work, role plays, etc.) and practice exercises aimed to improve listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Kids will start speaking and using Italian in a very natural way.&nbsp; Small classes capped at 6 students to make sure each one gets the needed attention and facilitate learners' progress.&nbsp; Our method is driven by a didactic method that is the result of constant updates, professional certifications and more than 10 years of experience in working with non-native speakers from different native languages and levels of knowledge. Our aim is to develop a range of Italian language skills while improving accuracy that will enable the students and participants to interact without stress or feeling rushed. We want to help those in the community really embrace not only the true culture in Italy but the Italian culture within New York City&hellip; Who doesn&rsquo;t love what Italy represents in the kitchen, in history &amp; in the arts? Speakitaly wants to support multilingual families who want to learn a new language or pass along their ancestor&rsquo;s heritage and culture. Raffaella, the founder said: "We see language awareness and intercultural sensitivity as the milestones for an inclusive society. Italian, like all other languages, is an enrichment and a growth in every way. Vi aspettiamo!"