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!

Submitted by Mabel’s Labels. Founded by four moms, Mabel’s Labels is the leading provider of super-durable labels for the stuff kids lose! Our award-winning customizable products are laundry, dishwasher and microwave–safe and 100 percent guaranteed. For more great content, join the Mabelhood community on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Or sign up for our newsletter at mabelslabels.com.