Everything Summer Camp

We're talking with a camp expert Jill Tipograph about how to find the right camp for your child, how much to expect to pay, what are the deadline and key dates to keep in mind.

For more tips, visit www.everythingsummer.com.

When to start looking:
• When to start looking: the summer before! Touring the camp while in operation can be very important; pictures and words only tell a partial story.
• Most camps with a higher return rate generally fill with returning campers by the early fall. Leaving a smaller number of new camper spots available.
• What to do this time of year to get in: Be flexible! It is not advisable to try to ‘fit in’ camp during intermittent weeks your family may have available (the wrong camp can backfire). Instead, focus on the right camp; most camps fill the latter part of the summer (e.g. August) later, so often more space will be available then. Camps maintain wait lists so be nicely persistent to try to get your child into the camp you prefer in the requested timeframe.
• Most camps start the week of June 27 or later (some sooner); based on the end dates of school systems in areas from which more campers typically reside.
• While early bird discount deadlines for most overnight camps have expired, some day camps may still offer these. So parents should ask.
• Medical forms are due in the spring; and camps generally won’t admit a student unless these are completed and submitted before camp begins.
When teens are applying to high school summer programs, each will have different priority or requirement dates based on enrollment, course selection, travel coordination and more.

How to find the right camp:
Finding the right summer program can be life changing for a child. I believe camp is the greatest gift a parent can give a child. It is a special community where each child belongs unconditionally, gains independence and builds self esteem. Children see how life is broader than their own home or school environment. Often kids who face challenges in school find that camp offers a respite where they discover interests and strengths that help them year round. And for the overscheduled child, it gives them a well deserved break; some critical down time. Camp is the antidote to the lack of social and creative play in the school environment, which is essential to their development; and it provides kids with real life skills. And of course camp provides immense fun and lifelong memories. But finding the right camp is a process.

While a child needs to be able to demonstrate camp readiness, be it day, overnight or a teen program, choosing the right camp must include:
• The child, since taking ownership leads to a more positive transition
• Key factors relating to your child – and the parents’ – needs; personality; disposition; be honest about who your child is
• Budget, location, session length, camp type, gender, age, size, programming, philosophy, safety
• These all fall into simple categories that I refer to in my book as the 4P’s: the place, people, program and policies.
o Place: Location/destination – always recommend not replicating the home/school/town landscape; focusing more on an environment of nature which fosters culture awareness, challenge, creativity, etc. Session length; and facilities
o People: Ownership (directors); staff; camper composition; size
o Program: Activities – design, instruction, structure; special needs
o Policies: Philosophy; safety/accreditations; communications; visits; behavior/bullying; medical; costs (total)

Questions to ask after you find the right camp?
Ask the Director questions relative to YOUR child, which fall into three main categories: camper ‘fit’ and culture; staff; policies/roles/challenges. Make sure you and your child relate to the director.
Always check references – turn to trusted resources
Go with your gut instinct