Summer camp is a great place to make friends. Introduce yourself to people. Find shared interests. Be yourself. Bond over common interests like favorite movies or hobbies. Ask open-ended questions. Be open to new things. Bring comfortable, cute shoes like flats or Vans. Be upbeat. Set trends, don’t mimic others. Smile. Ask people about themselves. Let them talk while listening. Shows you appreciate their opinion. Find activities that interest everyone. People like doing what they’re good at. Be respectful. Follow the rules. Pack comfortable, climate-appropriate clothes. Bring toiletries and medications. Entertainment for downtime. Don’t forget spending money.
Summer camps aren’t limited to any specific age group—the trick is finding the camp that’s right for your family. Camping has always been a multi-generational activity, so what is the best age to start? While there’s no such thing as “the best age” for camping, you should certainly consider some important factors before taking your children camping or even trying it for yourself!
Do you remember the fun of going to summer camp as a kid? Day camps offer all the fun of a traditional summer camp, but with the added perk of your child being able to come home each night. This is perfect for kids who are too young for sleepaway camp or for parents who want to ensure their child gets a good night’s sleep. As children grow older, they graduate to overnight camps that provide a taste of independence, help hone leadership skills, and foster team-building abilities.
If your child is 5 or under, that’s too young for overnight camp alone. Go to a family camp together, or try an accredited day camp program in your area, which is a great way to get the feel for what camp is all about! Ages 3 to 5 Day camps offer the perfect opportunity for young kids to experience time away from parents and explore new activities.
There is no right or specific age to when you can start taking your children camping. If you feel ready to take them and all their baby supplies along, then kids as young as 2-3 months can go camping. Whether you have a baby, a toddler, or a preschooler, the sooner you start camping with them, the better. Kids love challenges and doing something different from everyday routines.
What do parents look for in a camp? Camp offers a unique experience to children – the chance to be away from their parents for a short period of time and learn to handle more things on their own. Kids develop confidence in their own ability to make decisions and solve problems. Great camps have well-trained, caring adults able guide kids through conflict, providing opportunities to practice communication, empathy and compassion – key components of maintaining positive relationships.
Your Child’s Interests
One of the first metrics that you will need to use is considering what your kid is into and whether you can find a camp that feeds into those interests. Why don’t you sit down with your kid and talk things through a little and ask them what they want to do? The average weekly rate ranges from $199 to $800 for day camp, while overnight camps will set parents back between $680 and $2,000 a week. Parents should always visit the camp they are selecting, be provided with a thorough tour and meet with the camp’s directors to ensure that the philosophy and attitude resonates with the parents’ hope for their children.
Once you have made a selection, get the necessary paperwork so you can secure your child’s spot. Send them to a camp that will amplify their love and interest in that area. A day camp packing list would include:
- A swimsuit
- Towel
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Insect repellent
- A hat
- Two filled water bottles
- Comfortable tennis shoes, sandals
- At least one extra set of clothing
- A raincoat or umbrella
Camps offer activities in addition to building skills. Find out if there are “add-on” costs for specific activities or tipping counselors. Great camps have excellent testimonials from parents and students. Camp staff should have background checks to ensure children are safe as possible.
If you are a parent looking to reduce screen time, worry less about “likes”, and just be a kid, then camp seems a custom-built solution. Camp can be great to make new friends, learn skills and break school routine. Look around for camps in your area. You don’t want to be driving across town. Many camps offer extended hours which helps working parents. Safety should be top priority. Look for well trained, experienced staff committed to campers’ well-being. Consider accommodations most comfortable for your child – cabins, tents or modern facilities.