Searching for a great camp
To find the camp that is perfect for your child, start by writing a list of the elements you are seeking. Is your child keen on sports, horseback riding, drama, or rock climbing? Are you looking for a wilderness experience? Make sure your list includes a safe and secure environment with well-trained staff. Now that you have your list, it’s time to start your research. You can find valuable information through the Ontario Camping Association’s and on Camps.ca.
You can also contact camps directly and ask them to mail an information package. While on the telephone, ask if the camp director is available to speak with you.
Many camps have scheduled visitors’ days. Consider visiting the year before you want your child to attend or early in the summer before your child’s session. You can even ask the camp to arrange a special visit to tour the facility.
Some out-of-town camps will hold information meetings in various communities to give families a chance to meet camp staff and learn more about their unique environment. You can find details about upcoming opportunities on the event calendar at www.ourkids.net or www.camps.ca.
Be sure to involve children in the search process. Look at camp materials with your children. Take them along on site visits and involve them in making the final choice. After all, summer camp is all about kids.
Preparing the first-timer
Anticipating a new experience can make first-time campers and their parents a bit anxious. Here are some tips to prepare for the adventure and make the most of it:
- Discuss what to expect from camp (such as activities, routines and schedules).
- Talk about the fun and exciting things they are likely to experience.
- Mention the new friends they are likely to make.
- Help them to have realistic expectations. Explain that there will be rules to follow, and there will be ups and downs.
- Prepare first-time sleepover campers for bedtime away from home. Discuss things that might help them to fall asleep, like reading a favourite book.
- Encourage independence by explaining how to care for their belongings. Do they know what to do with dirty laundry or a wet bathing suit?
Tips for the first time camp parent
- Ask about visiting policies ahead of time. Some camps have a scheduled visiting day, others don’t.
- Camps have varying procedures about making telephone calls—when a child can call home, when a parent can call and how messages will be relayed. Find out ahead of time and share the information with your child.
- Do not share feelings of anxiety or doubt with your child. You have thoughtfully chosen a camp, so now have confidence in your decision.
- Remember that going to camp is a wonderful experience.
Share the joy by talking about the adventure ahead.
Length of Stay
If only summer camp could last forever. More than one camper has been known to wistfully say so as their session came to an end. How long should a child spend at summer camp?
The answer depends on many factors:
- How old is your child?
- Is your child a first-time camper or a seasoned veteran?
- Is your child looking to be immersed in a particular specialty or are they interested in exposure to a broad range of experiences?
- What are your family’s overall plans for the summer?
- What is your family’s budget?
A younger child may do well with just a week. Some residential camps even have part-week sessions for their youngest campers. A seasoned camper may want to spend a month or even the whole summer at their favourite camp.
Day campers might want to experience a series of one- or two-week camps over the course of the summer or may opt for an extended session in a specialized camp program.
