Check out the many local and regional summer camps and ways to make camp affordable!
So, you want to go to summer camp. Whether it’s an all-day affair or an overnighter, sending kids off to summer camp this year comes with some extra baggage. (You didn’t think I meant YOU, moms and dads?! Although the first Camp WannaMeTime that opens its cabins will be on my summer bucket list.)
The last few years have been hard, to some degree, on both parents and kids, no matter how many crafts, cookies and conversations you have created or had.
Getting out and socializing is good for the entire family. A summer camp can reenergize sagging spirits and offer a sense of normalcy and routine that has been missing. Parents who have put a pause on summer camps the last few years or are looking to change up their routine to help their child have reached out to me with many questions.
There are many camps up and running as of May 24 and through August 6. If you aren’t sure about sending your littles or bigs off to a class, full-day or overnight camp, then here’s a few things to consider and do to make the decision a fun and safe one.
Questions to ask before you sign up
When looking at a summer camp or week-long class, ask a few questions. A good camp wants to hear from the parents. Look for open house opportunities to explore the camp or ask for a day where you and your child can explore the camp before you sign up.
Questions to ask
- What can you can expect when dropping off your child and picking up so that there are no surprises?
- What type of child is this camp a good fit for? Shy or active?
- What is the staff-to-camper ratio?
- What kind of training is required of your staff and is anyone CPR certified?
- May parents observe their child at the camp?
- How many kids leave before camp ends and what are some of the reasons?
- Is your camp accredited by the American Camp Association (particularly for overnight camps)?
- What are your procedures and rules for keeping campers and staff safe from COVID-19 and other illnesses? (The dreaded tummy bug!)
- What is the schedule like? Highly structured or free-choice?
- Are there field trips and are they required?
- Can you make accommodations for a child if they have special needs?
- Will you use strategies for calming or helping my child adapt that have helped them at home and I can provide?
- What is the background of the staff and policies, particularly refunds?
- How are the facilities cleaned and when?
- Is there a secure entry?
- What is the refund policy if you prefer not to return?
- What are the restrictions for food, clothing, backpacks or comfort items such as stuffed animals or blankets?
- How many children are allowed in each class?
- Is there a sibling discount
- What is the policy if rules change and summer camps are required to close down?
How to choose a camp
There are so many truly cool camps out there, from coding to climbing, improving on art skills or riding horses. Meet your child where they are. What are their interests? Do they stay interested in a subject or move on quickly, in which case you may want a day camp with lots of options for your child to explore. Ask your child what they hope to get out of the camp. The more they are invested the more they will be interested. If they are nervous, you may want to try a half-day camp at the City of Las Vegas or YMCA to ease them into the idea. Once they get there, they may have such a great time, they want to sign up for the summer.
Ask questions of the camp directors. A good camp wants to hear from the parents. Look for open house opportunities to explore the camp or ask for a day where you and your child can explore the camp before you sign up.
How to prepare for camp
Another question I get is how can I prepare my child for camp. I think the best thing is to talk to them about camp, let them ask questions, walk them through what a day looks like and what happens if something they are nervous about happening actually does, for instance if they are nervous, or want to make friends what they can do to feel good about going up to a group of kids and asking them to play.
What if my child doesn’t like the camp?
If you can’t tour or view the camp ahead of time, or it just simply isn’t a good fit, make sure you can have a refund of some sort if you decide it’s not a good fit within the first few days or week. Many summer camps just want your child to be happy so do your best to know the rules before hand and check in with the counselors to let them know if you are worried that it might not be working as soon as you do.
Let’s talk about the 4-letter word
Let’s face it. Risk in life is not a choice. There is risk in all we do. But that should give you comfort, not more anxiety. Think of all you’ve traversed! Even as I write this, I want to do some sort of finger-crossing, spitting, throw-salt ritual to ward off any risk I may be calling just by saying that out loud!
As moms and dads, we often get nervous about the big scary world. The pandemic has concentrated all those invisible fears into a known fear, of something entirely invisible.
So, there’s risk no matter what we do in any situation. However, there are also ways to reduce risk. And that’s what you and your kiddos need to do this summer when planning to partake of one of the many really cool camps in and around Southern Nevada and the southwest.
Benefits of summer camp
There are many benefits for kids who attend summer camp. From socialization to learning new things and testing their limits, children grow in many different ways during these few months. But remember, summer camp isn’t for everyone, and it might
be that they already get all they need from attending a school such as Shrub Oak International
School, which means summer camp wouldn’t really be necessary. You’ve got to
gauge it on a personal level.
If you have any questions or if we can help in any way, please email kim@vegaskidszone.com or leave a comment below. Many local businesses are looking for feedback from parents as summer gets underway.
