Summer camp is a wonderful opportunity for children to try new activities and learn life lessons like independence and self-confidence. There are many kids who know when they are ready to go to camp, but there are also many others who might be unsure.
The American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey, has some tips on summer camp programs for children who would like to give camp a try, but may be hesitant about what to expect.
Day camp
Day camp is the best of both worlds — home and camp. Days are filled with activities like boating, sports, swimming, and arts and crafts, but at the end of the day, children go home.
Some day camps partner with resident camps, so day campers can try out staying overnight for a few days. This can give them a feel for being away from home and what resident camp is like without committing to a resident camp for the whole summer.
Rookie days
There are many resident camps that offer rookie days, which are designed to give future campers a chance to experience the camp in session by joining in on activities before going to camp. Parents can tour the camp while their children are enjoying the activities. Rookie days are a wonderful way for children and their parents to get a feel for what camp is like, and to determine if it is the right fit for the child.
Shorter camp sessions
There are both day and resident camps that offer shorter camp sessions. A pure short session camp is a great option if you plan on continuing to send your child to only short camp sessions. The American Camp Association doesn’t recommend testing out summer camp with short session camps that don’t offer longer sessions if your ultimate goal is to find a longer camp experience for your child. Camp builds community, and you don’t want your child to become part of a short session camp community if he later has to change communities to add additional weeks of camp to his summer. Find a longer session camp that offers an introductory shorter session to test the waters.
Shorter resident camp session for first-time and younger campers
Many resident camps offer two-week or four-week sessions for young and first-time campers. Going away to camp for two or four weeks as a first-time camper is a good way to get accustomed to camp life. There are many camps that will allow campers to stay the full session if they don’t want to leave after the shorter camp session.
Sending your child to a camp that offers these shorter sessions for the first year allows your child to stay at the same camp for longer sessions in the future.
For more, visit the American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey’s camp database at searchforacamp.org, or call (212) 391-5208.
