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It's Not Too Late to Think About Summer Camp
Summer is fast approaching, but even if you haven't made all your summer plans, there are still several reasons why it's not too late to plan for camp; whether you're a parent looking for great programs for your child, or you're a student looking for the perfect summer job.
- A great day camp can be right around the corner; literally. The ideal day camp program for your child may be right in your neighborhood. Check with your local YMCA, Jewish Community Center, 4H, or city parks and recreation department
for programs that suit your child. A wide variety of programs with many choices are available. From cartooning and playing the guitar to animal care and designing theatre costumes and sets; there is a day camp nearby offering sessions for every interest.Parents can research camps by location, cost, and activities offered, as well as other options at their Web site*. (* Will open in a new window.)
Here are important questions for parents to ask about day camp
programs:
- Is the camp accredited by the Manitoba Camping Association?
- Is transportation available?
- What about extended care before and after camp?
- Are campers grouped by age, activity, or both?
- Does the price include the full range of activities?
- Are parent visits encouraged?
- Camps today offer a variety of sessions; including ones for the whole family. Over 25 percent of camps today offer
family camp programs. For parents looking for a new way to spend vacation time together with their children this summer,
and even do it close to home, family camps offer a great option for parents looking for healthy, positive experiences to
share with their families. Parents participate in the same activities as their child would if the child was at camp by
him or herself. Everyone in the family; from grandparents to young children; can participate and enjoy the same camp
experience together.
Family camp programs have grown over 215 percent in the past fifteen years. A major trend has been for camps to offer
family sessions with much more programming and many more instructional activities. Responding to accommodate families'
busy schedules, some camps may offer variations such as overnight camping trips, one-day tours, or evening programs.
Family camps also help parents introduce the camp experience to younger children who have yet to experience time away from
their parents. A family camp program serves as great training wheels for a future resident camp experience for children.
- Students can find a rewarding summer job at camp. A job at camp offers a unique life experience while earning summer pay. Camp prepares students for their future careers by teaching leadership
and team-building. Camp complements the academic skills that are learned in school with experiential, life-based lessons.
In a summer camp setting, young adults working as counselors have the opportunity to master real-life, problem-solving
skills, as well as have a significant and positive influence in the lives of children.
Young adults can find more information on camp jobs at at the MCA Web site*, where they can view job listings and post
rèsumès. Whether it's a day camp in your neighborhood, a camp experience for the whole family, or a great summer job,
camp offers rewarding life experiences for people of all ages. The good news is that there's still time to take part in
a memorable camp experience this summer.
(* Will open in a new window.)
Related Articles:
Summer Day Camps & Programs Directory 2008
It's Not Too Late to Think About Summer Camp
Preparing for Camp
Ten Easy Steps To Being A Great Camper
Keep your Smile Shining at Summer Camp!
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