Moms Vibe:
By Krystle J. Bailey
Spring has sprung, which means Summer 2022 is right over the horizon. As the weather heats up and the school year slowly comes to an end, it’s time to begin thinking about summertime plans. While we would all love to spend countless hours sprawled across a beach towel, basking in the sun, that’s not a reality for most families. The show must go on, jobs continue to demand our attention, and the kids need mental and physical stimulation. Camp is a wonderful way for kids to laugh, learn, and play their way through the dog days of summer.
Summer camp options have vastly expanded over the last decade, with camps of all shapes, sizes, and themes for every child. Choosing the right camp for your kids can be one more overwhelming decision to make this year.
Use these tips to decide on a camp that works for you and your children this summer.
Choose a Genre
Summer camps come in a dozen different styles, themes, and varieties these days. Choosing the right camp for your child should be based on what you want your child to get from the experience.
Traditional summer camps offer a fun opportunity for kids to learn about the great outdoors. From archery and campfires to swimming and hiking, traditional summer camps teach children skills that will serve them for years to come.
Academic camps are an excellent option for children who are less comfortable with the outdoors. They have the opportunity to enhance their knowledge about topics that interest them. These camps usually touch on topics not otherwise taught in schools in a hands-on and exciting way.
Extracurricular camps such as gymnastics, karate, and music camp, offer children an opportunity to further their coaching/training in their particular area of interest. These camps are usually shorter in length than a traditional summer camp, so it may be necessary to line up several themed experiences throughout the summer. If your child already plays a sport or attends an activity, check with that facility to see if they have a summer camp option.
Narrow Down The Logistics
Once you’ve decided on what type of camp your children will attend, it’s time to narrow down your search. Decide how far you’re willing to travel for drop-off and pick-up situations, what hours of operation are conducive to your schedule, how much you’re willing to spend, and if you will need to call in the grandparent reinforcements. Begin a search, whether on Google or in community Facebook groups, for camps that fit your specific prerequisites. Online community groups are a great opportunity to receive genuine, honest reviews about a particular camp.
Send the Spidey Senses
Moms just know things. Our intuition has served us well for generations. Use that motherly instinct to begin feeling out camps. As a mother, it can be scary to think about sending your baby (no matter how old) away to camp for the first time. This is a decision that you and your child both need to feel comfortable with. Once you’ve narrowed down a few options, give the camps a call. Ask as many questions as you need to make you feel comfortable. This can include questions about safety, security, discipline, and so on. If you feel the need to take it one step further, ask to visit the camp prior to enrollment if possible.
Start Now
If this is your first time thinking about summer camp this year, it’s time to start moving. Camps fill up quickly and many popular camps have a waitlist. Now is the time to start thinking about these questions and making calls. This section of Shore Local features everything you need to know about South Jersey summer camps this year. Check out the featured camps to get started.
Krystle J Bailey. Multimedia journalist, Author, Poet.
Connect with Krystle on Instagram @thedailybailey5
