Summer Camp: Online Tips for Summer Fun
With the thousands of summer camps available, the possibilities may feel endless, but we’ve found some Web sites that should help narrow down your options. In this Web Guide we also share our favorite sites for tips on preparing and packing for camp, the best resources to check for summer camp jobs across the country, and even some Web sites that showcase summer camps just for adults. No matter your summer camp needs, this Web Guide can help you become a happy camper.
Expand All Guide SectionsFind a Summer Camp
Summer camps have expanded beyond the traditional camps of several years ago (but don’t ... read more »
Choosing a Summer Camp
Choosing a summer camp from among the many traditional and special interest camps out there takes work. Fortunately, there are reputable camping associations and family-oriented publications that conveniently offer their suggestions online to help make your decision easier.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Many camps have their own Web sites filled with pictures of their facilities, application deadlines, lists of activities, and more. Explore these individual sites thoroughly with your child to see if each camp is a good fit, and to make sure you know camp registration deadlines (many of which are in January or February).
- If your child is interested in going to overnight camp but you think he or she is just too young, search the Web for a day camp or a “family camp” instead (a family camp is a summer camp with activities for the whole family). Both will afford your child a little more family exposure during the summer while still getting a camp experience.
Dulcinea's Picks
For advice on evaluating camps …
FamilyEducation.com
has a great section on finding and choosing the right camp for your child. Start with “Is Your Child Ready?” to see if this summer is a good time to send your child to camp, and uncover the truth behind some summer camp myths. Then use the “Choose the Right Camp” section for help deciding where your child could go to camp. The “Parents Speak Out” section gives parents a few additional words of wisdom on evaluating camps.
The National Camp Association, Inc.
guides parents in choosing the right camp for their children, addressing such matters as the camp costs, duration, and the needs of the child attending. Also see the article titled “Eenie, Meenie, Minie, Mo—To Which Camp Should my Child Go?” for a list of specific questions you should ask if you evaluate a facility in person.
The American Camp Association
lists some basic questions parents may have when reviewing summer camps and offers guidance in finding answers. Review this site if you’re in a quandary about sending your child to a nearby camp or one that’s farther away, wondering about single-sex and coed camps, or if you’re torn between a more traditional camp or specialty camp.
For camp recommendations …
National Camp Association, Inc.
’s free “CampQuest” tool takes some of the guesswork out of choosing a summer camp. Fill in the form provided on the site and a professional camp advisor will review the submission and return a customized list of camp possibilities to you.
Tips On Trips and Camps
is a free service that allows you to speak with a camp advisor over the phone for personalized help with choosing the right summer camp for your child. Don’t miss the “How We Work” page for a clear explanation of the help you’ll receive after registering at this site.
Preparing for Summer Camp
The phrase “happy camper” takes on a more literal meaning when you’re trying to ... read more »
Find a Summer Camp Job
Working at a camp can be a great summer job for teens or college students. We’ve collected ... read more »
Adult Summer Camps
Being grown up doesn’t have to mean that summer camp is a thing of your past, because adults ... read more »
© 2012 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
