Newswise — Summer is right around the corner and parents throughout the country are trying to decide what to do with their children during their time off. Many want to provide their kids with an opportunity to learn as well as have fun, but for many, it is a tough decision.
Emily Hadfield, Westminster College's Summer Camp coordinator, has a few pointers for parents trying to figure out an ideal summer camp match for their kids:
1. Involve your children in the camp selection process. Really listen to what kind of camp experience they'd want so it will be meaningful to them and worth your expense. If your child is naturally shy, a large residential camp 3,000 miles away from home might not be the best choice. 2. Don't over "camp" your child. Let them enjoy some freedom of unstructured summer time. Having back-to-back camps can overload them. 3. Make sure to fill out all forms and submit them to the camp office as soon as possible. Ensure you complete payment on time. 4. Consider college summer programming. These camps can give your child a taste of college life, explore academic areas and possibly earn college credit. While attending a college camp won't guarantee admission, it doesn't hurt to have it on your child's application. Plus, it can help with their decision making on what college would be right for them. 5. Ask your children's friends or relatives to attend the camp with your child, especially if they are bit shy. This will help ease their nervousness and help them make more friends. 6. Encourage your child to have a positive experience while at camp and to get beyond the "I'm too cool for this" attitude by fully participating in all the activities. Remind them that they aren't stuck in the same social structure as they are at home, and they can just be themselves. 7. Help your child understand that when they are at a camp, they need to respect the leaders, counselors and other staff members by following directions and not look at the camp time as party time. Also, let them know that it will be their responsibility to get up on time and get enough rest to fully participate in the activities. 8. Make sure your child can contact you if they need to while they are at camp. Sometimes, we can all get a bit homesick, or a bit lonely. 9. Make sure the camp you're considering does background checks on all staff members. Investigate the camp thoroughly. Don't be afraid to ask any questions about safety, security or health care. 10. Be patient with camp staff as they organize, prepare and plan a spectacular camp experience for your child and others.
Westminster College offers a variety of summer camps, including college experience camps like aviation, robotics, writing, finance and a new Great Salt Lake science camp. It also offers a variety of athletic camps and a special AWE+SUM camp focused on 8th grade girls interested in math and science. For more information, visit www.westminstercollege.edu/camps.
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