| u are looking for something for your kids to do this | | | | In scouting type programs, kids are earning badges |
| summer, you’re not alone. An estimated 10 | | | | and achievements all year long. Summer camp is a |
| million kids will attend summer camp this year, doing | | | | great opportunity to experience many of the |
| everything from swimming to learning how to paint. | | | | outdoor scouting activities and some that require a |
| With the staggering numbers of summer camps out | | | | little extra time. You can often find a sleep away |
| there, how do you choose? | | | | camp for children who are old enough, as well as |
| Many camps run in one week increments, so you can | | | | daycamps. |
| select a variety of camps, or stay with one all | | | | Educational summer camps are offered for a variety |
| summer. Here are some things to ponder. | | | | of topics. Do you have a super curious youngster |
| If your child participates in sport during the school | | | | who wants to learn how to program video games or |
| year, a week of camp in that activity might improve | | | | study marine wildlife? Summer is a great time |
| their performance. There are skills camps for | | | | because kids are free from homework. If your child |
| basketball, football, soccer and pretty much any | | | | is struggling with math or reading, a summer class is |
| other sport you can name. If the group they play | | | | usually more relaxed than regular school. This can |
| with during the rest of the year is run by a company, | | | | make that difficult subject fun again, as well as give |
| there’s a good chance that same company | | | | them a boost so that it will be a little easier when |
| offers summer camps. If the group they participate | | | | school starts up again in September. |
| in year round is run by volunteer coaches, they | | | | Many summer camps are just about relaxing and |
| probably know of some good summer camps nearby. | | | | having fun. Kids play games and go on field trips to |
| This is also ideal to brush up on skills before trying | | | | fun places with others their own age. Every kid |
| out for the high school team or any club team that | | | | should have a chance to just relax for some of the |
| requires tryouts. | | | | time during their school break. These types of |
| Many of the same organizations also offer | | | | programs are offered by places that do regular after |
| introductory camps. This is perfect for the kid who | | | | school care, city recreation departments and |
| wants to try something new and see if they like it. | | | | churches. |
| Of course a big side benefit is exercise and worn out | | | | Don’t forget about volunteering. Starting at |
| kids. | | | | about age 12, there are plenty of opportunities to |
| Is there a non-sport activity that your child enjoys? | | | | help out with younger kids. Smaller kids need a lot of |
| What about ceramics, scouts, or horseback riding? | | | | assistance to participate in all these great activities, |
| Sign them up for a camp where they can spend the | | | | and who better to help out than teens? |
| whole day exploring these interests. There are usually | | | | Summer opens up a world of opportunities for kids |
| camps offered for a variety of ages. For example, a | | | | to learn and have fun. Don’t think of finding |
| farm-themed camp might offer a program for young | | | | summer camps as just finding child care so you can |
| children where they learn about a variety of animals, | | | | work. Find some summer camps in your area that |
| including ponies, and do animal themed art projects. | | | | you child might be interested in and give them a few |
| The same facility might offer a full fledged horseback | | | | choices. As them to try one new thing over the |
| riding camp for older children. | | | | summer. |