Thinking back, summer camp was one of my best childhood memories. I went to summer camp near Manhattan and enjoyed every single second of it. I tried to participate in every single summer camp activity that was offered and don’t regret that at all. From kayaking and fishing to the talent shows and obstacle courses, summer camp was amazing. So when my son and daughter were old enough to attend summer camp, I couldn’t decide where to send them. After endless tours, hundreds of hours of researching, and talking it over with my kids, we finally decided on a camp and came up with a list of tips to help pick a summer camp! Consider these following tips as well as ask for your child’s opinion when selecting a summer camp:

Camp Philosophy: What is the summer camp’s mission statement? It should describe the summer camp’s main goals and what they hope to help your child achieve by the end of the summer. A great camp will often encourage the campers to actively participate and learn new skills in a safe and comfortable environment.

Friends: A very common question I came across during my research was, “should I send my child to summer camp with a friend?” Unfortunately, there was no exact answer to this. Some summer camp directors say yes and some say no. Honestly, it all depends on your child. If you don’t think they will be able to handle a day at camp by themselves, then consider sending them to camp with a friend. But it’s very likely that your son or daughter will easily make tons of friends over the course of the summer.

Staff: These are the people who will be in charge of your children the entire summer, so if you have any questions about the hiring process or who they are, make sure to call the camp and ask. Consider asking if the camp preforms background checks, or what qualifications the summer camp staff has to have. Find out if there is a nurse or doctor on the campgrounds and where the nearest hospital is.

Programs: Is your child interested in a specific summer camp activity? Summer camps offer a variety of programs including arts and crafts, drama, sports, and outdoor adventures. Ask your son or daughter they want to do at camp and confirm that the camp you are selecting offers it. Also find out how much time will be dedicated to that activity during a typical day at summer camp.

Day Camp in the Park is a summer camp near Manhattan, only about 30 minutes away! To find out more or to schedule a tour contact us at (845) 638-2515 or (845) 942-4781.