The mercury may be in the sub-zero range, but experts suggest families should start thinking about summertime fun in the wintertime.
With more than 10 million children enrolling in summer camps each year, the American Camping Association encourages parents to start their search for a good fit early in the year, before the more desirable options fill up.
To make the best of the summer camp experience, experts suggest keeping your child’s interests and needs in mind when choosing. Here are some resources:
- The National Camp Association provides a guide on How to Choose a Summer Camp.
- The University of Michigan’s Dr. Edward Walton, a pediatric medicine specialist who studies camp health issues, says parents “need to make sure they’re comfortable entrusting organizers with their child’s health.” You can access his list of suggested questions to ask.
Choosing a summertime camp experience can be even tougher for parents of children with special needs. Here are some resources for these families:
- Special Needs Camps provides a list of camps for kids with Asperger's, muscular dystrophy, diabetes, AIDS and more.
- LDOnline provides tips for families with children who have learning disabilities.