by Melissa Martz for OurKids.net,
Canada's trusted source for camps and schools.
For more than a century children of all
ages have been attending summer
camp. When it comes to finding the best camp for a young
child, the key is to find one that matches your child’s
interests and offers activities they enjoy. Whether your
child attends camp for the day or overnight, they want to
participate in activities they are interested in and, of
course, they want to have FUN!
Is Your Three or Four Year Old
Ready for Camp?
Day camps are becoming increasingly popular
in Canada. One reason is because it continues with the daily
routine of going to school—go in the morning, come
home in the afternoon.
Children as young as three or four
years of age have camps that cater to their needs. Even
if they can’t handle a full day, there is always the
“playground programs” that are run at many schools
for half-day intervals.
- First determine if your child is even
ready for camp, either day or overnight—especially
if this is their first taste away from home. Get advice
with the
five steps to finding the best camp.
- Day camps are especially ideal for
young children, expanding a child’s educational
and social experience beyond that offered by their regular
daycare.
Questions, Questions, So Many
Questions About Camp
- Research all potential camps that
spark both yours and your child’s interests, and
make a list. I heard a parent say once in a television
interview, “No question is a dumb question. Always
ask, ask, ask and ask. If you do not ask the questions,
you are not going to receive the answers.”
- You want a unique, fun and challenging
experience for your child. Just like at their education
at their preschool or elementary school, you need to be
aware of what programs, activities and services the camp
offers. Here is a list
of questions you should ask the camp director when
searching for the appropriate camp for your child.
Day or Overnight Camp?
- First and foremost: determine if your
child is able to be away overnight. There is really no
set age to start day or residential camp, although most
require that campers are at least six or seven years of
age. Readiness is more important than age.
- Camp is a great opportunity for kids
to engage in activities the normally wouldn’t do
otherwise (e.g., horseback riding, nature walks, songs,
games, skits).
- Choose from lots of day and overnight
camps for all different tastes. Just take a look at all
the different types of camps available.
The Benefits of Camp are Many:
- Improved confidence
and social skills
- Summer education—making the
most of the outdoor learning environment.
- Play—Many kids don’t get
enough unstructured play. They have time at school, time
at home and TV. Camp is a great way to fill that void.
- Leadership building
- Learning water safety
- Teaching independence
Going to camp
is an incredible opportunity for your child. Even as adults,
they will recall all the fun adventures they had. Many form
life-long friendships from their camp experience and those
friendships would not have happened if they hadn’t
gone to summer camp. Help your child’s life experiences
and social network of friends–send them to camp.
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60 Camps at the ! Talk to camp directors in person and
find the right camp for your child. Register now for
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Kids Expo page.
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