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The Dos and Don'ts of Summer Camp
- Gabrielle Fischer Posted On Mar 16, 2017 | Social-Emotional Learning
The time is upon us. Before the leaves even bud on the trees, Mom and Dad need to decide how their children’s summer months will be spent. All day? Half day? Sleep away? Trying to navigate summer camp options can be unnerving. Take a few deep breaths and read the advice below.![summer learning camp guide](https://www.learningresources.com/media/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/camp-guide-2-e1498572392319.jpg)
![summer learning](https://www.learningresources.com/media/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Screen-Shot-2017-02-27-at-10.30.01-AM.png)
![summer learning camp guide](https://www.learningresources.com/media/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/camp-guide-2-e1498572392319.jpg)
The Dos
Do take your time to pour over the flyers and websites of different camps. Getting familiar with what’s out there is worth the effort. And it’s not just your local park district or private camps offering up options this summer. Check places of worship, your child’s school, local play spaces, libraries, or even museums for their seasonal offerings.Do be sure to find a camp that fits your child’s interests. Is your child more interested in the visual arts? Find a sculpting or painting camp. Does your child love building and experimenting? There are more STEM-based camp offerings than ever. There are also theater, dance, sports camps and more! Thankfully, there are plenty of specialized opportunities for your camper.Do familiarize yourself with the before- and after-care options of day camp. If camp is only offered from 9 a.m. to noon, what options do you have after camp is over? Some day camps even offer bus rides to and from camp.Do research payment terms. Writing a big check in January for camp can feel unsettling for an event that’s still six months away. Explore payment installment options, sibling discounts, or vacations rebates for the camp you’ve chosen.Do make sure you know the camp’s safety parameters. If the program you’ve selected includes a lake or pool option, find out if campers must pass a swimming test to go in. What is the ratio of campers to counselors? How often do campers stop to reapply sunscreen? When it comes to your child, there are no over-precautions.![summer learning](https://www.learningresources.com/media/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Screen-Shot-2017-02-27-at-10.30.01-AM.png)