Tips for Choosing the Best Summer Camp for Kids
Wednesday, May 07, 2014
Runnemede, NJ (Grassroots Newswire) May 5, 2014 - The “official” start of
summer may be Memorial Day Weekend, but parents with school-age children
need to begin to think about summer camp programs now. Tony Serrano,
Franchise Owner of Kiddie Academy of Runnemede, an educationally focused
child care provider in Runnemede, reminds parents that popular camp
programs fill up quickly, so for the widest choice of programs that fit
your children’s and your family’s needs, the time to start the search is
now.
“Parents want their children to be safe, active and happy at camp,” said
Tony Serrano. “Kids want to have fun, spend time with friends, and feel
like they are on vacation. With a little research, family discussion and
give-and-take, both parents and kids can discover a summer camp program
that works. But the key is to start the search early, while many programs
are still accepting new registrations.”
With so many programs to choose from, it makes sense to narrow down your
choices with some practical criteria. Serrano suggests using the following
tips to find a program that fits with the family schedule and their
children’s interests:
* Keep your needs in mind. If yours is a busy two-working-parent family,
you may have to rule out some camps that don’t offer extended hours or
simply don't fit with your work schedule.
* Team up with a friend. Talk to the parents of one or two of your child’s
friends, and choose a camp that works for both families. The children
will have a built-in buddy at camp, and you'll have someone to share
pick-up and drop-off duties.
* Take an informal survey. Talk to your child's friends directly about
their favorite camps. They may help you add new possibilities to your
list.
* Consider childcare providers. Some childcare providers boost their
programs with traditional camp activities over the summer. This is a
great choice if you have more than one child, as they accept more than one
age group.
Once you have identified the programs that will work for the whole family,
it’s time to consider – and talk to your child about – the program itself.
Serrano suggests that parents weigh the merits and benefits of different
types of programs, like the ones listed below:
* Sneak in continuing education. Good camp programs combine educational
enrichment with fun activities. At a great camp program, your kids won't
even notice they're building on school skills.
* Try something new. Summer camps are a great opportunity for children to
explore their abilities and learn new skills. Your child can sample a new
activity like dance, music, or martial arts at camp before you make a
commitment to six months of lessons during the school year.
* Consider the kids' perspective. For your kids, summer is vacation time,
so get their input on camps you are considering. This way, they will know
you are keeping their interests in mind when you choose a program.
“Summer camp programs can help your children test their boundaries
socially, physically, mentally and emotionally,” said Serrano. “The more
relaxed atmosphere of a summer program helps open children up to new
experiences. The right program can help a child develop leadership skills
and a sense of independence, which are important building blocks for
future academic and personal success."
Structured around Kiddie Academy’s proprietary Life Essentials®
curriculum, the Camp Adventure program at Kiddie Academy of Runnemede
offers fun-filled events, special guests and field trips along with
physical and creative activities. Camp Adventure is designed to help
build character, grow self-confidence and reinforce school skills.
For more information about Kiddie Academy of Runnemede, please contact
Tony Serrano at 856-939-1717 or [email protected].
About Kiddie Academy®
Since 1981, Kiddie Academy® has been a leader in education-based child
care. The company serves families and their children ages 6 weeks to 12
years old, offering full time care, before- and after-school care and
summer camp programs. Kiddie Academy’s proprietary Life Essentials®
curriculum, supporting programs, methods, activities and techniques help
prepare children for life. Kiddie Academy is using the globally
recognized AdvancED accreditation system, signifying its commitment to
quality education and the highest standards in child care. For more
information, visit www.kiddieacademy.com.
About Kiddie Academy® Franchising
Kiddie Academy International, Inc. is based in Maryland and has nearly 120
academies located in 23 states, including two company-owned locations.
Approximately 70 additional academies are in development, with 15 to 20
new locations slated to open each year. For more information, visit