The Possibilities of
Summer Camp
W
By Lexi Moore
hen I was a college student, I spent every summer as a camp
counselor at my aunt's summer day camp. It was an experience
I will never forget. The children were very active and always
eager for adventure. I spent my days being a nurturer, counselor, teacher and
friend to those kids. Seeing that the profound positive effects are endless, I
recommend that every parent send their child to at least one week of camp
this summer.
There are a multitude of summer day camp options around the Birmingham
metropolitan area. There are summer camps that cater to all types of interests
and specialties that your kid may have. I’ve found specialty camps that are a
couple of hours long just a few days a week, traditional summer camps that
last the entire summer and even a few overnight camps. I have rounded up
several possibilities for summer camp.
Possibility #3: Exposure to new
things is limitless
Possibility #1: Experiences to last
a lifetime
The most important benefit of summer
camp is the experiences your child will
have. Day camps offer many different
adventures. They are typically tailored for
children with specific interests. Some day
camps focus on the arts. This can cover a
wide range of activities such as the theater,
photography, vocal arts, drums, dance, etc.
Or it can be very specific ‒ for example, a
dance camp that focuses just on tumbling
or ballet. If your child likes to garden, he or
she can attend a botanical day camp where
they will learn useful information and have
fun at the same time.
Possibility #2: Physical activity
Summer camp provides the possibility
for kids to get out of the house and be
active. By enabling children to spend warm
summer days swimming and playing, camp
encourages a physically fit lifestyle.
Shelby County Moms Guide / june 2014 6
There are no limits to activities at
day camps. Your child can learn how
to horseback ride, the art of archery,
canoeing, how to tap dance, etc. Every
summer can be a new adventure for your
child. Summer camp pushes kids out of
their comfort zones and exposes them to
new and exciting things.
Possibility #4: Character Building
Summer camps are a great way to build
character. Camp provides children with the
core values of a strong, moral individual
by teaching them about respect, honesty,
caring and responsibility.
Possibility #5: Improved Social
Skills
Another benefit to putting your child in
a summer camp is they will be able to
interact with other children. It is super
important for children to build their social
skills, and summer camp is the perfect
place to do this. They might even build
lifelong friendships.
How to choose summer camps for
kids?
1
Ask your child what they are interested
in doing. Never assume. Your child might
surprise you and want to do something
different than the norm.
2
Look for local day camps that offer
activities of interest to your child.
3
Determine how much you can afford
to pay for day camps. Use your budget to
narrow down your list.
4
Research the day camps left on the list.
You should know who will be in charge of
your children's care.
5
Narrow your list down to three and let
your child choose one. It will show them
that you value their opinion, and it will
give them a sense of accomplishment and
responsibility. After all, they are the ones
who will have to spend the summer there.