How to choose the best summer camp? As the school holidays approach, one of the concerns of parents is deciding the right summer camp to send their children to during the holidays. The reality is that school holidays do not usually coincide with those of parents, so to continue their learning and make schedules compatible, we look for the best camp to continue developing their skills.
When looking for a camp, it must be affordable for parents and, at the same time, attractive for children. It is essential that it is fun for our children and that they can learn, have fun, make new friends, and strengthen essential values for life. For those in the area, summer camps in Edmonton provide excellent opportunities for children to experience all of this and more, offering a variety of programs that cater to different interests and needs.
To achieve all these goals, it is necessary to know how to decide on the best Edmonton summer camp. On this occasion, the OurKids team shows you 5 tips that will help you go in that direction, managing to decide the ideal camp for children.
Involve children in the decision
One of the keys to choosing the best summer camp for kids is to involve them directly in the decision. So before you start your search, talk to your child.
When talking to children, it is not necessary to ask them if they want to go to camp, since most (with a few exceptions) would say no. Children are often afraid of leaving what they know—their home, their routines, etc.—especially if they are still very young. When they think about spending time away, in a different environment, and with unknown people, they start to feel resistance and initial rejection.
So when talking to your child, just assume that he or she will go to camp, but that together you can decide the one that he or she likes the most and that best suits his or her tastes, hobbies, and personality.
Don’t leave your search until the last minute
An important key to choosing the best summer camp is not to leave the search until the last minute. It is important that you do your search in advance, as this way you will have all the possibilities open.
By searching for a campsite in advance, you will have no problems finding places and a campsite with the best quality-price ratio. On the other hand, if you leave the search to the end, you will have much less time to inform yourself, search, and compare. Most likely, you will end up writing to the one that has places available, probably at a higher price.
The location and duration of the camp
- Location and Duration: The camp’s location and length are crucial factors to consider when selecting the best summer camp.
- Proximity: For a child’s first camp experience, choose a location close to home. This ensures that parents can quickly reach the camp if any issues arise, providing added peace of mind.
- Camp Length: Start with shorter camps, ideally lasting one week to 10 days, especially for first-time campers.
- Gradual Extension: As your child becomes more comfortable with camp experiences, consider extending the duration of future holidays.
General or thematic camps
Summer camps used to be generalist. That is to say, the camps were more traditional, spending a couple of weeks away from home doing various activities and sports, with some camping and visits to tourist places.
Over time, demand has increased, and of course, the offer has increased, giving rise to the famous theme camps. So today, there are language camps, nautical camps, gastronomic camps, science and technology camps, sports camps, and more.
Many specialized search engines make it easy to choose the best summer camp by making comparisons. Since no one knows your child better, you will be able to decide what is most suitable for the child according to his or her tastes, hobbies, and preferences. By picking a themed camp, he or she will be excited and his or her disposition will be much better.
Consider the budget
Budget is also a factor when selecting the best summer camp. Cost is no small issue, especially if you have several children. Nowadays, for a couple of weeks, almost all camps cost around $1000. However, if you do your research in advance, you will find very good camps at a more reasonable price.
In this sense, you should avoid thinking that the more expensive the camp, the better it will be since this rule is not always true. In many cases, the high price of a camp is because it is fashionable, or its managers have invested a lot of money in marketing, and it is the parents who end up paying for the registration fee. Instead, it’s wise to find summer camps in Canada that offer a balance of affordability and quality, ensuring your child gets the best experience without breaking the bank.
On the other hand, the high price of a camp is also related to amenities that are not always necessary. For example, there are many summer camps where children are given a choice of dishes, or they do not have to make their beds or clear the table.
Conclusion
Although they are conveniences, part of summer camp involves children taking on small responsibilities, so some “conveniences” can hinder the development of qualities and values such as respect, responsibility, and self-sufficiency. Keep these 5 tips in mind and you will surely be able to choose the best summer camp for your little ones.
Choosing the best summer camp for your child is about more than just filling time during school holidays; it’s an opportunity to enrich their lives in meaningful ways. By involving your child in the decision, planning ahead, and carefully considering factors like location, duration, and budget, you can find a camp that balances fun, learning, and personal growth. Whether you opt for a general or themed camp, the experience should help your child develop essential life skills, make new friends, and create lasting memories. With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to making an informed, confident choice.
