Day camps can provide children with a wide range of benefits. Participation in day camp activities can help your child develop new skills, learn to interact with others, and provide positive entertainment. The key to ensuring your child has the best day camp experience possible is to select the right camp environment. Parents can make many mistakes when choosing a day camp for their children. Identifying these mistakes can help you avoid them in the future.
1. Failing to Take Your Needs Into Account
While it is important to consider the needs of your child when selecting a day camp, you must also keep your own needs in mind. Parents typically have to transport their children to and from day camp. If you select a program that is far away from your home, it could be difficult to arrange for your child's transportation. You will also want to keep your unique schedule in mind. If you have to work during certain hours of the day, you will want a day camp that extends through these hours. By taking both your own and your child's needs into consideration as you select a day camp, you will end up with a program that fits into your day-to-day lifestyle.
2. Failing to Verify Staff Qualifications
The safety of your child is of paramount importance when selecting a day camp. All of the staff members working at a day camp should have basic qualifications that prepare them to work with children in a day camp setting. Some of these qualifications can include basic first aid certification, a food handler's permit, and experience with child development. You should always take the time to verify the qualifications of the staff at a day camp before enrolling your child. It's better to ask numerous questions and be labeled a nosy parent than it is to send your child to a camp with unqualified staff.
3. Failing to Evaluate the Itinerary
You should take the time to look over the full itinerary for any day camp before you enroll your child in that program. A good day camp will strike the right balance between fun and education. Check for activities that support your child's understanding of math, science, and language arts. The diversity of the activities planned will tell you a lot about the quality of the camp itself and help you determine if the cost of the camp fee can be justified.
Contact a local day camp to learn more.