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What are My Summer Camp
Options and What Should I Pack?
By Robyn B. Engelson
There are camps that meet every interest, price range and
schedule. Knowing your options, as well as your child's
personality and needs, will help you identify camps your
child will benefit from the most.
Residential Camp
Most offer a variety of programs including sports,
traditional or specialty for ages six to sixteen; girls,
boys or coed; and varying lengths of stay. Residential camps
offer varying overnight accommodations such as cabins,
dorms, and tents.
Day Camp
Similar to residential camps except campers are somewhat
younger, starting at about four years-old, and everyone
returns home at the end of the day.
Specialty Camps and Programs
Campers can embark on adventures as varied as learning how
to play tennis to how to sculpt pottery. If your child has
an interest, chances are there is a camp that specializes in
it.
Special Needs Campers
Camps accommodate children with physical, medical or mental
disabilities. Some camps specialize in serving certain
groups while other camps integrate special-needs campers
into the total camp population.
Session Lengths Vary
Children may stay at camp for one week, 2 weeks, or the
entire summer. Camps provide a session length for every
child, budget, and schedule. It’s recommended that campers
attending overnight camp stay for at least two weeks to
fully enjoy the experience.
Cost
Overnight camp fees can range $800-$1,200 per week,
depending upon the camp choice, facilities offered, and
camper needs. Day camps range $300-$500 per week.
Registration
Many camps fill-up quickly and have waiting lists.
Therefore, it’s important to register your child as soon as
you make your decision.
Packing for overnight camp can be overwhelming.
Below are tips to make your packing experience painless.
Clothing
• Keep packing simple and limited to what you feel your
child will absolutely need.
• Shorts, t-shirts and jeans are fundamental to a camper’s
wardrobe. The quantity of these items depends on the
camper’s duration and the camp laundry facilities.
• Long pants are also essential for hikes and other
activities.
• Your child’s name should be written on every item with a
permanent marker.
• Comfortable shoes. Be sure to break-in new shoes before
camp.
• A hat for stormy weather, preventing sunburns and
repelling ticks during hikes.
• A raincoat or poncho.
Equipment
• Flashlight with extra batteries.
• Camera with film or digital camera.
• Canteen or water bottle.
• Pre-stamped and pre-addressed stationary.
• Sunscreen.
• Lip balm.
• Insect repellent.
Specifics to check with your camp
• Bedding.
• Weather patterns.
• Special gear.
• Spending money.
• Child’s medication (send medicine in the original bottle
with dosage instructions).
Do Not Bring
• Televisions.
• Food.
• Hunting knives.
• Expensive clothes.
Most of all, have fun!
For more summer camp information, contact Robyn B. Engelson,
Owner, Camp Solutions. Robyn specializes in overnight summer
camps and helps families find the right camp for their child
with her FREE summer camp referral service. There is NO cost
to you, parent or child, for this service.
www.mycampsolutions.com •
robyn@mycampsolutions.com • (571) 239-2233
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