Summer may feel like it’s far off, but it is really right around the corner. Looking to give your child or children an amazing summer experience? Consider a summer camp!
There are plenty of summer camp options at the Jersey Shore. How can you find the right one? Here are a few things to keep in mind when searching for a summer camp.
1. Seek Out a Certified Camp. A lot of businesses can set up a summer camp, but if you are looking for the best of the best, look into whether or not the camp holds a certification. “When looking for a day camp, parents should first see if they are American Camp Association (ACA) Certified,” said Wendi Sue Grisanti, the assistant director of Pine Grove Day Camp in Wall Township, NJ. “This means the camp meets or exceeds industry-accepted and government-recognized standards.”
2. Get to Know the Camp. Besides athletics, creative activities, swim lessons, and the like, ask about the camp’s culture. “Asking about the philosophy that the camp is trying to instill in the campers can help you get a better feel for which camp is best for your child,” Grisanti said.
“Camp is a time to challenge children to go out of their comfort zone. Therefore, at first, campers may be resistant to try new things. But with the right camp philosophy and supportive staff, campers are encouraged to try, sometimes fail but ultimately succeed in new things,” Grisanti added.
3. Ask about the Staff. Another thing to inquire about is how the staff members are selected. Ask about any training and if the camp conducts background checks on staff members. Also, meet the director to get a better idea of his or her leadership style—that often sets the tone for the camp.
4. Consider the Timing. You may find a perfect summer camp, but if you can’t get your child there on time—or they don’t provide transportation—it could be a bust. Make sure the camp makes things easy on parents, such as providing transportation or offering flexible timing. Some camps offer before and after-care to meet a family’s schedule, which can make camp work into your day.
5. Look Into Lunch. You’ll probably have a hungry camper around the clock, so it’s important to ask the camp if meals and/or snacks are included in the tuition. You may be required to pay extra for meals, or your child may have to bring a packed lunch. These are things to know ahead of the game so you don’t get hit with added costs or hassles, Grisanti said.
6. Read About the Rates. Before signing up, parents should make sure what is—and isn’t—included in the advertised rate. Things like transportation, swimming lessons and meals can cost extra at some camps. Find out if there are any other costs associated with your child attending camp, Grisanti suggested.
Want to save some dough on summer camp? Many camps offer discounts during their enrollment period, and some include discounts with various transportation options.
“For us, if families choose a Central Location pick-up versus the Door-to-Door Transportation included in the tuition rate, they can save $500 per child,” she added.
“The earlier you sign up for camp the better rate you will get,” Grisanti said. “Prices do rise as it gets closer to camp.”
7. Ask About Activities. Most summer day camps introduce children to a variety of different activities, including some they have not tried. Others are camps that focus on a specific activity (i.e., baseball or tech camps).
“If a parent is looking for their child to experience different athletic and creative activities, having swim lessons, trying adventure courses, or meeting friends with different interests than their own, then an all-around camp is what they are looking for,” Grisanti said.
Technology may be a part of home and school life, but Grisanti centers her program on giving children the opportunity to focus on soft skills such as teamwork, communication and problem-solving. Those are fused into most of the activities and events at Pine Grove.
8, Talk to Your Child. Finally, think about what you want your child to get out of camp. And, of course, see if your child likes the camp during a private tour or open house.
For Grisanti and her team, summer camp isn’t just about keeping kids busy over the summer.
“It’s all in what we have to offer to the child,” she said. “An exceptional summer camp is giving that child experiences, successes, self-confidence, resilience, a chance to forge lifetime friendships, and so much more that they will take with them for life.”
Schedule a tour at Pine Grove Day Camp or request more information. To contact the camp, call (732) 938-3760 or visit www.pinegrovedaycamp.com.
Find a summer camp for your child in our free Summer Camps and Programs Guide!
