What's Your Dream Summer?
A game of 20 questions for you and your camper

By Amy Crelly

Studies have shown that summer months are prime time for kids to fall out of shape – both physically and mentally – unless they are given a structured schedule of activities and meal times. Camps offer that structure when busy parents can’t, plus plenty of opportunities to try new things, make new friends, and have new fun! But how do you choose the best summer camp program for your child?

Letting your child share his or her input is not only important to finding the right program; it's fun! And it's never too soon to start looking forward to camp. Here to guide you through the selection process is a game of Twenty Questions you and your camper can play together to make "shopping" for a summer camp program faster, easier and more fun:

Pick your dream camp…

1. Day camp or overnight? (Consider which type of camp fits best with parents' work schedules.)

2. Kids’ camp or family affair?

3. Single-sex or co-ed?

4. Religious or non-denominational?

5. Close-by (within driving distance) or a plane trip away?

6. Sports-oriented, arts-oriented, tech-oriented, or back to nature?

7. Does your camper want to gain a competitive edge (on the soccer field, in the classroom, on college applications, etc.), or does s/he just need fun and relaxation?

8. How long? One week, two weeks, four, or more?

9. What camp size fits your camper? Small, medium, large, or any size?

10. Seconds on s’mores or salad bar option at every meal?

11. Is there anything your camper has been dying to learn or try? (Horseback riding, river rafting, guitar, jewelry-making, robotics... there's a camp program for every passion and curiosity under the sun!)

12. What's your budget for camp this year? (Keep in mind that early enrollment offers, sibling discounts, and scholarships can make a difference when it comes time to compare camp programs by cost.)

13. Are there any school subjects your student will miss during the summer, such as science, p.e., art, or something else? The right camp could sustain that love of learning.

14. Is there a subject your camper would like to get better at before next school year? (If kids feel good about it, and get lots of encouragement, a fun academic summer program can help them close learning gaps and even improve their attitude toward a subject.)

15. Will your camper want the option to call home, or will a letter every few days keep homesickness away?

16. How much free-time is best? Less than an hour each day, about an hour each day, or more than an hour every day.

17. What age range will suit your child best and make you most comfortable: same age, two-year spread, five-year spread, or is any age fine?

18. Does your child have any physical, intellectual or social limitations to consider?

19. Which days or weeks will work best around family vacation times or other summer plans?

20. Would your child enjoy sharing this summer's camp experience with a friend or sibling, or does making new friends and exploring on her own sound like more fun?