Ah, summer. This season brings about a lot of fond memories for both adults and children. You probably reminisce about your time spent in summer programs during your youth. But when it comes to choosing a summer camp for your young child, you might feel a little apprehensive about sending them off so soon. In truth, the opportunity to attend a summer camp can be an incredible way for your little one to continue learning and growing throughout the year. To quiet your concerns and make you feel a bit better about the benefits summer camps for young children can offer, let’s take a look at the most common worries parents may have about enrolling their toddlers in this type of program.
WORRY: Is My Child Ready for Summer Camp?
Although 87% of five-year-olds in the U.S. were enrolled in pre-primary programs during 2015, parents often wonder whether their children are truly ready to start preschool. The same questions can come up pertaining to summer camp enrollment. In both cases, you’re in the best position to judge whether your child is emotionally and physically ready for a summer camp program. Keep in mind that we have summer camp programs for a wide range of ages (from three months of age to eight years old). Your child doesn’t necessarily have to reach any specific milestones to be a candidate for summer camp. Our programs are tailored to meet age-appropriate guidelines, meaning that your child won’t feel out of place in their program.
Ultimately, summer camp can be an excellent alternative to traditional daycare, as these programs cover academic, physical, and fun subjects in addition to serving the need for summertime supervision. Summer camp can also be a great way to help your child feel ready for preschool. Easing into a new routine and meeting new people can be a lot less intimidating if it’s within the framework of an enjoyable day camp. Even if your child hasn’t participated in this type of program before, our safe environment will serve as a great first foray into new territory.
WORRY: How Do I Choose the Right Summer Camp for Toddlers?
Choosing a summer camp can be difficult when there are so many options in front of you. But when you’re evaluating summer camp programs, you’ll want to look at a few key factors. For one thing, the staff members should be experienced and caring. Some camp counselors may not have a lot of training in childhood education, but our camp is staffed by full-time teachers. Not only does this mean your child will be secure and healthy during their time here, but it also means that the activities will be meaningful to their physical and emotional development.
Another important factor to evaluate when choosing a summer camp is the camp’s general philosophy. Some camps for older children are more specialized around certain subjects, but summer camps for younger participants should usually include a good mix. Your choice of summer camp should be neither totally focused on physical fitness nor solely about academics. Look for a camp that offers a wide range of activities — and make sure these activities are age appropriate for your child. You may also want to look for a camp that offers a variety of schedules to fit your family’s needs.
WORRY: Will the Summer Camp Activities Be Appealing to My Child?
As we mentioned, your choice in summer camp should offer versatility in their activities. At our summer camp, we cover lots of outdoor activities and proper nutrition, which helps young children develop healthy habits from an early age. We also have lessons that allow children to develop their math, science, and reading skills, as well as activities that promote exposure to art, music, and crafts. We focus on creativity, problem-solving, safety, and diversity. With so many options, your child will never be bored.
We understand that choosing a summer camp for your toddler can be a challenge. But when you enroll your child in a camp with a stellar reputation and with such a well-rounded curriculum, they’ll be sure to have an amazing summer — and feel even more ready to learn come September. To learn more or to snag your spot, please contact us today.