Summer Camp

Top 20 summer camps in the U.S.

Melissa Chapman — Mon, 20 May 2013 08:00:00 -0700

From sea to shining sea — and sometimes, even across that sea — here are 20 of the coolest summer camps for kids!

Signing up for summer camp: Is it deductible?

Kelly Phillips Erb — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 12:00:00 -0800

The first time I tried to sign my kids up for summer camp, I was surprised to learn that most of the camps that I was interested in were already full. When I complained to friends, I was met with blank stares. It was June. Of course, they were full. To get the best camps, I was told you have to start planning earlier — like January and February.

Backyard turned summer camp

Nichole Beaudry — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 13:00:00 -0700

Even if traditional summer camp isn't on your agenda for your kids this summer, they can still get in on all the fun with these tips for planning the perfect camp experience by turning your family’s backyard into a virtual summer camp!

How to find the right summer camp for your kids

Kori Ellis — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 07:00:00 -0700

Are you considering sending your kids to summer camp for the first time? Camp can be a wonderful experience for children, but you need to do your research and choose the right camp.

Start planning now to prevent the summer slump for kids

Christina Holt — Fri, 25 May 2012 12:00:00 -0700

According to Exploracise, a popular website for parents and educators, the skills and information retained by children during the school year are too easily forgotten during summer break. These tools, tips and programs help kids to stay on top of things – including their health – during the summer months.

How to choose a summer camp for your teen

Kori Ellis — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:00:00 -0700

Summer camp isn't just for little kids. Older children and teens can benefit from going to camp, as well. At camp, kids of all ages have opportunities to meet new friends and for social growth. Camps also provide exposure to new interests and activities that can become favorites for a lifetime.

Summer camp decompression: Transitioning back home

Jill Tipograph — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 11:02:00 -0700

The end of summer camp and the return to home and school can be an emotional and challenging transition for both parent and child. No one wants to rush the close of summer but this camp season does end soon . These tips will assist you in helping transition your children back into their normal family life.

Summer camp visiting day primer

Jill Tipograph — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 15:42:00 -0700

Visiting Day at summer camp is a day eagerly awaited by both parent and child. The date is foremost in your mind, yet it signifies that camp is halfway over, in most cases. You are looking forward with great anticipation, but are you ready to make this day a success?

Camps for special needs and special interests

Michelle Maffei — Tue, 31 May 2011 06:59:00 -0700

Summer camp is an experience that can change your child forever. From camps with religious focus to camps for special needs children, summer camps provide an education, a chance for your child to be more independent, and gain skills in their field of interest. Discover camps across the country, from special needs camps to camps that focus on a special interest.

Should your teen become a Junior Camp Counselor?

Michelle Maffei — Tue, 24 May 2011 03:57:00 -0700

Each summer, teens flock to camp -- but not as campers. Many camps offer Junior Camp Counselor positions that give teens the opportunity to enrich, mentor and lead campers while gaining important life skills themselves. But should your teen become a Junior Counselor? Discover the ins and outs of these summer teen programs.

Care packages for kids at camp

Michelle Maffei — Tue, 17 May 2011 09:31:00 -0700

Camps across the country are filled with campers eagerly awaiting camp care packages, but you're left wondering what to send to your kids at summer camp. The traditional cookies and handmade cards come to mind, but are you sure that it is really what kids want? From compact board games to journals for writing, discover tips for filling your care packages for kids at camp.

How to afford to send your kids to camp

Michelle Maffei — Wed, 11 May 2011 11:14:00 -0700

Dream of giving your child the same summer camp experience you had as a child, but worried that you won't be able to swing the costs of camp? Even when times are tough, getting your children involved in summer programs can still be in your budget. So, before you resign to a summer filled with, "I'm bored!" check out these seven tips on how to afford to send your kids to camp.

Tips for selecting the right summer camp for your children

Mary Fetzer — Tue, 10 May 2011 05:30:00 -0700

Summer camp is a fun, interactive way for your child to develop self confidence and a sense of responsibility. Not all camps are the same, however, so it's important to carefully research the long list of available programs to find the organization best suited to your child and family.

High-tech, musical and artsy summer camps for kids

Elizabeth Weiss McGolerick — Mon, 09 May 2011 15:38:00 -0700

Is your child a film-lover? A budding scientist? A Grammy-winner in the making? Here are some of the most unique camps and summer programs in the U.S. that cater to your tween or teen’s hobby of choice.

Summer camp packing checklist

Michelle Maffei — Wed, 04 May 2011 17:05:00 -0700

Packing for camp is an art form. Unlike sending your child for a sleepover at a friend's house, a stay at a resident camp can last from a week to an entire summer, with a camping checklist of things equally as long. So before you zip up that knapsack and send him on the bus to summer camp without enough underwear, check out this summer camp packing checklist.

Summer camp touring tips: What to look for

Jill Tipograph — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 14:33:00 -0700

If you are considering camps for next season, the best time to visit and evaluate them is while they are in session. With some careful planning, it can be a defining experience in selecting the most appropriate camp for your child.

Top summer camp books, movies and songs

Jill Tipograph — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 08:32:00 -0700

When parents who are camp alumni return home from visiting their kids at camp, they are typically overwhelmed with intense feelings of camp nostalgia and wonderful lifetime memories. Each summer I happily experience this when I visit camps. Here are some great books, movies and songs that tell the great story of camp, its traditions, friendships, lessons and fun!

4 Ways to help your homesick camper

Abbi Perets — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 09:33:00 -0700

Even if this isn't your child's first summer at sleepaway camp, homesickness can still surface. If you've noticed extra phone calls, an anxious tone in letters or other signs that your child misses you, don't panic. Homesickness is a normal rite of passage -- and it will pass. Here's how to help.

Empty nest camp syndrome

Jill Tipograph — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 23:24:00 -0700

This summer may be a new experience with your child starting day camp, overnight camp or a teen summer program. Being engaged and making the most of your time is going to ease those separation anxieties. Your child will be having a great time and learning new things. So can you!

Preventing homesickness at summer camp

Jill Tipograph — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:29:00 -0700

Your kids are off to camp or a summer program. While you want them to be happy, there are times they may not be. Your child tells you he or she is unhappy. Our first inclination is to intervene! Being a good parent requires not only being there for your children, but also knowing when and how to let go.

Guide to preparing your child for summer camp

Jill Tipograph — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 16:24:00 -0700

Your to-do list is checked off, the camp paperwork is complete and the bags are packed -- but have you prepared your child emotionally and behaviorally for a successful and fun camp experience? Jill Tipograph, author of Your Everything Summer Guide & Planner, share tips on preparing your child for day camp, overnight camp and teen programs.