Monday, February 15, 2010
How to Plan Summer Camps & Activities for Kids in the Bay Area
Can you believe it’s already time to make plans for summertime fun for the family? If you’re thinking about sending the kids to camp this year, you should know that they fill up fast. So don’t put it off until May—by then it could be too late.
If your kids are in different age groups, planning for everyone can be overwhelming!
How Can Parents Plan for the Needs of Everyone?
First, you and your spouse should discuss what exactly you would like your children to experience – horseback riding, sports, adventures in the wilderness, creative and artistic activities, etc. The age and maturity of your children will determine what kind of camp you’ll choose. Young children, up to 7 years old, will benefit a lot from day camp or local activities. Older children will learn a lot of new life skills from resident camps—staying for a week or more.
Then, you need to do some research so you can choose the right camp or activity. Some resources for finding the “right” camp include:
· Ask other parents, they’re often happy to share their experiences of where their children have gone.
· Your child’s school can have information, especially about day camps.
· The American Camp Association can help you in your search for a location near you. You can also use their Advanced Search for camps by preferred activities, cultural and targeted focuses, affiliations and special needs.
· The Bay Area Parent Camp Fair helps parents by bringing scores of camps together under one roof for parents and kids to peruse. This year the fair will be held Sat., March 6, 10am-3pm at Westgate Mall, 1600 Saratoga Ave, San Jose.
· Or try the “virtual” camp fair at BayAreaParent.com, an online version where you can visit “booths” featuring local summer camps and activities from throughout the Bay Area.
· Camp Quest and PBSKids.org are also good resources with great lists of questions that parents should ask when trying to find the right camp for their kids.
Next, have a family planning session. Ask your children what they would like to do and then you can make your final decision.
Finally, give each member of the family a calendar. Everyone having their own copy is helpful when each child has different activities planned. Begin by marking the camp dates. Remember, schedule early, because they fill up quickly. Don’t forget to schedule your family vacation and any special day activities you want to fit in.
With a little planning now, this summer will be one that everyone will enjoy and that provides opportunities for personal growth and family closeness.
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SEPTAR, The Special Education PTA in Redwood City will be hosting a Summer Resources faire focusing on activities for families with Special Needs kids. March 18th 7pm
750 Bradford Street, Redwood City
www.septar.org or email septarinfo@gmail.com
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