Planning for Summer Starts Now!

In some places the snow has reached record levels and isn’t going anywhere, anytime soon. In other places, the cold is hanging on and the rain is coming in waves. Yet, believe it or not, now is the time to make your summer camp plans for your kids, before all the programs fill up!

What are your options?

Depending on the area where you live, there may be choices as varied as gymnastics, horseback riding, soccer, arts, music and traditional day camp. Some private schools offer day camp during the summer, with a wide variety of programs.

Look at the park district and city-run camps as well, since these are often more affordable, and can be just as much fun and varied.

Naturally, you’ll look for activities that suit your child. Your child may prefer a multi-sports camp or a camp devoted just to soccer. Perhaps a typical day camp with arts and crafts, swimming and fun games would be a better fit. Or, maybe a camp with an academic component would help your child keep up her learning during the summer.

Once you narrow down the choices to a few acceptable ones, involve your child. When possible, take a tour or attend a camp fair before settling on one camp.

Don’t wait until the last minute

When it comes to selecting summer camps and activities for school-age children, it’s never too early to start the process. Often, there are limited slots available at the camps run by park districts. As a result, it isn’t unusual to find parents lining up at midnight outside the registration office to make sure their kids get into their favorite camps. Or, parents will set their alarm for 2 a.m. in order to take advantage of online enrollment for that special art camp. In all likelihood the program will be full before 8 a.m.