Many of today’s parents can remember going to a “sleepaway” summer camp some 20 or 30 years ago. Most look back at the experience with great fondness, when society and life in general seemed quieter, friendlier and simpler for children.

These days many of those same parents often dismiss the same summer camp experience for their own children. Why? Research conducted by the American Camp Association (ACA) shows that many parents are concerned about security for their children in our increasingly complex society and instinctively want to keep their children close and safe.

The same research, however, shows that parents want to provide the best opportunities for their children. They want them to have whatever it takes to be happy and successful — good health, the ability to get along with others, thinking and problem-solving skills, self-reliance and a good self-image.

It is interesting and helpful for parents to learn that what they want for their kids is still available — in a residential camp experience. According to Sam Cote, executive director of the family-owned Camp Lincoln for Boys and Camp Lake Hubert for Girls in Minnesota’s lake country, children need their own positive experiences of structured independence in a positive, nurturing environment away from the distractions of the city.

“We’ve found that, generally speaking, the younger the children are when they begin coming to our camps, the more the positive influences of the camp experience tend to be. They build from year-to-year and become part of their character long-term. They have memories, values and friendships that continue into adulthood,” Cote says.

Cote adds that there are several factors parents should consider when selecting a residential summer camp: ACA accreditation; program flexibility, with programs ranging from full choice to structured; length of stay, from anywhere from two to eight weeks; distance from home, comparing the environment you want for your child with your own level of comfort; and price — traditional sleepaway summer camps range in cost from $450 to $1,000 a week. Many times there are tuition breaks and scholarships for children with more limited incomes.

Once you have decided on what kind of camp program you want — whether at an accredited independent such as Camp Lincoln-Camp Lake Hubert, an agency camp like YMCA or Boy/Girl Scouts or a religiously-affiliated camp — some additional questions should be considered: application process and deadlines; camp’s opening and closing dates; transportation availability to and from the camp; accessibility for physical disabilities if applicable; and whether the camp meets state and local health standards and regulations for operation.

What is the proper age to consider sending your child to camp? Cote suggests that it varies from child to child and family to family, but usually around 2nd or 3rd grade children start talking about camp. Experience shows that with younger children it is best to arrange a tour of the camp the season before you may want to send your child to camp. Most camps offer such tours.

“At our camps we offer family tours through the summer during each session, though we request parents call for an appointment so we can schedule it. In some instances, parents spend the night at our nearby affiliated resort, Grand View Lodge, so the child or children get a full understanding of the camp’s culture and action by observing a full day’s activities,” he says.

For more information on summer camps in general, contact www.acacamps.org or for Camp Lincoln-Camp Lake Hubert in particular, call Sam Cote at (800) 242-1909 or visit their Web site at www.lincoln-lakehubert.com

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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