Summer Camp

Some of my favourite childhood memories are those of fun-filled summer days at camp. I went to sports camp, arts camp, dance camp and finally, at the age of eight, sleep away camp. Crafts, swimming, sailing, sun, campfires and s’mores are vivid memories that I share with my own kids today.  

With a few short weeks left until the last day of school, the kids are getting excited for their camp adventures. The offerings are immense in the Ottawa area, so a bit of research is all you need to be sure your children have an amazing experience.

Decisions, decisions. Day camp or sleep away? Type of camp? Budget? Transportation? Are the kids ready?

One thing is for sure: I want my kids to have a blast this summer! However, I also need to be certain that I get the best experience and value for the money I will spend.

To stay or not to stay? Deciding between a day camp and a sleep away camp will largely depend on the readiness of the child. A mature and self-sufficient child will usually thrive away from home. Sleep away camp provides a fantastic opportunity for him to grow personally as well as to establish a sense of independence and to make lasting friendships. Sleep away camps are usually in natural settings far away from the day-to-day routine a home, a welcome get away for city kids.

I think that day camps are an easier alternative in terms of expense, packing and overall preparation. Although some day camps do offer a one night sleepover option at the end of the session for those who want to give it a go. Day camps allow kids to enroll in a few different types of programs at various places over the summer months depending on their needs and interests.

From dance to sports, swimming to leadership and everything in between, the possibilities are as vast and varied as any child’s interests. I plan to send my younger kids to a multi-activity camp with a variety of games, sports and crafts. As they get older and develop specific interests I will enroll them in camps geared to those interests.

Camp is a great place for kids to learn new skills in a laid back environment. When kids are removed from their everyday lives at school with friends and teachers, the pressure to conform and succeed is taken away and kids often undertake new experiences in whole different way!

Where to start?

I found many great resources online. I really liked this one sponsored by the Ottawa Citizen www.mykidscamps.ca. It is a one-stop site that allows users to narrow down camps by location, activities or type. It also has a lot of photos and videos to give me a clear understanding of what each camp has to offer.

Next it is important to spend some time finding out what the kids want and need. There are many camps that offer great opportunities for special needs kids. I already know what my kids are interested in for the most part, but they may want to try a new skill at some point. Find out where their friends are going too!

Once you have a short list, call or visit the camps to get brochures and more information. Ultimately, let the kids pick from this list and it would be great to have photos and things they can look at by themselves to help make the decision.

The fun will start when we begin to shop for supplies at places like Trailhead/Paddle Shack and plan our packing lists. I will be sure to label EVERYTHING with Mabels Labels and to get new containers for lunches and snacks. I use Thermos hydration bottles, lunch packs and food jars.

Start the camp countdown. As school activities wind down, mark camp dates on the calendar to ease the transition from school days to summer fun.

Happy camping.

MITK