As parents we need to look for opportunities that will help our children grow and mature. The right summer camp can provide just such an opportunity. But do not just settle for the camp where your child's friends go. We are the owners of Swift Nature Camp a Children's Summer Camp in Wisconsin. When looking for a camp, start with a goal in mind, make a list highlighting the items that you feel are most important for your new camper. Then, hop on the internet with your list in hand to help keep you focused as you narrow down your search and select your candidates.
Next, take your top six or seven camp choices and e-mail each camp director to get the information about that camp. Most camps not only have a paper brochure but will offer a promotional DVD as well. A video will certainly give you a chance to see what a children's summer camp is about, but it is still a promotional tool ~ think of the DVD as a more sophisticated brochure for that camp.
Now it is time get to get your child involved. Sit down as a family and watch the videos. Let your child take the lead talking about what he or she saw, and tell you more about what he or she is looking for. You may need to do a little encouraging to get your new camper talking. Doing this persisitently will help you see what is important in a camp to your child. Prior to going to camp, please explain to your child that the videos are advertisements and that the reality may not always match what you see on the screen. It is good to stop for brief reality check now and then!
The DVD can tell you much more than what you see on the surface if you pay close attention for clues about the camp's philosophy and strengths. Also look for the following indicators:
Does the video answer your questions about the camp? While there should be additional questions that you will want to ask the director, the video should give you a comprehensive overview.
Do the kids in the video look like they're having fun? What activities are they doing, and would your child enjoy them?
How old is the video? If there is no date, then estimate the age based on the campers' clothing and the background music. No matter how recent the video appears to be, you should ask the camp director what has changed or been added to the video program since its filming.
What does the video emphasize? Pay attention to what activities and facilities get the most time in the video.
What level of sports are shown, in terms of skill and sophistication? If you're looking for a specialty sports camp, does the level of play look too advanced or too basic?
What philosophical qualities does the video stress? Does the video seem to be consistent with and complement the philosophies expressed in the camp's printed materials?
What was your and your child's general impression after watching? Sometimes a gut instinct may tell you what you need to know.
DVDs are a wonderful way to get a feel about each individual children's summer camp, but it should not be the only factor in the important decision about a camp. Be sure to talk to the camp directors and talk to campers' parents.
One last thing to consider for your child is does the camp offer first time at Summer Camp Program
Next, take your top six or seven camp choices and e-mail each camp director to get the information about that camp. Most camps not only have a paper brochure but will offer a promotional DVD as well. A video will certainly give you a chance to see what a children's summer camp is about, but it is still a promotional tool ~ think of the DVD as a more sophisticated brochure for that camp.
Now it is time get to get your child involved. Sit down as a family and watch the videos. Let your child take the lead talking about what he or she saw, and tell you more about what he or she is looking for. You may need to do a little encouraging to get your new camper talking. Doing this persisitently will help you see what is important in a camp to your child. Prior to going to camp, please explain to your child that the videos are advertisements and that the reality may not always match what you see on the screen. It is good to stop for brief reality check now and then!
The DVD can tell you much more than what you see on the surface if you pay close attention for clues about the camp's philosophy and strengths. Also look for the following indicators:
Does the video answer your questions about the camp? While there should be additional questions that you will want to ask the director, the video should give you a comprehensive overview.
Do the kids in the video look like they're having fun? What activities are they doing, and would your child enjoy them?
How old is the video? If there is no date, then estimate the age based on the campers' clothing and the background music. No matter how recent the video appears to be, you should ask the camp director what has changed or been added to the video program since its filming.
What does the video emphasize? Pay attention to what activities and facilities get the most time in the video.
What level of sports are shown, in terms of skill and sophistication? If you're looking for a specialty sports camp, does the level of play look too advanced or too basic?
What philosophical qualities does the video stress? Does the video seem to be consistent with and complement the philosophies expressed in the camp's printed materials?
What was your and your child's general impression after watching? Sometimes a gut instinct may tell you what you need to know.
DVDs are a wonderful way to get a feel about each individual children's summer camp, but it should not be the only factor in the important decision about a camp. Be sure to talk to the camp directors and talk to campers' parents.
One last thing to consider for your child is does the camp offer first time at Summer Camp Program
About the Author:
About the authors: Jeff and Lonnie Lorenz are the Directors of Swift Nature Camp a non-competitive, traditional coed Wisconsin Summer Camp. Boys and Girls Ages 6-15 enjoy nature, animals and science along with traditional adventure camp activities. Swift specializes in Overnight Summer Camp programs for the first time camper as well as adventures for teens.
