For those of you with kids—or visiting nieces and nephews—consider a day camp for the summer! With so many options available for summer camp, it can be a little overwhelming to make the right choice for your child. Here are some tips to help make sure your child’s day camp experience is positive and fun.

Day camps are full of activities that will enrich and stimulate children’s minds while they are away from school. Day camp also gives kids a chance to make new friends and encourages independence, important aspects in a child’s growth and development.

When shopping for a camp, choose a type that is appropriate for your child’s skills and interests.If you were looking for a new car, you wouldn’t choose a two-door sports car for a family of five. Finding the right camp for your child is a major decision. If you are about to invest thousands of dollars in a car you make sure your questions are answered before you sign on the bottom line. In the same way, be sure to get all of your questions answered before you commit your little camper to a day camp.

Not all children enjoy the same things. Here at State Parks, there are camps that focus on nature, sports, photography, history, arts and recreation. Camps offer a wide variety of activities, giving kids a chance to play and learn in many different ways. Try letting your child have a part in picking a summer camp to make sure they will enjoy what they’ll be doing for the summer. For younger children, day camps are a great springboard to overnight camps, allowing your child to get used to new people and being away from home for a short period of time.

When choosing a summer camp, parents should visit the camp and speak to the staff in order to familiarize themselves with the place their child will be attending. Asking the right questions is critical; here are some examples of questions to start with:

• What are the camp director’s and counselors’ qualifications?
• Does your staff undergo a criminal background check?
• What training do you require of your staff?
• What is the staff-to-camper ratio?
• Does this camp offer before and after care?

For more detailed help in this area, please visit www.campparents.org.

Once you decide on a camp, be sure to give the camp staff emergency contact information and medical information such as allergies and medications. Find out if the staff is permitted to dispense medications. If not, children may need to take medicine before they arrive at camp or be reminded by staff when to take it. It is also important to give the staff a list of anyone that is authorized to pick up your child.

During camp, parents should be sure to send their children to camp well prepared. Find out if your kids need sunscreen, insect repellent, bottled water, a bag lunch or appropriate clothing. Take the time to put your child’s name on anything they bring to camp in order to avoid lost items. Take time at the end of the day to speak to the camp director or counselor to see how your child is adjusting, behaving and developing as the week progresses.

As you can see, it takes work to choose the best camp for your child. But you will be rewarded with your child’s happiness and your own peace of mind.