Being a parent through the ages and stages of childhood is demanding but also rewarding, especially when you see your child flourish. Remember to include “camps4kidz” on your best-choice list to find summer camps where that happens.
Your child at:
age 4 to 6 - is a sponge for information. For kids at this stage, summer camp offers early social experiences that he or she will not have available through any other means. Sumemr camp also exposes them to adult leaders other than parents.
age 7 to 9 - is developing their own interests and summer camp can help him or her explore these interests, though activities such as as drama, computer camp; tech or specific sports. Summer camp also offers new opportunities to socilaize and take on new challenges.
age 10 to 12 - is graduating into adolescence and is torn between being a kid and acting older. Summer camp offers these tweens/ preteens an outlet to be themselves among their peers. They also meet kids of different backgrounds and abilities; kids this age at camp start to learn tolerance of others.
age 13 to 15 - is beginning to stretch his or her adolescent wings at an age many people find to be one of the most difficult or challenging phases in life. Kids this age are learning who they are, dealing with the attitudes of others and developing self esteem. Summer camp offers these children an environment where they can start and foster freindships and can grow self esteem through mentoring those who are younger.
age 16 and up - is developing a firm idea of who he or she is. Summer camp offers strong, older role models as well as the opportunity for he or she to act as one, to younger children. Teenagers at summer camp get time away from their parents, learn on their own and may have a chance to learn some appreciation for their parents, for city life and other things they may be taking for granted. They can also start to develop leadership skills as junior counselors or even as counselors.
When choosing a camp, be realistic about your child’s physical, intellectual and emotional development levels and his or her limitations. Every child develops at a different pace and in a unique way, but all can find a place in the sun at camp.
