The current economic downturn has many people wondering about how to make ends meet. They are trying to find ways to cut costs and get the most for the money they do spend. While they may want to send their children to summer camp they’re wondering if summer camp is a good financial choice for their family.

There are many things to consider when thinking about the cost of summer camp. Even though the cost may seem prohibitive, you may want to take these issues into consideration:

• Camp costs versus child care costs for parents. Summer camp is great for families where both parents work. These families can know their child is being taken care, is safe and having a good time while they wait for school to start. When you think about whether or not you can afford summer camp this year take into consideration how much child care will cost for the same amount of time. Summer camp provides feeds and provides child care as well as entertainment 24 hours a day, seven days a week for each week your child attends. If you paid a babysitter the current minimum wage rate of $7.25 per hour to babysit your child the same amount of time the cost would be $1,218 per week. When you compare the two choices paying $600 a week for summer camp is a much better deal than $1,218 a week for someone to keep your child. Now multiply that number by how many children you have. Does summer camp look more affordable?
• Is summer camp tuition tax deductible? The answer depends on your family. (*Please note, to get specific financial information please talk with a professional financial advisor. This website does not give financial advice nor is it licensed to do so.) There is a child care credit available to two-earner families or those with single parents. This credit – up to 20 percent – may be possible if sending your child to day camp would allow both parents and a single parent to continue working. Overnight camping would not be included.
• Investment in the future. Think of the benefits of allowing your child to attend summer camp. You could be investing in their future particularly if they attend an academic or technology summer camp. Attending these and other types of summer camp could provide them with opportunities to learn and network with people with similar interests. Depending upon their age and interests the friendships they make during summer camp can benefit them for years to come.

Parents often have to make tough choices when it comes to allowing their children to do certain things. Summer camp is one of those areas where parents may be tempted to cut back when money is tight. Check out www.SummerCamps.com to find a summer camp which will better fit your family’s financial situation and still allow your child to experience summer camp next year.

Summer camp can be such fun for children of all ages. Younger children normally start out going to day camps which are limited to a couple of hours away from home. As they get older, however, they may decide they want to go to an overnight camp. Is your child ready for overnight camp? How can you tell?

Children who have spent the night with friends are generally good candidates for overnight camp. They’ve already been able to spend time away from their parents and will be less likely to call home the day after camp begins to ask Mom or Dad to come pick them up. Of course, each child is an individual so you’ll want to take your child’s personality into consideration as well.

How long has your child spent the night away from home? Children who have spent two to three days with friends or family shouldn’t have any problems being gone that long for camp. And, since camp sessions range in length from one to eight weeks these days, you can choose a shorter camp session for a child who is new to overnight camping.

Christopher Thurber, clinical psychologist and author of The Summer Camp Handbook states, “Kids themselves are the best judge of when they are ready.” He continues, “When they show spontaneous interest in camp, that’s a good clue that the time is right.” In other words, if they bring up the topic of going to camp and mention they’d like to stay overnight, it’s a safe bet they’re up for the challenge.

Does your child have friends who attend overnight camp? Being able to spend time with friends they’re familiar with will also help your child be ready for staying overnight. They’ll want to be brave in front of their friends. Having people they’re familiar and comfortable with may make staying at overnight camp easier for their first year. After their first overnight camp experience, however, they may be willing and eager to try camp away from home and without friends.

Psychologists recommend telling your children it’s alright if they feel homesick when attending overnight camping for the first time. It is perfectly normal for children to think about home, wonder what’s going on without them and miss their family. The chances are that when they become involved in activities throughout the day they’ll be too busy to be homesick for long.

When it comes to knowing if your child is ready for overnight camp there are no hard and fast rules. Each child is an individual. A five year old who has spent the night with grandparents quite often might be able to attend an overnight camp for a week with no problem. The same isn’t necessarily the case for a twelve year old who hasn’t been away from their parents.

Talk to your child about going away to summer camp for a week or two and see how they react. You can look for the perfect overnight camp for your child by searching the www.SummerCamps.com website. They can help you find the right summer camp for your child’s first overnight camp experience.

Children who attended summer camp in the past did so knowing they would have a week or so full of fun activities. Generation Y children of all ages, however, may have difficulties if they are sent to summer camp. Many of these children are dependent upon technology and feel they simply can’t do without it.

Corey Solomon, Camp Director at Appel Farm Camp in Elmer, New Jersey said campers are encouraged to bring mp3 devices because they are an arts camp and music is very important. However, children and teens are asked not to bring devices which access the internet or they are asked to surrender the sim card from their device until they leave. This means campers will not be able to update their Facebook or MySpace accounts while they’re at camp.

“Half of the battle is getting parents to buy into leaving these devices at home. These parents are younger and are used to having immediate access to their children. We ask them to trust us to take care of their children and contact them if the need arises,” stated Solomon.

According to Solomon, “I just attended a conference with Camp Directors from across the country. The rule across the board is that cell phones are not allowed.” Why are hand-held devices discouraged during summer camp? Campers who have their cell phone or other hand-held device which connects to the internet don’t get the full benefit of the camp experience. They are distracted by texting their school friends or accessing the internet that they aren’t able to make new friends.

In the past it was the older campers who were dependent upon cell phones, iPods, iPhones and handheld gaming systems. Now children as young as ten bring these items to camp and can’t understand why they’re not allowed to use them. Solomon stated it is the junior high school students who have the most problem with the rules regarding technology devices. High school students understand the rules and now look forward to a time they can disconnect from the outside world.

Camps generally also discourage the use of the camp phone as much as possible. Part of the reason parents send their children to camp is to help them learn independence and self-confidence. Phone calls home are limited to emergencies so the campers will learn to lean on someone other than their parents. Not being able to call home for every problem encourages children to learn to solve their own problems and learn self-sufficiency. It also helps them turn to their camp counselors and build a trusting relationship with them.

If you’re interested in finding a summer camp for your child, no matter the age, there’s no better place to look than www.SummerCamps.com. They have tips and hints on everything related to summer camps. The website offers advice on what questions to ask a Camp Director when looking for a camp for your child. Don’t forget to ask about technology devices and whether they’re allowed when searching for the right summer camp for your child.

Sending a child away for summer camp is a big step for most parents. They want to know their child will enjoy their camp experience but they may not know how to find the best camp to meet their child’s needs. Take a few minutes to go to www.SummerCamps.com to help you find a camp near you and get advice about five questions to ask before you choose a summer camp.

If your child hasn’t been to summer camp before or you’ve recently moved to a different state, you may not know the best summer camps near you. Here are five questions you’ll want to get answers to when researching the different camp options available to you:

1. What is the staff to child ratio or the counselor to child ratio? You want to be sure your child is well supervised while they’re away at camp. Guidelines set forth by the American Camp Association (ACA) include: overnight ratios of 1:6 for 7 to 8 years old campers, 1:8 for campers 9 to 14 years old, and 1:10 for campers 15-18 years old. Day camp ratios would be a little different. 1:8 for campers 6 to 8, 1:10 for those 9-14, and 1:12 for campers in the 15-18 age range. Special needs camps would have a much lower counselor to camper ratio.
2. What is the camp’s cancellation policy? There are very few guarantees in life. When you make plans for your child to attend camp you do so in good faith. Your child is looking forward to their camp experience but something happens and plans change. While you may expect to pay a part of the fee for cancelling, you shouldn’t have to pay for something your child can’t attend.
3. What medical training or services are available on site? Camps accredited by the ACA recommend that every overnight camp have a registered nurse or licensed doctor on site. Day camps may only have direct phone access. Most, if not all, of the counselors and staff will also have been trained in first aid and CPR. Discuss your child’s medical needs with the camp staff before and get a satisfactory response before choosing a camp. Your child’s health and well-being are the utmost importance to you; you will want to ensure any camp you choose will be able to meet your child’s needs.
4. Does the camp have an emergency evacuation or emergency preparedness plan in case of natural disasters? No one can guarantee your child’s camp will be sunny and bright the entire time. You’ll want to know your child is safe and how the camp addresses natural emergencies such as tornadoes or flooding.
5. Will the camp be transporting the campers for any reason? If they are, what type of vehicle will be used and what type of insurance is carried for them? Who is driving them and what type of training do they have? How often are they inspected?

These are only a few questions you may want to ask when trying to find a summer camp for your child. The website www.SummerCamps.com lists several other questions you might want to ask, as well. Remember, you want your child to have fun during summer camp but you also want them to be safe. Getting answers to these questions can help set your mind at ease about their safety.

You may have attended summer camp you were a child. And while you may have enjoyed yourself you may have wanted something more. Today’s camps are not the same old summer camp you attended.

Years ago children would have attended summer camp and expected to enjoy a variety of activities. They would have spent some time doing arts and crafts during a specific time during the day. Later on they would have spent time swimming or canoeing. Depending upon the camp they attended they may also have had an opportunity to ride horses. Some may have learned archery skills.

Summer camps were designed to expose children to things they may not have a chance to experience during their normal life. They also gave children an opportunity to meet people from other areas of the state or country. In many cases children were able to make friendships which last a lifetime.

Children attending summer camp today have opportunities you may not have had. Many camps offer focused activities for the entire time children are at camp. For instance, children who are interested in computers may be able to find summer camps which offer skills such as web design, game design, virtual camps and 3-D design.

Other types of focused content camps may be planned for children involved in particular sports. You can easily find football, basketball, golf, volley ball, gymnastics, running and other sport camps. If your child plays a sport during the school year this type of summer camp would be a great opportunity for your child to increase their skills during the off-season.

Is your child interested in the arts? You can find drama and theater arts camps. You can also find camps which are focused on playing a specific musical instrument. In fact, you might be able to find a summer camp for nearly any activity or interest your child has.

What about children who love horses? In summer camps of the past children might be able to ride horses one or two times during a week. There are summer camps specifically designed for children who enjoy equestrian sports but they may not be offered in every state.

Do you have a child who enjoys learning or has specific educational goals? Academic and college prep summer camps may be a good choice for them. Children who are struggling in school can also benefit from educational summer camps offered by tutoring companies.

Most people who experienced summer camp as a child look back on those weeks during the summer with fondness. You want your child to have the same opportunities as you had but know that today’s summer camps aren’t the same as the old summer camp you attended. You want something different for them.

If you’re looking for a specific type of summer camp, look no further than www.SummerCamps.com. This website offers you the ability to search for traditional as well as specialty camps. You can find which camps are available in your own state. Check it out if you’re trying to find the perfect camp for your child to attend this summer.

Summer camp is more than just learning to shoot an arrow or paddle a canoe. It’s an opportunity for children to learn responsibilities and how to get along in a community setting and become independent, away from Mom and Dad.

Choosing a camp that’s best for their child can be a difficult decision for many parents. It comes down to knowing your options. Some camps have very structured programs and others are more flexible with their daily activities. Some programs promote competition and rivalry among camp teams, while others encourage cooperative learning. Some camps are better for first-time campers, and others offer more wilderness and adventure-type activities for the veteran camper. Parents need to look for camps that fit their child’s personality and interests to determine where he/she might fit best.

Additionally, parents should look for a camp that’s accredited by the American Camping Association (ACA), which is similar to Good Housekeeping’s seal of approval.

The bottom line is comfort for you and comfort for your child. You want your children to have a camp experience that gives memories that last a lifetime.

By Alyson Gondek , camp co-director for Camp Woodmont on Lookout Mountain in NW Georgia

Camp memories last forever. We make sure they are unforgettable!

Shadow Ridge Equestrian Center Summer Camps offer so many exciting things for you to do. Our emphasis is on Fun, Safety and Friendship. Unlike other camp programs that include horses as a small part of their program, at Shadow Ridge Equestrian Center…horses ARE the program! We are 100% horse from the kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms decor to our awesome crafts.

Through their beauty, grace and personalities, horses help us accomplish many of our aspirations… self-confidence, leadership, honesty, respect, responsibility and compassion. Horses also evoke excitement, freedom, adventure and friendship. Girls want creativity, challenges and personal connections in their lives while at the same time having fun. Using horses as a wonderful vehicle and voice for education, our camps offer a tremendously engaging and effective arena for growth and learning.

Our residential camp program includes stable management, games, nature walks, swimming in our above-ground pool, crafts, trail ride, campfire evenings and other farm activities as well as enjoying the beauty of the country setting.

Imagine having your very own horse to spend time with. A best friend to love and take care of. Each camper is allocated and responsible for a horse for the week. Our riding program provides extensive riding and lesson time. Campers will learn how to take care of the horse, and the tack, as well as learning to ride. Every horse has their own saddle, bridle and brushes. Days are filled with horse related activities..

Mornings begin with taking care of the horses. Daily horse chores such as the morning feeding and rounding up of the horses increase the bond between each girl and horse, as they learn to work safely around them. It will provide memories to last a lifetime.

Each day will include a morning lesson in one of our fenced riding arenas (during hot weather they will ride earlier, when it is cooler out). This will develop their balance, coordination and self-confidence. The afternoon lesson will be fun riding – games on horseback, instructional videos or practical learning (braiding, bathing, etc.). Our hands on horsemanship program will help to improve their skills and confidence on and around horses. Campers will also have the opportunity to go for at least one trail ride, during the week. We will take the girls to the local convenience store once during their stay so that they can purchase “tuck” (candy etc.).

At Shadow Ridge we try to create a loving, caring family atmosphere for our campers. Accommodations are in “The Bunkhouse” (4 girls), the “Wranglers Roost” (4 girls), and “The Hideout” (2 girls) in our cozy 177 year old farm house. All meals are home cooked, offering delicious, nutritious and satisfying food for the hungry rider.

Our excellent crafts and activities create personalized memories of your child’s vacation. Each child will receive a camp t-shirt, and a personalized photo CD (usually 300-500 pictures) of their stay at camp. Memories they will cherish for a lifetime.

Our staff to camper ratio is 1:3 during riding lessons and all other camp activities. Campers staying for more than one week will take part in farm activities, area tours and special events on the weekends.

Residential Summer Riding Camps are offered during June, July and August 2005, for small groups of girls aged 10 – 16 years. Campers come not only from Canada but other parts of the world too. We have had campers from Japan, Hong Kong, France, Mexico and the USA. For first time campers or for those just wishing to experience the true camping spirit, these camps will fulfill their dreams and set parents’ minds at ease.

For more information and for testimonials from previous campers, please visit our website at: http://www.shadow-ridge.ca.

Ted and Marilyn Cheek
Shadow Ridge Equestrian Center
13259 Hwy 7, RR 1 Carleton Place, Ontario, K7C 3P1, Canada

This summer, the New York Film Academy will be running its annual Film and Acting For Film camps for teens between the ages of 13 to 17. Students will get a hands-on experience from writing, shooting, directing to editing their own short films. Acting students will get the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with the film students. Each year, the New York Film Academy attracts hundreds of campers from all around the world to its different locations namely New York City, New York; Universal Studios, California; Disney-MGM Studios, Florida; Harvard University, Massachusetts; Princeton University, New Jersey; King’s College, London; Florence, Italy and Paris, France. So, what makes the New York Film Academy so attractive to young teens? Many of our campers love the idea of getting the hands-on experience and meeting teens that share a passion for films and acting. Everyone in the film camp gets out making a film. Many use their films as a portfolio to get in different film schools or arts school when its time to apply for college.

Wing Yeong
New York Film Academy

I am asked this question often and some days its hard to reach a live person, much less sum up why they should send their son or daughter to an art camp in Detroit. But to be a part of a creative environment with 40-60 other students with a desire for a career in art, allows the exchange of ideas that simply taking classes does not foster. The student is eating, sleeping, and creating art of all mediums. They may come as students but they leave as artists.

Tara A. Kowalewski
Camp Portfolio/Summer Exploratory,The College for Creative Studies

There are so many good reasons to send a child to camp and I will make this piece short since the most important reasons are summed up quite easily.
by Mark Diamond, Camp Manitou

When children go to camp, they are on their own, sometimes for the very first time in their lives. They have to decide what to wear, what to eat, which activities to participate in. Of course counsellors are deciding this with them, but in essence the campers soon learn that they can make decisions on their own and as a result they develop self confidence and become self-reliant.

As self-esteem develops from learning to be on their own, children continue to try new activities and also engage in one’s that they are familiar. In school, children do not experience success in the same way and can often think of themselves in a lessor light. Camp can be a school without failure because just having fun makes you a success.

Often parents call to say that they can not believe how their child’s grades improved as a result of camp. Or how they now clear the table or help out more around the house. A well directed camp will focus on trying to make every camper experience a success and it is that feeling of success that translated into self-esteem.

Of course one of the greatest benefits of a camp experience is that children develop social skills. In a camp setting, a good counselor will make sure that every camper is included in the activity and that each child interacts with the others in a positive way. They learn the give and take of group living, they learn how to work and even depend on others and more importantly that others will depend on them. Something as simple as clean-up, is not only there to get the cabin clean, but to foster a team atmosphere of working together which in turn results in friendships.

The obvious benefit of camp is that Campers make long lasting friendships. These friendships can often be more unique and extra special because campers are living with each other and see the true personalities. Because campers and staff come from all over the world, or even from a different school, children learn to see others from a different perspective. Children tend to be accepted for who they are and do not have to be as concerned with what they wear or what they are good at, or how they look. This is because in a camp setting, respect and caring ultimately win out over materialistic or short-sited objectives.

And of course learning skills at each activity is a great benefit for campers. By being exposed to so many arts, sports and outdoor recreation programs campers have fun and develop self-esteem. They also learn skills that they can then pursue and enjoy for the rest of their lives. Because they have 30 different activities to chose from, each and every camper can feel special enjoying a craft, sport or outdoor activity. So as we tell our staff, yes camp does give children fun, friends and fulfillment.

Camp Director/Owner Camp Manitou
WWW.MANITOUCAMP.COM