For most children, summer break is an exciting time. There is plenty of stress-free time to unwind, play and explore new things. On the flip side, most children start to get bored after a few weeks due to the lack of engaging activities. Their overindulgence in video games and smartphones becomes a cause of concern for parents.
One great way to use the school-free summer break is to enroll your child in summer day camp programs. These programs can provide the perfect opportunity for kids to spend quality time outdoors, learn new skills, discover new interests, and socialize with other children. In addition, summer day camps ensure physical engagement and intellectual stimulation, preventing them from becoming bored during the summer break.
There is more than one type of summer camp to choose from, and selecting the right camp can be overwhelming for some parents.
We have compiled a list of essential factors to consider when looking for the right summer camp to help you make the best choice for your child.
Define Your Summer Camp Expectations
The first step in picking the right camp is understanding your expectations from the organizers and what feels “right” to you. Once you have sorted out your expectations, you can compare and review other companies offering summer day camps for kids.
Parents have different expectations of summer camps. Some want their children to connect with nature and spend tech-free time in the wilderness. Others aim for their children to focus on more structured learning and activities.
Every parent shares the desire for their child to have fun, learn something new and make new friends–summer camp is the ideal place for that to happen.
While defining your expectations from the camp, you must also keep your child’s interests in mind. For example, if your child is intellectually inclined, an academic camp may be better. If they are more energetic and outdoorsy, then look for an outdoor adventure camp that offers opportunities to swim, play, and explore nature around Bend, Oregon.
Choose The Right Type of Camp
Summer camps are as diverse as the children who enjoy them and are classified into different interest groups. In addition, most camps offer specialized activities based on the child’s interests. After defining your goals and expectations for camp, you should focus your search for summer camps based on your child’s interests.
Below are some of the most popular types of summer camps.
Academic Camps
These camps focus on academic activities which encourage knowledge gaining and intellectual stimulation. In addition, these camps offer an opportunity for kids to focus on non-traditional educational activities which may not be offered at their regular school. These include theater, film-making, writing, programming, and other IT-related activities.
Academic Camps may sound boring, but they offer plenty of fun-filled, hands-on activities that engage and educate children.
Art Camps
These camps are designed with a particular focus on art and crafts-related activities. These activities may involve painting, drawing, 3D printing, graphic designing, pottery, visual arts, etc. At Art Camps, children get the opportunity to refine their craft, connect with like-minded peers and learn from experienced camp counselors.
Outdoor Adventure Camps
Outdoor adventure camps like R.A.D. Camps focus on adventurous activities in nature. Our focus is on exploring various natural sites such as forests, lakes, streams, waterfalls, national parks, etc. These outdoor activities encourage children to connect with our natural world and understand its different elements, such as flora and fauna.
Most children spend much of their time indoors during their regular school routine. They don’t get enough time to engage in physical activities outside. Outdoor camps create the perfect opportunity to engage in fun-filled physical exercises that enable unique learning experiences.
If you’re searching for a fun and engaging outdoor summer camp adventure for your child, enroll them in our R.A.D. Camps summer programs. We are located in Bend, Oregon. We conduct multiple fun-filled activities for children in the Deschutes and Willamette National Forests. Our motto is “no child left inside.” We connect children with nature through fun-filled activities.
For more information, visit our website, contact us or call us at (541) 410-7258.