Summer Camps We Would Like To Ship Our Kids Off To, But Won't #summercamps #NC

There are so many options for Summer Camps in NC, I know you would love to send your kids to summer camp and have them come home potty trained, doing chores with no argument, learning some awesome common sense and how to drop that lovely teenage attitude, but............summer camps these days are just plain fun instead........for the kids that is. There are many mommy worries that go along with sending your little darlings off to a camp with total strangers. Here are some great tips from Carolina Summer Camps 

How can parents save money when enrolling their child in a summer camp?
	• #1 Register early to take full advantage of all early-bird discounts!  • #2 ASK if they have scholarships, financial aid or a sliding scale.  • #3 Offer to volunteer at camp for a reduced or free camper registration.  • #4 Ask friends of your child(ren) to register together for a group discount.

How can parents prepare their children for attending their first summer camp?

• Day camps are more fun when children know at least one other camper who will be attending. Don't assume that they will be in the same group, let the camp director know your preferences when you initially register your child. • Take a tour of the facility. Let them view their website ahead of time. The more familiar they are with the environment, the less overwhelming they will feel. • For residential camps, make sure that this isn’t the first time your child will be sleeping away from home. Let them practice overcoming their separation anxiety with a couple of sleep-overs with friends or family before going to a residential camp.

How do parents find if a summer camp has had any complaints filed against them?
	• Look up the camp on the Better Business Bureau for any grievances. (BBB.org) • Ask your friends through social media (Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, etc.) if they have had any positive or negative experiences with the camp. Your friends will tell you!

When should teens start sending in their resumes to camp directors for summer jobs?

• Many Camp Directors start receiving resumes in January and February.  Don't wait. With the high levels of unemployment, there will be a tremendous  competition for jobs.  Send follow-up emails and make phone calls to show your interest.  • Camp Directors want fun camp counselors who campers will enjoy being around,  while also respecting and obeying them.  The more experience you have working with kids, the better.  Volunteer with your local schools, YMCA, churches, scouts, and other civic organizations  to build your experience levels. What qualities should parents look for in a great summer camp? • A high percentage of returning campers shows that the campers had fun last year. • A low camper-to-counselor ratio. 10:1 is good. 5:1 is great! • Staff trained in CPR, first aid skills, and conflict resolution techniques. • Low staff-turnover shows good experience. What different types of summer camps are there? • Arts Camps • Sports Camps • Academic Camps • Church Camps • Residential Camps • Specialty Camps If my child takes medication during the school year, should he/she take it for summer camp? • First, consult with your child's pediatrician before ever deciding to stop treating your child with any medication. • Most children with allergy, asthma, diabetes, attention and impulsivity  conditions are not "healed" during the summer months. Many times it can be worse with the heat, additional exercise, and being outside.  Children with medical issues usually need special treatment to help them enjoy their summer camp experience the most. • For children who take medication for their attention or impulsivity, it can be especially hard for them to listen to instructions, get along with peers, and control their impulses when they are not on medication. How are campers disciplined? Are refunds given if my child has behavior problems? • Ask the Camp Director for a copy of their discipline policy. If they don't have one, inquire how campers are disciplined for misbehaving, It can vary from Time Out to clean-up duty. • Most camps do not give refunds for campers who violate  camp rules and they are expelled, but ask the Camp Director  ahead of time for clarity if this is a concern.  How safe is the camp? • There are always accidents. How often do injuries happen? Ask the Camp Director if they have had any serious injuries in the past. Is there much turn-over in staff? Are there first aid kits easily accessible? • Be sure to let the camp know if your child has any severe allergies. Most day camps have a time for kids to play outside, so they need to know if your child is especially sensitive  to bee stings, sunburn, or accidents.   A Mom Can always Dream can't she............lol

Image credit to nickmom 

A much better option! Check out the Carolina Summer Camps site!

Find the Summer Camp in your area by clicking on the websites below

Asheville, Charlotte, Durham, Fayetteville, Greensboro, Raleigh, Wilmington, Winston-Salem