Choosing the right summer program for your child

Everyday Tips , May 2009

With the summer months upon us, there’s plenty to be excited about – more hours of sunlight to enjoy the day, upcoming vacations, and extra time to spend with the family. However, it also means the school year’s coming to a close and the search to find the right summer program for your child is underway. Avoid getting overwhelmed by all the options and consider these few basic tips in your decision.

Choosing a summer program for your child involves some important research as there are many options available across the county.
Summer programs offer a variety of activities that can enhance your child’s skills or just provide a day’s worth of fun.  Some programs offer an intensive experience in a single area while others offer general programming that include team or individual sports, swimming and water sports, and creative and performing arts.  Other programs focus on academics to help children retain information learned over the school year.
 
As you conduct your search, check out the program’s website to learn about program features, areas of focus, the layout of the facilities and daily schedules. Before you register, ask the director to describe a typical day and ask for references of families who have had their child attend the program.

There are many options for special needs children as well. Many camps accommodate special-needs campers through mainstreaming, smaller camper to counselor ratios, or by providing shadows. You may also opt for separate programming at an exclusively special-needs camp.

Nonprofits such as the YMCA, the Jewish Community Center, and Boys and Girls Club offer many day camp options as do Miami-Dade Parks and Recreation.  Their programs may be less expensive than private options.  Depending on the type of program chosen, a camp experience can range anywhere from one week to an entire summer.  Costs vary so you should take some time to consider what you can reasonably afford and compare a few options since some programs offer scholarships or are priced at a sliding scale.

Additional resources:

Specialized camps at Miami-Dade’s parks

The Children’s Trust summer camp guide