Teens generally have more options for summer than younger children, including college classes, internships, and jobs. However, summer camp can still be an important part of your teen’s summer.

Discuss summer camp goals and options with your teen. Academic summer camps can help your teen improve and broaden skills that will help her succeed in high school and college. Specialty camps in computers, sports, theater, and other areas of interest can support your teen’s hobbies and even lead to future careers. A fun camp that provides a break from the rigors of the school year may help your child feel relaxed and refreshed.

Resident (overnight) camps can help your teen become more responsible and independent and are good preparation for going away to college.

If your teen has enjoyed summer camp in the past and likes being around children, he may want to become a Counselor In Training. This option is usually limited to 16 and 17 year olds and provides little, if any compensation. However, it’s good experience and often leads to paid Counselor positions in future summers.

Finding the right camp starts with identifying your goals for your child’s camp experience and evaluating your child’s needs, personality and interests. Consider the questions below to help you identify great camp options for your child.

What are your goals for summer camp?
Is the main goal to fill the need for summer childcare while you work? Do you want your child to improve in an area she’s struggling in or learn a new skill? Do you want to avoid having your child glued to the TV or computer all summer?

What type of camp is your child ready for?
Younger children enjoy general day camps that include a mix of fun activities. Older children typically enjoy specialty camps or resident (overnight) camps. Visit Camp Readiness and Types of Camps to help you determine the type of camp your child will enjoy.

What are your child’s special interests?
If your child is enthusiastic about art, sports, technology or another activity, consider camps that focus on her interest.

Should camp be comfortable or challenging for your child?
Do you want camp to be a fun and easy break from school or do you want camp to improve your child’s academic or social skills?

What environment is your child most comfortable in?
Does your child prefer to be indoors or outdoors? Does she prefer a high-energy environment with a bit of chaos or a calm and structured environment? Does she interact best in small groups or is “more the merrier”?

Once you’ve considered what environment your child is most comfortable in, decide whether to choose a camp that’s a good match for this or one that’s a bit of stretch and may enable her to grow or improve in a certain area.

Where are your child’s friends and classmates going to camp?
Ask other parents, particularly those with older children, about the camps their children have enjoyed in the past and their plans for the coming summer. It’s usually a good sign when several families recommend the same camp and their children want to return there year-after-year..

Does your child have any special needs?
Does your child have a medical condition, physical limitation, or development challenge that will need to be accommodated at camp? In general, if your child requires special support in school, he should have similar support at camp. Discuss your child’s needs with the Camp Director to determine whether or not the camp will be a good fit for your child.

What is your budget for summer camp?
Camp costs generally start around $200 per week for community day camps and can exceed $1000 per week for specialty, overnight camps. Many camps give discounts for siblings and some offer scholarships for families that can’t afford full tuition.

How many weeks of summer camp will your child attend?
Your budget as well as your work and vacation schedules will probably determine how many weeks of camp your child will attend. Consider whether your child should attend a single camp for several consecutive weeks, try different camps, or take time off between camp sessions.

Should your child attend a camp near or far from home?
Day camps need to be close to home to facilitate daily drop-offs and pick-ups. However, resident (overnight) camps are often outside your community and sometimes outside your state. Outdoor resident camps are usually in remote locations that you will need to drive your children to. Academic and Sports resident camps are held at college campuses throughout the country. Consider travel options, costs, and time requirements when selecting resident camps.

Also, consider whether or not your child will be comfortable far from home. Younger children with less camp and travel experience should attend camp relatively close to home, while older children may enjoy and benefit from the adventure of traveling to a distant camp.

Once you’ve identified potential camps for your children, you’ll want to evaluate each camp to verify that it’s a quality camp that will provide a positive experience for your child. This will help you identify your top camps choices.

Evaluating a camp is very similar to evaluating a school or preschool. A safe environment and qualified staff are the top priorities. Followed closely by growth and learning opportunities. Consider the following details when evaluating camps for your children:

Location & Environment: Is the camp location convenient for you to reach from your home or on your way to/from work. Is the facility clean, safe, and well maintained. Is the facility secured with fences and are the entrances monitored.

Safety Procedures: Does the camp have a camper check-in/check-out procedure that requires an ID or password? How and how often does camp staff account for all campers?

Camp Director: What are the qualifications and experience of the Camp Director? How many years has she held this position?

Camp Counselors: What are the qualifications and experience of the Camp Counselors? What is the typical age and education background? The American Camp Association recommends that 80% of counselors be over 18 years of age. How many counselors are returning from previous years. Fifty percent returning counselors is reasonable. What training do new counselors receive? What are the qualifications for lifeguards, coaches, drivers, and other specialized staff? What is the process for staff background checks?

Staffing Ratio: What is the staffing ratio (number of staff to number of campers)? Note: the American Camp Association recommends a 1:8 ratio (1 staff for every 8 campers) for ages 6-8, 1:10 for ages 9-14, and 1:12 for ages 15-18 for day camps. Resident (overnight) ratio recommendations are 1:6 for ages 6-8, 1:8 for ages 9-14, and 1:10 for ages 15-18.

Return Rate & References: What percentage of campers return from previous years. Can the camp provide a list of references from parents of last year’s campers?

Medical & Emergency Procedures: Does the camp have quick access to a nurse, doctor or medical facility? What procedures are followed for emergency situations, such as severe weather, earthquake, or police activity.

Transportation: Will your child be riding buses/vans to camp activities? If so, who provides the vehicles and drivers? What are the requirements for driver licensure and training?

Safety Equipment: What protective equipment is provided for special activities, such as canoeing, rock climbing, and baseball. What safety procedures are used to minimize risk in activities, such as gymnastics and horseback riding?

Daily Schedule: What time does the camp officially start and end? Are there extended day options for working parents? How much time is typically spent on various activities (crafts, games, swimming, etc.).

Field Trips & Special Events: What type of field trips and special events (dress-up days, swim day, etc.) are planned? When do these occur?

Cost: Is the camp cost within your budget? What does the cost include and are there any additional costs (ex. field trip fees) or supplies (athletic gear) that you are expected to purchase?

Tip: Check out camps for next summer during this summer, so you can see them in action.

Your child’s age is just one factor in determining his readiness for camp. His maturity, comfort level with new situations, ability to get along with others in a group environment, and willingness to follow instructions are also important factors.

Many camps are designed for specific age groups and will only accept children within this range. The age requirements are often higher for specialty and overnight camps than general day camps.

Most school-age children are ready for a day camp environment. When in doubt consider a half day camp or a series of short summer classes (art, sports, etc.) to test the waters.

Overnight camp can be a big step for children. In general, children should be at least 8 years old before considering overnight camps. Before going to overnight camp your child should be comfortable spending the night away from home. Do some test runs at friends or relatives. She should also be able to get herself ready for the day and for bedtime without help, including changing clothes, tying shoes, brushing teeth, and showering.

Perhaps most importantly, your child should be enthused about going to an overnight camp.