Gulf Coast Family

Have you begun thinking about which summer camp is best for your child? With hundreds of camps spread across Pinellas County it’s no wonder parents find it hard to sort through all the information. Below are some tips to help you find the perfect camp to fit your child.

• Day Camp vs Overnight Camp:
  While there are great benefits to both types of camps, keep in mind that some kids love the chance to be “on their own” for a week or two, while others won’t sleep well and are nervous wrecks away from home.
• Camp Location:
  If you are planning on sending your child to an overnight camp, the possibilities are endless; however if you’re after a day camp, you’ll want to find camps in your general area. To locate a camp near you, visit our summer camp directory. Our interactive summer camp guide spotlights over 100 local camps here in Pinellas County with maps and direct links to each camp website.
• Camp Specialty:
  From baseball to scuba diving, from music to academics, there are a host of activity camps available throughout Pinellas County. When selecting the a camp for your child, take time to consider your child’s interests and skills. Ask your child what activities he or she would like to participate in, and then ask yourselves what skills or areas you would like to see your child improve. Talk it over together as a family and then look for a camp that might serve both needs.
• Costs:
  Decide on how much you are willing to pay for camp. In today’s economic environment, cost will most likely play a much bigger role in the decision process than it has in the past.
• Create a short list:
  Request brochures, videos, and other information from the camps that have passed the above requirements.
• Choose the Best:
  If possible, visit the camps from your short list together as a family. Most camps will be happy to give you a camp tour that fits around your schedule. There is no better way to find out about a camp than by checking it out in person. When you visit the camps, don’t just go through a list of questions about the camp, but rather talk about your child and engage the camp representative in conversation about the entire camp experience.

By properly researching the camps and involving your child in the decision process, you will be able to drop your child off on opening day with a confidence that he or she is going to have a great experience.