Common Mistakes Parents Make When Choosing a Camp…and How to Avoid Them

Making a decision about where to send your child to camp can be completely overwhelming. So we decided to get some tips from an expert: Sue Ellen Greenberg, The Camp Lady at Student Summers.
With over 16 years of experience, she knows about over 550 summer camps and teen programs and has walked over 1,000 miles in camp trails! If after reading this you’re still overwhelmed (we were!), do yourself a favor and email Sue Ellen. She is available to give advice completely free–no strings attached.

It’s March and there are still plenty of spots left for parents seeking the perfect camp for their child. It also happens to be a great time to start thinking about summer 2019. Over the years, I have had clients come to me after their children have had a less than satisfactory experience. Choosing the right camp will ensure a great summer for not only this summer, but for years to follow. I have been in the business of helping families choose the perfect camp/program to best suit their needs for over 16 years.

Here are only a few mistakes that I have found parents make when choosing a camp:

1. Choosing a camp based on the fact someone you know had a good experience there.
Every camp, like every child, has its own personality. What works best for your friend’s child may not work best for yours. Consider the camp emphasis and the type of scheduling the camp has to offer. What would best benefit your child’s interests and personality? A very structured schedule where children travel with their bunk most of the day or one where they choose their own daily activities? A well-rounded camp or one with an emphasis on sports or the arts? I’m sure you’ve heard people say, my kids go to the best camp! Just remember, what’s best for them…may not be what’s best for your child. In the end, after your child attends camp, their camp will be the best camp too.

2. Choosing a short camp.
So many parents start the conversation with me by saying, “I am looking for a short (1-2 week) camp because it will be my child’s first time away from home.” That is actually the reason not to pick a short camp. One to two weeks are just not enough time to acclimate to camp life, form life-long friendships and try all of the great activities camp has to offer. I find most of the time parents are looking for a short camp because they are afraid they will miss their child. I can assure you: it’s hard at first, but it gets easier. Your children will be having so much fun they will not even know how long they have been there. In fact, many times children ask to extend their stay (which most camps will allow this if/when the space is available). Plus a longer stay at camp actually costs less per day.

3. Choosing a camp by its website.
Marketing at one time or another has fooled us all. We all know a small lake can be altered to look larger than it is. Keep in mind one camp may have updated its website this summer while another may have put money into a great new building that is not shown. Activities are often added and deleted and it is important to know what is current to a camp. Take the time to call the camp and ask questions.

4. Not “meeting” the owners/directors.
To me, this is the MOST IMPORTANT THING. Who is watching your child while at camp? What type of counselor training do they have? If you are lucky enough to start the process early, you can visit camps the summer before while in action to meet the owners/directors, see the facilities and check out the campers. If you are looking for camp this summer, ask for a home visit. It is not only beneficial to you and your child to know who will be “taking care of him or her,” but it will also help the owner/director get to know your child and place her or him in the right bunk.

WHY THE CAMP LADY?
My knowledge and expertise on everything summer is FREE. I am dedicated to helping you find the perfect summer adventure for your child. “The Camp Lady” goes far beyond Sleep Away Camps, Specialty Camps and Day Camps. My expertise for the older child includes programs in the USA and around the world! Teen travel, academic programs, language programs, adventure trips, community service, internships and gap year to name a few. If your child has an interest, I will help you find a program.

My advice is based on years of experience as a classroom teacher, a learning consultant, a teen tour director, a camp counselor and, of course a camper. With over 16 years of experience and more than 550 summer programs, I have you covered. Walking over 1,000 miles in camp trails each summer I know which camp has the best art programs to the cleanest bunks. Anyone can find a camp; I can find the right camp for you!

HOW I WORK
I know finding a camp or teen program can seem overwhelming. I am here to help you through the process. I want to know your child’s interests, passions and personality. Every child is unique and I will take the time to speak with you in order to educate you on the available options and to help find the best match. I will have lots of questions for you during our initial conversation- some you may have thought about and some that you haven’t.

YOU’VE GOT MAIL!
I will gather all the information from our call and use it to send you an email in order to inform you about the camps or teen programs I think will fit the needs of your family. At the same time, I will have those camps and programs send you their video and brochure in the (actual) mail.

I DO THE LEGWORK FOR YOU!
Anytime you have questions or thoughts about any of the camps or programs I have sent, call or email me anytime. I will be your new best friend and your therapist all in one. I will also put you in touch with owners and directors so that you can set up a tour, get into specifics and see if you feel a connection and share a philosophy with the people who will be taking care of your child for the summer.

AND THE WINNER IS….
Once you’ve narrowed it down to a few top choices, I will guide you toward the final decision. When your children returns from the summer I want to hear your camper’s feedback and yours too, so I’ll be in touch.

Email or call today to get the process started: SueEllen@StudentSummers.com or call 201.847.0505.

Sue Ellen Greenberg, The Camp Lady at Student Summers, has been in the business for over 16 years helping families choose the right camp and teen programs for children between the ages of 3 to 19.

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