• Mike
• April 28th, 2012

Not every child gets to go to camp, but almost all could benefit from it. If you’re thinking of sending your child to day camp but aren’t sure whether it’s worth the investment, read about these five signs that your child should go.

1. Your child is struggling academically. Are they bringing home bad grades, or do you just know in your heart that they could be doing much better in school? If the answer to either of these questions is “yes”, your child could benefit from a summer camp that teaches study skills. Not all camps are academics-focused, so choose carefully.
2. Your child is struggling socially. In social situations, are they an outsider or a participant? If you have a shy, reserved child that has difficulty making friends, chances are they could benefit from the daily interaction that a day camp provides. If your child has serious problems getting along with others, or tends to lash out, talk to the camp counselor ahead of time, or look for a more structured, supervised program.
3. Your child lacks self-confidence. Do they criticize themselves a lot, or tear themselves down unnecessarily? If your child hesitates to try new things because of a fear of failure, it may be time for day camp. Look for one that fosters a spirit of success and accomplishment.
4. Your child isn’t easily challenged. Summer camp isn’t just for kids who are struggling academically; parents of bright and/or gifted kids can have trouble providing the necessary stimulation, and camp can provide just that by allowing your child to interact with other bright, gifted kids.
5. Your child has trouble focusing and gets bored easily. This, of all the listed issues, has the most potential to negatively impact your child’s future. Many academic day camps are exciting and fun, making them ideal for children who have shorter attention spans or are always moving on to the next great thing.

If your child exhibits one or more of the above signs, it may be a good idea to put them in a good summertime day camp. It can teach them the social skills, self-confidence, and academic skills necessary to succeed in school and other areas of life.