Kiddie Academy Recommends Beginning Summer Camp Selection Process Now

Kiddie Academy
Published: April 25th, 2012

Tips From Child Care Experts Help Parents Focus the Search for the Right Program

 BALTIMORE, MD--(Marketwire - Apr 24, 2012) - With school and after-school activities still in full swing, it's easy for parents to postpone thinking about summer camp programs for their children. But Claire Haas, vice president of education for Kiddie Academy, an educationally focused child care provider, says parents should act now to select and register their children, before popular camp programs fill up.

Haas suggests that parents begin their summer camp search by identifying key factors like schedules, interests, aptitudes and friends. She offers the following tips to help narrow down the choices:

• Keep your needs in mind. Extended hours are important to busy two-working-parent families. You may have to rule out some camps that simply don't fit with your work schedule.
• Consider the kids' perspective. Don't forget -- to your kids, this is vacation time. Ask for their input, and consider their interests when choosing programs.
• Take an informal survey. Ask your child's friends about their favorite camps. You might learn of new options.
• Team up with a friend. Choose camps along with the parents of one or two of your child's friends. Your child will have a built-in buddy at camp, and you'll have someone to share pick-up and drop-off duties.

Now, Haas says you are ready to weigh the merits and benefits of the different types of programs with these further tips:

• Send your child to college. Many community colleges and universities offer summer camp programs that will give your child a taste of campus life, including building a schedule.
• Consider childcare providers. Some facilities boost their programs with traditional camp activities over the summer. This is a great choice if you have more than one child, as they accept more than one age group.
• Sneak in continuing education. Look for programs that combine educational enrichment with fun activities. At a great program, your kids won't even notice they're building on school skills.
• Try something new. Summer camps give children a chance to explore their abilities and learn new skills. Camp can allow your child to sample a new hobby before committing to six months of (dance/music/martial arts) lessons.

The Kiddie Academy summer day camp program, called Camp Adventure, offers age-appropriate programs for children ages one through 12. Structured around the organization's Life Essentials^® curriculum, the program offers fun-filled events, special guests and field trips along with physical and creative activities. Camp Adventure is designed to help build character, grow self-confidence and reinforce school skills.

To schedule a visit or to learn more about summer programs at Kiddie Academy, please visit www.kiddieacademy.com.

Contact:

Parissa Snider
Director of Marketing
Kiddie Academy Domestic Franchising
(410) 515-6074
psnider@kiddieacademy.com