It’s never too early to get ready for summer or to plan for your vacation. After all, summer is what we look forward to after a long winter. When one thinks of balmy warm summer days, one can also think of summer camps and all the fun they offer to children and teens. The options are plentiful and overwhelming nowadays.

You can register your child for one week at a circus camp and another week at an art camp, or soccer camp, the possibilities are endless. So the question is, how do I choose?

First, consider proximity. In Laval, we are lucky to have many options available. You can find summer camps close to where you live and work. Even if you are a stay-at-home mom, you can send your child to a summer camp on a weekly basis. While your child is having fun at camp, you’re also enjoying a little respite. It’s a win-win situation.

What will summer camp teach your child? It’ll teach him/her to be more independent and responsible, to create new friendships, to gain resiliency, to develop physically, to follow a structured program, and most importantly, to create a sense of community.

Choosing a sleep-away camp is another option that many more parents are opting for. However, be mindful of your child’s personality. While some kids thrive, others get homesick and are not used to being away from parents for a week or two. If you want your child to experience some independence, this may be the way to go. Allowing your child to go with a friend can also be helpful. This will help him/her feel a little more secure. If your child has never slept at anyone’s house before, and you are apprehensive, perhaps this would not be the best option.

There are camps that provide multidisciplinary activities as well. These camps combine different activities such as science and art, and show how they can interact. Some multidisciplinary camps offer a variety of activities and classes designed to introduce children to different fields. Discuss the options with your child because sometimes kids are more open to new challenges than you may give them credit for.

Day camps also offer a chance for kids to learn new activities; something they wanted to try out and weren’t able to during the busy school year. Make the summer about having fun; and if they learn a new dance, put on a show, or improve their soccer or hockey skills, why not?

Do your research with your child to find out what interests them. The internet is at your fingertips for the various programs available in Montreal and Laval. Ask your friends and try to register your child with a friend so they have someone to go with.

Summer is a time for amusement. So remember, it should be entertaining.

About the Author;

Christina Strigas is the Director/Owner of Garderie Educative Bilingue Face à Face. Her private daycare has been serving the Laval community for seventeen years, teaching French and English as a second language. She is also a self-published author. Her blog of writing and poetry can be found at www.christinastrigas.wordpress.com