Every year there are more options and different types of summer camps available. Believe it or not there are now approximately 7,000 summer camps in the USA alone catering to every interest imaginable.

Summer camp options have evolved into three main categories:

• Traditional summer camps
• Specialty summer camps
• Special needs summmer camps

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It’s not too early to start planning for summer camp!

I came across this excellent article at newsday.com and the author makes several good points about early planning for summer camp.

Though the last gasp of winter is still weeks away, it’s already time to think about summer camp. Many parents, armed with brochures and checkbooks, began attending camp open houses last month. Some even registered their children before the 2005 camp season ended. But with more than 200 local camp choices and over 100 overnight options within the tri-state area, chances are that you’ll still be able to find the right summer experience for your child. Most camps have ongoing registration; many town programs begin registration next month; school camps start taking applications in May; still others might take walk-ins in June.

The bottom line is that, whether this is your first time venturing into the world of summer camp or you’ve done it before, you need a game plan for tackling the selection process. Whatever you ultimately choose, camp should be an opportunity for kids to be exposed to new activities, make new friends, build self-esteem, learn good citizenship and discover who they are and what they love, according to Adam Weinstein, executive director of the New York office of the American Camp Association. How do you fill such a tall order?

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Summer Camp Can Foster Social Development in Youth

I’ve often thought that new experiences that allow children to meet and interact with others helps with social development and a study that I came across bears this idea out:

Summer camp can do “s’more” than teach kids to canoe, hike, and sing fun songs: New research indicates that summer camp can significantly enhance the social development of youth.

“Camp can make a critical difference in kids’ lives,” says Michael Gass, professor of outdoor education at University of New Hampshire and lead researcher on the project, conducted in cooperation with the American Youth Foundation at AYF’s Camp Merrowvista in Tuftonboro, N.H. (http://www.ayf.com/about_mv.asp)

Gass and researchers from UNH surveyed youth between the ages of 8 and 13 at the beginning and the end of the summer of 2004, comparing the inter- and intrapersonal skills of campers at Camp Merrowvista with youth who were awaiting attendance in a fall program at Merrowvista. The summer campers showed significantly greater improvement in a variety of social skills, including time management, initiating action in new situations, self-confidence, task leadership, and interpersonal skills.

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Off to Summer Camp: New DVD/CD Series Helps Parents and Children Prepare for the Best

Attention parents of summer campers! Renowned psychologist Dr. Christopher Thurber has turned 25 years’ of expert summer camp experience and advice into The Secret Ingredients of Summer Camp Success — an engaging, insightful DVD/CD series that helps parents and kids prepare for a great summer camp experience. büji™ skin care—the brand that outsmarts the outdoor elements—is a co-sponsor of the series.

“Summer camp is like any other life experience,” states Dr. Thurber who also authored the successful Summer Camp Handbook. “The better you prepare for it, the more you get out of it. This new DVD/CD series will make it easy for more families to proactively plan for a positive, rewarding adventure.”

“We are happy to support such a worthwhile endeavor,” said Cadey O’Leary Hershoff, president of Cade Laboratories — makers of büji. “We share Chris’ passion for camping and the great outdoors as well as his fervent belief that good preparation leads to a good experience. Whether you’re a summer camper or a weekend hiker.”

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Coleman 2 person tent

The Coleman 9180-705 SunDome Two-Person Tent is a convenient, cozy tent for you and a partner to enjoy. This seven-feet by five-feet one-room tent can sleep up to two people at a time in complete comfort. The Coleman exclusive Weather-Tec system is guaranteed to keep you dry and includes: a waterproof floor, leak-free and protected seams, weather resistant fabric, a strong frame design, and the zipper guard system. With 48-inches of vertical space in the center there is plenty of room to move around in.

The Coleman SunDome tent comes with a rainfly that covers the door and windows for protection from the elements, as well as separate storage bags for the tent-poles and stakes and easy-to-follow set up instructions sewn into the carry bag. Features include a mesh vent to keep the air in your tent fresh, a heavy-duty welcome mat, and a CoolAir port to further adjust ventilation or access your gear. Shock-corded steel poles will keep this tent sturdy haven from the weather for years to come.

It’s our recommendation for a budget priced 2 person tent.

The best tent value:

Coleman 4 Pole 4 Person Tent

Hello and welcome to Summer Camps Guide

Our goal is to supply you with the relevant information so you can choose the best summer camp for your children based on their needs and interests.