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Types of Summer Camps
Going to summer camp is a quintessential part of childhood. And while the kids get all the fun of being outdoors, being away from home, and making new friends, the parents get the responsibility of choosing the camp. Though it isn't usually a stressful decision to make, there are lots of options that can leave parents' heads spinning. Here's a basic breakdown of some of the available options.
Day Camp vs. Overnight Camp
The simplest distinction between summer camps is whether they are day or overnight camps. Some camps offer activities during the day, but then the kids go home. Overnight camps give the kids a chance to stay for extended periods of time, sometimes up to four weeks or longer. A day camp is a good first experience for kids who have never been to camp, as it introduces them to the basics of camp life but allows them to go home to a familiar setting.
Academic Camps
An academic camp gives kids the opportunity to focus on specific areas of academic interest. Academic camps focus on everything from theatre and digital photography to 3-D animation and video game design. Some even offer programs in paleontology, environmental studies or aviation! Depending on the types of programs offered, costs can vary widely (anywhere from $250 to over $2000 per week) but average about $500 per week.
Adventure Camps
Many summer camps advertise under the "adventure camp" category but a true adventure camp offers more than standard activities like rock climbing, high-ropes courses, kayaking or mountain biking. Adventure camps offer kids once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to learn something specific. Some adventure camps offer scuba diving certifications, marine biology expeditions, sailing, and even expeditions to the tops of glaciers! Because these activities require specialized equipment, adventure camps are typically more expensive than traditional camps, averaging $1000-$2000 per week.
Art Camps
An art camp is a great way to encourage your child's creativity! In the same way that most camps offer some kind of "adventure program", most offer an art program as well. But art camps, like adventure camps, are different in that they specialize in helping kids develop their artistic abilities. Programs are offered in dance, singing, acting, creative writing, film production, painting, sculpture and more. Some camps even offer portfolio critique and development programs for high school students preparing for college. The costs of these programs vary widely as well but average about $650/week.
Religious-Specific Camps
Religious-specific camps offer many of the same programs as a typical summer camp, but include scheduled time for religious study through preaching, music and small-group settings. Some include service projects as well. Costs average about $500/week.
Special Needs
Several camps across the country are designed specifically for kids with special needs. Whether the needs are physical, mental or emotional, special needs camps create environments that cater to their campers. Most have a lower camper-to-staff ratio, allowing for more individualized attention and care. The staff is usually chosen based on their experience with and enjoyment of working with special needs kids. And the programs are developed to help kids experience as much of the "summer camp" life as possible.
Sports Camps
Ideal for kids who are athletically inclined! Some sports camps are more specialized than others, and availability depends on the sport. Archery, for example, is offered at nearly all standard summer camps; while rowing or ice climbing programs will be more limited. Even more limited will be the number of camps that offer concentrated instruction as opposed to general activities. Most camps, for example, do offer archery but not all of them have trained staff who know how to help kids improve their performance. If your child is interested in attending a sports camp, take into consideration what he or she is hoping to gain from experience. If he wants to improve his performance, you'll want to find a camp that offers specific instruction. Cost for these camps also vary widely depending how specialized they are and what activities are offered.
Technology Camps
Many technology camps can also be found under art camps. They offer programs in digital photography, graphic design, animation, computer programming and more. Some technology camps specialize in things like video game development or digital film production. Costs average about $650 per week.
As you can see, options abound for kids who want to attend summer camps! Now is a great time to start researching the possibilities and talking with your kids about how they might want to spend a few days of their upcoming summer!
Specialized Summer Camps
Does your child need a specialized programs? Aspen Education Group has summer programs for many different needs, from wilderness therapy for behavioral issues to adventure camps for kids with autism, ADHD, Asperger's syndrome, PDD, and even weight loss adventure camps. Please call to learn more.(866) 845-1389
Boarding Summer Schools
Therapeutic boarding schools can give your child a jump on next year.
Enroll this summer to catch up credits!
Therapeutic boarding schools help teens with behavioral and emotional issues, learning differences, and social problems. The following schools offer year round admissions allowing you to enroll your child this summer:
Aspen Ranch
Turn-About Ranch
New Leaf Academy
Academy at Swift River
Stone Mountain School
Copper Canyon Academy
Wilderness Works!
Is your teen struggling with behavioral and emotional issues that are prohibiting him or her from growing into a mature young adult with a positive future?
Wilderness programs have been proven to help troubled teens. Get the help your teenager needs to today to get them back on the right track!
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