With summer on the way, many Charlotte area parents are beginning to think about sending their children to summer camps. These can be great opportunities to let kids learn new skills, enjoy the great weather, meet new friends from outside of their school and get physically active. Luckily, there are many different summer camp options around Charlotte.

Many people look back fondly on their camp experiences as they grow older, and the sense of community that develops at summer camps can greatly aid in emotional growth and development. This is particularly true when children go to the same camp every summer and get to know others who share the same experiences. They look forward to seeing other kids who they think of as their summer friends, and camps often have special songs and activities that both create a routine and give kids a sense of belonging.

However, there are a few things that parents should take into consideration when choosing a summer camp for their kids. Camps can vary widely in the way that they are set up. Some are day camps where kids are away from home for just a few hours during the day while others are overnight camps that require children to spend the night. People should always talk to their kids about what they would prefer when selecting a summer camp.

Overnight camps may be better suited to older children who are more comfortable being on their own and staying outside the home while day camps are often better for younger kids who are not yet ready to be away from their family over night. Even when children are old enough to go to an overnight camp, parents should also think about how long the camp will last. They can vary from a few days to several weeks or longer, and parents should know their kids well enough to understand how long they will be able to handle being away from home.

Parents who send their kids to overnight camps that last for longer periods of time should also think about themselves and how long they will be able to handle being away from their kids. Many longer overnight camps only allow parents to visit on specific days, and this can take more of an emotional toll on many parents than they initially believe. People who feel like they may have trouble being away from their kids for an extended period of time may want to look into camps that have open visitation policies. In addition, they should also think about how far away the camp is located from their home. It can make a big difference having to drive a long distance to see their kids if parents plan to visit frequently. Luckily, there are over 450 summer camps in the Charlotte area, so it should never be a problem finding one that is not too far away.

Another thing that parents should consider before deciding on a summer camp for their children is their budget. Camp costs can vary significantly. For example, day camps run through places like the local park district or religious organizations are often very affordable, but people should be prepared to pay quite a bit to send their kids to a private overnight camp with amenities like swimming pools and dormitories that only house a few children per room. However, people should almost always be able to find something that is within their price range given the number of options that are available in or near Charlotte.