How do parents know which camp is best for their child? That depends on many different factors including the child’s age, how easily he or she handles separation from the family, the child's interests and unique needs—and the parents own preferences. Day camp is typically the best choice for younger children because they can spend the day with other children their age and return to their own home and family at night.

For parents considering sleep-away camps, it’s best that the child be both old enough and emotionally ready for the experience. The American Camping Association and the National Camp Association recommend that a child be at least six years old to attend a residential camp. In addition, the child should possess a sense of independence, and the ability to adapt to nights away from home. Another strong indicator of readiness is when the child expresses an interest in going away to camp.

To help prevent homesickness at sleep-away camps, parents should select a camp that is close to home. It is also a good idea, if possible, to consider having the child attend with a friend or relative. Another way for parents to smooth the transition to a sleep-away camp is to arrange for their child to contact another camper prior to attending camp (the director may be able to provide a list of names of campers who will be in the same cabin). This way, the child will know at least one other child when he or she arrives. Parents should remember that most children need a few days to adjust to being away from home, so they shouldn’t panic if their child expresses homesickness the first few days of camp. Usually, homesickness fades with time, as a child makes friends and becomes comfortable in the camp's surroundings.

Excerpted from "A LifeCare® Guide: Summer Care." And “A LifeCare® Guide: Preparing Your Child for Residential Camp” Copyright© 2005 LifeCare®, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission from LifeCare.

How Can WorkLife4You Help?

WorkLife4You’s child care specialists offer 24/7 web and telephonic counseling, education, and referrals to help employees find summer camp programs that meet their specific needs in terms of availability, scheduling, budget, location, program activities, and more.

Employees can log on to the WorkLife4You web site to:

• Read helpful articles on summer camp programs as well as other child care and parenting issues.
• Download helpful guides: A LifeCare Guide: "A LifeCare® Guide: Summer Care" “Preparing Your Child For Residential Camp”, “Summer Options for Teens” and a variety of other helpful child care guides.
• Search for summer camp resources (by zip code, name, or other criteria).