Don't forget to factor in your child's stage of development when choosing a camp. Camps help children develop a sense of independence and new friends in a non-academic setting. Knowing that Mom and Dad are elsewhere can help a child feel independent, but not if the child isn't ready.
The advantage of day camp is that children don't have to be up-rooted from their home, their room and their friends and parents. However, parents should still make sure the child is ready for a day program. Camp is the beginning of separation from the family, if the child is not emotionally or developmentally ready for it, it won't be a positive one, and the child will not grow from it. It gets back to knowing your child and his or her needs.
Most children have reservations about leaving home to attend overnight camp. Children may be ready for overnight camp if they:
A child may feel at ease about going away to camp if a friend, older sibling or cousin attends the same camp. Readiness may vary within the family. One child could be ready for camp at a certain age, while another might not feel comfortable at that same age.
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