child upside down on playground
Summer is right around the corner. What will your family be doing once school gets out at the beginning of June? Taking a wait-and-see approach to the summer months can breed disaster for Southwest Florida parents. When it comes to summer camps and educational opportunities, it is important to plan ahead, gather information, and make informed decisions, rather than waiting and making decisions by default or out of desperation. Almost every camp available in the Naples area fills up very quickly, so it is important to register early and get your family excited about an amazing summer!
Family Needs
In searching for summer opportunities, it is always wise to start with family needs. If all parents or care providers work full-time, you will need to sign up for a full-time, all-summer program with hours that meet your family’s needs for care. If you are planning a vacation during the month of July for two weeks, you will need to select a program that allows for this type of absence, or one that allows families to sign up by the week. Maybe your child requires an educational support program or enrichment program. Your unique requirements, particularly as they relate to childcare, will drive decisions regarding summer camp.
Goals and Objectives
Do you have some goals related to your child’s growth and development over the summer? What activities do your children enjoy? What are some areas your child is passionate about? If your child is beginning (or continuing) to show some aptitude for a skill or displays a passion for an area of study, select one or two weeks of summer camps for your child in this particular field. There are summer camps available in Naples in almost any niche or hobby, including sports, theater, music, art, dance, and martial arts. Many of these camps offer a focus in one particular skill, and yet offer varied activities throughout the day as well.
Budget
Yes, there are a variety of summer opportunities available. And yes, they are all varied and unique in terms of focus and goals. And no, they are not all created equal in terms of pricing. Be sure to set some expectations for your family in terms of what you’d like to spend over the course of the summer. This might mean constraining the amount of time spent in summer camps in order to allow for your children to pursue an area of study they are really excited about.
Location and Logistics
The location of the camp itself, the start and end times (don’t forget to note the times for before- and after-care), and the expectations on parents in terms of participation may constrain your family’s summer camp selections. Before taking on a summer camp that requires a long drive to a location far from your house, consider the start time and the effort involved during a time of year when a relaxed culture often permeates most families’ homes. A few local camps provide transportation from central locations. Check for availability and pricing with each camp.
Some summer camps may involve a longer day than your child may be prepared to take on later in the summer months as well. It is important to plan for and consider your children’s needs as you make decisions.
Educate Yourself
As a parent, one of the best ways to select a summer camp (or summer camps) for your child is to gather information in person. This will give you the best sense of the individual programs, and give you the opportunity to get all your questions answered. Visiting the facility can be beneficial in your search for a great summer program match for your family.
Remember – it is never too early to plan for a great summer!
See our summer camp directory here.
Anna Futrell has a bachelor’s in English and Secondary Education from Wheaton College. Anna and her husband, Jim have a daughter, Windley. Anna is passionate about writing, cooking, running, playing the piano, and encouraging other new moms in their journey.