VANCOUVER -- It's what summer is all about for kids - to have some fun. These are memories that can last a lifetime. There's everything from sports, science, arts, aviation and music camps in the Lower Mainland -- where you go for the day -- or stay overnight. For most parents -- summer camps are a great way to keep your child engaged -- and cared for at the same time.
At Atlantis Programs -- camps are filling up extremely fast. Barb Gass is a community liaison -- and says flexibility is key.
Gass says, "July seems more popular in camps. So, if you can go in August, you might get more availability and also fewer kids there which might be good for your kids...a little more attention."
Gass says some of the other tips to keep in mind... look at the cost of the different kinds of camps available.
"It's not necessarily reflected in the camp that you get, because the most important thing in my opinion in a camp is the councellors and the instructors you're going to get."
There is NO governing body which oversees camps -- so be sure to ask a lot of questions. Ask for a curriculum. Check out the camp for yourself -- and try to meet the staff beforehand. Make sure the counsellors or instructors have experience with kids -- and also have first aid training. Criminal record checks are also imperative. As well -- ask about the ratio of kids to adults -- and ensure the activities will be age-appropriate for your child. Sometimes the best way to find that perfect camp is to ask for references -- or even ask around in your community.
If you are looking for a camp for your child in the Lower Mainland, here are a list of camp websites that can help:
Wednesday June 14, 2006
