Homeschool and Summer Camp?

It's that time of year once again! Summertime is just around the corner. For parents of kids in public schools, this often brings about a very difficult decison. What do I do to keep my children occupied, or otherwise out of trouble? Read on for an interesting answer to that question.

I found this article about Homeschool summer camps to be very interesting. For any of you parents wondering what to do as the season rolls around, I suggest you read this article. Very good stuff!

By the way, if you enjoyed this article, please feel free to use it (as long as you keep it intact). And whether you enjoyed it or not, particularly if you are a homeschooling parent, please go ahead and leave a comment!

Regardless, of no age, grade level or religious background. (http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/homeschool.htm) Home School Summer Camps provide a place where children can be self-reliant, which we all know is a major part of growing up. Councilors take the place of parent for a few short weeks, modeling perseverance, listening, teamwork and appreciation of differences. This helps children see the behavioral standards you try to teach are world norms and in turn brings their new found independence in line with your teachings.

How do you know you are picking the right camp for your homeschooler? I suggest you first look for a small camp, that can give your child individual attention. Often Home Schooled children get lost in the crowd. When picking a camp do your work in advance this will help ensure that your child has an enjoyable summer.

Summer Camp Benefits For Children Residential (overnight) camp offers home schooled children a wonderful opportunity to socialize with other children in a new and exciting environment. Often long-lasting friendships are forged at summer camps each year. Campers often return year after year making camp their summer home. Some continue on till they are past camper age and participate in a Counselor in Training program for teens or even become counselors passing on the traditions of summer camp.

Jeff Lorenz Owner of Swift Nature Camp an (http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com)  Children's Summer Camp in Wisconsin says "Summer Camp provides children the chance to assume leadership roles within the cabin. Without parents or siblings around campers often show their true colors and excel in leading thus improving their confidence level".

The many activities available at summer camp gives children the opportunities to try new things and discover new skills. From canoeing and Arts & Crafts to Swimming, Hiking and Horseback riding the list of activities available at different camps are of the utmost benefit to the children who attend.

Tips To Choosing the Right Summer Camp Look for a summer camp program that fits a child's comfort level. If the child has never been away from home and is 8 and under a day camp program may be more suitable. If he's used to overnights away from home a residential camp may be a better fit. Usually overnight camps start at around age 8. But do not be afraid to challenge your child by giving him or her new opportunities. We all know that often home schooled children are a bit more attached to their family members. This may mean that you need to work a little harder to get them ready for an overnight camp. But chances are it will be well worth the effort

There is comfort in the familiar so a traditional summer camp that provides opportunities in many different activity areas is a good choice. This gives a child comfort in some areas while giving them other activities that will challenge them to leave their zone of comfort.

Many summer camps offer an open house day early in the season that allows parents and children to come and visit for a day and tour the grounds. Some even offer work weekends, which are a great way to get to know the staff and the grounds. This is a perfect venue to put a child's fears at ease and make sure a camp is the right one.

References from past campers are wonderful tools in deciding if a camp is a good fit. These folks can even make your child feel more comfortable in their decision. Be sure to ask them about their feelings, activities and experiences. Older campers are very happy to share their family home with new campers and tell how camp has shaped their lives.

Checking for accreditation is also a vital step in choosing a camp. Most provinces and states have a camping authority, which holds camps using their logo to a set of standards far above a camp not operating under their banner. Check that the camps you are looking at are (ACA) American Camp Association approved.

Talk to the Camp Directors, this is probably the most important. Forming a personal relationship helps ensure you are making the right decision. In this age of internet websites its easy to make a decision with out ever had personal contact with the directors or owner. If you are not confident in your decision after following all of these steps, the camp your looking at is probably not the right one for your child.

For more information onsee SummerCampAdvice.com, A free website giving parents information on finding that perfect summer camp for their child.

Swift Nature Camp is a (http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/overnight.htm) Overnight Summer Camp for boys and girls ages 6-15. The focus is to blend traditional summer camp activities with that of a (http://www.swiftnaturecamp.com/science-atcamp.htm) Science Summer Camp. A first time camper program is available as well.