Whether you're looking for enrichment for your child, a way to keep your kids occupied and supervised while you work, or a short reprieve from parenting, there's sure to be a summer camp that's the right fit for your child and family.

The benefits of summer camp

Summer camp offers kids plenty of benefits, and many kids thrill at the idea of going away to summer camp. Still, for some kids, particularly those who are shy, introverted or homebodies, the thought of going away for a night, let alone a week or more, can cause considerable anxiety. When kids are adamantly opposed, forcing summer camp on them may not be in their best interest.

But for kids who are eager — or at least willing to give it a shot without much fuss — summer camp offers opportunities kids may not have elsewhere. Summer camp provides kids with the following benefits:

· A chance to foster independence

· A place to develop new and lasting friendships

· Development of new skills

· Discovery of new interests and hobbies

· Opportunity for creative expression

· A break from being plugged in

· Daily exercise

· Improved self-esteem

· Learning to work with others

· Feeling part of a community

· Prevention or reduction of summer learning loss

Getting started in your search

Before you begin looking into summer camps, create a list of the criteria you're looking for. Here are some questions you'll want to consider.

· What is your budget?

· What is the purpose of sending your child to summer camp?

· Do you want a resident (overnight) or a day camp?

· Are you looking for a short-term (week or two) or summer-long program?

· Do you want a camp that's very structured or one that provides your child with lots of freedom and choices?

· What are your child's passions, such as a particular sport, hobby or other interest?

Once you've narrowed down some criteria, you can begin your search. New Mexico Kids! publishes a directory of summer activities every year, and many summer camps also place advertisements in the magazine. Look for them in this issue and the May/June issue. Also visit www.summercamps.com where you can search by zip code or category.

The American Camp Association (ACA) accredits summer camps and is another excellent place to look. The ACA educates camp owners and directors in health and safety for staff and campers, as well as program quality.

Next steps to finding the perfect summer camp

Once you've selected a few summer camps that meet your primary criteria and fit your child's interests, share the choices with your child to see what excites them. Be sure to let your child know upfront that you still need to thoroughly investigate the camp(s) before making a final decision. But keep your child's choices in mind to ensure they get the most out of camp. Once you and your child have narrowed the list, you'll want to investigate the camps further. There are several things you'll want to consider.

What are the staff's qualifications?

Many summer camps use teens to staff the camps. Teens make excellent mentors and can bring liveliness to camp programs. However, the programs themselves should be developed by professionals and have professional oversight to ensure kids are getting the most from their experience. 

How does the camp ensure your child's safety?

Find out what kind of safety training the camp provides its staffers. Also, is there staff on hand at all times that knows CPR? What are the camp's procedures in the event your child becomes ill, has an accident or has an emergency?

Families at high risk or concerned about COVID-19 should ask what precautions the camp takes to prevent the spread of disease and how they handle children who become ill.

What is the daily plan for campers?

Ask for a daily schedule, so you know your child will be getting everything you and your child anticipate from the program.

What are the rules?

Each camp has its own set of rules. So, find out whether your child is allowed to call you. If it's a summer-long residential camp, can parents visit? Can kids take along a cell phone or electronics? Also, how much money can they take, and how is it managed?

Don't sweat it

Keep in mind, although there are many great camps, no camp is likely to offer everything precisely the way you want it. Choose the one that best fits your child and satisfies your most important criteria. Remember, your child will have many summers to come and plenty more opportunities to work in more exciting camp experiences.