A Parent's Guide to Summer Camp for Young Children

A good summer camp for a young child offers what a good preschool does, in a more relaxed, sunnier form: caring adults, friends, plenty of play and a predictable routine. To choose one, think first about your child's needs, such as toileting, naps and how they handle separation, and then ask each camp about the day's schedule, staffing, and how it handles heat, water and outings. In Florida, eligible four-year-olds also have the option of summer VPK, which is different from camp.

Is your child ready for camp?

Before you sign up, consider:

• Toileting. Does the camp require children to be toilet trained? Many do.
• Rest. Does your child still nap? Ask whether there is quiet time or a rest period, especially for full-day camps.
• Separation. If your child has not spent much time away from you, a half-day camp or a camp in a familiar place may be an easier start.
• Stamina. Summer days are long and hot. A shorter day may suit a younger child better.

If your child's preschool or early learning program runs a summer program, it can be an easy transition, since the building and adults are already familiar. Ask your current program what it offers for summer.

Where to look

• Your child's current school. Start here, for the reasons above.
• Friends and family. Personal recommendations tell you how a camp actually runs.
• Local parenting groups. Other parents often share which camps fill up early.
• Community programs. Libraries, parks and community centers often run summer activities. The Palm Harbor Library events calendar is worth checking for programs for young children, even if you are not looking for full-time camp.

Popular camps can fill early in the spring, so it helps to start looking before the school year winds down.

What young children do at camp

Camps for preschoolers are day programs, without cabins or campfires. Many follow weekly themes, such as:

• Bugs and backyard creatures
• Ocean animals
• Space
• Dinosaurs
• Art and music

Activities usually tie into the theme: stories, songs, art projects, pretend play, simple science and plenty of time outdoors. Some camps include water play, visits from community helpers or field trips.

Benefits of a good summer program

Independence and confidence

Trying new activities and meeting new people helps young children see that they can handle new situations. That confidence carries into the next school year.

Keeping skills fresh

A summer with stories, songs, counting games and conversation helps children keep practicing the skills they built during the year. Camp is not school, but a good program keeps young minds busy.

Friendships and social skills

Summer can be quieter for young children. Camp gives them regular time with other children to take turns, share, solve small conflicts and make new friends.

Moving and playing

Active games, outdoor play and dancing help children burn energy and build coordination, especially during long summer days when screen time can creep up.

Creativity

Singing, building, acting out stories and making art give children chances to experiment and solve problems in their own way.

Questions to ask about safety in a Florida summer

• Heat and sun. How much time is spent outdoors, and when? Is there shade? How often do children get water breaks? What is the sunscreen policy?
• Storms. What happens when there is lightning nearby? Where do children go?
• Water play and swimming. Is there water play, a pool or swimming? If so, who supervises, how many adults are watching, and are they trained in water safety? Young children need close, constant supervision near any water.
• Field trips. If there are outings, how do children travel, and how are they supervised and counted?
• Staffing. How many adults are with each group, and what training do staff have, including CPR and first aid?
• Licensing. Is the camp licensed? In Pinellas County, families can review inspection reports and licensing history through the Pinellas County License Board on the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County's child care licensing pages.
• Food. Are snacks and lunch provided, or should you pack them? How are allergies handled?

Summer VPK: a different option for four-year-olds

Florida's free VPK program can be taken during the school year (540 instructional hours) or as a summer program (300 instructional hours), according to the Florida Department of Education. Summer VPK is an early learning program for eligible four-year-olds, not a camp, so if you are considering it, check eligibility and how it fits with your child's school-year plans.

Summer at home

Camp does not have to fill every week. A mix of camp, family time, library visits and unhurried days at home can make for a good summer. For ideas, see our list of screen-free ideas.

Asking New Horizons about summer

New Horizons Country Day School in Palm Harbor offers preschool and Florida VPK; you can read about our programs. To ask whether New Horizons offers anything in the summer, contact the office or call (727) 785-8591.