Summer camp is a rite of passage for many kids, but choose the wrong one, and you'll hear about it for years to come. It's important to decide whether your child is ready for sleepaway camp or if day camp is the way to go. Kids as young as 6 years old can attend sleepaway camps - but should they? It's a judgment call on your part as a parent. Some kids as old as 10 aren't ready; it just depends on the child. If she's regularly spending the night away from home with friends or relatives, then she probably wouldn't have a problem with it. Be sure your child can read the camp schedule easily and can bathe herself as well. Staying at a camp away from home for a couple of weeks can bring out talents and problem-solving skills your child may not have known she had - a super confidence builder that lasts a long time.
Many kids who go to camp away from home find that unplugging helps them explore other interests, such as reading and sports they've never tried. Assess the personality and interests of your child as you choose a camp; it's best to choose something she really loves instead of immersing her in day after day of a new activity that she may not like. Some camps focus on one activity, like a sport, so if your child gets bored easily, then you may want to look for a camp that has many activities to choose from. Many day camps are set up the same way, with several activities throughout the day. Look into area private schools and universities for diverse day camp opportunities. Many schools offer two-week blocks in which they focus on one activity, then switch at the conclusion of the block. A camp that offers a morning session, lunch and an afternoon session may be convenient for working parents - some even offer extended-day care. Try googling "summer day camps" to search for camps in your area that could be a perfect fit.