BySummer camps give girls a chance to grow their social skills and gain independence. When searching for a reputable summer camp for your daughter, look for options that allow her to develop new skills in a safe, supportive environment. Here are several things to look for in a summer camp for girls:
Accreditation and Staff Qualifications
Accreditation by the American Camp Association (ACA) is an indicator of a camp’s safety and reputation. Camps must undergo an audit of their programs, facilities, and protocols for health, safety, and risk management. The ACA is keen on staff qualifications and requires that camps complete background checks before hiring staff. They also recommend training employees in CPR and first aid. ACA-accredited camps should maintain appropriate camper-to-staff ratios for different age groups and have developmentally appropriate activities in their program.
Activities and Duration
A reputable summer camp for girls offers a wide range of activities to cater to campers’ varying interests and passions. Talk to your children about their interests and create a priority list of camp activities based on those interests. Some outdoor activities you may find listed in camp programs include swimming, canoeing, camping, hiking, archery, and horse riding. If your daughter is adventurous, she may enjoy activities like hiking, camping, rope climbing, and mountain biking. For an artistic child, look for activities like arts and crafts, ceramics, photography, and jewelry making. A camp with a performing arts department is ideal for girls who love dancing, gymnastics, cheerleading, or singing.
Visit the summer camps’ websites on your list and explore the activities they offer in their programs. Look for a camp with a mix of activities that suit your daughter’s interests and others that foster personal growth and can help them develop new skills. You should also inquire about the length of the program and select one whose duration works with your schedule. Programs can range anywhere from two to seven weeks.
Location and Facilities
The summer camp’s location determines its accessibility and safety and influences your child’s experience. If your child loves the outdoors, a camp located in a scenic area like a forest, lake, or mountain gives them the opportunity to connect with nature. When researching camps, check their proximity to your home and medical facilities, as this influences their accessibility during emergencies. Some parents may prefer to send their kids to camps further away from home for a more immersive experience.
Visit the summer camps you might want to enroll your daughter in and assess the quality of the facilities. Ask about the size of the sleeping cabins at different camps and how many campers each cabin accommodates. This allows you to gauge the comfort and space available.
Find a Summer Camp for Girls
Taking your daughter to a summer camp allows her to participate in healthy activities and socialize with girls who share similar interests. It can also expose her to new interests and hobbies she might not encounter elsewhere. Enroll your daughter in a summer camp program today to encourage physical activity, creativity, and personal growth.
