How to Choose a Summer Camp for Teens

School's out for them, but you still have to spend the summer working! Summer camp for teens can be a great way to keep your teens occupied and out of trouble during those potentially boring summer months. Summer camp allows them to have fun and make new friends in a productive, structured environment. Follow these tips for choosing the right camp.

Instructions

1. Consider your teen's interests and hobbies. Summer camps for teens that focus on special skills, like horseback riding camp, music camp, swimming camp, adventure camp or sports camps are more likely to interest your teen than summer programs that are not specialized. They can also help build confidence and enhance skill levels.

2. Gauge your teen's maturity. This will help you determine if you want to chose a residential summer camp or a day camp where teens come home at night and on weekends. Some teens, especially younger teens, may not be ready for sleepaway camps or long overnight stays.

3. Consider costs. Many summer camps for teens have scholarships or payment plans. If your teen is especially interested in summer camp, have him work part-time during the year to help defray some of the cost. Your teen may also consider a summer job at a youth camp as a camp counselor.

4. Evaluate the camp's records. Check any summer camp for teens that you'd consider enrolling in for a history of injuries, neglect or state and federal violations. Ask other parents for recommendations and reviews of the best summer camps.

5. Invite your teen's friend. If you child is anxious about summer camp activities, having a friend at camp can mean the difference between a fun summer day and one that feels like summer boot camp. Siblings at camp can also ease worry.

6. Check to make sure the summer camp program can accommodate any special dietary or medicinal needs. If these needs are significant, consider attending a camp created around them, like diabetes camp, religious camp or vegetarian camp. This will help ensure your child's safety.

Tips & Warnings

• When searching for a summer camp for teens, be sure to ask for your teen's input. He or she will be the one attending, after all!