Summer Day Camps for Toddlers
Every summer, hundreds of day camps become open and available to parents needing care for their toddlers. Beginning the search early in the year for the right camp provides ample time to review each camp and what is offered. In turn, the decision-making process becomes more enjoyable and less stressful. There are many things to consider before making this important decision.
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Age Groups
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A responsible camp separates the kids according to age. If your child's age is at the cut-off requirement for a group of toddlers, consider your child's individual needs. If your child is advanced for her age, you may request she be placed in the higher age group. If your child has not yet met certain milestones, such as pottie training, you may request that he be placed with the younger group.
Structure
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Most summer camps offer a structured daily schedule followed by all camp participants. Other camps are flexible and offer activities through out the day that occur at an unspecified time. Consider your toddler's home life. If there is a structured environment at home, you may wish to continue this type of structure at camp. A toddler that has little to no structure at home may find it difficult to follow a structured schedule at camp.
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Special Accommodations
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Before choosing a summer camp for your toddler, consider any special accommodations he may need. If your child has a physical disability, is hearing or sight impaired, or suffers from poor social skills, there are specialty summer camps available to meet his needs. Children with food allergies or asthma also need special consideration before deciding on which camp will best suit them. ADHD and learning disabilities camps are other options. Toddlers feel more welcome attending camps that provide interaction with other toddlers with similar needs.
Personal Growth
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Summer camp should be fun and exciting. When your toddler is placed into the right summer camp, her experiences in that camp will build character and encourage personal growth. The toddler is part of a community at camp. Camps that provide arts and crafts stimulate the toddler's creativity. Knowing your toddler's likes and dislikes help determine which camp is best. Summer camps offer education, exploration and mentoring to all kids that attend. One week at a summer camp is equivalent to one month of after-school care. This amount of time produces great enrichment for the toddler. Choose a camp that provides the most enriching experience for your toddler.
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