Sign Up For Camp Early – Here’s Why:

Featured Article in Forest Hills Living

Camp directors are out promoting SUMMER camp at camp fairs, school events, community events and other family friendly venues already…but why do we start so early?

Of course, it is to our advantage for planning and budgeting purposes, but it is also to YOUR advantage as a parent to think about your child’s summer plans early on.

Campers Acclimate to Camp Staff and the Camp Property

Camps tend to host events throughout the year for their campers and prospective campers to attend. Some camps host these events on the camp property, and others will take over bowling alleys, arcades, etc. to hold camp reunions and open houses.

Each time the camper steps on the campgrounds or interacts with a veteran staff member, they are taking one step closer to a smooth transition on day one. It is extremely valuable for the child to know and recognize what the camp looks like, where their bunk or meeting area is and who they can ask for help when they need it.

Parents/Guardians and Camp Leadership Build Relationships

It is important that parents/guardians have complete trust in the camp staff responsible for keeping their children safe. Off-season events are excellent opportunities to meet veteran camp staff and leadership in-person and observe how they interact with your children. These interactions will reinforce your choice of program.

Enrolling early also allows you to complete camper profiles and medical information as soon as they are released by the camp. This gives camp leadership and the health care team time to read forms thoroughly and reach out to gather more information, as necessary.

Get a Head Start on Swimming

Camps that offer swimming will open or have access to their pools a few weeks before camp begins for training and inspections. Some will also offer pre-camp lessons on weekends so children who are new to swimming or nervous or just eager to improve their swimming skills can swim with camp lifeguards before camp begins.

Early Bird & Sibling Discounts

It is common for camps and summer programs to offer early bird discounts. Depending on the program, time of enrollment and age of children, camps can offer savings of up to $1000 or more per child. It is also typical for camps to offer discounts if multiple siblings attend. A later sign-up may mean one age group is available, but a second or third child’s age group may already be sold out.

Space is Limited

Many top-quality camps and summer programs sell out immediately upon opening registration or shortly after new families are invited to enroll. The demand is high, and families will recommend their favorite programs to their close friends leaving little room for new families to grab a spot for their child. Do your research now so if enrollment is not already open, you know when it will begin, and you do not miss out on your program of choice.

The more time you and your child can spend within the camp environment and around the camp staff before summer, the more prepared they (and you) will be for opening day.