As summer rolls around, most school aged children are excited and can’t wait for the fun-filled, steamy days of

summer. Children begin dreaming of popsicles and pools, cartoons and carnivals. No classes, no worries is the

mindset that follows with most. However, for the parents this is a different story. After the first few weeks of

summer, the initial joy fades and children begin asking questions such as “What can I do know?” or “What are we

doing today?” Moreover, boredom begins to set in. While some children are in daycare for the summer, all are

not. The children who are in daycare usually will have their days and activities planned out in advance for them.

The parents of the children who aren’t in daycare then must find ways to keep the children occupied and out of

trouble.


A day camp is great a way to keep children occupied in the summer. Not only are day camps fun, but many can be

educational. There are a variety of day camps ranging from academic camps, to adventure camps, to sports camps

and art camps. There are many other special interest camps such as fashion, weight loss and space camps.

Whatever one’s child is interested in, the likelihood of finding a camp they will enjoy is very high.


Day Camps are a great choice for children in the summer also because they can serve as an alternative to daycare.

The camps are typically within the same price range as a week of daycare as well. When a child becomes tired of

daycare, a camp that fits with his or her interest can be a great treat. Not only will the child walk away with

new skills, but they receive a mini vacation. Day Camps provide children with the chances to try new hobbies

while staying close to home. They often infuse the child with a certain excitement for a subject or area of

interest.


Educational camps allow children to catch up in areas or jump ahead. The break from school will often rejuvenate

a child’s desire to learn. So, why not take advantage of this and have one’s child excited about learning.


When it comes to the stay-at-home parents, choosing to enroll his or her child in a day camp frees up a portion of

there day. This free time can be left to recoup, run forgotten errands or catch up on one’s personal life.

If a good, respectable camp is chosen, parents will not have to worry about the safety of their child. Camp

counselors will have this under control. It is always recommended that parents meet the counselors and check into

the daily camp activities. This not only shows the child that they care, but eases the parents’ mind as to where

their child will be, what the child will be doing and who the child will be with.


Sarah Saunders, a junior, from Florence, Ala., is planning on opening a cheerleading camp for children from the

ages of 5 to 18. Saunders is an experienced cheerleader and this camp will focus on the basics of cheerleading.

The camp will be led by UCA All-stars and will take place in July 2009. More information about the camp and how

to register will be released after the first of the year.






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