Question
I wanted to ask you about summer camp, especially for a 5 year old. Is there anything I should be looking for? In the past you have mentioned using the summer to explore new activities. A lot of specialized (i.e. steam, arts, even some sports) summer camps are short (1-2 weeks). Should we try a couple of different things or just repeat the same activity the whole summer- so he is really immersed in it- provided that is an option? If we do a couple of different things it would probably all be at the same location, but not the school he attends all year. Or should we say summer is about relaxing and having fun and instead look for “fun camps''? Interested in your thoughts. Thank you
Answer
This rule comes from my husband who has 25+ years in education:
If our children do not have any difficulties with learning and school, then summer is a time to rest and do those things that seem exciting and fun for the children. In our house my husband made sure that our children had adventures and time to explore and learn in a different way than what was offered at school.
Those short camps are fun for children and teens, since they get to explore new things that they haven't done before. If its a STEAM camp make sure its hands on and that it doesn't feel like school.