Tips for Choosing a Toddler Summer Camp
Sending your toddler to camp for the first time can feel scary, but there are lots of benefits.
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Should I look for a camp with transportation?
This is an option you may not find at all local day camps, but for busy parents who want to save time in their day, a camp that provides transportation to and from camp may be an important part of your camp search. Some campuses may be located in more rural settings and be a further drive, so you may want to consider if you’re comfortable with a longer drive added to your schedule each day.
Will there be a Parent Visiting Day?
What parent doesn’t love watching their toddler run around in the summer, a big smile on their face and exploring the world around them? If you are looking forward to a Parents Visiting Day to observe your toddler in action, ask if there will be one this year before signing up for any program. Due to COVID-19 precautions, many programs won’t have a visitors’ day this year to limit the number of people the children interact with on a daily basis.
Does my toddler need to be potty trained?
Potty training is an arduous experience, and every program may have different guidelines for how they may support it, or require it be done in advance. The age of your toddler may be a factor as well. If you expect to be potty training this summer make sure you speak with a program in advance to understand their expectations. Commonly camps will allow a child to come but require them to be in pull-ups, but it’s best to get on the same page prior to committing to a summer program. Some preschools may require your child to be potty trained, so if you’re considering potty training the summer beforehand then you’ll definitely want to have this conversation with potential summer programs.
What COVID-19 precautions are being taken?
Unfortunately, this is still a question on everyone’s minds this summer. COVID-19 summer camp precautions will likely include temperature checks and mask requirements. You may want to know if a program will have small cohorts or if it will limit camp size. You can ask about its sanitization process or other safety measures. Depending on your concerns, you can ask the prospective programs about how much time will be spent outside, if there will be contact sports, whether everyone will eat in a cafeteria, and if you have to pack your child’s own lunch.
