Summer day camps are fun and education all rolled into one. EAST COBBER has collected information on a wide range of wonderful day camps to fit all ages and interests, including sports camps, adventure camps, Christian camps, art camps, science camps, dance camps and more. Many day camps listed throughout these pages are held right here in East Cobb, and some are just a short drive away. Please note, as extensive as this day camp chart is, it is still just a preliminary listing of all the day camps available. We recommend you visit the websites noted on each listing for even more offerings. Editor’s Note: Our April issue will feature a more extensive Day Camp Guide.
Art Camps The
Atlanta Junior Rowing Association 245 Azalea Drive, Roswell 30075 770-835-5769 • www.ajracrew.com
Atlanta Swim Academy Camp H20 732 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta 30068 770-973-3120 • www.atlantaswimacademy.com
Camp Faith Faith Lutheran Church & School 2111 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta 30068 770-973-8921 • www.faithmarietta.com/summercamp
Camp Horizon (special needs)
Fullers Park, 3499 Robinson Road, Marietta 30068 770-819-3527
WinShape Camp 2509 Post Oak Tritt Road, Marietta, GA 30062 844-972-2677 • www. winshapecamps.org/cobb
*Extended Hours Offered
MAKING A GOOD DAY CAMP DECISION FOR YOUR CHILD
If you’re a parent considering summer camp opportunities for your child, you might consider a day camp rather than (or in addition to) a sleepaway camp experience. Parents often view sending their kids to day camps as a “stepping stone” to overnight camp. They might think day camps are for younger kids and sleepaway camps are for older ones. In some cases this might be true, but not always.
One of the advantages you have as a parent when comparing day camps to overnight camps (or even day camps to day camps) is that a day camp’s customer base is generally restricted to its local geographical area. This makes things easier for you to learn more about the camp. For example, you can contact the camp’s current or former customers for references, and you can even visit the camp before making a decision.
So how do you know you’re picking the right day
camp for your child? Here’s a three-point checklist to help ensure the day camp you choose is the right one for your child.
1. CHECK REFERENCES
Since day camps primarily serve local customers, it should not be difficult to find a few families who’ve attended the camp before. Talk to them about their impressions of the program. If you hear good things, you might have a winner. Mixed reviews, on the other hand, could be a “red flag” alerting you to research the camp further. But if everyone you speak with has only negative things to say, then rule that day camp out, pat yourself on the back for taking the time to conduct a thorough investigation and keep looking for a different camp.
2. INVOLVE YOUR CHILD IN THE DECISION MAKING PROCESS Research shows that kids enjoy camp more when they’re
EAST COBBER Early Bird DAy CAmp GuiDE
included in the decision-making process. Since there are so many different types of day camps to choose from, it’s important to match your child’s interests and personality with the activities the day camp offers. Accordingly, it’s advisable to take a tour of the camp and/or attend an open house together with your child. After you’ve toured the camp, ask for your child’s opinion. This can be a much better approach than unilaterally deciding which day camp your child will attend without consulting them ahead of time, as asking for their input means they’ll probably have a more positive camp experience in the end.
3. TOUR THE CAMP AND MEET THE STAFF
Most day camps hold open houses or organized facility tours during the prime camp enrollment season (generally springtime). These events are great opportunities for you to meet the staff, ask questions and see how the
camp operates on a day-to-day basis. You might even decide to attend several camps’ open houses for a point of comparison and to see where you get the best “vibe.” Attending a day camp open house or touring the facility is the single BEST way to see what you’re getting into ahead of time.
Camp is such a personal experience. You want your child to connect with his or her counselors on a personal level and admire them as leaders and role models. You owe it to yourself and your child to pick a day camp that your child will look back on later in life and say, “I remember that camp, and it was the best experience of my life!” Your child deserves the best. It’s your responsibility as a parent to put him or her in an environment where they can thrive, and choosing the right day camp can make this happen for you. Happy day camping!
