Summer camps

First timers
Some parents may feel apprehensive about their child going to camp for the first time, or may worry that their child will not enjoy some of the activities, or will be too shy. This is understandable as attending camp for the first time is often the first time a child will be away from his or her parents.

If this is the case parents can always arrange for two friends to attend a camp together; this way they may initially feel more confident. Many camps are also tailored to suit the needs of specific children, for instance with a spiritual, sporty, or artistic emphasis, so a camp can be chosen where your child will feel most comfortable.

Camp can undoubtedly be a wonderful confidence booster for your child. When your child returns from camp, although glad to be home, he or she may feel a great sense of achievement; this may be one of his or her first major accomplishments, and the entire glory will be theirs.

Mum-of-two Sheila Johannes agrees. She sent her daughter to summer camp in New York at the age of 13:

'My daughter had a wonderful time. At first she was a little homesick, but the main difference was that she came back very independent. She met lots of different people and did so many different activities every day. It was an inspiring experience for her, far better than being bored at home for the entire summer.'

There are many different benefits of sending your child to summer camp. And providing the right camp has been chosen to suit your child, you are pretty much guaranteed to receive back a refreshed and all round smarter boy or girl.