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Child Care

February 29, 2024

Navigating the Summer Camp Scene: A Parent’s 5-Step Guide to Finding the Perfect Fit for Your Kid(s)

By Bumo

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Navigating the Summer Camp Scene: A Parent’s 5-Step Guide to Finding the Perfect Fit for Your Kid(s)

The Question

What to do with kids during the upcoming long, sunny months?

It feels like the holidays were just yesterday but it has become customary for parents to start planning for their children’s summer vacation as early as January and February! With the second half of school well underway, parents everywhere are starting to look for summer camps and activities to keep their children active and busy while they’re still working.

Summer camps offer an exciting solution, providing a blend of fun, education, and adventure for children of all ages.

However, with so many options available, finding the right camp can feel overwhelming. 

Fear not! In this guide, we’ll explore some tips and tricks for navigating the summer camp scene and finding the perfect fit for your little ones right in your neighborhood, as well as provide you with some exciting camps local to us in the Los Angeles, Pasadena, San Francisco, and Santa Monica areas!

Researching Your Options

The first step in finding a summer camp for your child is research. Start by browsing online directories, community bulletin boards, and local parenting forums for Facebook groups. Many camps have websites or social media pages where you can learn more about their programs, activities, and registration process. Take note of location, cost, schedule, and age range for each camp to narrow down your options.

Define Your Priorities

Before diving into the sea of summer camps, take some time to reflect on what matters most to you and your child. Are you looking for a camp that focuses on outdoor adventures, arts and crafts, design, or STEM activities? Consider your child’s interests, personality, and developmental needs when evaluating different camp programs. Pay attention to the camp’s philosophy, values, and approach to childcare to ensure it aligns with your parenting style.

Some of our Bumo summer camp themes this year are:

  • Pokemon, Lego & Minecraft camp ๐Ÿ•น๏ธ
  • Fashionista camp ๐Ÿ‘—
  • Arts & crafts camp ๐ŸŽจ
  • Science camp ๐Ÿง‘๐Ÿผโ€๐Ÿ”ฌ
  • Toddler camp ๐Ÿ‘ฆ๐Ÿฝ

Ask for Recommendations

Word of mouth can be the most valuable resource when searching for summer camps. Reach out to friends, family members, and neighbors who have children similar in age to yours and ask about their camp experiences.

 

  • What did they like or dislike about the camps their children attended? 
  • Were the staff members friendly and knowledgeable? 
  • Did their children come home excited and happy each day? 

Don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations or insider tips from trusted sources in your community too!

Consider Logistics

When choosing a summer camp, consider the logistical aspects such as location, transportation, and scheduling. 

  • Is the camp conveniently located near your home or workplace? 
  • Will you need to arrange for transportation to and from the camp each day? 
  • What are the drop-off and pick-up times? 
  • Does the cost of the camp fit your budget?

Factor in these practical considerations when making your decision to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience for you and your child. Some of our summer camp locations this year include:

  • Pasadena
  • Los Angeles
  • Century City
  • Santa Monica
  • San Francisco
  • And more!

Trust Your Instincts

Ultimately, trust your instincts when choosing a summer camp for your child. Pay attention to your gut feelings and intuition as you research different options and interact with camp staff. It’s important to feel excited about the opportunities that your child has in front of them. At Bumo, we use the BumoTrust Verification process; we vet and evaluate all providers outside of our owned & operated locations within the framework of the 4 C’s.

  • Caregiving & Staff
  • Curriculum & Instruction
  • Communication & Connection
  • Cleanliness & Safety

Your child’s happiness, safety, and well-being are paramount, so choose a camp that feels like the perfect fit for your family! Whether your child is a nature enthusiast, budding artist, sports fanatic, or science whiz, there’s a summer camp out there waiting to ignite their passions and create lasting memories. So go ahead, embark on this adventure together, and watch your child’s summer unfold in a whirlwind of fun, friendship, and endless possibilities.

Join the waitlist summer camps.

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ยฉ 2023 Bumo