MAKE SURE KIDS ARE READY: A few weeks of peace and quiet while children are away at summer camp might sound enticing — but parents should resist sending their kids on overnights if they are not ready, said Ginger Pauley, executive director of the Southwest office of the American Camping Association.
“Parents should ask their child, ‘Where do you want to go? What do you want to do?’ Don’t just assume that the child is interested in this,” she said. Plenty of local day camp options will keep kids busy while teaching them new activities and social skills.
QUESTIONS TO ASK:
Pauley suggests parents ask camp directors:
• What is the camp director’s background?
• What training do counselors receive? How old are they?
• What is the ratio of counselors to campers?
• How are behavioral and disciplinary problems handled?
• What food will be on the menu?
• Does the camp have ACA accreditation?
iD TECH CAMP
This weeklong camp at Arizona State University in Tempe lets kids learn about Web design and flash animation, 3-D game design and digital video production. When: June 12 to July 21. Cost: $699 Where: Arizona State University Ages: 7-17 Information: www.internaldrive.com
SCOTTSDALE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT SUMMER CAMP
The district will offer two sessions. The first includes activities like cooking, dance, drama and computers. The second is a “jump start,” where teachers will help campers review the reading, writing and math skills they will need for the upcoming school year. When: 8 to 11:30 a.m. June 12-30 and July 10-28 Cost: $200 per week Where: Cocopah Middle School and Cheyenne, Desert Canyon and Kiva elementaries
Information: www.susd.org
XTREME CAMP
Rancho Solano private schools offer a five-week day camp that includes outdoor adventures, messy science experiments and a variety of clinics. When: 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. June 12 to July 14 Cost: $776-$970 Where: Rancho Solano, 5656 E. Greenway Road, Phoenix Ages: 3-12 Information: (602) 996-7002 or
www.ranchosolano.com/summersession.php
HORSEMANSHIP DAY CAMP
Barry Yount Stables will offer two periods of riding instruction each day, as well as arts and crafts, swimming and lessons on feeding and taking care of a horse. When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 1-25 Where: 28405 N. 66th St., Cave Creek Cost: $300 per week Ages: 5 and older. Camp for ages 2 to 5 is offered for one week.
Information: www.barryyountstables.com
