Five Tips for Getting Ready for Summer Camp

Are you getting ready for summer camp yet? I know it’s March and the temperature might still dip below freezing some mornings but don’t be fooled. Summer is coming! And you want to make sure your summer camp game is tight. Here are five things you need to do THIS month to get ready.

5 Tips for Getting Ready for Summer Camp

1. Go to a camp expo.

For anyone who is unsure of what they should be doing in regards to getting ready for summer camp, picking a summer camp, or figuring out how to pay for it, the summer camp expos are super useful. Be on the lookout for them in March and April. Life Time Athletic Atlanta is hosting a summer camp expo on Saturday March 4th to inform anyone interested about their summer camp offerings. Parents can meet counselors, learn more about what will happen during the day, and get cost information. Kids might be able to make a pre-summer camp friend! Private health clubs, like Life Time, often let non-members register for their camps too so don’t think those are off limits. For a good variety of options, Atlanta Parent Magazine is holding their Summer Camp Expo at Perimeter Mall on March 18th.

2. Make a logistics plan.

While there are tons of great summer camps, you have to figure out a plan for getting the kids there to make sure they will work. I try my best to have all four of my children at the same camp, but because of their ages and because I have one girl and three boys, that’s not always possible. To avoid running around doing drop offs and pick ups all over the city, make a plan ahead of time. Make sure you can get everyone where they need to be on time. Also look for camps that offer extended hours if you need them. Life Time has camps that run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. but offers extended care from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. (This service is free to members.) The YMCA also often offers extended care for children in their traditional camps.

3. Talk to your mom friends.

Make it easy on yourself while you’re getting ready for summer camp: Talk to your friends and find out what they are doing. What camps do they like? Which ones would they skip? Are there ones all the kids can go to together? Use the best source of information in the mom-universe: other moms.

4. Look for discounts.

Summer camp is expensive. And when you have four children, it can be crazy expensive. I’ve though that there are discounts to be had. Ask about discounts for multiple children, early registration, or multi-week sign ups. Even if discounts aren’t advertised, it never hurts to ask.

5. Register early.

Do. Not. Wait. Spots at summer camp fill up fast. This is especially true for the ones that are affordable, unique and offer a variety of ages. Yes, it is hard to think about getting ready for summer camp before the flowers are in bloom, you will be glad you did.

Check out the 2017 Atlanta Summer Camp Guide for more tips and information on getting ready for summer camp!