However, children mature at different rates. Take into account how your child reacts during a sleep-over at a friend's house. Before sending your child to camp, you might try a weekend visit to the home of a relative or friend who has children of comparable ages. Regardless of age, a child should be able to perform some basic tasks before attending any camp. Without these skills, a child will have to rely on counselors as baby sitters instead of the friends, instructors and role models they should be.
Most summer camps provide a range of activities - such as swimming, hiking, archery and crafts.
But some camps specialize in a particular hobby, sport or activity. Baseball, language studies, computers, bicycling, fencing and aviation are some of the topics covered extensively in specialized summer camps. Identify camps that best fit your child's needs, interests and temperament. Talk to friends who have children and talk to the parents of your children's friends. They may have already gone through the process of choosing a camp and can share information with you.