Teens and Summer Camps: 30 Blogs With Tips and Resources for Parents

Choosing the right summer camp for your teens is an important task. Your teens are reaching those formative years where they are putting childish things aside and taking the first steps towards becoming young adults. As a parent, this leaves you in a bit of a predicament. There’s a fine line between fun and silliness, so choosing a summer camp that reflects their newfound maturity is difficult.

These 30 blogs will help you and your teen decide which camp is best for them.

Things to Consider
First of all, you should sit down with your teens and discuss all your options. Do your research so that you are not just randomly searching for general summer camps. Ask your teens what kind of summer camp they’re most interested in, then start narrowing your list from there. In these five blogs you will find some of the most common things to consider when choosing a summer camp for your teens.

• Choosing the Best Summer Camps for Your Kids
• Summer Camps for kids-worth it?
• Blog / Vacation Months With Excellent Summer Day Camps For Kids
• Best Seattle Summer Camps Tips
• Value vs Cost of Camp: What Parents Should Understand

Sports Camps
By the time your kids reach their teenage years, there’s a good chance that they’ll have an interest in a sport or two. If so, this may make choosing a summer camp much easier. Continuing sporting activities throughout the summer is the best way for your teens to improve, plus it’s healthy and fun, too! If you think your teens would get a lot out of a summer sports camp, take a look at these five blogs for some inspiration.

• Sign Up for Sporting Summer Camps Now
• Peer Approval Stimulates the Adolescent Brain
• Nine Tips for Choosing a Summer Camp
• The 5 Best Summer Camps for Kids
• How Summer Camps Can Develop Your Kid Into A Leader

Camps with a Difference
During their teen years, most kids will develop an interest in a particular hobby or activity. As long as it’s healthy and safe, most parents are happy to nurture their teens’ interests. When it comes to summer camp, there’s no reason why teens shouldn’t get to continue with their passion. With that in mind, these five blogs cover some of the more unusual choices for teen summer camps.

• Summer Adventure Camp Registration, Now Open!
• Send Your Kids to Cook’s Culinary Summer Camp
• 10 Really Different but Awesome Summer Camps
• Skip the Mega Expensive Summer Camps and Try These Unique Alternatives Instead
• Comedy camp helps kids hone their funny bone image

Education Camps
Let’s face it, some teens are never happier than when they’re doing math or solving some cosmic conundrum. These kids, who value education and learning above all else, may thrive in an educational camp that encourages and applauds their inquisitive nature. For a camp that will truly challenge your teens this summer, check out the brainiacs in these five blogs.

• iD Tech Camps Debuts Two Summer Programming Courses Using Kid-Friendly Scratch 2.0 from MIT
• Activ8 Summer Camps Prepare Kids to Do Better in School
• Take Advantage Of Vacation Months With Awesome Educational Summer Camps For Kids
• TOP 10 EDUCATIONAL SUMMER ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS & TEENS
• From Surfing to Science: Summer Camp Guide 2013

Children with Special Needs
Children with special needs each have their own specific requirements. Parents of special needs teens obviously want them to have the best summer camp experience possible, which means finding a camp that can facilitate all their requirements. Whether your teen needs physical, emotional or mental support, you will find some great ideas for suitable summer camps in these five blogs.

• Summer programs for kids with special needs
• 19 More Summer Camps For Individuals With Special Needs
• How to Find a Summer Camp for Your Child with Special Needs
• How to Choose The Right Summer Camp for Your Special Needs Child
• Summer Camps for Special Needs Kids

Security and Insurance
No matter what your teens’ wants and needs are, their security and safety is always paramount. If you have legal, health or insurance concerns, then it is best to thoroughly vet every camp on your shortlist. These five legal-savvy blogs will help you make the right decision and ensure that your teens have a fun but safe time at summer camp.

• Insurance for A Teen’s Summer Trip Abroad
• Protecting Your Kids at Summer Camp
• Kids’ Summer Activities Could Equal Big Tax Break
• Top 10 Summer Camp Legal Tips
• Summer Safety

Source:  Babysitting.net

Wellspring Camps 2011: Weight Loss Camps for Kids, Teens, Young Adults

Wellspring is the leading organization of weight loss camps for kids, teens, young adults and women. Unlike fat camps, boot camps, or traditional weight loss camps, Wellspring's scientific approach to diet and activity management helps campers change their lifestyle for the better, forever. In fact, 70% of Wellspring campers maintain or continue losing weight at home.

What makes Wellspring different?


The scientific Wellspring Plan, trains campers on the self-regulatory skills they need to return to a healthy weight, and offers families a simple and sustainable solution to supporting their child at home. We invite you to spend time exploring our site to learn why so many more families choose Wellspring than any other weight loss camp.

Weight Loss Camp Locations and Programs:

With 12 summer weight loss programs, Wellspring has the perfect program to meet your weight loss needs:

• Weight loss camps for kids, teens and young adults ages 11-24
• Wellspring Family Camp for families with children ages 5-15
• Wellspring Women's Program for adult women ages 25 - 65+

Whether you're looking for an adventure camp experience, a summer at the beach, or a camp close to home, Wellspring offers a summer of fun, friendship and fitness.  Take a look at our locations and start planning for the best summer of your life!

Learn more at www.WellspringCamps.com.  Read more.

Summer Employment, the time is now to apply

Start your applications today!

Is your teenager ready to get a job this summer?

The time is now to get your applications in and schedule your interviews.  Summer camp is a tradition for many families.  Whether you are involved in day camp programs or sleep away camps, it is a great time to make new friends and have lots of fun.

Part of that fun is generated by the staff of the camps.  Have you considered working at a summer camp?  What activities are your favorite?  Find a camp that has your interests and you may find your dream summer job.

Since 1999, MySummers has proved to be a great resource for applicants looking to work at a summer camp. Working as a camp counselor and watching the kids have fun is very rewarding. Campers always remember their counselors, and the impact that each counselor has had on their lives. For future teachers, camp jobs are a great way to gain experience working with and living with children.

To get started, sign up for MySummers and find out what jobs are open throughout the East Coast. Applicants must be 18 years or older by August 1st and a High School graduate.  Some teen programs go into different countries; Canada, Europe, Australia, Central America, the Caribbean & Virgin Islands, and more.  What an opportunity!

Michael R. from St. Augustine remembers his camp days as a counselor, "It was definitely one of the best summers jobs I had," he continues, "and helped me with my decision to go into education in college."
Learn more at www.MySummers.com.

Are you looking for a summer camp for your child? Visit www.CampFinders.com.

Read more.

Sue Scheff: SUMMER CAMPS AND SUMMER PROGRAMS

Can you even believe that summer is just about here? May 1st is only days away - so are you still looking for a summer camp or program for your teen or tween?Summer camps can be a great self esteem building opportunity for many kids. If you are still considering summer programs for your child - here are some ideas for your consideration.

Camp Finders® is a free service which matches children ages 6-18 with appropriate overnight summer camps and teen programs.Since 1994, Camp Finders® has personally visited approximately 175 sleepaway camps and various teen programs. During this time period, Camp Finders™ has been placing children in overnight camps and in the following teen programs: teen tours; wilderness camps & outdoor adventure; college enrichment; community service; sailing, SCUBA, & marine biology programs; foreign language programs and more…

Visit http://www.campfinders.com/.

For Military Camp Leadership programs - visit www.helpyourteens.com

Sue Scheff: It is March Already! Time to Start Planning Your Child's Summer Camp!

Camp Finders® is a free service which matches children ages 6-18 with appropriate overnight summer camps and teen programs.
Since 1994, Camp Finders® has personally visited approximately 175 sleepaway camps and various teen programs. During this time period, Camp Finders™ has been placing children in overnight camps and in the following teen programs: teen tours; wilderness camps & outdoor adventure; college enrichment; community service; sailing, SCUBA, & marine biology programs; foreign language programs and more...

For years CampFinders helped me find the most exciting, fun and educational camps for my son. Summer is just around the corner - find the camp that best fits your child's interests! It can be a great learning experience - meeting kids from all over the country!

Sue Scheff: ADDitude Magazine

ADHD Camp Checklist

12 questions every parent should ask a potential summer camp before registering their ADHD child.

This article comes from the Spring 2009 issue of ADDitude. Only subscribers can read the full issue, so SUBSCRIBE NOW!

Sue Scheff - Off the Books - Parents Looking for a Fun Summer Camp for your kids?

It is the time of year that many summer programs are actually filling up! If you child is staying home for the summer, check out many good books for them to read! Health Communications Inc. - www.hci-online.com is the home of Chicken Soup for the Soul and they have some a fantastic Kids and Teens selection.

Finding a good summer programs, such as Leadership Programs, can help your child build their self esteem to make better choices as well as motivate them to reach their highest potential.
If your child is starting to struggling in school, whether it is peer pressure or other issues, you may want to consider summer alternatives.

CAMP FINDERS is a fantastic resource for parents and a free service to help you find the perfect camp to fit your child's interest.

Visit http://www.helpyourteens.com/