Camps Are Filling Up Fast But There is Still Time to Sign Up Before Summer Starts

Camps Are Filling Up Fast But There is Still Time to Sign Up Before Summer Starts
American Camp Association - New York Issues Tips to Help Parents Make Last Minute Summer Camp Decisions

NEW YORK, June 8 /PRNewswire/ -- With less than a month before the beginning of summer camp season, the American Camp Association-New York (ACA-NY) is helping Tri-State area parents prepare by offering last minute tips and information on how to pick the right camp for their child. The organization has created Camp Wizard (www.campwizard.com) a comprehensive online resource where families can work with placement professionals to identify and locate the summer camp that fits their needs.

"We want to give parents the best counsel so they choose the right camp for their child," said Adam Weinstein, Executive Director of ACA-NY. "While many camps are already filled, there is still time to sign up for select camps throughout the Tri-State region, but it's important for families to first consider which camp is a good fit for their child's needs."

Typically, camp enrollment can start nearly a year in advance and camps often fill to capacity by late spring. ACA-NY recommends the following steps to ensure that parents still looking for available camp options find the best fit for their child:

-- Become familiar with the camp's mission and/or philosophy
-- Involve the child in the decision making process to get him or her
excited about camp
-- Visit the camps under consideration and ask questions. Also identify
the facility and activities to ensure they are right for the child's
development

-- Ensure that the camp has all mandatory accreditations, such as the
American Camp Association Accreditation or a New York State Health
Department operating permit



Summer camp remains a popular choice for children. "Camp plays a vital role in a child's total education by allowing a child to take healthy risks in a safe and nurturing environment," notes Dr. Michael Thompson, psychologist and author with an expertise in children's emotional growth. Camp enrollment has proved recession resistant due to the value parents place on enriching summer camp experiences. Most camps are at or close to capacity despite the current economic condition.

To search for ACA accredited camps serving the Tri-State region, visit ACA-NY's Camp Wizard at www.campwizard.org and register for free. Parents can narrow camps by county, age of camper, and areas of interest including if it caters to children with special needs. Placement specialists can also provide individual counsel and help find the best available camp that is the right fit for a family and child. ACA has also produced a public service announcement titled "Because of Camp...(TM)" that includes celebrity camp advocates such as Emma Roberts, Justin Chambers, and Blair Underwood among others at: www.campwizard.org.

About ACA-NY

The American Camp Association (ACA) is a not-for-profit educational organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of summer camp experiences for children.




Source: American Camp Association-New York


CONTACT: Katie Grijalva, MS&L, +1-212-468-2991, Katie.Grijalva@mslworldwide.com

Web Site: http://www.campwizard.com/