Summer Camps and Outdoor Programs 200 - It's Not Too Early To Start Making Plans

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Dan_Schaefer]Dan Schaefer

If you're a parent who is considering sending your child to summer camp or an adventure program next summer, now is a great time to start the planning process. There are many good reasons for this.

First, many camps and programs most popular sessions fill up quickly, with some even wait listing very early in the fall. This was the case with an adventure oriented youth camp (Adventure Unlimited) I worked for in Colorado. While serving as their enrollment coordinator, our most popular session was an early July two week horseback riding session. Most parents with children interested in this session knew to send their child's registration in before October 1. We still received a flood of applications for this session well after October 1 and had to direct campers to other sessions that may not have been their first choice or fit their families summer schedule as well.

In addition to having access to the best selection available, many camps and programs offer an early registration discount or an incentive of some sort to register early. Finally, while your plans for next summer may not be set in stone, many camps and programs will allow you some level of flexibility if you need to change the date of the session you have registered for.

If you're at a loss as to where to start in finding a camp or program, you may want to use a camp referral service. These services work to find summer opportunities that meet your child's interests and your families schedule and goals. Most services are free for parents (they receive a commission from the camp or program much like a travel agent). My service, Adventure Advisors (www.adventureadvisors.com) specializes in helping families find adventure oriented programs and camps. Other camp referral services include The Summer Lady (www.thesummerlady.com) and Tips on Trips and Camps (www.tipsontripsandcamps.com).

Whatever you choose to do, keep in mind that fresh air, time away from television, cell phones, computers, and even close friends can good for adolescents in the summer. Experiences at summer camps and programs build character and help ground soul and body, better preparing youth for the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead. If you would like to discuss summer options, visit any of the websites listed above or feel free to call (608-637-3644) or email (dan@adventureadvisors.com) me for some suggestions on summer options.

Dan Schaefer is passionate about adventure and helping families find appropriate programs and camps for teens. As a former Outward Bound admissions director and enrollment coordinator for Adventure Unlimited, he's worked with thousands of parents and youth through the selection process for finding appropriate programs and activities.