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Consumer Focus: Choosing a Summer Camp

Summer Camp Just Isn't Right for Everyone Summer is quickly coming. Since we know that summer camps just plain aren't for every child, the folks at the FCIC began considering the many other activities available during summer vacation to keep children busy and help them grow as individuals. Research has shown that children with scheduled activities that keep them active and focused are more likely to be self-confident and less likely to become depressed or overweight. So the question becomes, how do you create a schedule of activities for your child during the summer months? Fortunately, there is a ton of information about activities available online. Some areas we think are worth considering when making plans for kids are: Fitness Community-based activities Arts Learning Volunteering Other Resources E-mail this Information to A Friend Other Topics in the Consumer Focus Archive Choosing a Summer Camp Top

Fitness Summer time offers great opportunities to get fit or remain in-shape. But, it may also be a trap that leads to our children spending their days inside enjoying air conditioning and eating snacks all day long instead of running and playing outside. And since planning kid's health, can have positive effects for the whole family, it is important to plan nutritious meals and physical activities that will give our kids plenty of energy for exercise and promote strong bones and active minds. Top

Community-based activities Libraries and local newspapers are great places to look for information about community-based activities for kids. Communities across America offer recreation activities to fill our children's days. Some community-based activities are location specific like: water sports at beaches or lakes, hiking through national or state parks, or visiting historical sites. Top

Arts Art projects are fun and entertaining for kids whether they happen inside or outside of the house. And there are tons of websites offering suggestions for projects. Government agencies like the Department of Justice, the Department of Veteran's Affairs, and the U.S. Coast Guard have kid's pages that contain coloring books and other games. For a centralized point to begin looking at art projects for kids online, Kids.gov offers a list of government and private web sites that suggest art projects that cover singing, painting, building, making instruments, and learning to play musical instruments. Top

Learning While physical activity is very good for our kids, we realize that summer can also be a great time to learn. After all, some days are rainy, and some days are just too hot to go out and play. Nowadays computers draw children's attention more and more, but they shouldn't be the only option for inside activities. The Department of Education has a website that links to a number of excellent summer reading programs. Ideas for educational activities can also be found at a number of government and private websites. If you decide to go the web route for finding educational materials keep in mind that historic sites and museums often have their own websites that can be located online. Top

Volunteering It is never too early to introduce children to public service. Volunteering in our communities gives children a chance to learn personal responsibility, participation in society, and valuable job skills that may lead them to internships or jobs. Top

Other Resources This is just a brief overview. For more information, check out these resources: Read these publications online or order them from FCIC: Catch The Spirit! Facts About Anxiety Disorders Food Guide Pyramid Helping Your Overweight Child Publications available for ordering from our Family Page Publications available for ordering from our Food Page Publications available for ordering from our Health Page *Websites:** Centers for Disease Control and Prevention FirstGov.gov Fitness.gov Kids.gov KidsHealth.org Recreation.gov * Names of resources and organizations included in this online article are provided as examples only, and their inclusion does not mean that they are endorsed by the Federal Citizen Information Center or any other Government agency. Also, if a particular resource or organization is not mentioned, this does not mean or imply that it is unsatisfactory. If you click on these links, you are leaving FCIC's website. Please bookmark us before you leave so you can return easily. FCIC is not responsible for the content of these websites. Top*

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