Remember summer camp? Rustic bunk houses, canoes, skits, fireside sing-alongs, mosqui-toes. That image is rapidly changing. Today’s summer camps are as diverse as the children who attend them, and campers have more to choose from than ever.

So many choices can make for a tough decision. To make it easier, break the process into manageable steps and narrow the field until you settle on a camp that is just right for your family.

Investigate the Possibilities
It is worth your while to do some research to see what’s out there. Be sure to check out our Valley Resource Guide to see some of the local offerings. Also check out the American Camp Association website at www.campparents.org, which lists more than 2,000 camps for kids.

Find a Good Fit
Think about your child’s interests: sports, arts, history, science. A camp can be a great way to cultivate an existing interest or a chance to try something new. Columbus State University’s new Activ8 program allows children to pick their own schedule. According to Kristin Barker, Marketing Manager for Continuing Education, children are given the opportunity to choose from more than 10 classes in a wide variety of topics. So if your child can’t decide, he can explore several subjects throughout the summer.

Children’s personal preferences and personalities should be taken into account as well. If she hates spending time outside, an adventure camp is probably a bad idea. Or if your youngster has trouble sitting still, a camp with plenty of activities that keep her moving may be best.

Age and Experience Appropriate
Most camps list an age-range, but nobody knows your child better than you. Just because the camp accepts 7-year-olds, doesn’t mean that the camp is right for your 7-year-old.

Also take a close look at the activities and talk with the camp administrators about the intended skill level. Your daughter might love the idea of a computer camp, but if she is already a computer whiz, she may face boredom. On the other hand, if she has hardly touched a computer, the camp activities may be too advanced.

“For the younger groups, we hire recent high school graduates and college players, who are young enough to relate to the kids,” Mike Carmean of River City Soccer explained. But for middle and highschoolers, Carmean hires coaches to help the players prepare for the future. For example, high school players are put through their paces by college coaches. “Besides hiring the right personnel, it’s important to have the right curriculum, too,” Carmean added. The coaches meet daily to go over the curriculum, which is tailored to each age group.

Overall Goals
The main objectives will differ widely camp to camp. Before you sign up, ask about the camp’s philosophy. For some, fun and exploration are at the core, while others focus more on fitness, education or discipline. Make sure your goals for your child match that of the camp administrators.

Valeria Marto, who heads up Drama Kids, says that fun is their top priority. “Our focus is really for the kids to learn to speak with confidence in a fun, relaxed atmosphere where they are not judged.” Speaking and acting games are designed to help the children feel comfortable, having fun while gaining communication skills.

The focus at Lucas Studio is more concentrated. “Our camps are a little bit different than the others you’ll find out there,” says Mark Lucas. “We tell people that our camps are for the serious artist. The focus is more educational than just having fun.” Kids need no prior experience, however. Because the groups are small, four to eight children, Lucas can work with the budding artists from novice to advanced.

Consider the Schedule
Most parents look forward to the less harried pace of summer. If you sign up for a day camp, be sure it works well within the family’s schedule so as not to disrupt the relaxing summer you envision.

Some families will also need a program with care earlier in the morning and later in the day. Several camps offer extended care for children of working parents.

Cost
While summer camps offer children wonderful experiences, allowing them to explore and grow, no camp is worth taxing the family budget. Look for additional hidden fees, such as material fees or fees for extended care, and consider meals and travel costs to and from. Some camps offer financial assistance, so don’t be afraid to ask.

If camp tuition is out of the question, plan your own camp. If your son loves music, for instance, attend several free concerts during the summer, and check out books, CDs and videos about music from the library. This way, the whole family can benefit from summer camp.

Supervision and Safety
Most camps are reputable, but these days it is important to know who will be caring for your child when you are not there. Administrators should be prepared and comfortable discussing the camp’s safety policies, so ask.

Barker pointed out that Activ8’s teachers are certified and all employees undergo background checks and a training program. And Carmean says that the River City Soccer program “has been running for 15 years. We’re under the Parks and Recreation Department, so we fall under their supervision.”

In the end, what matters most is that you and your child are comfortable with the camp so your family can enjoy a great summer.

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