The options available for day camps are almost dizzying. For the most part, if you can think of an interest area, there’s probably a camp for it.

The place to start in selecting a day camp is determining what type of camp experience you and your child are looking for. Traditional day camps provide your child with a variety of activities and experiences they would get at an overnight camp without the separation anxiety of being away from home. Exposure to multiple activities keeps things interesting and, perhaps, helps your child discover an area of interest they would like to pursue further.

Specialized day camps allow your child to immerse themselves in a specific area of interest or skill. Specialized camps range from sports camps to art camps to STEM camps and more. A more intensive dive into a topic allows your child to determine whether their area of pursuit is merely an interest or if they have found a passion that could impact future educational and career path choices.

Once you and your child have decided what type of camp is the best fit, there are still many things to contemplate in narrowing your choices. The American Camp Association suggests considering these questions:

• Does the staff get training in safety, supervision, counseling, problem-solving, and other issues unique to working with young children?
• Is the price all-inclusive, or are there extra charges for things like transportation, swimming lessons, horseback riding, field trips, food service, group pictures, and T-shirts?
• If transportation is offered, where is the closest pick-up location?
• Does the camp have an "express bus" that transports children quickly?
• If before- and after-camp extended care is offered, who is with the children, and what activities take place?
• Is lunch served, or do campers bring their own lunch? Are snacks and drinks provided?
• If the camp offers swimming, are there swimming lessons, or is it simply recreational swimming?
• Are campers in a group with a counselor all day? Or, are campers free to go from one activity to another with appropriate supervision? In this case, whom would you talk to if you had a question or concern about your child?
• Is an open house offered before camp starts where you can meet your child's counselor and van/bus driver?
• Are parents allowed to drop by for visits, or is there a special parent visitation day?