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18 Hudson Valley Parent n April 2014 Big thrills and life skills An age-by-age guide to summer camp By GAYLA GRACE S ummer camp offers all kinds of fun and character-build- ing experiences for kids of any age. Whether you're looking for a few hours of entertainment or weeks of intentional skill-building for your child, you can find it at camp. Age 0-5 Day camps offer the perfect op- portunity for young kids to expe- rience time away from Mom and explore new activities. Camp for preschool children focuses on free play, sharing with others, group games, (inside and outside) and sim- Kids gain independence as they make decisions and meet new friends outside of the comforts of home. ple arts and crafts. If you're sending your child to camp for the first time, make sure the schedule matches her personality and routine to prevent a stressful experience. Does there need to be naptime? Should your child be potty trained to attend? Would your child adjust more easily by starting with a half-day camp instead of full day? Are there appropriate breaks for snacks and changes in activity? It's important to find out what the counselor to camper ratio is for chil- dren this age. You want to ensure your child will be adequately cared for with a friendly, well-staffed team. You also want to determine if the counselors are trained to help with issues common to preschoolers including separation anxiety, potty training, and temper tantrums. The best place to find camps for young children is through day cares, churches, nursery schools, and local elementary schools. Specialty camps also abound through gymnastic centers, music schools, and sport- ing centers. Consider your child's interests and find a camp that fits to give your preschool child a chance to make new friends and explore new experiences. Age 6-11 Elementary-age children thrive at camp, whether it's day camp or stay-away camp. It's the perfect solution to sibling squabbles and long summer days. But it pays to do your research and find the right fit for your child. Camps for this age range from sports camps to music camps to aca- demic camps to church camps. Don't let the variety intimidate you as you research; start with the interests of your child and ask friends and neighbors to give opinions on camps their kids have attended. At this age, our kids have had the most fun at away camps that gave them the opportunity to try activities not available at home such as zip lining, archery, rock wall climbing,