Choosing the right camp can be daunting—where do you start? It’s important to tap into your child’s interests, whether they’ve explored them or not. 

Marc Honigfeld, owner of both Trail’s End and Chestnut Lake Camp, notes that summer camps offer something that we cannot provide our kids at home—a stress free environment, where kids can be kids with other kids. It’s a perfect place to allow your children to be exposed to a variety of new opportunities and to develop lifelong friendships along the way.

While the process of choosing a camp can be overwhelming, most camps depend on word-of-mouth and reputation to attract young campers. Ask around, and find out where your child’s friends are going. The American Camp Association is an excellent resource, chock-full-of information on accredited camps, and searchable by age and interests so you can match the camp to your child’s personality.

We also found three standouts that can help kids to develop some new skills. And remember, moms, being homesick is normal!

For The Fantasy Campers
If your kid has dreamt it, chances are Pali Adventures has a camp program to make those dreams come true. Sprawling across 74 acres of Pali Mountain in California, this camp offers ten weeks of programming, divided into one-, two-, and four-week sessions. Is your child interested in becoming a chef? The Culinary Institute program is the perfect match! Is the older one more interested in water skiing? Then sign her up for the Water Sports Extravaganza. There are numerous others in the line-up including Acting Academy, Fashion Design Institute, Hollywood Stunt Camp, Horseback Riding Academy, Secret Agent Camp, and so many more. Pali offers ultimate adventures for all tweens and teens. Call 909-867-5743 for more info or visit www.paliadventures.com.

For The Sports Lover
Whether your child is the outdoorsy type or wants to learn a new sport, we’ve got the spot for you. The brand new Chestnut Lake Camp is a sister camp to Trail’s End, a sleep-away that has been enriching kids’ lives for the past 61 summers—both owned by Marc Honigfeld. Chestnut Lake, in Beach Lake, PA, offers three- and six-week sessions for kids entering second grade and up. This state-of-the-art facility offers a structured day program with many electives. There’s an Olympic-size pool, indoor roller hockey rink and basketball court, a gymnastics center, and a center for crafts and technology. Outdoor activities include wall climbing, a ropes course, mountain biking, and archery. Call 516-221-8800 for more info or visit www.chestnutlakecamp.com.

For The Rock And Roller
Do you have a Guitar Hero at home? Then Power Chord Academy's travelling teen Rock 'n' Roll summer camp sessions strike the right chord. Musicians aged 12-18 can experience a week of rock stardom on a university campus. Kids will form a band with their peers, write songs with a producer, record a CD, film a music video, and perform concerts produced by a professional live sound team. And that’s not all! A famous band plays a private show for campers—it’s always a surprise, but past year’s performers include Yellowcard, All-American Rejects, The Donnas, and New Found Glory. Call 800.897.6677 x80 for more info or visit www.powerchordacademy.com to find out when they are touring to a town near you.