If you think your little one is too little for day camp, think again. There are plenty of options out there for preschoolers, most of who take to day-camp activities like minnows to water.
Preschools and other programs that cater to tots during the school year often run summer day camp for kids as young as two and a half. And while it may seem early to be packing your barely-out-of-diapers darling off for the day (or even just the morning), you may not be aware of the benefits of day camp for preschoolers.
Many summer day camps for preschoolers offer swimming lessons. So, while your munchkin may not be learning a fancy breaststroke, he will have a chance to start mastering some basics of water and pool safety. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children learn to swim starting at age four, and that some kids can start at even younger ages if they are ready.
If your child is scheduled to start “real” school in the fall, day camp will give him a taste of what’s to come, such as having a structured day, following classroom rules, and learning to organize his stuff, chances are there will be a designated place for him to put his backpack, lunch box, and other belongings.
Learning to interact with other children, including sharing and taking turns can be a huge benefit of day camp, especially a child who hasn’t yet had many opportunities to hang out with kids his age. Even if your pip-squeak has been attending nursery school or preschool during the winter, chances are he will encounter plenty of fresh little faces at summer camp. Instant new pals!
Learning to make a break from Mom and Dad can be an invaluable benefit of day camp for a tot, especially since camp counselors, whose objectives are mainly to make sure your child is safe and entertained, may be more relaxed about dealing with distraught kids than a preschool teacher who views facilitating separation as a “lesson.” Of course, very few kids stay upset for more than a few minutes after being deposited at day camp or preschool. There’s way too much fun to be had!
Whether you have a newborn, a career to tend to, or a home to keep up, sending your tot to camp can provide you with the time and energy you’ll need to take care of business this summer. When your little camper comes home, you’ll be able to focus on him while he tells you all about his fun day.
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Want to know more about our pre-k summer camp? Contact Faith West Academy here and learn about everything our Christian summer camps have to offer! We provide three weeks of preschool summer care camps for residents of Katy, Cypress, Richmond and Brookshire, Texas.