From the Editorʼs Desk
Why Summer Camps are important for your Child
It’s a very common notion among Indians here that summer camp is only for those kids whose both parents work! I thought so too, almost 10 years ago. I heard many moms say, “I dont work. So my kids need not join any summer camp. They can just relax at home. They had a tough school year.” This notion has been proved wrong by many studies and expert verifications. Various studies seem to prove that kids at home during summer are more likely to play video games, watch TV or just lag before a laptop. With these gismos acting as their baby sitter (how long can a mother or father entertain them?) kids lose study skills and physical stimula- tion. As neighborhood play is limited to arranged hourly structured sections, they are most likely to stagnate more and play less. Please see page 32 for an expert article on this topic for more information. Summer camps need not be all study and no play. Fantastic camps which in addition to stimulating a child’s thought process are equally entertaining and fun. CDM, Emerson and Hacienda writing camps, Stratford, Elan, Appleseed and Delphi Schools, Ohlone, College For Kids, Rock-it-Science, Tech Know How, DACA Swim, Le Petite Baleen, Pacific Boy Choir, Basketball camps and Debate camps are only a few very good examples. There are many more. Check this issue carefully for your interests. There are some great resources for your child. They are interested in you because they know what most of the Indian parents want and expect from a camp. We here at the India Parent Magazine carefully selected camps that might be very interesting to our commu- nity. Just us. Because we are very choosy. From music to dance, science to art, swim to tennis, we have several summer specials listed here to suit your needs. Moreover, most offer great deals and coupons to make it easier for you to choose.
What does your child want? This question may sound simple but explore options with your child carefully before you decide and discuss these questions with him/her before you make a decision For all you know a summer experi- ence might change your child’s entire outlook. • What do you and your child want to gain from the camp experience ? Learn new skills, develop more self confidence, improving proficiency in certain areas, become more independent? • What are other expectations of the camp experi- ence? • What are the special interests that your child wants to explore? • Are there any physical, intellectual, or social limita- tions that should be considered? • What kind of emphasis will your child profit from the most? For example: Is a lot of structure desirable, is social interaction with members of the opposite sex important, or does your child need a place where he or she is encouraged to develop at their own pace? • You should take some time to consider what you can reasonably afford. • Ask for references of families who have had their child attend the camp. Speaking with these families can give you valuable insight about the camp and the families that send their children there. Finally and more importantly, involve your child in the selection process. Review your child's prefer- ences and let you child ask questions too. We, here at the IPM office, sincerely hope that you find this Summer Camp Special issue helpful. Please send your feedbacks and suggestions and we will post them online at www.indiaparentmagazine.org.
-Meena Yeggina
19 www.indiaparentmagazine.org
Summer Camp Special 2018
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