Summer Camps:10 things to know before enrolling your child.

Learning summer camps for summer 2021

The National Education has announced establishing "learning holidays," with schools open for those who cannot leave. On LCI, Jean-Michel Blanquer also evoked a device "of truant schools," with the possibility of "stinging the tent."

Summer camps: what they bring to children and teenagers

The interest of summer camps is to allow the child to evolve without his parents and in a setting different than the one he understands. Even if the separation sometimes becomes difficult, the child needs to experience moments away from his family circle. 

This makes it possible to strengthen their autonomy socialization capacities and learn the rules of life in the community. The opportunity for young people to live a unique experience, make new friends, and forge memories that they are not ready to forget.

Summer camps: how does it work?

A summer camp is a stay that takes place in a group, so privacy is more limited than at home. Children are generally accommodated in rooms with 3 to 6 beds. However, the children benefit from free time, which allows them to be alone if they wish. According to the different summer camps offered, the accommodation may be extra. 

The children are often all together, by age group and several per rooms. They also take their meals together to promote group cohesion. Songs, fun, educational and educational activities will punctuate their days. Finally, do not hesitate to contact the management of the camp in advance, who will be able to inform you of any questions you may have about the organization of the summer camp.

Which holiday camp to choose?

This stay, far from the family circle, will allow the child to get to know other environments and meet children from various backgrounds. Thus, summer camps are a good way for the child to take responsibility and discover the world around him. Going to France or abroad, cultural or sports camp, stay in a structure, a host family or in a tent.

There will be a camp that will appeal to your child. The rhythm of the colony must be well adapted to its age and its degree of autonomy. To avoid disappointment, do not hesitate to ask him what he likes and focus your research according to his desires. What is certain is that the more your child is involved in choosing his summer camp, the more he will enjoy his stay!

Summer camps: what are the standards of the structures?

There are several types of settlements. If you have any doubts, do not hesitate to contact the organizer and ask them questions. The more information you have about summer camp, the more you will let your child go there with a light heart. In addition, the same organizer can manage several summer camps. On the other hand, each has its organization and its team. To find out if the organization has obtained Youth and Sport accreditation, contact the Regional Directorate for Youth, Sports and Social Cohesion (DRJSCS) on which the colony depends. Any summer camp must be declared to the DRJSCS at least one month before the stay if it takes place in France and two months abroad.

Summer camp: how many facilitators per child?

This is generally made up of a management team, qualified facilitators, and a person in charge of the health monitoring of children and young people. There may also be other people such as cooks, cleaners, a manager, etc.

Summer camps: what are the aids of the Caf?

There are several aids to finance a summer camp. The CAF, for example, grants AVEs (Aids Vacances Enfants) to benefit families whose children are aged 7 to 16. The national agency for holiday vouchers (ANCV) offers either aid for holiday projects or the solidarity grant (BSV), which makes it possible to finance all or part of a holiday stay in France and Europe. . Works councils can have vouchers or holiday vouchers, pricing policies, pricing actions with associations. Finally, some charities can also help low-income or disadvantaged families finance their children's holidays.

Food allergies, medications. How to manage health problems?

Allergies, medication to be taken daily, disability, special diet, if your child has health problems, there are solutions and suitable stays. You have to remember to inform the team well and send the prescription with the drugs to the person in charge. Other documents on his state of health may also be requested. In all cases, a member of the supervision team will be responsible for monitoring your child's health.

What to put in your suitcase?

Before leaving for summer camp, carefully prepare your child's belongings, which vary according to the stay's duration, nature, and destination. 

You will likely receive an essential list adapted to the holiday a few weeks before departure. Pay attention to the recommendations concerning:

• the type of luggage (mandatory backpack, suitcase),
• sports gear depending on the activities offered (walking shoes, trainers, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, anorak, etc.)
• Business for every day (towel, sleeping bag, etc.).
• Don't forget to write your child's name on it with labels.
• Limit valuables (jewelry, money, cameras, smartphone, MP3 player, etc.) and find out which items are allowed and whether the children are responsible for them.

Can we call our children during the stay?

Summer camp organizations generally make communication with parents a priority. The parents always have the number of the director, and the camp headquarters is there to answer your questions. Sometimes, a time slot is set up to allow you to communicate with your children. If it is a traveling colony, do not hesitate to ask for a detailed road map and, in any case, a telephone number as well as a postal address. 

How to manage the separation?

Are you stressed about letting your child go? He also does not lead off. It's completely normal! Before leaving, try to reassure him by making the most of the vacation he is about to experience, by informing him of the return date and how you will pick him up. 

You can also entrust him with an object that belongs to you (a scarf, a photo, etc.), tell him that you will send him a package of letters. Also Read: The Soft Roots