Discover Best Summer Camps in Los Altos

First of all, there are more than a dozen decent sites giving you information about summer camps in Los Altos. But then there are hundreds and hundreds of camps to choose from, and that can be a daunting task.

Consider this. In my own search of just los altos summer day camps, I found camps in categories like General, Arts, Sports, Academic, Horse and Religion-Affiliated. There were also offers programs for campers with special needs.

Another search for residential camps resulted in yet another hundred choices of kid’s camps offering nature thrills, adventure, waterfront skills and leadership training. Now, how does the parent decide with this information explosion?

I recommend a simple, but systematic approach:

1. Start with an evaluation of your child's needs and your family's requirements.

2. Create a short list of only 3 or 4 kid’s camps that meet these criteria.

3. Request brochures from each of the selected camps AND speak to their staff. Visit the summer camp if at all possible. If you find any reasons the camp does not fit your family, drop it and add the reasons to your requirements in step 1.

4. If all camps were dropped, go back to step 2 and select 3 to 4 new camps with your revised requirements list. Of the remaining camps that meet all of your requirements, choose the one that 'feels' best.

You can make your search easier by going to specialized web sites like “Way to Go program”.

As you are probably beginning to see, the focus should be on your family wants, NOT what the camps are offering. All the best, and have a great kids camp this summer!

Olga White is a retired school teacher and consultant specializing in after school camps in Los Altos. For more information visit: www.waytogoprograms.com