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For decades now, summer camp has been something of a right of passage for thousands – if not millions – of teens and youngsters. And as such, summer camps have long been embraced when classes come to an end in early summer. With lots of fun activities to choose from, like canoeing, swimming, team sports, camping, campfires, hiking, and countless more, summer camp has become a time-honoured pastime.
But with the COVID-19 pandemic still a concern, many parents are wary of these kinds of close-quarters activities. Of course, letting your kids sit around the house all summer without any plans or structure isn’t a viable option either. For these parents, the rise of virtual summer camps has been a blessing, providing both a schedule and entertainment.
Now, as pandemic restrictions are lifted, some parents are wondering if in-person or virtual summer camp is more appropriate for their family.
Let’s take a look at a few things parents should consider before deciding on one or the other.
VIRTUAL VS IN-PERSON SUMMER CAMP
Both virtual and in-person camps offer kids a place to meet, interact, and learn with their peers. The advantage of in-person camps is the fact that they are actually there, together. Nothing can truly compete with the experience of physically being with other kids their own age. What’s more, this is often ideal for working parents who cannot be home all summer long to supervise their children.
On the other hand, virtual camps also offer kids a chance to meet with their peers. The difference is it’s from the comfort and safety of their own homes! These camps tend to be less expensive, typically only require a computer with internet access, and feature smaller counselor-to-camper ratios.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING VIRTUAL OR IN-PERSON CAMPS
Beyond the concerns regarding the pandemic, there are several other things parents should consider when choosing a virtual or in-person summer camp for their children.
New Skills
Both virtual and in-person camps can help kids learn new skills as they expand on those they already have. What’s more, there are camps available for almost any subject your kids may be interested in. Some of these activities, however, are better learned in person, while others are ideal for virtual camps.
For example, a child that wants to improve their baseball skills won’t get much from a virtual camp. Sports skills are much more effectively taught and learned in-person. On the other hand, many tech-based activities, such as coding, are ideal for virtual camps where students don’t need to be in the same room to learn.
Skills like music, however, split the difference with pros and cons for both virtual and in-person camps. Being in the same room as their music instructor is extremely valuable. In-person instructors can help correct posture and show how to play their instrument directly. But if you’re on a tight budget, or the best camp is far from where you live, virtual camps offer daily, immediate feedback for your child throughout the summer.
Daily Structure
Does your child require constant stimulation? Do they get bored easily, but stay active and engaged in social situations? Any parents considering virtual or in-person summer camps will need to keep their children’s personalities in mind. While both styles of summer camp offer an important structure to kids’ days, how they go about it is very different.
In-person camp has the advantage of children being dropped off at the start of the day, or even waking up there. Counselors plan daily activities and have complete supervision of all the kids in their care.
Virtual camps, however, rely on children’s ability to sit still in front of the screen for long periods of time. Depending on the activities and the child, this may be easy, or impossible.
Screen time
One major consideration that parents should keep in mind is screentime. Choosing a virtual summer camp means your children will sit in front of their screen for several additional hours a day. Imagine, for example, if your children’s virtual camp is two hours during the afternoon, and then they want to watch a movie in the evening. That’s four hours of screen time, plus whatever other screen activities they participate in, like video games or even scrolling social media. Many parents see this as simply too much.
That said, it’s important to keep in mind that most social scientists agree that the quality of screen time is an important aspect to consider. Watching TV or scrolling through social media are not very engaging activities. Summer camp, on the other hand (especially one geared towards their interests), is much more interactive and engaging.
When it comes to summer camp screen time, kids stay connected with their peers, they get a chance to socialize, and they’re learning new skills – all positive things that may outweigh the idea of additional screen time.
Cost
The final thing to keep in mind when choosing between these two summer camp options is cost. Although in-person summer camps tend to offer longer hours, more direct instruction, and often more activities, they also come at a higher price.
Virtual camps, however, are nearly universally less expensive. In fact, there are some virtual summer camps that are even free! You need only search for them. Depending on your financial situation, or the cost of commuting to your child’s preferred camp, virtual summer camp may be worth it.
Conclusion
In the end, choosing between in-person or virtual summer camps will likely come down to your children’s interests and personalities, and cost. Your best bet is to research the possibilities, discuss them with your children, and consider each carefully.
If your child is interested in growing their musical skills, take a look at the in-person and virtual summer camps The Music Studio will be holding this year and sign up while there’s room! All in-person camps will follow strict COVID-19 health protocols.
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