Summer Camps

If you are a homeschoolers, then your child probably doesn’t need the type of summer camp that is intended to baby sit children who are out of school for the summer. Many homeschool parents forget about summer camps all together because their families tend to do things with other homeschool families. Field trips and other educational outings are often accomplished as part of the local homeschool group.

So why might your sixth grader need a summer camp? Well, there are many reasons, but the two that I would like to mention here are: 1) for educational opportunities, and 2) for social opportunities.

In the case of educational opportunities, consider sending your child to a camp that specializes in something that your child has a deep interest in, or a talent for. One example here is horse camp. Last spring break we sent our daughter to a four day long camp that taught her how to groom, and tack up a horse, and the basics of riding.

The social opportunities option is to allow her to have experiences with other kids who might or might not be home schooled, but have an interest in common with her. Since our children do not need babysitting, we can look beyond just the need to stick our kids someplace, and look for opportunities that will enhance their education, interests, and social interactions.