Maria Rocco and Lucia Mingarelli, the founders of the Canadian Island camps: "How to choose summer camp for your kid?"

Kids are happy because the holidays will start very-very soon, and parents are scratching their heads by the question "where to arrange their kid" while they are at work. Summer camp is a great option if your child already goes to school and is not afraid of a long separation from his family. The Internet is full of suggestions! But how to choose the right place: that will help the child to improve the health, to learn new things, to meet new friends, and not miss his home? To your attention there are few important advises from Maria Rocco and Lucia Mingarelli – the founders of the children's language camps of the Canadian Island and the programs for mothers and children Me & Mom in Tuscany in Italy.

We are also mothers and understand the feelings of parents who want for the child to arrange interesting and useful holidays, and at the same time, to be calm and confident in the security issues. Our recommendations are based on personal parental experience and also on twenty years of experience in organizing children's camps.

1. To have fun, to learn or everything in one?

First of all, you have to decide on the type of camp: sports, recreation, language, professionally - oriented, etc. It is important to consider the hobbies of your child and first of all to focus on his desires. Modern children are rather pragmatic and they are not against a part of the vacation to spend on the acquisition of new knowledge and skills. Language camp is a great option to pull up a foreign language through entertaining and educational activities. For example, in the Canadian Island children act out scenes from "Lord of the rings" at the theatrical circle, learn the basics of ceramic craftsmanship, painting, printmaking and many other techniques, learning different dance styles – no time to get bored. Parents should review the plan of action before taking a decision.

2. Security in the camp?

Security issues need to be clarified immediately. Is there insurance in the camp? How competent the staff is working with children? Is the medical staff constantly in the camp? Do they consider possible allergic disease in food? What are conditions in which the children live? If we are talking about the safety and health of the child – there is no unnecessary and uncomfortable questions to ask about, the parents have a right to know all thoroughly until then, until they are calm.

3. And what around?

Ask what is famous for the location of the camp. Is it next to a clean beach and the sea? Or – it is coniferous forest and a river next to? Maybe historical places which are included in the program of tourist routes? Would be ideally, if the place will be different healthy climate and attractions. Camp Canadian Island located in the Tuscany region with olive groves, exquisite beauty of the hills and clear sea. This is the place where the monuments of ancient history blended in with the picturesque landscapes. Approximately 80% of the world heritage sites by UNESCO are in Italy, so travel to significant historical sites are included in program of Italian camps very often. According to parents - we know - the location is one of the important criteria that you need to pay attention to.

4. Psychological readiness

You can choose the most comfortable conditions, but if the child is not ready psychologically he will be homesick or will not find common language with the peers. Never send your child force with the parting words "you’ll see and you'll like it". The most important is the child's desire and psychological readiness to leave the family for a long time and be away from home. And no less important – is the mother ready to let go. The uncertainty of parents, the fears and concerns captured children. No need to worry, to cry upon departure and calls several times a day. Before parting speak with your child important topics: hygiene, communication with children and with adults, usage of money and rules of behavior, if something happens.

5. History and philosophy of the camp

To organize a children's camp – not an easy task! Most of the camps become successful and beloved children thanks to the warm atmosphere and the staff. Ask who runs the camp, their experience, the mission and philosophy of the camp. Gather feedback from parents whose children have already been to your chosen location. Don't hesitate to find out the percentage of repeat sales. From our experience, about 60% of the children returned to Canadian Island camp.

Maria Rocco: My son is in the camp conducts several shifts for many years. Moreover, I largely follow my desires as a mother. I ask myself, what would like my son? And I - like a mother – what would I like?

Family atmosphere in the camp is the key to a successful holiday of your child, his morale and health! Choice of the camps is exactly the case where perfectionism of mother is not a hindrance.

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