Yeah! Summer Camp or.... Ugh!!

These are from my daughter's books she made but you can't see the writing because it is pencil.

Today was the last day of art camp for my daughter. She had an opportunity to learn about how different illustrators created their pictures in different children’s books (Eric Carle, Tomie De’Paola, Maurice Sendak, Miles the Crocodile Plays the colors of Jazz) and then use the same materials to write and illustrate their own books.

This week I have contemplated the pros and cons of summer camp. When I posed the question online, most searches focused on away or outdoor camps. Most searches provided pros to camp but there were not a lot of current data on the question. As a teacher, I wonder what other teachers do in the summer with their children? Do they feel compelled to send their child to camp? Would they prefer to be at home and take day trips or family vacations? Do they choose a combination of camps and day/vacation time? What do you do?

I decided to make a pros and cons list of my own and then I thought about all of the things that could be done for either free or for a small price with families and friends. I would like to send the question out there and find out your thoughts. Pros and cons of camp or what do you do?

Here are my thoughts:

Pros of summer art camp ( I just used this for an example since it is relevant for me. It could be another type of camp, maybe an away camp.)

Use your imagination
Help your mind develop
Chance for self expression
Improve self confidence
Explore variety of mediums
Promote social skills-meet new people
Give structure
Improve self confidence
Opportunity for integration of art and writing
Fun
Gives parents a break

Cons

Expensive-sometimes additional materials fee or cost of gas to get to camp and back
Finding a worthwhile camp in your area
You child is unhappy but you made a financial commitment-lesson to be taught about commitments
Your schedule is effected
Reluctance of your child to attend-is it worth the battle?
Your child doesn’t like the instructor

Alternatives

(I am lucky enough to live in an area where many of these activities are easily accessible. Also, it is important to try and get coupons for things. I love Groupon for this!)