In Connecticut Summer Fun Starts with 2-1-1 Child Care
Need assistance identifying and evaluating the right Summer Camp for your child? 2-1-1 Child Care can help! We are THE source in Connecticut providing valuable information on selecting the right summer camp as well as up-to-date information on program descriptions
Year-round 2-1-1 Child Care Referral Specialists provide consumer information on child care options whether it is child care programs, nursery school, nanny agencies, play groups, Head Start and School Readiness Programs. Similarly, Connecticut residents can get help navigating the over 500 summer youth program options available statewide by calling 2-1-1 or 1-800-505- 1000
Our comprehensive Connecticut summer camp database includes general recreation programs, as well as specialty camps to accommodate a wide variety of interests. Specialty camps include those focusing on arts or sports, including basketball and horseback riding, and those that can accommodate children with special health care needs. Our Child Care Referral Specialists can also refer callers to campership programs that may assist parents in paying for the cost of summer camps.
Summer Camps are not a one size fits all decision. There are many options to consider: day, overnight, and specialty. So how do you narrow down your search? Together as a family, you can consider the following:
- Your child’s interests and personality (sports, arts, drama, music, academics, etc).
- Your child’s needs or limitations (academics, health, social skills, etc.)
- The experiences your child wishes to have
- The amount of structure suitable for your child
- Whether your child is a first time or veteran camper
- Preference of co-ed or an all-girls or all-boys camp
- Camp size
- Your budget
- Camp schedule
- Location
After you decide, a 2-1-1 Child Care Referral Specialist will provide you with customized summer camp options available. They can also provide valuable consumer information for consideration when evaluating individual programs such as:
- What are your goals, policies, and philosophy?
- How long has the camp been operating?
- What are your daily activities?
- What percentage of campers return? What percentage of counselors return?
- What is the tuition? Are there additional fees?
- Do you accept Care 4 Kids? (the state subsidy program for eligible families)
- What is the staff to camper ratio?
- What types of education and experience do counselors have working with children?
- What training has your staff received?
- How do you handle both minor medical needs as well as emergencies?
- Do you administer medication?
Simply dial 2-1-1 or 1-800-505-1000 for more information on summer camps or search the Summer Camp Program database yourself at search.211childcare.org