How to choose the best summer camp for your kids


Before you start looking for a summer camp, consider what activities your child enjoys, whether it's sports, arts and crafts, science or outdoor adventures.

kids at camp
Photo: Ron Lach/Pexels

Family Features - Selecting the perfect summer camp for your child can be a pivotal experience, shaping memories for years to come. Offering unique opportunities for kids to experience independence, build lasting friendships and develop new skills in a fun and safe environment, camps can encourage them to step out of their comfort zones, try new activities and overcome challenges away from the comforts of home.

Because campers are immersed in a variety of programs, such as outdoor adventures, arts and crafts, sports, team-building exercises and more, they often return home more resilient, confident and with a sense of achievement.

Consider these tips to choose the right summer excursion for your child.

Understand Your Child's Interests and Needs
Before you start looking for a summer camp, consider what activities your child enjoys, whether it's sports, arts and crafts, science or outdoor adventures. Knowing his or her preferences can help narrow down the options.

Additionally, think about your child's personality and social needs to ensure the camp experience is tailored to his or her unique disposition. If your child is more introverted, a smaller, more intimate camp setting may be beneficial. A larger camp environment may better suit outgoing children who are eager to make new friends.

Research Camp Options and Reputations
Look for camps that offer the activities your child enjoys and have a good reputation. Read reviews from other parents and, if possible, visit the camps to get a feel for the environment. Each camp provides unique strengths, ensuring there is one for every child to enjoy and benefit from.

Check if the camps have been in operation for a significant amount of time and whether they have experienced and qualified staff. A camp with a long-standing reputation and a history of positive feedback can provide added assurance of a quality experience for your child.

Evaluate Camp Safety and Accreditation
Safety should be a top priority when choosing a summer camp. Ensure the camp is accredited by a reputable organization, such as the American Camp Association, which sets high standards for health, safety and program quality.

Inquire about safety protocols, including staff-to-camper ratios, emergency procedures and staff training in first aid and CPR. It's also important to ask about the camp's policies on bullying and how they handle behavioral issues that may arise.

Consider Camp Location and Duration
Decide whether you prefer a camp close to home or if you're comfortable with your child traveling to a different region. Proximity can be beneficial in case of emergencies or if your child experiences homesickness.

Additionally, think about the length of the camp session. Some camps offer one-week sessions while others might last for several weeks or just overnight. Consider your child's readiness for being away from home for extended periods and choose a duration that aligns with your family's schedule and his or her comfort level.

To find more parenting advice, visit eLivingtoday.com.


Clark falls in first-round match on college home court

Former UofI tennis player Zeke Clark
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

URBANA - Former Fighting Illini standout Zeke Clark hits a forehand shot during his match against Alexander Petrov, who graduated this past May from Illinois. Clark, who dominated Petrov in their two previous meetings, fell 7-5, 2-6, 0-6 on Wednesday at the Neitzel Family Open tournament at Atkins Tennis Center. Clark is an assistant coach for the Illinois program.


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Ilagan advances to second round at Neitzel Family Open

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
URBANA - Andre Ilagan keeps his eye on the ball during a shot against Karlis Ozolins during their first-round match at the Neitzel Family Open on Wednesday. The 23-year-old Hawaiian defeated Ozolins in straight sets, 6-3, 7-5. Ilagan will face the winner of the late-night match between William Mroz and Canadian Dan Martin.


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Horve and Illini tennis players in the mix for Neitzel Family Open title

Lucas Horve chases down a ball to his backhand
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Lucas Horve lines up a backhand shot under pressure during second set action against Benjamin George. Horve, a central Illinois native from Forsyth, defeated George 6-4, 6-1 at today's second-round qualifier at Atkins Tennis Center. The former Illinois standout moves to the main draw to face Noah Schachter, who has enjoyed a career-high ATP ranking of 727.

CHAMPAIGN - Sixteen matches are scheduled for the first-round main draw at the Neitzel Family Open. Seven current and former Illini tennis players are set to compete in singles play on Wednesday.

Kenta Miyoshi will kick the day off for the Illinois Family at 10 am, facing James Tracy. Ranked 898 by the ATP, Miyoshi looks to improve on his professional record of 31-22.

Senior Karlis Ozolins from Latvia will be heading to the baseline with his blazing flat serves on the same court, looking to upset fourth-seed Andre Ilagan at around 11:30 am. Meanwhile, on Court N5 around the same time, Gabrielius Guzauskas, who will also suit up for the Illini for one more season, will be squaring off with third-seeded Cannon Kingsley.

One of the four 1 pm bouts features two former Illini, Alex Petrov and Zeke Clark. The pair have met twice on the pro circuit with the elder Clark owning the series, 2-0.

Two more current Illinois tennis players, Lucas Horve and William Mroz, are scheduled to play at around 2:30 pm. Unranked Mroz, who advanced through the qualifiers, will face ATP veteran Dan Martin in their first career meeting. Martin, a 25-year-old Canadian, has achieved 61 wins against 56 losses in his eight-year journey as a professional player.

A recent University of Illinois graduate, Horve, who is unranked, will face Noah Schachter, with a 7-9 record this season.

Below is Wednesday's order of play at Atkins Tennis Center. Admission and parking are free for the public at the outdoor event.



Live scores and streams for Wednesday’s singles matches can be found HERE, while the full singles and doubles draws are available HERE.



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Neitzel Family Open second-round singles match schedule

CHAMPAIGN - Champaign-Urbana tennis players and fans can watch professional tennis for free this week. The Neitzel Family Open second-round qualifying matches start today at Atkins Tennis Center at 10 am, featuring athletes from around the world and two current University of Illinois players in the International Tennis Federation World Tour-sanctioned event.

Lucas Horve advanced to today's competition after defeating Australian Corey Gaal 7-5, 6-4 in the first round. A wildcard entry, Horve faces Canadian Ben George on court 1.

Also advancing from the Illinois tennis team, Tyler Bower will be on the court late this morning, facing teammate Gabrielius Guzauskas. Bower moved into the second round after Oliver Okonkwo retired in the second set of their first-round match yesterday.

Here is today's order of play for singles. Second-round doubles matches are scheduled to start at 2 pm. All matches are hosted on the east side of the campus tennis facility.

Starting at 10:00:
Benjamin Thomas George (CAN)[4] vs. Lucas Horve (USA)
Alexander Kotzen (USA)[2] vs. Cleeve Harper (CAN)[15]
Gavin Young (USA) vs. Osgar O'Hoisin (IRL)[9]
Connor Bruce (USA) vs. Nicolas Ian Kotzen (USA)[10]

Followed By:
Gabrielius Guzauskas (USA) vs. Tyler Bowers (USA)
Tyler Stice (USA)[7] vs. Adhithya Ganesan (USA)[13]
Kyle Kang (USA)[5] vs. Sam Thompson (AUS)
Aidan Kim (USA) vs. Ilgiz Valiev[14]

Erickson finishes second in local youth tennis tournament

Ivan Erickson plays in Tournament of Champions
Ivan Erickson, of Urbana, hits a cross-court backhand while playing in the Atkins Junior Championships on August 27. Erickson and partner Andy Yu, from Dunlap, took second place in the Boys' 18 Gold Division. Forty-six participants from Champaign County and as far away as Matton, to the south, and Peoria, to the west, competed at the University of Illinois' tennis facility's first summer tennis youth tournament.
PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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Photos: Sentinel/Clark Brooks