[2:0:T]So you've decided you want your child to go to summer camp? Before getting camp information you should have a goal in mind. Make a list of things you feel you want your kid to gain from a summer camp experience. Make sure it's not just about activities. What about a camp's physical attributes, like cabins or tents? Is it a small, personal camp or a large camp with loads of campers? Once you have this information, you can create a check list to help compare camps and narrow down your search for the bestKids Summer Camps.

Next, take your top six or seven camp choices and e-mail each camp director to get the information about that camp. Most camps not only have a paper brochure but will offer a promotional DVD as well. A video will certainly give you a chance to see what a children's summer camp is about, but it is still a promotional tool ~ think of the DVD as a more sophisticated brochure for that camp.

Once all the information has arrived and you have had a chance to look at it and discard any from camps that you do not think will meet your needs, it will be time to share the information with your child. View the camp DVD with your child, and listen carefully to his or her comments. This will give you a good idea about what is important to your child about a camp. Be sure to explain to your new camper that the videos are advertisements, and that the camp may not exactly match the video.

While viewing the DVD watch the little details for clues that will give you an inside look at the camp's philosophy and strengths. While you're watching, look for the following information:

-How recent is the video? Guess the time the video was filmed, based on the campers' clothing and the background music. No matter how recent the video appears to be, ask the director what has changed and been added to the program since its production.

-Do the kids in the video look like they're having fun? What activities are they doing, and would your child enjoy them?

-How old is the video? If there is no date, then estimate the age based on the campers' clothing and the background music. No matter how recent the video appears to be, you should ask the camp director what has changed or been added to the video program since its filming.

-What philosophies does the video suggest? Does the video seem to complement the philosophies expressed in the camp's printed materials?

-Do the kids look like they're having fun? What activities are they involved in? Are they activities you can anticipate your child will enjoy?

-What philosophical qualities does the video stress? Does the video seem to be consistent with and complement the philosophies expressed in the camp's printed materials?

-What was your and your child's general impression after watching? Sometimes a gut instinct may tell you what you need to know.

DVDs are a wonderful way to get a feel about each individual children's summer camp, but it should not be the only factor in the important decision about a camp. Be sure to talk to the camp directors and talk to campers' parents.

If this is your first time looking for a summer camp please go to Summer Camp Advice a FREE online reference that helps parents figure out what Best Summer Camps is about