Summer camp is as much an American tradition as apple pie. In fact, over six million American kids go to camp each summer. Years ago, children escaped the summer heat of the city by going to the country for a few weeks. Today, our children have different reasons for making camp part of their lives.

Ask any kids why they want to go to camp and you're likely to hear the same two words: "fun" and "friends." With that tidbit of information, along with the plethora of possible camps available, finding a camp shouldn't be too difficult, right? Think again. With so many topnotch camps out there, how do you find the one that's a good match for your child?

It starts with a great environment, great counselors, and a great schedule.

Going to camp often places your child in an unfamiliar environment with new surroundings and new children. A good camp smoothes this transition. A great camp, given these factors, can be an especially supportive place for kids to try new things. The camp environment should make it easier to take on new challenges without worrying about what others will think. And, the right counselors encourage that behavior.

Great counselors are always looking for ways to use activities to help kids discover new experiences. The counselors' interaction with the children is often what turns a child's good camp experience into a great one. These great counselors have a belief that everybody gets a chance to participate. They strive to make sure that a camper is rarely a spectator, even if he isn't a star.

A good camp is chock-full of activities and fills up the camper's time. A great camp will integrate learning into exciting, fun activities. The schedule should be flexible and the staff creative in its use of time. The distinction between learning and fun should blur. A well-run camp has lots of benefits, and learning while having fun is an important one.

A great camp is all about giving the campers, no matter what abilities they bring with them, a program in which they feel supported, safe and comfortable. It encourages personal growth in an environment that the camper is reluctant to leave -- and can't wait to return to.

I love to dance. I have been dancing since I was two years old. Currently I dance Ballet, Pointe, Jazz and Hip Hop. I love Hip Hop. It is my passion.

This summer I attended a performing arts camp in New York City. It was like no other experience in my life. I have been going to dance classes since I was a toddler, I have been going to overnight camp since fourth grade -- but this was a life-changing experience.

I was looking for a dance camp to improve my dance skills, and also my confidence. At my current studio the head teacher taught us that dancing was more than physical ability. You have to have the right attitude. I was anxious to improve; my goal was to make the competition team at my home studio.

I was in the dance program, but there were groups for Photography, Drama, Directing, Film Making and other activities. It was an intensive three-weeks -- professional, yet fun. There were thirty dancers, all experienced, but at various levels and from many disciplines. Everyone respected and supported each other. The teachers were extremely talented, very hands on. Watching the other students, some who were much better dancers than I, make mistakes and laugh at themselves, gave me the courage to try new things, to push myself beyond what I thought I was capable of.

Every three days our group learned a new dance. With Hip Hop it is important to really challenge yourself, make each step your own, make every move count. We used the dances we learned in three music videos. We scripted, choreographed, selected costumes and then filmed the videos on location throughout the city.

This camp was amazing. I learned so much. I made some great friends. Not only did I learn new skills and stretch myself as a dancer, but also it helped me build up my confidence. It helped me achieve my goal - I am now on the competition team at my home studio.

I loved this camp and can't wait to go back next summer. Kirstie Gladwyn Valley

For years, Performing Arts Camps have been among the most popular specialty camps. Like all specialty camps they offer the opportunity for intensive exploration of a specific activity.

With the arts, there are many approaches to learning, new skills to develop, and styles to try. Performing Arts Camps give budding artists the opportunity to work with professionals they would never encounter at their local programs. The concentration in one activity allows the campers to strengthen and enhance their skills.

There are usually specific programs within the camp: dance, drama, photography, visual arts, music, writing. Most students have had some experience in the program to which they are applying. Some - but not all -- require auditions or samples of previous work. Some have typical camp activities like swimming as part of the program; others include day trips to areas attractions. Programs can range in length from two to nine weeks and are located throughout the country.

A summer at a Performing Arts Camp can be a first step in building a career or attending a college with a performing art component. Campers often leave camp with a DVD or materials to add to their portfolio. For many students summer is the only time to focus strictly on one interest.

There are hundreds of different programs to choose from. Each program has different advantages. Judy Macnow and Camp and Tour Consultants can help you find the best match for you and your family.

• Directors from various programs and camps are in the area visiting with families. Call Judy if you would like to set-up an appointment.
• Some programs offer early enrollment discounts. Contact us if you are interested in taking advantage of these savings or to find programs that qualify.
• Judy is available for talks and presentations. If your school or community group would be interested in hearing about specific trips or types of programs, call us to schedule a presentation.