Luxury Summer Camps For Kids

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

30 Apr 2007 03:02 PM

If you are a parent of a summer camp loving kid then you know what a challenge it can be to narrow down your options. There are literally thousands of summer camps out there. I know because I've written about many of them. From cash camps and camps for youngsters whose parents are heading off to war to summer camps for "American Idol" wannabes. Those blogs discussed the fact that sending your child away to experience a summer adventure in a log cabin can really put a dent in your wallet.

However, I realize that not every reader is in the same financial situation. There are some families who can afford to send their children to camps that charge enough to feed an entire village in Somalia--for a year. For those families I offer these super luxury camp options (most of which charge up to $2,500 a week per child):

Note: Besides the luxe accommodations these high-priced camps provide, camp executives say the reason parents are willing to shell out thousands of dollars is because the camps provide programs that offer specialized curricula... in (of course) world-class facilities.

Stagedoor Manor

You don't have to sit at home worrying that your child is roughing it in a mosquito-infested tent if you choose to send him or her to Stagedoor Manor. Rather, your child will be relaxing in the comfort of plush dorm rooms tucked away in New York's Catskills Mountains. The camp caters to kids who share a passion for the performing arts.

The camp's standout attraction (besides its army of dedicated staff) is its expansive state-of-the-art facilities. The camp boasts seven theaters, an extensive costume collection (it includes attire from Broadway productions such as "Oklahoma!" and "West Side Story"). Former all-star camp alums include actor Zach Braff and award-winning actress Natalie Portman.

Lest you think this camp is all about R&R-think again. Campers audition in the first two days of camp; the rest of their stay is filled with five hours of daily rehearsals and over three hours of daily class time.

Canyon Ranch for Teens

If your child is more into trimming and toning their bodies than honing their theater skills consider sending them to Canyon Ranch for Teens (another popular camp among families with means).

Your teen will be housed in an air-conditioned dorm on the private campus of Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania. While there your son or daughter will work one-on-one with nutritionists and personal trainers; feast on organic produce, whole wheat pancakes and blackened mahi-mahi; and build his or her own schedule of fitness classes (think belly dancing and tai chi) and personal services.

Westcoast Connections

If the thought of staying within the states bores your globe-trotting teen to tears you'll want to contact Westcoast Connections. The company offers teens a number of trips abroad. If your son is a history buff, he can explore museums throughout Eastern Europe. If your adventurous daughter can't get enough of life under the sea she can get scuba-diving certification in the Grenadines and explore the barrier reef in Australia. The teens travel with professional guides who have extensive knowledge of each region.

It certainly gives new meaning to the term "roughing it."

Related Articles:

Preventing Child Predators From Targeting Your Young Camper

Countdown To Summer Camp

Quirky Travel Destinations

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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