Making the Choice: Comparing the Pros and Cons of Finding Summer Camps Online vs. at an In-Person Event

Every year, once the Holidays are over and the New Year begins, families turn their attention to finding a summer camp for their kids. Those who plan ahead will be happy they started their research sooner rather than later, since summer camps in L.A. fill to capacity faster and faster each year.

Attending summer camps is a great way for kids to get outside, learn new skills and socialize with their friends while they're out of school. But, let's face it, there are so many different options available, it's often difficult for parents to make the right choice. Two primary ways parents often begin searching for summer camps is online or at an in-person event like a camp fair. Both camp search strategies have their pros and cons. In this blog post, we'll compare both options to help you see what's best for you.

Searching for Camps Online

Pros:

• Convenience: Searching for camps online can be done no matter where you are, including from the comfort of your own home on your computer or even "on-the-go" using your cell phone or mobile device. This can obviously save you time and energy compared to visiting or calling multiple camps individually.
• Large Selection: The internet offers a vast array of camp options from all over the country. This allows parents to easily compare different camps and find the perfect fit for their child. You can use online camp search directories like CampSearch.com, which is a searchable database of hundreds of camps with links to their websites. You can filter your results by location in case you only want to search for camps in Los Angeles near you.
• Reviews and Testimonials: Many camps have websites that include reviews and testimonials from past campers and parents. This can provide valuable insight into the camp experience and help parents make an informed decision. Yelp and similar websites often include reviws from parents whose kids may have attended the camp or camps you're considering. 

Cons:

• Limited Information: Some camps may not have a detailed website or may not have website at all. This can make it difficult for parents to get a full understanding of what the camp offers. In this case, searching for camps online would not be helpful to you.
• Lack of Personal Interaction: It can be difficult to get a sense of the camp staff and their qualifications from the internet or a website alone. It's always nice to know who's behind running the camp! (Sometimes, however, you may be able to video chat with the camp director directly from their website.)
• Limited Opportunities to ask questions: Emailing or calling a camp may not provide the same level of information or convenience as a face-to-face interaction.

Camp Fairs

Pros:

• In-Person Interaction: Attending a camp fair allows parents to meet camp staff and ask questions in person. This can provide valuable information and help parents make an informed decision about which camp to send their child to. It's also a great way for kids to meet the camp counselors in advance, too -- a potentially valuable experience for those campers who may be apprehensive about going to camp in the first place.
• Variety of Options: Camp fairs usually feature many different camps in one place, making it easy for parents to compare options and find the perfect fit for their child.
• Discounts: Some camps offer discounts or special promotions exclusively at camp fairs, making it a great opportunity to save money on camp fees. As you visit booth-to-booth, be sure to ask the camp director what kinds of specials they may be running for camp fair attendees. 

Cons:

• Limited Time and Location: Camp fairs are typically only held at certain times and locations, which may not be convenient for all parents. (However, in many cases camp fairs are held on weekends potentially making things a little bit easier for families to fit into their busy scheudles) 
• Limited Selection: Not all camps participate in camp fairs, so the selection may be limited compared to searching online. (In general, a "small" camp fair may feature 20 camps or so, whereas "big" camp fairs may have 50 camps or more showcasing their programs.)
• Crowded and overwhelming: Camp fairs can be crowded and overwhelming, making it difficult to get the information you need. Sometimes families need to wait in line at the camp fair booth for their turn to talk to camp staff, however, in most cases camps staff their booths with several representatives so they can have simultaneous conversations with multiple families. 

Both Strategies Have Pros and Cons

Summing up, searching for summer camps online and attending camp fairs have their unique pros and cons. The internet offers the biggest selection of summer camp websites and options to learn about various programs. Attending a camp fair can provide valuable in-person interactions, cost savings opportunities and a variety of additional benefits. Ultimately, the best option depends on the individual needs and preferences of each family, but to cover all your bases, you may want search for camps both ways.