PHOENIX (AP) — Sending a child to a sports camp used to be so easy. Pick a camp that's affordable and convenient, drop your kid at the doorstep, come back in a week.

Those days are over.




"You want to make sure the dollars you're investing in your child are serving your purpose as a parent in what you're trying to achieve," said Steve Pence, president of US Sports Camps.

A few things to look for:


If fun is the main goal, there are multi-sport camps where kids can learn the basics of several different sports without the pressure of competitive games. Many local park and recreation departments have camps like these.



There are even camps run by celebrities, though those tend to be a bit pricier. One tip: Check to see if the celebrity will actually be at the camp or is just lending his/her name to it. If you're sending a kid to Shaquille O'Neal's basketball camp, it would be nice for Shaquille O'Neal to actually be there.







A big question: Does the camp do background checks on its counselors and instructors? US Sports Camps does background checks for camps it's affiliated with, so that could be a good place to start.

"As a parent, who can I provide for my child so I can put him in that safe environment where when I drop him off, I know I can go do what I need to do, go to work, whatever it is, and I don't have to worry about my child," Pence said.






"Parents have to look at what's best for their budget, convenience and what's best for their child," Pence said.


The key to all of the above aspects is research. Don't pick a camp just because you saw a flyer or like its flashy website. Check the camp's reviews and history, and ask friends and family who have sent their kids there.

It can be a lot of work, but it's worth it to get your kid into the right camp.


Summer camp resources:

Searchable summer camps database

Parent's guide to keeping your child safe at camp

Don't stress planning a camp schedule

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