Would you like to go to camp? Would your child? Are you thinking about making lanyards in craft class, canoeing across the lake, or those funky lunches in the mess hall? Although those experiences are common to many people who have gone to summer camp in the past, they are not the only types of experiences out there today. You can learn to surf, play in a rock and roll band, learn computer programming or even be in a play. Camp doesnt even have to be in the summer anymore-it is changing, and it is for the better.

If you think that any of these alternatives to the traditional sound exciting, you should take a look online to see all of the opportunities that are available. For your children, you can choose from an extended sleep away camp experience, or you can choose from the day variety right in your local area. Many cities, churches, and even child care centers have programs that might interest your child. They can learn about film-making, basketball, how to speak French, or do some cool scientific experiments. Your older teen may even want to find a job as a counselor at a summer camp.

What you may not be aware of is the choices that are available to grown-ups. You have probably heard of fantasy camps for baseball or other sports-but did you know that there is one for rock and roll as well? Some colleges and universities sponsor programs over the summer to keep the revenue coming in over breaks and in the summer. For decades, retired or semi-retired people have participated in Elderhostel which is another kind of grown up camp. They can take courses on learning a language, doing genealogy, culture, and so on and so on. You can find a lot of information about these programs on the internet as well.

Talk to people who have gone to the programs you are looking at so that you can get a personal opinion of what the experience is like. Ask a lot of questions to the staff. Find out about costs. Are there scholarships or grants available? (This is probably more applicable to children.) Ask to see a sample schedule. Who will be conducting the classes and what is their training? Where will you be staying? What are the facilities like? How many people will be attending?

Take a dive and jump right into the experience.