A Howard County, MD Parent’s Guide

Summer camp is more than a way to fill warm afternoons—it’s an opportunity for kids to grow, learn, make friends, and build confidence in a fun and supportive environment. But with many camp options available, how do you pick the right one for your child?

If you’re in Howard County, Maryland, Your Journey School offers a range of engaging summer experiences designed to meet different interests, activity levels, and developmental goals. Understanding what makes a great summer camp—and what each program offers—will help you make the best choice for your family.

Identify Your Child’s Interests and Strengths

The first step in choosing a summer camp is thinking about what excites your child. Do they love animals and the outdoors? Are they curious about science, STEAM, or adventure? Maybe they thrive on physical activity or love artistic and creative play.

Your Journey School offers several distinct summer camp choices, each tailored to different interests:

Here We Grow Farm Camp invites children into the rhythms of farm life, caring for animals and helping with hands-on agricultural tasks. This is perfect for kids who love nature and learning about life on a working farm.
Here We Grow Horse Camp focuses on horsemanship, grooming, riding basics, and barn skills—ideal for animal lovers and aspiring young equestrians.
Camp Your Journey blends STEAM, exploration, tech, and weekly themed adventures with offsite field trips, keeping kids engaged with new experiences each week.
Your Journey Gymnastics Camp offers active play centered on gymnastics skills like flips, rolls, and balance, great for kids who love movement and physical challenge.

Look for Variety and Enrichment

summer camp howard county, md — A quality summer camp should be a balance of fun with enrichment.

While children certainly want to play and make memories, they should also benefit from programs that expand their thinking and encourage new skills.

Camp Your Journey blends structured themes—like superheroes, magic & illusion, music & movement, and Jurassic exploration—with both in-camp activities and important offsite excursions. These experiences introduce campers to new cultures, environments, and learning opportunities that traditional day care doesn’t always offer.

For younger campers, interactions with animals at Farm Camp or Horse Camp can nurture empathy, responsibility, and real-world skills as they help with daily animal care and learn about sustainable farming practices.

Prioritize Safety and Supportive Supervision

A camp is only as good as its staff and structure. Make sure the camp you choose offers trained, caring counselors who prioritize safety and support. Your Journey School’s counselors are experienced in working with children of various ages and interests. They create a nurturing atmosphere where kids feel comfortable trying new activities, making friends, and building confidence.

Additionally, before and after care options (often available from early morning through early evening) help busy families manage schedules while ensuring children are always supervised.

Consider Logistics and Practical Needs

Practical considerations matter. Think about:

Camp hours and scheduling flexibility — Many programs at Your Journey School offer standard camp hours from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM, with optional extended care from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Age-appropriate grouping — Camps typically group children by age so activities are tailored and safe.
Costs and registration policies — Tuition varies by camp type and length, and early registration can secure spots as sessions fill quickly.

Look for Opportunities to Grow Socially and Emotionally

One of the biggest benefits of summer camp is social development. Campers collaborate, problem-solve, and learn to communicate with peers in a supportive setting. Whether they’re caring for animals, mastering a gymnastics sequence, or exploring a STEAM theme, children build resilience and confidence that will help them in school and life.

Choosing the right summer camp means finding a program that matches your child’s interests, provides enrichment and fun, and fosters personal growth in a safe environment. With its diverse variety of camps—from farm life to horses, themed exploration to movement and physical skills—Your Journey School offers something for nearly every child in Howard County.

By focusing on what your child loves and what experiences will help them grow, you can give them a summer full of learning, joy, and unforgettable memories.

Ready to enroll? Please visit our enrollment page found here.

How to Choose the Right Summer Camp for Your Little One