How to Choose the Right Summer Camp for Your Kid

April 05, 2018 · 3 min read

Summer camps can be a fun way for kids to learn about outdoor skills, science, music, or any other activities they might be interested in. At the same time, they'll get to spend time with other kids their age they would never have met otherwise. It's a unique growing experience, or at least it can be if it doesn't become a major disaster instead. Summer camp is a great idea, but you should be sure you and your child are prepared for it before you drop them off.

How Long Does the Camp Last?

Day camps like Zoo Atlanta's summer sessions are a better choice for younger kids, especially if they aren't used to spending nights away from home or away from their parents. All you have to do is drop them off at the start of the day and pick them up in the early evening, just like how daycare works. Overnight camps have your kids staying on location from start to finish, whether that means a weekend, a week, a month, or the entire summer. Like with day camps, longer stays are more appropriate for older kids.

What Does Your Child Want to Do?

Different camps focus on different topics. Some of them are camps in the classic sense: pitching tents in campgrounds, learning how to forage for food and set fires, and otherwise spending time away from civilization. Other camps focus on things like science, math, acting, sports, or music. A dedicated camp like the Spruill Center Summer Camp can be a good way for a child to get into a new hobby or learn a new skill, but if it's something they don't like then spending all day for a week on it can feel like torture. That's why you should make sure your kid knows what kind of camp they're going to and that they're interested in the camp's subject. You could even offer a few different options so your child will have some say in where they go.

What's Your Budget?

Summer camps can be expensive, even if they only last for one week. They tend to start at hundreds of dollars and go up from there, and some specialty camps can cost $1,000 per week or more. On the bright side, this cost covers just about everything the camp uses, including equipment, supplies, food, shelter, and anything else a specialty camp might need. Still, you shouldn't plan on sending your child to any summer camp unless you know for sure you have enough room in your budget for it. A summer camp can be a fun time and an important event in a child's life, and if you can afford the tuition fees for even one week of sessions it can end up being an important experience for your kid. Just make sure that you've planned everything out, your child knows what kind of camp they're going to, and you're aware of the costs involved whether it's tuition or the extra supplies you're expected to bring. Photo: "Summer 2017 Moment" by Gem Webb licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 | Cropped from original

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Aug 04, 2023 in Community

Drive on Down: 3 Free Things to Do Near Dahlonega, GA

Dahlonega, GA may be a small city, but it is rich in history and features plenty of attractions. Some fun things to do around the city, including the underground gold mine tours and Dahlonega Gold Museum, cost money to enjoy. However, there are several free things to do in the area, including the following three. 1. Check Out Lake Zwerner Trail and Pulloff If you need a little more serenity in your life, we strongly recommend checking out Lake Zwerner Trail and Pulloff at 1680 Morrison Moore Parkway East. The view of the Lake Zwerner Dam alone is worth driving to check out, and you may feel more peaceful afterward. If you need to walk off some pent-up frustration, lace up your hiking boots or running shoes, and walk the 3.2-mile trail around the lake. more Once you're done taking in the view, getting in a good workout, or sketching the landscape, you can enjoy a homemade lunch at a picnic table with a stunning view of the lake. Additionally, Lake Zwerner Trail and Pulloff features a boat ramp and dock and fishing access. 2. Paddle Down the Yahoola Creek Reservoir Another free way to have fun in Dahlonega is to hook your canoe trailer up to your 2023 Ford F-150 XL and paddle down the Yahoola Creek Reservoir at 1330 Morrison Moore Parkway East. Just bear in mind that you will need to go to Lake Zwerner if you want to go boating. Since the Yahoola Creek Reservoir is for drinking water, you can't swim in it or use any gas-powered watercraft. Also, fishing is generally prohibited. 3. Explore Hancock Park You can also explore Hancock Park at 55 North Meaders Street if you're looking for something free to do to pass the time. This beautiful park offers plenty of green space to enjoy, and kids of all ages love the 2,800-square-foot Dahlonega Gold Mine All-Abilities Playground. This playground features climbing equipment and swings that are made for all children, regardless of their physical abilities, to enjoy. Another interesting feature of this park is the 1875 Chestatee River Diving Bell. This bell was designed for collecting gold from the bed of the Chestatee River, and it sank along with its boat mysteriously on October 18, 1876. We strongly recommend seeing this bell in person and reading about its mysterious past if you have an interest in gold mining. There are plenty of free places worth visiting in Dahlonega, including Lake Zwerner Trail and Pulloff, Hancock Park, and Yahoola Creek Reservoir. Visit us today at Chestatee Ford to schedule a test drive if you're considering upgrading your current vehicle.

Jul 21, 2023 in Community

3 Amazing Spots for Taking Photos in Driving Distance of Dahlonega, GA

Nestled among the stunning Appalachian Mountains lies a hidden gem for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Dahlonega, GA is a charming town that offers a number of photo spots both in the city limits and in the surrounding areas. From cascading waterfalls and lush forests to rolling hills and scenic overlooks, Dahlonega provides an endless array of photo-worthy locations that are waiting to be explored. 1. Red Oak Lavender Farm Just a short 15-minute drive east of Dahlonega at 2882 Red Oak Flats Road, the Red Oak Lavender Farm is a picturesque destination for anyone wanting to photograph the beauty and tranquility of lavender fields. The lavender is usually in full bloom until June, offering a vibrant purple spectacle that is a feast for the eyes and an amazing backdrop or focal point for your images. more As an additional perk, the Farm also offers a taste treat for visitors in the form of lavender flavored ice cream. This cold creamy snack is available throughout July, but even if you decide to visit during the off-season, you'll be able to explore and enjoy the aromatic ambience of the rolling hills and charm of the area while also enjoying an expansive lavender-focused gift shop. 2. Chestatee Wildlife Preserve Just a stone's throw from the Lavender Farm previously mentioned, the Chestatee Wildlife Preserve at 469 Old Dahlonega Hwy offers a wonderful opportunity to photograph and capture videos of some truly incredible animals. Flash and Sissi are two lovable sloths and one of the main attractions, which are sure to steal your heart and provide endless adorable moments for your camera lens. In addition to the sloths, there is also a diverse range of other animals, including tigers, zebras, camels, bears, and parrots. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast or simply appreciate the beauty of these magnificent creatures, there is no shortage of subjects to photograph and admire. 3. Woody Gap Located a short 25-minute drive north of Dahlonega and nestled in the captivating northern Georgia landscape, Woody Gap is a photographer's paradise. Situated at an impressive 3,160 feet above sea level, Woody Gap offers breathtaking panoramic views of the stunning Yahoola Valley below. If you're into closer subjects or macrophotography, the trailhead is open year-round and provides ample opportunities to capture the beauty of the surrounding nature in every season up close and personal. This beautiful area will leave a lasting impression on any photographer fortunate enough to visit. Whether you prefer the ruggedness of an off-road SUV or the comfort of a sporty sedan, imagine the thrill of driving your chosen vehicle along scenic roads with the freedom to explore and photograph the breathtaking landscapes at your own pace. When you're ready to embark on these unforgettable journeys, visit us at Chestatee Ford to find the perfect vehicle that will accompany you on your photographic adventures.

Jul 07, 2023 in Community

Drive on Over: 3 Favorite Local Bookstores Near Dahlonega, GA

There's nothing quite like relaxing with a good book and a hot mug of coffee. That's why we love dropping by the local bookstores here in Dahlonega, GA to wander through the towering shelves and peruse the pages of countless volumes. We're about to share a couple of stores the whole family can enjoy, so load the kids into your 2023 Ford Edge and head right over! 1. Bear Book Market Located at 85 East Main Street, Bear Book Market is far more than just a place you go to shop. This family-friendly store regularly hosts delightful events like book signings and open readings. The sense of community here is palpable, and the book selection is simply superb. With high-quality collections of both new and used books, this little gem of a store is both fun and affordable. more Pick out a novel or two to enjoy on a rainy day, and don't forget to have a chat with the owners and staff! At Bear Book Market, the atmosphere is enchanting, and the people are kind. 2. University of North Georgia Campus Store If you're on the prowl for new, up-to-date academic volumes or textbooks, the UNG store is the place for you! You can find it in Chestatee Building on 110 South Cestatee Street. If you're not looking for education material, don't worry because you can find a wide variety of fiction here as well. We love the UNG store because you can shop for books while also shopping for other school supplies, including apparel, writing utensils, and dorm essentials. Even if you aren't a student, don't write off this store just yet! After all, learning doesn't stop after college. If anything, it becomes even more worthwhile. 3. Southern Finds Thrift Store There is something very special about loving a book that someone else has loved before you. That's why we enjoy second-hand shopping for novels at the Southern Finds Thrift Store, which is located at 20 Memorial Drive. When you thrift these new and gently used books, know that you are supporting a great cause. One hundred percent of proceeds from sales at this store directly benefit victims of domestic violence. In addition to books, feel free to purchase some stylish and affordable clothing items. And if you have a volume that you're ready to part ways with, donate it. A happy reader will find it and thank you. If you love books, I'm sure you'll find these stores just as charming as we do. Swing by one or two of our recommendations, then come visit us at Chestatee Ford.

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Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, license, processing and/or documentation fees of $699. ‡Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week.