Fair sets up kids with camps

These days there is a summer camp or opportunity out there to pique the interest of every child, even if it is something as obscure as skateboarding, learning stunts derived from Hollywood movies or doing community service work in Central America.

Then again, there are always the old standbys, such as going away for a few weeks to hike, swim, climb rock or sit around a campfire telling ghost stories.

To educate children and their parents about various summer opportunities, Mary Institute Country Day School (MICDS), John Burroughs and Whitfield schools are offering The St. Louis Summer Opportunities Fair. It will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 29 at MICDS, 101 N. Warson Road in Ladue.

About 150 vendors will offer information on their summer programs. One of the vendors will be Jenny Wolkowitz, who heads the St. Louis branch of Tips on Trips and Camps. It is a free consulting firm for families that also screens camps and other opportunities for students.

"We represent about 600 programs in the United States, Canada and abroad," Wolkowitz said.

She said part of her job is that of a "matchmaker." She learns about the child and then matches his or her interest with one of the programs her firm represents. She has placed hundreds of children into programs since 2002.

Wolkowitz said there are so many programs available, the process of finding the right one can be overwhelming. At the fair, she will provide information on the programs Tips on Trips and Camps represent. She also will offer advice to parents as they make their way through the fair.

"My hope is that parents will come to me ahead of time," Wolkowitz said. "I can arm them with the questions they should ask the directors and will make them feel better about where they're sending their kids."

For more information about Tip on Trips and Camp, visit www.tipsontripsandcamps.com or call (314) 432-8642.

You can contact Kate Miller at katemiller@yourjournal.com.

St Louis Post Dispatch