Research Camps

Overview

Locate research directory: Read .claude/kids-camp-planner.local.md to get the research_dir path (default: camp-research). All user data paths below are relative to this directory. The family profile is at <research_dir>/family-profile.md.

Discover, evaluate, and document camp providers for a family's area, creating structured provider files in the <research_dir>/providers/ directory. Each provider gets its own markdown file with standardized information for easy comparison. Providers are cross-referenced from period-specific schedule files (summer, March break, PA days).

Research Workflow

Step 1: Define Search Criteria

Read the family profile from <research_dir>/family-profile.md to determine:

• Home address and maximum commute time
• Children's ages (determines eligible programs)
• Children's interests (guides specialty camp search)
• Budget range (filters out unaffordable options)
• Before/after care needs
• Lunch preferences

Step 2: Conduct Research

Use web search to find camp providers. Search in this order:

1. Municipal programs (best value):

• Search: "[municipality] summer camp registration [year]"
• Search: "[municipality] recreation programs children [year]"
• Check the municipal recreation portal directly

2. Established organizations:

• Search: "YMCA day camp [city/area] [year]"
• Search: "Boys and Girls Club [city/area] camps"
• Search: "[city] community centre summer programs"

3. Private and specialty camps:

• Search: "day camps near [home address area] [year]"
• Search: "[interest] camp [city] children" (e.g., "robotics camp Toronto children")
• Search: "best day camps [area] [year]"
• Check Ontario Camps Association directory: ontariocamps.ca

4. Niche and interest-based:

• Search based on each child's interests
• Check local sports clubs, art studios, music schools for camp programs
• Look at university/college campus programs

Step 3: Create Provider Files

For each camp provider found, create a markdown file in <research_dir>/providers/ using the standard template.

File naming: Use kebab-case: provider-name.md (e.g., ymca-downtown.md, city-of-toronto-parks-rec.md)

Provider file template: Use the template at <research_dir>/templates/provider-template.md (seeded during setup from the plugin). The template includes sections for: basic information, distance & commute, programs offered, costs (with discount tracking), quality indicators, logistics, suitability rating, and notes.

For completed examples showing all fields filled in with realistic data, see <research_dir>/examples/ymca-cedar-glen.md and <research_dir>/examples/boulderz-etobicoke.md.

Step 4: Verify Key Details

For the most promising providers, verify critical details:

• Confirm current-year pricing (costs change annually)
• Check registration status (open, full, waitlist)
• Verify age eligibility for each child
• Confirm before/after care hours match parent schedules

If details cannot be confirmed via web search, note them as "needs verification" and suggest the user confirm by phone/email (offer to draft an inquiry email via the draft-email skill).

Step 5: Create Comparison Summary

After researching multiple providers, generate a comparison table:

# Camp Provider Comparison - [Area]

| Provider | Ages | $/Day | $/Week | Before Care | After Care | Lunch | Distance | Rating |
|----------|------|-------|--------|-------------|------------|-------|----------|--------|
| YMCA Downtown | 4-12 | $56 | $280 | $10/day | $10/day | Pack | 3.2 km | Strong |
| City Parks Rec | 6-12 | $39 | $195 | $8/day | $8/day | Pack | 1.5 km | Strong |
| Science Camp | 7-12 | $85 | $425 | No | No | Incl | 8.1 km | Good |

Include daily rates ($/Day) alongside weekly rates for accurate partial-week and PA day costing.

Save this comparison to <research_dir>/providers/comparison-summary.md.

Research Tips

Finding Current-Year Information

• Always include the year in search queries
• Municipal program guides are usually published in January-February
• Check "What's New" sections on recreation portals
• Look for PDF program guides (often more detailed than web pages)

Evaluating Online Reviews

• Check Google Reviews, Facebook reviews, and parent forums
• Look for reviews from the most recent year
• Pay attention to recurring themes (positive and negative)
• Weight reviews from parents with similar-aged children more heavily

Hidden Gems

• Library-run programs (free or very low cost)
• Conservation authority camps (nature-focused, affordable)
• University faculty/staff camps (sometimes open to public)
• Ethnic/cultural community centres (multilingual options)
• Church-run VBS programs (often free, typically July)

Additional Resources

Reference Files

• <research_dir>/templates/provider-template.md - Blank provider file template for quick copying (seeded during setup)
• <research_dir>/examples/ymca-cedar-glen.md - Completed example provider file (YMCA Cedar Glen, multi-program)
• <research_dir>/examples/boulderz-etobicoke.md - Specialty camp example (Boulderz Climbing, single-program)