In the cold of February, many parents start planning a treat for their kids – summer camp. For kids, camp offers a chance to stretch their imagination, try new activities, visit new places, and have real life—rather than virtual—experiences. On Sunday, Feb. 8, from noon to 4 p.m., moms, dads and kids will be able to sample 75 different camps or educational experiences at Carolina Parent’s free Camp & Education Fair at St. Mary’s School in Raleigh.

Every year, 2,000 people go to the camp fair to get a first-hand look at what’s out there that fits their child’s interests, from national to local offerings. Last year, I attended for the first time and was thrilled to be able to ask those questions that moms often worry about—like safety—to a camp leader who staffed an exhibit.

Last year, my son had his heart set on going to a summer outdoors camp, and I was worried that he’d be swimming in a lake without my supervision for the first time. I was able to get a straight answer right from the person in charge. Plus, he told me I was welcome to go out to the camp to take a look ahead of time. Was I relieved!

Other stops I made at the fair were to camps that catered to kids who wanted to play chess, act, surf, make their own movies or learn to be a camp leader, and I didn’t get to a fraction of the fair’s offerings. I also happened to pass by an exhibit for a school I’d often wondered about and was surprised to find a teacher there who could answer all my questions.

I came away with so many great choices—and great giveaway gifts—that my kids and I spent hours trying to make up our minds about camps as we spread catalogs all over the living room floor. Choosing was like living a dream: you could do anything you wanted.

Over the past 10 years, my kids have attended track-out camp and summer camps. Along the way, they’ve built on talents they already have, like creating art or playing golf, but they’ve also used it to step into new roles. One of my kids who tends to be a bookworm, learned that he loves archery and being outdoors, while another explored a leadership role for the first time. Camps definitely open possibilities. Best of all, they’re places where kids can connect with each other, not buttons on a computer.

To get a taste of what’s out there, watch this WRAL video, or visit Carolina Parent’s 2009 Camp & Education Fair. 

For tips on choosing the right camp, click to read Charting a Course to Summer Camp.