Summer is right around the corner. If you’re a working parent, you feel like you’re now racing against the clock to find the right camp for your child.

For parents of young children, it’s about finding quality daycare that doesn’t feel like daycare. The last thing you want is for there to be no discernable difference between pre-school and camp. What fun is that?

That’s why I love the Mailman Segal Institute’s Summer Fun Camp at Nova Southeastern University. They transform the place into a unique summer experience, with sing-alongs, “camp fires” and lots of water and playground fun. Last summer, my son came home every week with a repertoire of new songs and art projects.

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out the SunSentinel.com summer camp guide, which lists hundreds of South Florida camps. And to help get you started with your search, here are a few tips worth considering:

- Ask for a group discount. If you have more than one child who will be enrolling in a camp, ask for a price break. It’s also worth asking if you get a group of your kid’s friends to enroll.

- Faith-based groups, city parks and recreation departments, and YMCAs usually offer camps that are reasonably priced.

- Ask about scholarships. Some camps work with foundations that set aside some money to be available to families in need.

- Find out about fieldtrips. Do they have any? I prefer MSI's approach: Bring the fieldtrips to camp. Doing so gives parents more peace of mind that the little ones aren't being shuttled around by others.

- Organize play-date swaps. Check with the parents of some of your child’s friends to see if they’re interested in alternating days or weeks to watch over a small group of kids.