At the event, while parents are meeting representatives from dozens of camps, kids will be able to enjoy and participate in a variety of camp experiences, such as: zip lining, rock climbing, Euro bungee, tie dye t-shirts, camp crafts and much more.

According to the American Camp Association (ACA), the camp experience can be a positive influence in a child’s development.

“We need to advocate for our young people. We should promote opportunities for kids — give them camp experiences that serve as an antidote for the world's challenges. We need to recognize this is not a series of frivolous activities. We often think if it looks like fun it must be unimportant, but ‘fun’ is a young person's ‘work’ — to learn, to grow, to be productive, creative, and happy. If they don't do that work, they won't turn into healthy adults,” according to the ACA. “Now more than ever, kids need camp.”

Arizona Parenting Magazine’s 11th Annual Camp & Summer Expo will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 25 at Desert Ridge Marketplace, behind AMC Theatres. Event attendance is free; wristbands for kids to join in the fun activities are $3 a piece. To learn more about the camps that will be at the event, visit www.azparenting.com/camp-expo.